After using a monstrous 11-1 run to force three overtimes on the ninth-ranked Franklin County Lady Flyers, Russell County fell just short of a massive comeback in a 72-67 loss.
Bringing in huge momentum from an improbable upset of Monroe County in the 4th Region Championship game, the Lady Lakers fell behind early and often to the ninth-ranked Lady Flyers, trailing 47-36 after the third quarter.
A free throw by Addison Loy at the 5:23 mark of the fourth quarter sparked the run to overtime as Russell outscored Franklin 15-4 in the fourth quarter.
A pair of three-pointers by both teams kicked off the first overtime period that ended in a 57-57 tie to make way for the second extra period.
After falling behind 61-59, the Lady Lakers exploded for five straight points in just under 30 seconds to expand their lead back to 64-61 before the Lady Flyers picked up three straight to tie the game at 64 and force a third overtime.
However, Russell seemed to run out of gas in the third extra period as they were outscored 8-3 seal a narrow win for Franklin.
In her final game with Russell County, Kaitlyn Coffey led all scorers with 21 points, including 16 in the second half and overtime periods. Addison Loy added 16 for the Lady Lakers.
Princess Stewart and Kindall Talley scored 20 points each for Franklin County (31-5) while Savannah Courtney netted 10.
Franklin County will face the victor of tonight’s matchup between Paintsville and Simon-Kenton tomorrow evening at 6:30 ET/5:30 CT. Russell County ends its season at 26-9.
