Owensboro is set to play in their first state tournament game since 1992 today against Region 2 champions Henderson County (25-7). The Lady Red Devils are hot off their regional championship win thanks to their play centered around a tough defense.
Owensboro thrived in the high-intensity atmosphere at the Sportscenter during regionals, but the big stage of the state tournament is new to most of the team. Head coach Jansen Locher said that he believes the Lady Red Devils are ready for their opportunity at Rupp.
“I believe our girls are ready for the moment,” he said. “Although we haven’t played on this big of a stage, we have played quality opponents all year long and I think that’s going to be very beneficial to us in this tournament. We are going to enjoy and soak up every moment that we are there, but we’re going in with the mentality that we want to play as many games as we can.”
On Owensboro’s side of the tournament bracket lies tough opponents including reigning state champions Sacred Heart (27-7) who will play #6 ranked George Rogers Clark (30-4), #1 ranked Cooper (29-4) and #4 ranked Pikeville (27-5). Locher is not fazed by the potential challenges that lie further into the bracket as he is laser focused on the task at hand: Henderson County.
“The draw is the draw,” he said. “If you worry about potential matchups later on in the tournament, that’s when you’re going to find yourself slipping up and going home earlier than expected. Our focus right now is on Henderson County, and what we need to do to defeat them come Thursday afternoon. We will worry about our next opponent once we take care of business in our first game.”
Henderson’s offense has been a force to be reckoned with this past season as they have 4 players who average around 10+ pointer per game. Their shooting this season has been a big factor in their wins as 3 players shoot around 50% on FG%, and forward Brooklyn Gibson shoots 42% from the three-point line, and 3 players shoot above 70% from the free throw line. Owensboro specializes in lockdown defense, but Locher said they need to play team defense and control the rebounding aspect of this game.
“We have to play team defense in order to beat Henderson County,” he said. “We know we have the ability to lock down a lot of players, especially guards, but it’s going to take the entire team and a full defensive effort for 32 minutes in order for us to defeat a team as talented as Henderson County. Rebounding will be huge in this game. We have to limit 2nd and 3rd chances for them, while getting some of those extra chances ourselves with some offensive rebounds.”
“Offensively we have to take care of the basketball,” he continued. “Henderson can throw several defenses at you and will turn turnovers into points, so we have to limit turnovers and take good shots.”
Owensboro guard A’Lryica Hughes said that believing they could achieve great things helped them clinch the regional title. Continuing that belief and staying connected as a team will be crucial in advancing to the next round.
“We need to just continue to play the game that we know how to play,” she said. “We need to continue to believe in one another and pay as a team. Just staying connected as one will help us get the job done until we can’t anymore.”
Tipoff for Owensboro’s game against Henderson in the Sweet 16 is scheduled today for 1:30 p.m.
