Hopkins County Central used a stifling press and quick transition game to defeat Union County on Tuesday in the semifinals of the Class 2A sectional in Mortons Gap.
The Lady Storm forced nine turnovers in the first quarter as they scored the game’s first 11 points and raced out to a 24-4 first quarter lead.
Hopkins Central was able to maintain its margin the rest of the way and get some floor time for its reserves as nine Lady Storm players found the scoring column.
Calajia Mason scored 15 points and added five rebounds and four assists. Addie Menser scored 13 points, and Bri Dulin scored 12 points with four rebounds and four steals, part of her stat line for the Lady Storm.
Hopkins Central forced 28 turnovers and used 18 steals to score 21 points off the turnovers.
Pehtyn Courtney had six points and five steals for Union County, while Karley Byrd added six points and nine rebounds.
The Bravettes look to snap a six-game losing streak on Saturday with a trip to St. Mary in Paducah.
Hopkins County Central will meet Calloway County in Thursday’s 2A sectional championship on the Lady Storm’s home floor. Calloway has won two straight sectional titles with the Lady Storm looking for a return to Owensboro and the state 2A tournament for the first time in three seasons.
Union County 4 12 8 10– 34
Hopkins Co. Central 24 12 13 10– 59
Union County (2-8) – Courtney 6, Byrd 6, Shelton 5, Mendoza 5, Jenkins 5, Martinez 2, Beaven 2, Owen 2, Cunningham 1
Hopkins County Central (10-5) – Mason 15, Menser 13, Dulin 12, Smith 8, Thomas 3, Cotton 2, White 2, Beverly 2, Marsh 2.
Rebounds – Union County 26 (Byrd 9, Martinez 4), Hopkins County Central 27 (Mason 5, Dulin 4)
Assists – Union County 6 (Jenkins 2), Hopkins County Central 16 (Mason 4, Dulin 3)
Steals – Union County 9 (Three with 2), Hopkins County Central 18 (Liles 5)
Turnovers – Union County 28, Hopkins County Central 18
