The Adair County Lady Indians, a young and determined squad, turned a season of growth into a postseason opportunity, securing a spot in the first round of the regional tournament.
While their post-season play has now ended, the Lady Indians have shown resilience and steady improvement, proving that hard work pays off.
Last week they took second place in district competition, which allowed them to compete at the regional level.
They narrowly lost their first game of regionals on Monday night against Bardstown. In the game, Kinzlee Akin (#20, junior) surpassed 1,000 career points. Fellow player Allee Campbell (#25, freshman) was named to the All-Tournament Team.
After spending much of the game neck and neck or even just ahead of their opponents, the girls tragically fell short of a win by only three points, losing 46 to 49.
Before regionals, the girls lost their district championship game on Thursday night against Taylor County’s Lady Cardinals. The Indians fell short 60 to 75. It was a solid performance from the young athletes who were competing against a team with a much higher win percentage for this season.
The Lady Indians still managed to put respectable numbers on the scoreboard despite the loss.
Kinzlee Akin (#20, junior) was the top-scoring player for the girls. She earned 17 points off of four two-point field goals (out of five attempted) and three three-point field goals (out of five attempted). Addison Bowman (freshman) came in second with 14 points. Bowman landed all five of the two-point field goals she attempted, one of the two three-pointers she attempted, and one of two free-throws she attempted.
Eighth-grader Ila Loy (#14) and freshman Reese Bardin (#5) were tied for three with both girls earning eight points. Loy scored a two three-pointers and a two-pointer; Bardin scored three two-pointers and two free throws (out of three attempted).
Had the Lady Indians maintained their lead against Bardstown, they would go on to face Central Hardin (who defeated Green County 58 to 46) this Friday night. Instead, the Lady Indians will enjoy a well-deserved break before they get back to work training for next year’s season.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
