Lady Pirates, looking better, but drop two at BSN Holiday Classic

The Lady Pirates took on East Jessamine Lady Jaguars in the second round of the BSN Holiday Classic at Bourbon County last Saturday (Dec, 28). East Jessamine grabbed a 36-25 halftime lead, then built up a huge 56-18 lead entering the final frame. Powell made a hard run, outscoring the Lady Jaguars 22-8.  But was not enough, as East Jessamine won 64-50.
On paper, the game looked like it should have been closer. Powell shot 43 percent to their opponents 48 percent from the field. Free throws were in favor of the Lady Jaguars, as they hit 61 percent (11-18) to Powell’s 52 percent (12-23). Powell was also out rebounded 32-22. The Lady Pirates were only able to pick up six offensive boards in the game.
The Lady Pirates were led by Macey Howell with 19 points and 11 boards. Bree Bush, who played the entire game, tossed in 15 points. Mikyra Caudill, who also played the entire game, scored six points, Kanzas Stephens also scored six. Lorri Faulkner scored three points and Kenna Neal nailed a free throw to round out the scoring.
The Powell County Lady Pirates closed out their holiday tournament taking on the Lexington Lafayette Lady Generals as they hit the hardwood on Sunday (Dec. 29). Both teams were hoping to salvage a win from the BSN Holiday Classic at Bourbon County. Both teams played good enough to win, but a late charge by the Lady Generals helped them to beat Powell, 57-55.
The two teams matched up pretty well early on. When the horn sounded to close out the first quarter, nothing had been settled as the score stood at 17-17. Powell was able to grab a slight lead in the second frame and led at the half, 30-27.
The two teams continued to go back-and-forth throughout the third quarter. The Lady Generals did manage to go on a run and take a 45-40 lead as the game entered the final frame. Lafayette opened up their lead as they went on a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to lead 54-40 with 3:08 to play.
Powell mounted their comeback run. The LadyPirates went on 15-3 run, but there was just not enough time left. Powell fell just a little short, in a hard fought game, 57-55.
Powell was led by a trio of Lady Pirates. Macey Howell poured in 25 points, while Bree Bush fired in 12 and Mikyra Caudill tossed in 10 for the Powell squad. Kanzas Stephens and Cloe Grate each scored three points. Kiera Anderson added two points to the cause. Bush and Grater each had four assists as well.
Howell was named to the all-tournament team as she made her first appearances coming off the injured list.
Powell fell to 2-8 on the season. They will host Estill County in a district showdown on Friday (Jan. 3).

JC