Owsley County 42 Estill County 32 (56th District Championship)

Owsley County won their 5th consecutive 56th District title at Powell County Wednesday with a 42-32 victory over Estill County. 
Estill’s strategy to force a slow pace game was very effective. Owsley averages almost 70 points per game and after two double digit losses to the Lady Owls during the season the Lady Engineers utilized a sticky man-man defense with a few wrinkles in it and it nearly worked. They were within 2 points of Owsley with 4 minutes left in the game. That’s when senior guard and the regions 2024 Player of the Year Carly Smith stepped up her game with some big baskets to secure the win. She scored 10 of Owsley’s 11 fourth quarter points starting with a difficult elbow make off a screen and also a step back 3. In addition she made important free throws late in the game after Estill was forced to foul. She was named the tournament’s MVP for the second straight year. Estill’s senior forward Sarah Baker was named Best Defensive Player. Owsley’s freshman guard Kenzie Grubb was chosen Best Sixth Player award. 
The Lady Owls will take a 23-9 record into regional tournament play next week. Estill’s record is now 14-18. Regional drawings for pairings will be held Friday afternoon. The region this year will be held at Estill County.