This should be a good one as this is the 3rd straight meeting in the 16th region semis. The Kittens have won the previous two. The two teams split in the regular season. The win by Russell was without Kenleigh Woods who was out with an injury. The last two semis were won by Ashland 52-49 in the 2022 semis and 45-44 in last year's semis. This should be another great game. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Looking forward to this one tomorrow night.

The only way to improve on this matchup would be to move it one round later in the bracket.

Both teams are healthy and in fine form. They look similar enough in the way they're built; both like to press, have all-state caliber guards who can push tempo at light speed, and supporting casts that act as swiss army knives. They've got shooters, ball handlers, distributors, and defenders.

Ashland at full strength was the better team when they met six weeks ago, but I'm going with my gut on this one. I'd love to see Steele grab another region title on her way out the door. Give me the Lady Devils in a nail biter. 

Yes, the last two meetings in the Regional both came down to the last :30, with the Kittens coming on top.

Streaming Option #1 (KOOLHITS)

 

Streaming Option #2 (MyTownTV)

 

Starting Line-ups

Ashland ?? - Woods, Sellars, J. Gulley, A. Gulley, Karle

Russell ?? - Steele, Quinn, Sanders, Fitzpatrick, Darnell

Darnell and Sanders give Russell an early lead.

Woods gets Ashland on the board in transition. 

Darnell drains a 3.

Woods again in transition. 

7-4 Devils

5:00 1Q 

Darnell has the hot hand from long range. She's already got two 3s.

Timeout Ashland.

10-4 Devils

Karle with a nice reverse up and under for 2.

Delaney drills a 3 to put Ashland ahead for the first time.

12-11 Tomcats 

1:15 1Q 

 

End of 1Q 

Ashland 12

Russell 11

 

Russell early, Ashland late. Woods is getting the better of the matchup with Steele. Shaelyn is 0-5 from the field. 

Sanders knocks down a 3.

Delaney ties it up again. She's got 7 off the bench.

Steele gets her first FG, but heads to the bench with two fouls shortly after.

Karle drives to knot the game at 16.

Darnell continues a strong first half. She's got 10.

18-16 Russell 

Media timeout. 

2:55 2Q 

Woods is fouled attempting a 3.... she makes 3/3 at the line.

Quinn on the board for 3.

Woods answers.

22-21 Ashland 

1:50 2Q 

Halftime 

Ashland 24

Russell 22

 

Very competitive, back and forth game.

Woods and Darnell are tied for game high scoring with 11 points each. Steele has been a non-factor to this point - 3 points/2 fouls.

Russell goes back on top with a Steele transition bucket.

Karle connects from long range.

A. Gulley gives Ashland its biggest lead of the game. 

29-25 Kittens

4:30 3Q 

Steele scores 5 straight points to put Russell ahead.

Timeout Ashland. 

30-29 Russell 

3:51 3Q