Pirates pick up huge district win over Owls, 67-52

After seven games, 27 days, just short of a month, the Powell County Pirates put a “W” in the column. Last Friday evening the Pirates played host to 56th District rival, the Owsley County Owls. Powell had already fell to the Owls just 10 days before in Booneville, 57-46. But on this night the tables were turned.
Powell using a more invigorated and aggressive play on both sides of the ball, turned up the heat on the Owls. Using several subs and combinations on the floor, Coach Blake Williams seemed to have the Pirates ready for the important district matchup. The result was a 15 point victory over the Owls, 67-52.
Both teams got out to a slow start as the first quarter ended with Powell leading 8-6. The second quarter saw both sides start to pick up the pace. The Owls took advantage of a few Powell turnovers, and the Pirates missed a few fast break opportunities. Owsley outscored the home team by six and led at the half, 25-21.
The second half saw a Pirate team yet to show itself this season. Powell began to aggressively attacking the boards on both ends of the court. The Pirates looked like a machine hitting on all cylinders, spreading out the floor and using good ball movement to pick the Owls defense apart. When the third quarter ended the Pirates led 48-38.
The final frame saw Owsley try to creep back into the game. But the Pirates began to run and the Owls looked a little tired. The Pirates continued to look like the team the coaches and fans had hoped to see all season, meeting every challenge the visitors mounted. The only question in the final three minutes was what would the final margin end up being.
The Pirates took advantage of their new found team effort and toughness, plus Owsley’s limited bench as the final seconds ticked away. Powell picked up a hard fought and much needed win, 67-52.
Powell was led by Luke Pasley with 18 points. Shayden Jones had a great night with 13 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Colby Cook tossed in 13 and grabbed 10 boards, he also had three assists. Jace Ware chipped in nine points and dished out eight assists while grabbing four rebounds. Ethan Frazier scored eight points on perfect four for four shooting for the field.
The Pirates 15 point margin of victory overshadows the 11 point loss to the Owls earlier. Unless there is major upset in the district, Powell should hold the number two seed entering the district tournament. The tournament will be held at Powell County in late February.
Powell improved to 4-13, 2-3 in district play. They will Lee County on Friday.