The Anderson County girls’ basketball team was halted in their quest for a fourth straight regional championship, losing in the quarterfinal round last Tuesday to North Oldham by a score of 63-52. The team ended their 2022-23 season with a final record of 26-7, going 13-3 against regional competition and 9-1 in district matchups. The team maintains the best RPI of any team in the region, a statistical measure calculating team strength.
Familiar regional competitor Simon Kenton claimed the eighth region championship Sunday in Gallatin County, beating Grant County by a final score of 66-55. Anderson County played both Simon Kenton and Grant County in the regular season, defeating Grant County on the road 59-54, and handling Simon Kenton at home 71-46.
Anderson County struggled to convert offensively, shooting at 30% from the field, including going 21.9% from three. That, coupled with the size of North Oldham, spelled trouble for the Lady Bearcats all night.
“We were just a second too slow on things. At times, it was like the moment got big for them, and for a lot of these kids, it’s the first year ever touching the varsity floor,” Anderson County head coach Clay Birdwhistell said.
“I think we got a little shell-shocked, and give credit to North Oldham. They executed, and we didn’t.”
Fortunately for Anderson County, a large portion of this year’s squad will be here next season, including starting point guard Jenna Satterly and starting sophomore guard Lainey Johnson, who combined for a large swath of the Lady Bearcat offensive efficiency.
Less fortunate for the team is the senior leadership that will be lost with the departure of Jayci Lucas and Jenna Beasley. Both young women displayed poise, strength, and drive that kept their less experienced teammates grounded. Both doubtless will be missed as the team looks to bounce back next season.