Despite shooting 20-30 at the line, battling foul trouble, and Meade County’s Peyton Bradley exploding for 33 points, Owensboro Catholic emerged victorious 65-55 in the first round of the 3rd region tournament. Awaiting them on Friday in the semi-finals is Grayson County.
It was a balanced scoring effort for the Lady Aces, with four players finishing in double digits – Aubrey Randolph (14), Karmin Riley (12), Sophia Newby (11), and Taylor Mannahan (11).
“I thought we did well and we shared the ball well,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Michael Robertson said. “I think we played timid a little bit, and I thought Peyton played very well. She was feeling it early. We found her, we calmed down, and when we calmed down, we were able to spread it.”
Bradley caught fire early for the Lady Waves, scoring all 10 of her team’s first-quarter points and entered halftime with 15 points. Knowing they would have to limit her if they wanted to win, the Lady Aces wanted to keep the ball out of her hands and make someone else beat them.
“We wanted someone stay with her at all times,” Randolph said. ” Our plan was to know where she’s at, not to leave her open and be up on her.”
Layla Martin was the primary defender on Bradley, forcing the senior to commit two offensive fouls – frustrating her. Mannahan also helped with the defensive assignment.
Randolph scored seven points in the first quarter to give her team a 14-10 lead entering the second quarter. Newby and Mannahan combined for 10 of the Lady Aces 12 second quarter points, each hitting a three.
Leading 26-20 at the half, the second half saw an increase in intensity, with neither team backing down. Randolph, Newby, and Payton all found themselves with four fouls down the stretch.
“You are fighting for you life so it is one of those games and you just have to be ready to play,” Robertson said. “I think we have some people who aren’t going to back down, and that’s good.”
After shooting only two free throws in the first half, Owensboro Catholic shot 28 in the second, finishing 18-28.
While Payton scored 18 of her team’s 35 second half points, the Lady Aces had seven different player’s score down the stretch.
“I thought we were pretty balanced,” Randolph said. “I don’t think one or two people had that many more shots than the others. It was even.”
Robertson and Randolph both acknowledged after the game that their team had a tough opening draw in Meade County and were just thrilled to advance.
“If we keep playing hard, I think we have a good chance,” Randolph said. “We have to get through Friday first and then Sunday.”
