Miss Basketball finalist Kensley Feltner hit two free throws with :07 remaining to help the Lawrence County Lady Bulldogs to a dramatic 50-49 win over the Pikeville Lady Panthers on Sunday to capture the 15th Region championship at Appalachian Wireless Arena.
The Lady Panthers (28-6) held a slim 14-12 advantage after the first period of play. Lawrence County (30-5) slipped further behind in the second quarter, and Pikeville took a 29-23 lead into the locker room at the half. The Lady Panthers seemingly took control of the game in the third period and carried a 42-32 lead into the final frame.
The Lady Bulldogs went on a 14-0 run to start the fourth period. With the game tied at 48-48, Feltner calmly went to the line and sank both free throws. Pikeville’s Trinity Rowe launched a 3-point attempt with the clock winding down that missed the mark, Leighan Jackson was then able to grab the offensive rebound and went to the line. Jackson made the first attempt, but the second rimmed out. Lawrence County pulled down the rebound and the buzzer sounded, giving the Lady Bulldogs their first 15th Region title.
Feltner had 24 points for Lawrence County in the win. Abby Nelson followed with 11 points. Leandra Curnutte and Sophie Adkins dropped in 6 points each. Kaison Ward chipped in with 3 points.
Pikeville was led by Rowe’s 15 points. Jackson had 13 points. Kyera Thornsbury followed with 9 points. Kristen Whited and Rylee Theiss netted 5 points each. Kylie Hall finished with 2 points.
Lawrence County will now play 7th Region champion Sacred Heart (32-3) in the opening round of the Girls Sweet 16 tournament. The opening tip is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Wednesday at Rupp Arena.
Lawrence County (50) – Kensley Feltner 24, Abby Nelson 11, Leandra Curnutte 6, Sophie Adkins 6, Kaison Ward 3
Pikeville (49) – Trinity Rowe 15, Leighan Jackson 13, Kyera Thornsbury 9, Kristen Whited 5, Rylee Theiss 5, Kylie Hall 2
