WHITLEY FALLS

The Whitley County Lady Colonels were looking for their eighth straight trip to the 13th region tournament Tuesday night. But that trip was denied by the South Laurel Lady Cardinals in a mild upset at Corbin’s Gilliam Gym, 65-56 in a game much closer than the final score.
“The difference was our youth,” said Whitley County coach Larry Anderson.
“I couldn’t be any more prouder of these kids,” said Anderson. “They worked their butts this year. The hardest thing is losing those three seniors. They worked hard all year.”
It was Whitley County (19-7) who jumped out to an early 11-3 lead but couldn’t hold on for the win.
Junior Stephanie McCullah scored seven of the first nine points of the game. McCullah hit a three pointer for the first basket of the game. That basket broke the three point record at Whitley County with 38 on the season. “She broke the record last year with 37 and tied it again this year. She set a new record when she hit that first three-pointer tonight,” said Anderson.
Whitley County led 11-3 when Johnna Sizemore sparked the Lady Cardinals to an 8-2 run. Amber Neace pulled the Lady Cards within 13-11 when Anderson took a time-out.
Whitley County led 20-18 at the end of the first quarter and 34-33 at the half. However, South Laurel outscored the Lady Colonels in the third period and took a 52-51 lead into the final eight minutes.
Senior Kayla Haynes led the Lady Colonels with 17 points while McCullah finished with 16 points. Amber Neace led the Lady Cardinals with 26 points.
South Laurel will meet Corbin in the finals Friday night.