The Todd County Central Lady Rebels came within an eyelash of completing a stunning late-game comeback and picking up their first-ever win over McCracken County Saturday. Alexis Taylor’s pressured three at the horn was just off the mark as the Lady Mustangs held on tight for a 54-53 win in the Independence Bank Tip-Off Classic at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
McCracken County looked to have things well in hand midway through the final quarter. The Lady Rebels had lost their shooting eye and had a couple of timely miscues early in the fourth quarter and McCracken County converted with a 10-0 run to take a 49-38 lead. The Lady Rebels still trailed 51-43 inside the final three minutes and then JaMya Kay made magic happen.
Kay came up with a steal and a layup. Make it 51-45. Kay got another steal and a layup. Make it 51-47. After a Lady Mustang free throw, Kay made two free throws and the lead was down to 52-49. Kay then hit one of two free throws to cut the lead to 52-50.
Daymea Garrett then drained a three from deep on the right side and Todd County Central had the lead inside the final minute at 53-52.
McCracken County pushed the ball upcourt and got a basket from Abby Casebier to take the lead back at 54-53. After a Todd Central turnover, the Lady Mustangs had the chance to get a little room but missed two free throws with 8.8 seconds to go.
The Lady Rebels pushed the ball upcourt and lost it out of bounds, but off a McCracken County player with 2.2 seconds to go. They were able to inbound the ball to Taylor but McCracken’s defense did not allow her a good look at the basket.
McCracken opened the game looking to make short work of the day. The Lady Mustangs got out to a 14-4 lead and then led 16-9 after one.
The second quarter saw the Lady Rebels turn up the half-court pressure and it caused the Lady Mustangs plenty of problems. The Lady Rebels would tie the game late in the half before a McCracken County layup at the horn gave the Lady Mustangs a 24-22 halftime lead.
The 3rd quarter went back and forth with neither team leading by more than three points. Again, a late score gave McCracken a 37-36 lead heading into the final eight minutes of the game.
Alexis Taylor led the way for the Lady Rebels with 17 points. Jordyan Shemwell, who missed the Lady Rebels’ first two games of the season due to illness, finished with 13. JaMya Kay scored 12, 10 of them late in the 4th quarter. Daymea Garrett ended up with 8.
For McCracken County, Ava Hughes ended up with 12 points, all in the second half. Abby Casebier also hit double figures with 11 points. Reagan Hill added 10.
Todd County Central (1-2) will be back in action Tuesday night on the road at Creek Wood.
