Talk of the Town

The Monroe County Lady Falcons had no trouble making noise in the 2016-2017 basketball season, and not just in the 4th Region.

The quaint little high school out of the tiny town of Tompkinsville, Kentucky – population 2500 – brought home more hardware than maybe any school in the state with an enrollment under 600.

If one thing is for sure, the Lady Falcons had their eyes set on the state tournament and absolutely had all of the tools necessary to impose their will.

“This is probably one of the more talented teams that I have gotten the opportunity to coach. We have so many seniors and they have a done their part in putting this team on the map,” said Monroe head coach Dwayne Murray.

One of the reasons that the Lady Falcons were able to cumulate so much success, perhaps, was their senior-heavy roster.

Led by point guard and five-year starter Reagan Turner, who averaged 22.1 points per game in her senior season, Monroe graduated six seniors, four of which saw ample starting time.

Beside Turner was her stellar supporting cast of fellow seniors and four-year starters Ashlee McGeorge and Kelsey Johnson.

Johnson proved to be the second head of the two-headed monster at guard opposite of Turner by averaging 14.4 points per game. McGeorge made her mark as a post player, notching 10.7 points per game while grabbing the same number in rebounds as well, falling just short of most state rebounding leaders.

Using these weapons, Monroe claimed a 61-55 victory over Harlan in the All A State Tournament, one that Murray claims to be one of his signature wins.

Looking to go much further, thought, Monroe swept the 15th District and won the district championship to punch their ticket to the region tournament, which Murray had not yet won in his tenure.

“Of course we really wanted it since it was our first time playing for the region championship. We were really hungry,” said Turner.

After handily winning the first two games of the tournament to advance to the championship game, the Lady Falcons ran into a familiar foe who was also hungry for a trip to the state tournament.

Monroe had done battle with Russell County earlier in the regular season, claiming a 67-57 win. However, after a back and forth game, the Lady Lakers halted Monroe’s run with a 54-51 win over the tournament favorites in the title game, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of the Lady Falcons.

Despite the heartbreak, Turner and McGeorge could do nothing but reflect on their wildly successful season.

“It’s really sad that we lost the game, but looking back on some of the other accomplishments from this season, I’m happy with where we are now,” said Turner.

Fellow senior McGeorge agreed.

“It’s definitely disappointing that we lost, but I wouldn’t trade who I was out there playing with for the world,” she said.

At the same time, Murray reflected on his time with his two young athletes and his senior class in general.“It’s been great,” he said. “I’ve had Reagan for five years and Ashlee for four years and they’ve been a great asset to the Lady Falcon basketball program. Both of them have probably been the most talented to come through this program at this position.

“They will be successful after high school in college and in life because of their success on the basketball court. I’m so happy to have been a part of their lives and to watch them play over the years.”

In due time, the Lady Falcons will have to find ways to replace their veteran lineup who averaged 51.7 points per game this season.

“It’s going to be hard to replace their leadership and their talent next year along with all of the other seniors,” said Murray. “I’ve been lucky to be able to coach them. I love all of the girls to death and I would do anything for them.”

Yes, Monroe will likely see plenty of great teams over time in the future, but to those who got a chance to watch the 16-17 Lady Falcon squad, they will always tell you that this team was, indeed, the talk of the town.