Kelbie Ford hit two free throws with 5.6 seconds to play to lift Rowan County’s girls to a 61-59 win over Crittenden County in the first game of the 2023 West Kentucky Hoops Classic Thursday at Caldwell County.
Crittenden (5-3) erased a 38-30 deficit in the third quarter and grabbed a 53-47 lead midway through the fourth period on two Anna Boone free throws.
However, the Lady Vikings (6-3) outscored the Lady Rockets 14-6 over the final 3:39 to squeeze out the victory.
Ford finished with 17 points to pace a balanced attack by Rowan. Olivia Beach had 11 points while Diamond Wills and Brynlee Walker each scored 10.
Boone had a game-high 31 points for Crittenden while Bristyn Rushing had 14 points and nine rebounds.
Rowan led 34-28 at halftime before grabbing its biggest lead at eight points early in the third period.
Ford and Boone were named the Players of the Game from their respective teams.
Both squads will play again Friday in the Hoops Classic. Crittenden faces Logan County at 11 a.m. while Rowan will face host Caldwell at 12:30 p.m.
Rowan County 18 16 7 20 — 61
Crittenden County 14 14 13 18 — 59
Rowan County (6-3)—Ford 17, Beach 11, Wills 10, Walker 10, Perkins 6, Thomas 3, Furnish 2, Eastham 2.
Crittenden County (5-3)—Boone 31, Rushing 14, Evans 6, Federico 6, Hodge 2.
