The Ashland Arrows (4-7, 3-3) traveled to Madison Comprehensive (3-6, 1-5) on Dec. 23 and freshman Kennedy Lacey was on top of her game with a 20 point showing to beat the Rams 53-30.
“Lacey has been consistent all year,” said Ashland Coach Renee Holt. “What sets her apart from the rest is she is giving her all the entire game, on both ends of the floor.”
The Rams took a 13-8 lead in the first quarter, led by Chloe Ebeling’s six points. Madison Comprehensive went up 6-2 to start the game and Maddie Berry and Natalee Back played strong defense with a steal each. Ebeling also had a block.
In the second quarter the Arrows woke up and outscored the Rams 11-5, taking a 19-18 lead at halftime. Lacey led Ashland with eight points at the half, and Ebeling had six points for the Rams. Cienna Steury also had a key three pointer in the third quarter.
Grace Tobias drilled a three for the Arrows to go up 22-18 in the third quarter. This started an 8-0 run, capped off by a three for Steury. Ashland jumped out to a 37-22 lead on another three for Steury- her third of the night. Ashland outscored the Rams 18-5 in the fourth and then finished with a 16-7 fourth quarter.
“We talked all year how crucial third quarters are, and we finally were able to put our words into action,” said Holt. “What I loved seeing the most is we decided to make that one extra pass to give up a good shot for a great shot.”
Lacey had 20 points, six boards, three assists and three steals to lead the Arrows to victory. Steury, also a freshman, had 12 points, one board and four assists. Camryn Cox just missed a double-double with nine points, 13 boards, two steals and three blocks. Madison Hoffman had five points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in the win.
Ebeling and Brynn Kiely each scored eight points to lead the Rams.
Ashland shot 39% and 24% from three while hitting 86% from the foul line. The Rams shot 23% and 12% from three, while making 42% of their free throws. Ashland had a 41-27 rebounding advantage, 18-8 in assists and 3-2 in blocks. Madison Comprehensive led 12-10 in steals.
Ashland went on to take a 43-37 loss to Lexington on Dec. 30.
Next up is a home game against Mansfield Senior on Jan. 6 at 1:30 p.m.
