The winter storm blew Franklin County Lady Flyers into Louisville to pick up what Coach Joey Thacker calls "a signature win." Sophomore Ashli Mayes scored 25 points — including seven in overtime — as Franklin County picked up a victory 56-52 over state power Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals of the Republic Bank/Coca-Cola Louisville Invitational Tournament at Bellarmine. Mayes made 9of18 shots and had nine rebounds. Andrea Howard had 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and Chelsea Craig had 12 points and nine boards.
Other Highlights:
Manual vs. North Hardin-
The Manual-North Hardin game was canceled when Hardin County Schools dismissed class two hours early because of an expected snowstorm. District policy does not allow North Hardin to travel to Louisville in such situations. Kentucky High School Athletic Association officials said the game won't count as a forfeit. Manual coach Stacy Pendleton said his players were disappointed to hear the news.
CAL vs. Ft. Thomas Highlands-
Christian Academy senior Antonita Slaughter had 14 points, 10 rebounds and three assists to lead her team to a 57-37 whipping of Fort Thomas Highlands in a quarterfinal of the Republic Bank/Coca-Cola Louisville Invitational Tournament at Bellarmine.
Mercy vs. Nelson County-
The Lady Cardinals were hungry for 2 and a half quarters, but couldn't withstand going scoreless in the final quarter to take down Seventh Region power Mercy Academy. The Jaguars hit just 16 of 50 from the field, including 4 of 14 three-pointers, but forced 27 turnovers, had 17 steals and outrebounded Nelson County 35-33.
Samantha Drake, one of the top candidates for Miss Basketball, led Nelson County with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Cardinals hit just 8 of 37 shots.
Report by Jodie Demling, Courier Journal