Lady Pirates end season in heartbreaking fashion, falls to Estill 56-53 in district tourney

It was a classic game between two rivals who know each other very well. Powell versus Estill is usually the district championship game, but this year it was the first round two against three seed game at Stanton for the 56th District Tournament. The two rivals split the regular season, so the win-or-go home game on Monday night took on an air of survival.
Powell fought from behind all night. In fact they trailed by 14 with just over four minutes to play. But a late flurry of action pulled the Lady Pirates to within one, before they fell to the Lady Engineers 56-53 in a heartbreaker.
The two teams matched up pretty well early on. Powell held an early lead and the two remained tied for most of the first quarter. Estill pulled away late to make it 14-10 after the quarter. The action heated up in the second, but Estill grabbed control. The Lady Engineers led 24-17 at the half.
The teams went to work quickly in the third quarter. Powell would pull to within four points, the Estill would push the lead back out to nine. It was that way throughout the period. The Lady Pirates would get close, but could not get over the hump. Estill led 38-31 as the game entered the fourth quarter.
In the final frame Estill went on a run. They steadily grew their lead. When Estill’s Haley Angel hit a turnaround jumper in the lane with 4:51 to play the Lady Engineers led 49-35. Then Powell made their run.
The Lady Pirates went to war and created some chaos for Estill. Powell battled their way back and trailed 51-49 with 1:21 to play. But missed free throws and missed opportunities on Estill’s miscues stalled the comeback effort. Despite stalling, Powell was very much into the game right up to the last second. Trailing by three and four seconds to play, Powell’s Bree Bush attempted a desperation trey. But it fell short, as did Powell’s comeback run and tournament dreams. Estill won, 56-53.
Powell was led by Macey Howell, who played he entire game, with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Mikyra Caudill, who fouled out of the game, tossed in 12 points and dished out four assists. Presley Hall came off the bench to score seven, Cloe Grater added six while Kenna Neal and Kanzas Stephens each chipped in four points. Kiera Anderson scored three points and Bree Bush added a free throw to round out the scoring.
Estill was led by Angel with 19 points. Mia Hale, who also played he entire game, chipped in 17 points for the Lady Engineers.
Powell closes their season with an 8-17 record. 
​Estill advances to the 56th District Championship Game where they will play Owsley County. The Lady Owls won easily over Lee, 63-15.

(Story was updated to make a few minor corrections - JC)