LEXINGTON – Letcher Central’s return to the Sweet 16 came to an end in the opening round as defending champion Ryle overcame an early six-point deficit to roll past the Lady Cougars, 59-36, in the opening round played at Rupp Arena on Wednesday.
The Lady Cougars, who finished 25-11, struggled from the floor, hitting just 11 of 45 shots, including just 3 of 18 from three-point range.
Kaylee Banks poured in a game-high 21 points for Central. Brooke Bates chipped in five.
Letcher Central was appearing for the first time in the state tournament since 2015.
At Lexington
(Sweet 16 Tournament)
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
LC (25-11)….14 6 10 6 – 36
RY (23-11)…..9 16 15 19 – 59
Scoring:
Letcher Central (36) – Keira Couch 0(1) 0-0 3; Brooke Bates 1(1) 0-0 5; Kaylee Banks 5(1) 8-10 21; Brooklynn Collins 1 2-2 4; Mackenzie Craft 1 0-0 2; and Kaylee Banks 0 1-2 1. Totals: 8(3) 11-14 36.
Ryle (59) – Quinn Eubank 4 0-1 8; Brie Crittendon 1(2) 3-5 11; Abby Holtman 1(3) 0-0 11; Austin Johnson 2 1-4 5; Jaiden Douthit 2(1) 0-0 7; Brooke Schwartz 0 1-2 1; Brooke Strode 1 1-2 3; Jaden Crist 1 0-0 2; and Sarah Baker 4 3-6 11. Totals: 16(6) 9-20 59.