West Frankfort defeats Lady ‘Cats at regional basketball tournament
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">West Frankfort topped Anna-Jonesboro 67-38 in the Carterville Class 2A regional tournament in high school girls’ basketball Tuesday, Feb. 10.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">A-J fell behind 17-7 after one quarter and 36-13 at the half. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Lady Redbirds were ahead 58-32 going into the final quarter.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Balyie Denny led the way with 9 points, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range and added 5 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Erikah Parks added 8 points and a rebound. Lexa Sharp had 7 points and 5 rebounds. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Connar Hadley had 5 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Haley Inman had 4 points, 3 rebounds and a steal. Elle Basler had 3 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Ally Reynolds had a point and 2 rebounds. Hunter Denny added a point and a rebound.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Lady Wildcats finished the season with an 11-8 record.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">“To some, that might not look too good,” A-J coach Matt Denny said, “but coming off five and seven win seasons, we were very pleased.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">“We learned a lot as a team, and as coaches as well, once we started games we realized where we were.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">“The girls showed their toughness as we went through injuries with Connar down for a while, and as soon as she got better, Elle went down. We played some very good games when we were short handed, and that speaks volumes of what types of kids we have, they always battle. I am proud of them for that.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Our seniors were very unselfish and showed good leadership with the younger girls. Most of these girls will be very successful in life, which is the most important thing. We will turn this program around, and it’s going to be fun doing it. We are all up to the challenge.”</span></p>