Although the race in the Boys side of the 5th Region looks like it could be a 17th District slugfest (with apologies to Bardstown), the girls side looks very familiar. With Bethlehem and Elizabethtown facing off in the Region final for the past two seasons and giving us two of the most exciting games, it could be another repeat or Round Three.
Elizabethtown currently sits at 10-0, but despite the loss of so many talented scorers, coach Donnie Swiney seems to find a post player or two to fill the bill. The new incumbent looks like eighth-grader Leah Macy, who is currently one of the leading scorers with 199-points and already has 146-rebounds. Surrounding Macy is guard Kayra Freeman and Kenzie Franklin and have already beaten the likes of Barren County, Mercy, Bowling Green and Central Hardin. Key matchups with CAL, Henderson County, Anderson County, Franklin County, Bardstown and Owensboro Catholic
Bethlehem is a strong 10-1 and despite losing a heartbreaker to Boyd County on the road, the Banshees are locked and loaded for a long Region race. All Area players Ameila Hodges and Ella Thompson are currently one and two in scoring on the team, but youth is serving fast as Carlie Thurmond is third and add skyscraper inside players Emma Filiatreau and Xaviara Smalley along with Kasey Spalding, Ashlyn Miles and Bailey Bishop and this may be the most LOADED team in the Region. The Banshees have already faced Marshall, Apollo, Mercy and Boyd County. Coming up: Bardstown, Anderson County, DuPont Manuel, Spencer County, Butler,Owensboro Catholic, CAL, Sacred Heart and Bishop Brossart
Bardstown has to feel like the third wheel of this Region race and the Lady Tigers have met the challenge most of the season after dropping their first to CAL, but have run the table since going 9-0. The Lady Tigers don’t have much height, but they counter with speed and defense. Jaileyah Cotton and Kadence Walls form a great one-two scoring punch, while Kaia Grabbert and MaTija Yocum aren’t far behind. The Lady Tigers have faced CAL, Central Hardin and Franklin County. Coming up: Bethlehem, Owensboro Catholic, Meade County, Spencer County, Rockcastle County and Elizabethtown.
Central Hardin has shown a flair for defensive play and offensive fireworks and Kristina Covington-Jones has her team playing well at the right time. Despite losing Emily Bryant, Central Hardin is starting to harken back to the Terry Buckles days when the Lady Bruins were a State Tournament force every year. Sisters Monica and Alyssa Lindsey are leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Kaniya Kendericks and Kaiden Kendericks are giving Covington-Jones key minutes as well. So far, the Lady Bruins have faced Bardstown, Bishop Brossart and Elizabethtown. Coming up are Meade County, Bowling Green, Owensboro Catholic, CAL, Barren County and Anderson County.
So whatever happens leading up to the third weekend in March should be no surprise as the four contenders will have been battle tested. As for any surprises, well, that’s what makes March Madness exactly that, so ENJOY.
