By Tim Branstetter
Staff Writer
The Corbin Lady Redhounds have been finding a way to win close games and Friday’s game was no different as they took the Whitley County Lady Colonels to overtime before picking up a 42-41 50th District win at home.
“It was back and forth the whole time,” Corbin coach Jennifer Parsons said. “It was a great game. One of those that whoever had the last possession and made free throws would win. We just had a refuse to lose attitude.”
With Corbin trailing 41-40 and :24 remaining in overtime, Hayley Smith toed the line for the Lady Redhounds and sank both free throws to claim the victory. Smith finished with 17 points on the night.
“We trailed the whole game and just stepped up in the second half,” Parsons said. “We rebounded better and we made free throws. Hayley made some big free throws for us. This was an important game to win for confidence. This is the time of year we want to have that refuse to lose attitude.”
After three lead changes in the first quarter the score was tied at 7-7 as both teams struggled to get going offensively. The Lady Colonels stepped up in the second quarter and grabbed an 18-14 lead at the half.
The Lady Redhounds tied the score at 18-18 with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter, but back-to-back three-pointers by Whitley County's LeeAnna Moses and Brittany Leach gave the Lady Colonels a 25-21 advantage with 2:24 remaining in the quarter. Whitley County led 27-25 with one quarter remaining.
“I’m so proud of our kids,” Whitley County coach Larry Anderson said. “They played their hearts out and had to overcome a lot of obstacles tonight. They did a great job.”
Smith stepped up with six points in the fourth quarter and gave the Lady Redhounds a 35-33 lead with 1:05 remaining in regulation, but Moses knocked down two big free throws for Whitley County with :44 remaining to tie the score. The Lady Colonels forced a jump ball and Jade Jones had an open look at the buzzer, but could not connect.
“We can’t just look at one play,” Anderson said. “We gave up too many offensive rebounds on free throws and made too many silly fouls. When we play to our ability we can play with anyone in the region. This is the best 10-13 team I have ever coached.”
Corbin 42, Whitley County 41
Whitley County 7 11 9 8 6 41
Corbin 7 7 11 10 7 42
Whitley County (41 )– Leach 3, Jones 4, Moses 16, Sizemore 1, Anderson 2, Craig 8, Smith 6, Daniels 1.
Corbin (42 )– Jones 18, Roaden 9, Smith 17 M. Wilson 2, K. Wilson 2.
