The first round of the Girls 15th District Tournament was one not worth missing on Monday evening at Barren County High School. Raegan Turner scored 33 points to lead Monroe County to a walloping of Allen County-Scottsville, 84-49, while Olivia Poynter’s clutch performance in the final seconds led Barren County to a 43-39 upset of defending district champion Glasgow.
In a complete about-face from last years’ district tournament, both teams that were put out in the first round of that one will now play for district bragging rights and have both punched their tickets to the 4th Region Tournament.
Monroe County 84, Allen County-Scottsville 49
After surviving a 53-49 scare to the Lady Patriots on February 3rd, Monroe County decided that it was time to take Allen County-Scottsville to the woodshed and make their case as a 4th Region title favorite with an 84-49 blowout.
The Lady Falcons put their foot on the gas out of the gates and never let up, scoring the first nine points of the game to open up a 20-9 lead after one quarter. Reagan Turner scored nine of her 33 total points in the first period and continued to give the Lady Pats nightmares in transition for the rest of the game.
Leading 42-36 at halftime, ACS continued to try to find an answer for Turner, but only ended up making room for other Lady Falcon playmakers in the second half. Kelsey Johnson scored 22 points for Monroe, including 12 in the second half.
Ashley Geralds and Ashley McGeorge also added 10 points apiece for the Lady Falcons.
Allen County-Scottsville was led by Mason Towery, who netted 17 points. Sarah Sutton added 16 points while lone Lady Patriot senior ReaAnn Staffer finished her career with a 12-point performance.
With the victory, Monroe County returns to the district championship and 4th Region tournament for the first time since 2012. The Lady Falcons will also be seeking their first district title since 2011 and their first region title in over 20 years.
Barren County 43, Glasgow 39
In what may be one of the more remarkable games in 15th District Tournament history, Barren County rode five crucial points from Olivia Poynter in the final seconds to upset bitter rival Glasgow 43-39.
A predominantly defensive slugfest, the game promised to come down to the wire as both teams scored rarely but answered quickly when scored on.
Firing on all cylinders, Barren County jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first four minutes of the game.
Glasgow was able to answer quickly as they cut the lead to 9-6 before losing starting guard Eli Bartley to a knee injury. Bartley would not return to the game.
The Lady Scotties continued their early comeback in the second quarter, totaling a 16-8 run to take an 18-17 lead into the locker room at the half.
Both teams traded baskets and defensive punches in the third quarter, with Glasgow sitting in front 30-29 going into the final period. Trailing 34-31 with 5:26 to go in the game, Poynter sank a three from the top of the key to even the bout at 34 and grab the momentum.
Glasgow responded moments later, as Ashanti Gore’s and-one layup put the Lady Scotties back up by three with 5:15 to go. The Trojanettes briefly took the lead at 38-37 with a 1:18 remaining, but Skyler Burd responded with a layup to put the Lady Scotties back up 39-38 with 15 seconds to go.
As time winded down, Barren’s Elizabeth Bertram attempted to drive for a layup, but the shot was blocked by a host of Glasgow defenders. As both teams scrabled, the ball was tipped back to Emily Pedigo, who found Poynter for the wide open three to put the Trojanettes ahead 41-39 with 18 seconds remaining.
Glasgow attempted a layup on their next possession, only to have it blocked and stolen by Poynter, who was fouled in the process.
With four seconds remaining, Poynter delivered the fatal blow by making both of her 1-and-1 free throws to seal the 43-39 victory. Poyner scored 12 points to lead Barren County while Mallory Pedigo followed with 10. Kaylyn Hale led Glasgow with 14 points.
With the upset, the Trojanettes will face sixth-ranked Monroe County on Thursday evening at 7:00 in the 15th District Championship, and will be looking to earn their first district title since 2009.
