Aubrey Hill's interior presence and Russell's defense (including six blocks from Shaelyn Steele) propelled the Lady Devils past Dixie Heights in Round 1. Russell (20-5) held the Colonels 19 points below their season average and never allowed the state's third best shooting team to find its rhythm.

Awaiting Russell in the quarters, is a different shade of Colonels, this one of the maroon variety. Henderson County (19-4) dominated Apollo down the stretch to secure a 24 point win in thw opening round. A team first mentality was a primary catalyst for Hendo, which featured assists on 19 of 22 baskets.

The last four times Russell has reached the state tournament (1994, 2016, 2020, 2021), Henderson County was there, as well, though they haven't previously met, to my knowledge.

Game time is set for tonight at 8pm.

 

Starting lineups:

Russell - Aubrey Hill, Kaeli Ross, Shaelyn Steele, Bella Quinn, Jenna Adkins

Henderson County - Jarie Thomas, Sadie Wurth, Kaytlan Kemp, Lauren Hubbard, M'Kyra Dixon

Go Lady Devils!

2-0 HC

4-0 HC

4-3 HC

6-3 HC

Encouraging sign from Kaeli Ross with an early 3. They tend to come in bunches for her.

6-5 HC

9-5 HC

It's mostly a two woman show so far, with Ross (5) and Thomas (6) accounting for most of the scoring.

11-5 HC

13-5 HC

3:17 1st.

15-5 HC