Lady Pirates fall hard to Owlsey, 62-41

It has been many years since the Lady Pirates have had to worry about seeding for the tournament. In fact, for many seasons now they have captured the top seed by this time of the year. But this season, with all the youth and inexperience, the team has focused on getting ready for the postseason.
But last Friday night they had also hoped to give the 56th District’s top seed, the Owsley County Lady Owls, a good run for their money - so to speak. But a cold shooting night, helped along by a tenacious Owlsey defense, coupled with a disastrous third quarter, ended that hope. The Lady Owls broke open a close game to run away from Powell, 62-41.
The first half was quite a game. Both teams would go on short runs, only to be stopped and watch their opponent do the same. The first 16 minutes seemed to help boost some confidence in the younger Lady Pirate squad. The final 3:30 minutes of the second quarter saw the teams trade the lead six times. The Lady Owls held the slim 27-26 edge at the intermission.
The mood and momentum changed quickly in the third quarter. Powell stayed close early when Macey Howell hit a short turnaround jumper in the lane to pull close at 29-28. But from there the Lady Owls experience and Powell’s youth became quite evident.
The Lady Owls went on a 12-0 run to make it 41-28. Then after the Lady Pirates Kanzas Stephens nailed an 11 footer, Owsley scored the next four points to close out the quarter. Owlsey held a commanding 45-30 lead entering the final frame.
Owsley held their lead in the fourth quarter. The Lady Owls outscored Powell 17-11 and went on to the 62-41 win.
Powell did see a few bright spots despite the loss. The Lady Pirates did out rebound Owsley by double digits (39-29) and had one more assist (11-10). But the field goal shooting was clearly in favor of the visitors. Owsley shot 46 percent (21-46), while Powell went cold at 29 percent (16-56). The Lady Pirates  also had 14 turnovers compared to just six for Owsley.
Powell was led by Stephens with 11 points and two steals. Howell poured in 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.. Bree Bush chipped in eight points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Presley Hall scored five points and grabbed six boards. Mikyra Caudill scored five points and Hannah Crabtree scored two.
Powell fell to 4-13, 2-3 in district play. They will host Lee County on Friday.

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