It was pandemonium Friday night as the Lady Panthers took on Sissonville for the LKC Championship. This game is one of the best rivals in high school basketball. The Lady Panthers upset Sissonville earlier this year on their own real estate and had an edge going into this game. The Lady Panthers came out so quick in the first period it was like chasing rabbits on pogo sticks for Sissonville. McKinzee Barker was burning the net and with 5:26 remaining in the first period took a left hook to the nose. When she had to leave the game temporarily to get patched up, Sissonville tried to take advantage of the situation, but with some quick locker room repair Barker was back on the court leading the charge. Sissonville couldn’t seem to get the hang of scoring, and the Lady Panthers couldn’t miss. The Lady Panther defense was all over Sissonville like rain in a sponge and caused Sissonville to turn the ball over, and a loose ball in the hands of the Lady Panthers was sure points. The Lady Panthers led at the half 26-19. The game was turned up a notch in the second half when Sissonville started finding their range on the hoop and started racking up the points, hitting four three point bombs from beyond the arc. The Lady Panthers turned on the fan, as well, but started getting off their usual game and turned the ball over several times. They put on the brakes and got back to their usual game late in the fourth when Sissonville brought it to within two points at 45-43 with 2:20 left on the clock. Then it happened. Isabelle Haverty and Sissonville’s Alexee Haynes went up for an aggressive rebound and after a few heated words were exchanged and what appeared to be a little MMA, a double technical foul was called. The game progressed after that but only for the Lady Panthers; it seemed to take the wind out the sails for Sissonville. In the final two minutes it was all McKinzee Barker who sank six free throws in a row to end the hopes of Sissonville with a final score Clay 52, Sissonville 48. Barker ended the game with 27 points to lead the Lady Panthers in scoring. It took a team effort to defeat the Lady Indians of Sissonville, and the whole team did a great job. The Lady Panthers will host Scott on Wednesday Night for the Region IV Championship. The girls have already beat them in regular season, but at this point, it is one game at a time and no game will be taken lightly. Come out and support the Lady Panthers!
