A defense ranked #1 in the state got them there, but the most efficient offensive effort in KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 history is taking them to the title game for the first time since 1984. The Lady Marshals were 73.9 percent (17-of-23) from the floor – a new state record – 66.7 percent from 3-point range and 90.9 at the free throw line.
In the 50-33 win, the Lady Marshals held Henderson County to just nine points the entire second half and their lowest point total of the season.
“I thought our defense in the second half was superb, it’s what got us where we are right now”, Coach Aaron Beth said. “We got some big shots, got some big rebounds, we held them to nine points in the second half…everybody stepped up and did things.”
Cayson Conner led with 14 points – the senior was 3-of-5 from the floor and a perfect 8-of-8 a the free throw line. Following Conner, Layne Pea scored 13 points and she couldn’t have been more perfect – shooting 4-for-4 – she was 3-for-3 from 3-point range and 2-of-2 at the line. Halle Langhi had 12 points and was just as impressive at 6-for-7 from the floor. Jada Driver was 3-for-4 with eight points and Presley Jezik with three.
They will meet Sacred Heart (24-7) in the state championship at 8:00/7:00 Central. Sacred Heart beat Anderson County 63-53 to advance to the title game.
In the 1984 title game, Head Coach Howard Beth led the 34-0 Lady Marshals to a state title over Belfry 55-53 when a young Aaron Beth had a front row seat. Now Head Coach Aaron Beth will attempt to repeat history.
“It’s emotional”, Beth said. “I was on the bench for that so I got to experience it from a different perspective. Being here and understanding the hard work that it takes, it’s a dream come true.”
Down 6-2 early to Henderson County, a 3-pointer by Driver and field goal from Conner gave them their first lead of the game at 7-6 and they trailed by one point at 12-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Kaytlan Kemp and Jarie Thomas combined to give the Lady Colonels their largest lead so far a 16-11. Pea answered with a 3-pointer to cut it to two points and they took the lead again at 21-20 on free throws by Langhi, another three from Pea and free throws by Conner. Driver’s three, and four points from Langhi, who was a perfect 5-for-5 in the half, gave the Lady Marshals a 28-24 lead at halftime.
The lead was 34-27 at the end of the third quarter while holding the Lady Colonels to just one field goal – a 3-pointer by Savannah Lacer.
They out-scored Henderson County 16-6 in the fourth quarter, led by Conner’s 6-of-6 at the line, a couple of 3-pointers from Pea and Jezik and two at the line by Pea.
“It’s emotional right now”, Beth said. “We know we’re in a special place, have a special opportunity tonight, we’ve worked for it all year and we’re going to enjoy it for about an hour then get prepared for tonight.”
Henderson 12 12 3 6 – 33
Marshall 11 17 6 16 – 50
Henderson: Thomas 11, Wurth 7, Lacer 5, Kemp 4, Dixon 4, Veal 2
Marshall: Conner 14, Pea 13, Langhi 12, Driver 8, Jezik 3
Henderson: FG 15/47, 3 Pt 2/15, FT 1/2, REB 22, PF 10, TO 13
Marshall: FG 17/23, 3 Pt 6/9 (Driver 2, Pea 3, Jezik 1), FT 10/11 (Conner 8/8, Pea 2/2), REB 15 (Langhi 5), PF 6, TO 12
