Walton-Verona chills CCHS with threes

Abigail Champion looks to pass.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Despite being outgunned in depth and size, Crittenden County put up a spirited fight in an 80-65 loss to a talented Walton-Verona squad on Saturday during the First Bank Holiday Bash at South Warren.

Morgan Stewart (4) scored
11 in the first period

Morgan Stewart, stepping in as Crittenden’s starting center for the third consecutive game due to Bristyn Rushing's injury, dominated early, scoring 11 of the game’s first 13 points to give the Lady Rockets a quick lead. However, Walton-Verona’s sharpshooting guards and 6-foot-2 center Braylin Terrell, a Grace College (Ind.) commit, took control before halftime with a commanding 21-7 run.

Crittenden County found themselves trailing by as many as 19 points in the third quarter but mounted a comeback midway through the fourth. Eight quick points by Elliot Evans, combined with timely free throws from Anna Boone, narrowed Walton-Verona’s lead to just seven.

Unfortunately for the Lady Rockets, every time they built momentum, the Lady Bearcats countered with clutch three-pointers to snuff out the rally. 

Boone and Stewart led Crittenden with 18 points each, while Evans contributed 15.

This marks only the third time in the past 16 seasons that Crittenden County has allowed 80 or more points, all against teams from outside the Second Region.

Walton-Verona, last year’s Eighth Region All "A" champion and a small-school state quarterfinalist, showcased their depth and athleticism throughout the game. Their 10 three-pointers proved critical, coming at key moments to fend off Crittenden’s determined effort.

Crittenden County 19 28 47 65
Walton-Verona 18 39 59 80
CRITTENDEN – Boone 18, Evans 15, Hodge 8, Stewart 18, Champion 2, Federico 4, Berry, Holeman. 3-pointers 3 (Hodge 2, Evans). FT 26-33.
WALTON-VERONA – Christy 26, Logue 28, Fuller 10, Hargett 7, Terrell 6, Drydon 3, Vonhandorf. 3-pointers 10. FT 18-25.