The Owensboro Lady Devils basketball team will play in the KHSAA state tournament today for the first time in more than 3 decades. It has been 32 years since the squad won the 3rd Region Championship when they defeated the home-standing Breckinridge County Lady Tigers 72-70 in two overtimes.
In 1992, a burger at The Big Dipper cost roughly $.80, CDs finally overtook audio cassettes in recorded music sales, and Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” was the year end’s top single. It was also the year the Lady Devils stunned their way to a regional championship under the helm of late head coach Warren Hurst.
Though times have changed, the similarities between the ’92 team and this year’s are all too evident, most notably their close bond and relentless mindset. Before the ’92 championship, the team hadn’t won a regional title to earn a state tournament berth since 1981.
“It was a special time, and we had a team full of special people and special talent,” said Demetria Tutt, one of the 1992 team’s guards. “Everyone brought something to the table. We were like a family – the school, fans, city, family; everyone was involved.”
Hurst was a long-time P.E. teacher in the district and led the program from 1990 to 1995. Tutt said many players viewed him as a father figure, as he instilled in them a sense of hard work and drive to be a better person.
Hurst died a few weeks ago. His wife reached out to Tutt when he returned home under Hospice care, and she immediately arranged for several of the players to visit him. Della White was one of those players. She said Tutt organized the entire visit in under 24 hours despite some of them living out of state.
“That day and visit was special. He was so happy that day,” White said. “We laughed and shed some tears. We began the year as underdogs and went through a lot during that ’92 season. I’m glad we were able to reminisce.”
Hurst died less than a week after the visit. All of the players agree that the program’s recent success is bittersweet because they know Hurst would love to be in attendance on Thursday.
“We wish we could have held on to him a little longer,” Tutt said. “We all visited him and talked for an hour during his final moments; he remembered everything like it was yesterday. It didn’t seem like 32 years had passed. At that moment, we were ready to be back on the floor.”
Hurst’s wife, SueAnn, said they never had a biological daughter, but they unofficially had several after he took the position.
“We’ve kept up with all of them over the years, and each one has a special place in our hearts,” she said. “Many people didn’t think they had it in them, but they didn’t realize how in tune they were with their coach. They did everything he asked and more. He was so proud of them.”
Hurst’s resiliency transcended through his team and was on full display as they parlayed overtime wins over Hancock and Ohio County to reach the final game before defeating tournament favorite Breckinridge County on their own court.
Owensboro spent the early portion of the 2nd half whittling away a double-digit deficit. Della White dropped a bucket with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter to trim the deficit to 54-52 before the Lady Tigers went on another run. Six unanswered points from Owensboro and a Demetria Tutt shot tied the game again with a minute left.
Emily Ahnell missed a shot at the buzzer that would have given Owensboro the win. After a back-and-forth 1st overtime, Ahnell redeemed herself with the game-winning shot as time expired in the 2nd overtime.
“It was a surreal moment, especially with everything leading up to district and region,” she said. “We just kept finding ways to win. It was amazing to be a part of it. The energy was awesome, and I’m glad to see that same energy and excitement with this team.”
The Lady Devils lost to Monticello in the opening round, but Tutt said it was an experience they’ll never forget.
“It was the first time we had ever played in an arena that size,” she said. “It was a fun and scary experience, but I’m glad we had the opportunity to be there and put Owensboro girls basketball back on the map.”
The squad finished the regular season with a record of 16-9. After losing to crosstown rival Apollo twice in the regular season, they upset the E-Gals 65-63 in the first round of the district tournament. They amped up the pressure against Daviess County in the district championship, winning 68-45 at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
“This is just a special time, and I know Coach Hurst is smiling and happy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have this happen for Owensboro, the program, and Coach Hurst,” White said. “We are extremely proud and excited for this group. They are very talented, and they’ve worked so hard. We’ve all waited a long time for this.”
Current head coach Jansen Locher was 3 in 1992. He took over the program in 2017 and immediately laid the groundwork for a title run. Hurst said Locher’s coaching style reminds her of her husband.
“I think Coach Locher is a fine young man, and he has done an excellent job coaching these girls,” Hurst said.
Locher said it’s difficult not to compare their program to the decorated boys’ teams, with countless championship banners in the gym. Since taking over, they’ve always asked themselves, “Why not us?”
“That ’92 team has been on our minds a lot. We’re constantly looking at their banner during practice, and the 1992 is lonely,” Locher said.” We knew we had the talent to add another year to the banner. I never saw them play, but I’ve heard the stories about the overtime wins and big shots.”
Locher seconded that he wished Coach Hurst was around to experience the return to state with them.
“I can tell he meant a lot to those girls, and it’s incredible what they were able to accomplish,” he said. He and his wife have always been big supporters of our program. We think we’ve created a similar culture where we are all a family, and even as players graduate, we’re always here for them.”
A burger at the Big Dipper is now in the $3-dollar range, and CDs are nearly non-existent, but one thing’s for sure: the Lady Devils are ready to compete at Rupp. With the help of some dedicated players and coaches, Locher and company will look to avenge the 1992 team’s first-round loss.
And that ’92 team, along with Mrs. Hurst and her son, will be right there in full force, cheering them on. Tutt finished with some advice for the team entering the contest.
“Remain calm and play your game; that’s the biggest thing,” Tutt said. “Play within your own rules, and don’t get away from what got you there. Remain focused and take it 1 possession at a time, and you’ll walk away with a win.”
