The Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers secured their spot at the state tournament by winning the 8th Region championship for the second consecutive year. They defeated Anderson County with a commanding score of 63-34 on March 7, 2024, at Roy L. Winchester Gymnasium in Henry County, Kentucky. This victory marks the third time in four seasons that the Pioneers have claimed the regional title, enhancing their season record to an impressive 31-2.
The team’s performance has been remarkable, remaining unbeaten against opponents from Kentucky throughout the season. “We worked really hard this season,” said senior Haylie Webb. “Back-to-back, undefeated in Kentucky, and we’ve kept that up. I’m really proud of us. Now we get to go to Rupp and hopefully finish on a good note.”
The Lady Pioneers’ success is partly attributed to a core group of players. Webb, along with Anna Kelch and Meg Gadzala, has played a vital role in the team’s achievements. Gadzala, who suffered an injury earlier in the season, has remained a significant presence on the sidelines. “It’s our last run,” said Kelch. “This is my family out there. We play for each other. We’ve been playing with each other for so long that I don’t want this season to end anything short of our last game being the championship in Rupp Arena.”
Brynli Pernell was instrumental in the championship game, leading the scoring with 19 points and earning tournament MVP honors. Eighth-grader Angela Kabeya, who stepped into the starting lineup in Gadzala’s absence, contributed 16 points, while Webb and Bella Ober added 10 and 8 points respectively. All four players were recognized on the all-tournament team.
The game began with an explosive start as Webb hit two three-pointers, followed by Kabeya’s contribution, establishing an early 9-0 lead. By halftime, the Lady Pioneers had extended their advantage to 31-15. They maintained control throughout the game, leading 39-21 by the end of the third quarter. Ober then sealed the victory with a personal 8-0 run in the final period.
Coach Jeff Stowers praised his team’s chemistry and resilience. “They’ve played for each other all year long,” he noted. “When Brynli is on, it’s a new ball game. When Haylie is going to the basket or grabbing rebounds, we’ve got you both ways.”
Anderson County’s efforts were led by Andie Beasley, who scored 9 points. She, along with teammates Emily Jarrard and Ellie Shouse, received all-tournament team honors.
The Lady Pioneers’ victory marks their eighth regional title in the program’s history. Their previous appearances at the state tournament ended in the first round, with their last tournament win occurring in 2017. Pernell expressed a strong desire to change that narrative this year. “All the times we’ve been at state, we’ve lost in the first round and it’s devastating,” she explained. “I think we have a really, really good chance of going past the first round and even further this year.”
Simon Kenton will face the winner of the 16th Region, Ashland Blazer, at Rupp Arena on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.. With their sights set on a championship, the Lady Pioneers are determined to make their mark on the state tournament.
