That’s a bunch of pressure for the youngest player on your team. Todd County Central 7th grader Jordyn Shemwell came to the line in the waning seconds of overtime with a chance to seal a Lady Rebels’ win over Metcalfe County. And, to quote Isaiah, “a child shall lead them.”
Shemwell hit one of two free throws to clinch a 67-63 overtime win for Todd Central in the opening round of the 4th Region All A Classic. Not only did Shemwell hit the clinching free throw, she scored 10 huge points in the second half as the Lady Rebels found a way to outlast a gutty effort from the Lady Hornets.
The game was an entertaining contest that saw multiple lead changes throughout and both teams having their chances to win the game.
The first quarter was back-and-forth and saw five lead changes. Metcalfe County scored the final four points of the opening quarter to take a 13-10 lead over the Lady Rebels.
The story of the opening quarter was Metcalfe’s defense on Alexis Taylor. The Lady Hornets were collapsing on Taylor down in the paint, not giving Todd County Central many chances to get her the ball, much less many chances to Taylor to find the basket.
Abby Williams kept the Lady Rebels close with her outside shooting. And, the Todd Central defense kept a fairly tight rein on the Lady Hornets in the opening eight minutes of the game.
Metcalfe may have controlled Taylor early, but she began to find her opportunities in the second quarter and it made a big difference. After the Lady Hornets extended the lead to 20-15, Taylor begin to assert herself inside on both ends of the court and on the offensive end that created some additional opportunities for her teammates.
Todd Central scored 8 straight points to take a 23-20 lead. After that, it was a tug of war for the rest of the half. There were five lead changes over the final minutes of the second quarter with the Lady Rebels able to get the last one and take a 29-28 lead into the locker room at the half.
The early part of the second half was more of the same. The Lady Hornets came out and moved back in front at 36-33. Todd County Central responded with a 10-0 run to go back up 43-36. But, just as it seemed the Lady Rebels had control, back came Metcalfe County, as the Lady Hornets closed the third strong and took a 46-45 lead into the fourth quarter. Aubrey Jolly played a significant role in the run for Metcalfe County.
The final quarter was one that kept fans on both sides of the gym either on the edge of their seats or on their feet. Four more lead changes took place in the quarter, with neither team able to secure more than a three-point lead.
The Lady Rebels appeared ready to clinch things late in regulation as they went up 56-53 and had the ball. However, Alexis Taylor and a Lady Hornet went to the floor after a loose ball. Both were very physical as they were fighting to get the ball and as they came to their feet words appeared to be said. The problem for the Lady Rebels was that Taylor was assessed a technical while the Lady Hornets were not.
Then, less than 30 seconds later, Coach Nick Suttle was assessed a technical foul for coming out of the Todd Central coach’s box trying to communicate with his team at the far end of the court. The free throws from the two technicals tied the game at 56-56. With the game tied at 58-58 in the final seconds of regulation, both teams would have opportunities to win the game, but neither could convert.
Metcalfe County took a 63-60 lead in the overtime period, but that would be the last time the Lady Hornets would score. The Lady Rebels would score the last seven points of the game, including going 3 of 4 from the free throw line as they finally secured the hard-fought four-point win.
Abby Williams finished with 20 points to lead the Lady Rebels. Another big night for Alexis Taylor as she hit for 16. Jamya Kay, after being limited to two points in the first half, finished with 13, including crucial baskets in the second half. Jordyn Shemwell was the fourth Lady Rebel in double figures with 10.
Kassady London and Aubrey Jolly led the way for Metcalfe County with each scoring 23 points on the night.
Todd Central improves to 11-6 on the year and advances to Wednesday night’s semifinals where they will take on Monroe County in Tompkinsville.
MCHS – 13 15 18 12 5 — 63
TCCHS – 10 19 16 13 9 — 67
Metcalfe County – London 23, Jolly 23, Blythe 10, Compton 3, Allen 2, Glass 2
Todd Central – Williams 20, Taylor 16, Kay 13, Shemwell 10, Glenn 5, Collins 3
