Saxony Lutheran girls spoil Kennett senior night

KENNETT – Despite producing what Kennett head coach Aaron New called "our best effort to date," the Lady Indians fell to Saxony Lutheran High School 50-44 Thursday on Kennett's senior night.

Lady Crusaders' junior guard Rebecca Johnson took the ball at tip-off and drew first blood, only to be answered in quick succession by Kennett senior guard Lani Heeb with a three-point mortar and Kennett junior Jayla Moore who sank a quick bucket to go ahead early in the game.

Both teams battled for the lead throughout the matchup, but Saxony came out on top 12-9 after the first buzzer.

Kennett came out blazing in the second period against a strong Saxony defense and the game tied at 19-19. Saxony senior guard and game high-scorer Emma Dunning sank a nothing-but-net shot that was countered by Kennett.

The second period ended in a skirmish of free throws that left Kennett trailing by three at the half, 25-22.

Saxony dominated the third period that found the Lady Indians scoring just six points. Kennett continued the matchup creeping slowly against the Lady Crusaders, 34-24 with 4 minutes left, 34-26 with 2 minutes remaining and behind by eight points at the third period buzzer 36-28.

Kennett scored first in the final period and backed that up with senior Sophie Boone blasting one of her two three-point bombs from the corner bringing the running tally to 36-33 in favor of Saxony Lutheran.

As the score inched toward the final, the Lady Crusaders led 38-34 with 5:20 remaining, 43-36 at a Kennett time-out with 4:46 left, 45-37 with 2:30 remaining, 47-37 with 1:25 left and 49-41 with 19 seconds left to play.

Saxony Lutheran junior guard Rebecca Johnson capped off the visitors' effort with a free throw that ended the game 50-44.

Kennett was led in scoring by senior Lani Heeb and freshman Tayja Carter with nine points each. Saxony's Emma Dunning was awarded the game-high honors with 15 points and three three-point shots. Lady Indians senior guard Sophie Boone led the Kennett squad with two three-point plays.

Saxony Lutheran head coach Sam Sides applauded Kennett's efforts after the game.

"Kennett got us to play out of control," Sides said. "We had to calm down and take over.”

"I thought we might be more skilled," Sides continued. "We were sloppy. We made a lot of mistakes that snowballed. I had high expectations. I thought we could execute and play better. We had trouble with rebounds and Kennett had us playing out of position. Coach New's team was prepared."

Kennett assistant coach Ronnie Lewallen echoed Coach Sides' remarks.

"We played hard tonight, " Coach Lewallen said. "Saxony beat us on the offensive glass."

Kennett head coach Aaron New heaped praise on his team and said he was proud

of his squad.

"This was our best effort of the year," New noted. "Not our best game, but clearly our best effort. I was proud of our seniors and their leadership. They shined tonight."

Kennett girls basketball seniors played their final high school home game Thursday at Kennett. Pictured are senior Sophie Boone and escorts, senior Taleigh Harrell and escorts, and senior Lani Heeb and escorts.Steve Hankins, Contributing Writer