Written By: Cody Thomas
In the 15th Region All ‘A’ Classic the (5-7) Paintsville Lady Tigers took on the (2-8) Belfry Lady Pirates on Friday at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville. The Lady Tigers were led by sophomore Kylie Kinner coming into the game averaging 21.4 points and the Lady Pirates were led by seventh grader Mylee Colegrove, who was averaging 17 points per game and eighth grader Lexi Mapes, who was averaging 11 points per game.
First Quarter Recap
The game began with Kinner setting the tone, scoring on the opening possession. Belfry answered quickly with a bucket from Kali Deskins, and both teams traded scores in a hot-shooting start. Belfry briefly took the lead, 7-6, after a three-pointer from Lexi Mapes, but Paintsville regained control with Kinner’s second triple of the quarter. Emma Keeton’s layup and a scoring burst from Kinner and Brooklyn Skaggs helped the Lady Tigers close the first quarter ahead, 22-18. Paintsville’s rebounding advantage and stifling defense played a key role in their strong start.
Second Quarter Recap
Paintsville ramped up the pressure to open the second quarter, extending their 2-3 zone into traps. Defensive plays, including blocks by Skaggs and Blankenship, set the tone, while Kinner continued to shine offensively. A Belfry turnover led to a fast-break layup for Kinner, pushing the lead to 20-14. Moments later, Kinner scored again, marking her 16th point and stretching the lead to 22-14 with just over two minutes remaining.
Late in the quarter, Kinner picked up her second personal foul, giving Belfry an opening. Mapes and Colegrove capitalized with a 4-0 run to close the gap, but Paintsville’s defensive poise ensured they maintained a 22-18 lead heading into the locker room.
Third Quarter Recap
The quarter began with a Belfry turnover that Paintsville quickly converted into points as Emma Keeton knocked down a three-pointer. Belfry’s Kali Deskins answered with a triple of her own to keep the game close at 25-21.
Despite Belfry’s efforts, including a bucket in the paint from Mylee Colegrove to close the gap to 27-24, Paintsville’s Brooklyn Skaggs came through with a critical sequence, hitting a three-pointer and adding a free throw to extend the Lady Tigers’ lead to 31-24.
Makaylin Meade kept Belfry within striking distance with a three-pointer of her own, trimming the deficit to 31-26 with just under two minutes left in the quarter. However, turnovers continued to plague Belfry. A costly misstep allowed Paintsville to get to the free-throw line repeatedly, with Keeton and Ramey converting all their attempts to widen the gap.
By the end of the third quarter, Paintsville had built a 39-26 advantage, thanks to their ability to capitalize on Belfry’s mistakes and their efficiency at the charity stripe.
Fourth Quarter Recap
Paintsville started the quarter with Eliza Howard scoring on a drive to extend the lead to 41-26. Kylie Kinner followed with another basket, pushing the margin to 43-26. Belfry’s Lexington Maples answered with a bucket, prompting Belfry to shift into a 2-3 zone defense.
Brooklyn Skaggs continued her defensive dominance with her third block of the game. On the next possession, Paintsville’s defensive pressure forced Belfry into a timeout. After the break, Belfry’s Makaylin Meade made a momentum-shifting block, but Paintsville maintained control as Annabelle Blankenship added to the lead. Mylee Colegrove responded with a basket, bringing her total to 14 points.
Emma Keeton kept Paintsville in the driver’s seat with a clutch bucket, extending the lead to 47-31 with just over four minutes to play. Mapes hit one of two free throws to trim the deficit slightly, but a critical block by Keeton and a putback from Kinner further cemented Paintsville’s advantage.
Mylee Colegrove battled hard in the closing minutes, hitting two sets of free throws and a late three-pointer to finish with 22 points. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Paintsville’s balanced attack. Kinner capped her night with 23 points, while Keeton and Blankenship added key contributions down the stretch.
With the win, Paintsville advances to face Betsy Layne on Monday in the All ‘A’ Classic. Belfry showed flashes of promise but will need to address their turnover issues moving forward.
Key Takeaways
• Paintsville’s Defense: Led by Skaggs’ three blocks and the team’s ability to force turnovers, Paintsville’s defensive pressure was pivotal in maintaining their lead throughout the game.
• Belfry’s Turnovers: The Lady Pirates struggled to protect the ball, which allowed Paintsville to capitalize and build a decisive lead.
• Star Performances: Kylie Kinner’s game-high 23 points and Mylee Colegrove’s 22-point effort were the highlights of the game.
