The Hopkinsville girls’ basketball team dropped its first two games of the Owensboro Invitational Tournament, but wrapped up the final game of its pre-Christmas schedule with a 67-66 victory over Owensboro High. The Lady Tigers move to 9-4, and will return to the court December 27-29 as part of the FNB Holiday Bash at South Warren High School. After winning their first 6 games, the Lady Devils have lost their last 6 for an even record.
Jayla Rose got what would be a big night started with 5 first-quarter points, while the Lady Tigers’ defense yielded only 8 points to the Lady Devils. Rose really got going in the second, putting up 10 points to help Hoptown outscore Owensboro 19-11 for a 34-19 lead at the halftime break.
Mykael Winstead scored 8 of her 20 points in the third quarter to help the Lady Devils to 22 points, but Breon Oldham answered with 9 for the Lady Tigers. Yogianah McKnight added 4, and Hoptown still led by 13 with a quarter to play.
Owensboro wasn’t going quietly, with Amaya Curry scoring 7 of her 12 points over the final 8 minutes. Winstead and Tayonna Greer each add 6, but the Lady Devils fell just short at 67-66. Hoptown needed every one of Rose’s 7 fourth-quarter points to hold on for the win.
Rose just missed a double-double for Hopkinsville with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Oldham finished with 19, and McKnight had 14.
Owensboro’s Winstead led all scorers with 20, followed by Greer with 14 and Curry with 12.
