Final.

Congratulations to Coach Layne and the Lady Devils. Always nice as a Russell fan any time Russell beats a big rival in Ashland.

It's great to get a win over Ashland anywhere, but especially so on their home floor after trailing the whole first half. Great game from Ashland's Julia Parker, who netted a game high 27 points in defeat.

 

Russell's youngsters came up big tonight. Shaelyn Steele led the Lady Devils with 18 points and continues to be a force on the boards despite usually being one of the smallest players on the floor.

 

This is yet another result that illustrates just how tight the 16th is this season. Russell, Ashland, Boyd, Rowan, and West Carter (am I leaving anyone out?) all look very even right now.

It's great to get a win over Ashland anywhere, but especially so on their home floor after trailing the whole first half. Great game from Ashland's Julia Parker, who netted a game high 27 points in defeat.

 

Russell's youngsters came up big tonight. Shaelyn Steele led the Lady Devils with 18 points and continues to be a force on the boards despite usually being one of the smallest players on the floor.

 

This is yet another result that illustrates just how tight the 16th is this season. Russell, Ashland, Boyd, Rowan, and West Carter (am I leaving anyone out?) all look very even right now.

 

That's what I meant when I said big rival in Ashland. I wasn't talking about playing in Ashland.

That's what I meant when I said big rival in Ashland. I wasn't talking about playing in Ashland.

 

No worries, I knew what you meant. I was just stating what's probably obvious to everyone. Road wins are always satisfying, but taking down a rival that also happens to be a very good program at their place shows that Russell's not lacking in toughness and resilience. This is a really good win going forward, especially when they know they probably could have played better but still came away victorious.

I'd like to see Russell get over the Boyd County hump. Boyd County will be tough to beat in the 16th region again and especially in the tournament. It seems like Boyd County has Russell's number right now.

I'd like to see Russell get over the Boyd County hump. Boyd County will be tough to beat in the 16th region again and especially in the tournament. It seems like Boyd County has Russell's number right now.

 

They've had the whole region's number for a few years now. They're 59-2 vs. the rest of the 16th since 2016 and one of those losses came without Savannah Wheeler. They've got a good team again but I think they're vulnerable this season. They might have their hands full with Ashland in the 64th.