Ashland freshman Kennedy Lacey continues to stand out as a top young talent in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, as she led the charge in a 46-38 win over Mount Vernon (2-6, 4-9) for their second straight win for the Arrows (6-8, 4-4).

Ashland shut out Mount Vernon in the first quarter 13-0, led by Madison Hoffman’s nine points that included a shot from three point land. This big opening quarter proved to be key in the game, as Mount Vernon woke up in the final three quarters.

Mount Vernon bounced back in the second quarter to outscore the Arrows 15-11, and it was a 24-15 Ashland lead at the half. Hoffman hit another three in the second quarter and led all scorers at the half with 12 points. Lacey had six points for the Arrows. Kymber Bell led the Yellow Jackets with a nine point second quarter, while Kaitlyn Thompson had four points and Hayley Burke had two points.

Mount Vernon outscored Ashland 11-10 in the third quarter, led by Thompson’s seven points. Lacey turned it on for six points for the Arrows. Both teams scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, and Ashland hung on for the win thanks to the first quarter shut out.

Lacey had 16 points to lead all scorers, on 8-for-14 shooting. Lacey also tallied five rebounds, six steals and two assists.

Hoffman had 12 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Camryn Cox scored seven points and grabbed seven boards, while tallying an assist and a steal. Alex Huckleberry had five points, give assists, three rebounds and a steal.

Cienna Steury had four points, four rebounds, three steals and an assist. Lauren Green had two points and five rebounds for Ashland.

The Yellow Jackets were led by Thompson and Bell who each had 13 points. Burke out up six points, Kaitlyn Dapprich had four points and Rees Lepley scored two points to round out the Mount Vernon scoring.

Ashland Coach Renee Holt has been very impressed by Lacey’s play this season, especially being a freshman playing at such a high level on varsity. 

“Lacey has continued to be one of the hardest workers in practice, and that is what makes her games a lot easier,” Coach Holt said.The stats show when the work is put in. With Kennedy being just a freshman I am excited to see her growth throughout the rest of the season and the next three years. The 16 points she had were all hard earned, with many buckets that should have added a plus one at the free throw line.”

Ashland has a tough test coming up on Jan. 18 against West Holmes (9-5, 6-1), who are second in the OCC behind Mansfield Senior.

Mount Vernon travels to Lexington (6-8, 5-3) on Jan. 18.