The Apollo E-gals went into this week’s 3rd Region Tournament with a defensive mindset and that carried over into their first game Wednesday against Ohio County as they held the Eagles to just nine points in the first half.
Apollo’s defense turned into offense for the first two frames as they cruised to the 50-30 victory.
The E-gals allowed just two field goals in the first half and buried seven 3-pointers to put themselves in the driver’s seat early in the game.
Apollo coach Natalie Payne said her team has bought in and then some on the defensive end.
“Our kids are so focused defensively on their assignments and how to guard kids certain ways and just the intensity,” she said. “I felt like they carried out the plan to a T with fronting the post and helpside. Getting a hand in front of (Addie) Bullock and staying in front of (Kelsey) Kennedy. The kids just bought into it and that’s where the energy came up and it helps to carry over on the other end. It’s kind of the theme right now.”
Amber Dunn got off to a hot start got the E-gals and had five points to go with three rebounds in the first few minutes of the game. Dunn finished with 11 points and 10 boards for another double-double.
The E-gals held a 35-9 lead at the break and looked to be in prime position for a running clock in the second half but with Ohio County finding its rhythm and Payne trying some different things, Apollo was content with a double-digit lead until the clock ran out.
“We did lose a little bit of our momentum there but we were trying some different rotations and trying to save some kids legs,” she said. “It’s difficult to play at that level we were playing at for four quarters. There’s going to be a time where a team makes another run and it’s who can withstand the runs this time of the year. We’ll be okay. It wasn’t a perfect half but I really enjoyed watching us in the first half.”
Kassidy Daugherty (11 points) and Amaya Curry (10 points) also finished in double digits for the E-gals while they hit a total of eight 3-pointers.
Apollo advances to take on Breckinridge County at 3 p.m. Saturday in the 3rd Region Tournament semifinals after the Lady Tigers cruised by Butler County in Wednesday’s tournament opener.
Payne said she knows the game will be a battle.
“I think again, our focus has to be on the defensive end,” she said. “We’ve got to be able to mix things up and keep it fresh. Keep them on their toes. It’s going to be a tough matchup for us because they have four kids, sometimes five that can shoot the three and drive it. They’re just tough and they’ve got experience. But, we have that experience. We’ve both been there, done that. I’m just really excited for our kids to go out there and have another shot at them.”
APOLLO 50, OHIO COUNTY 30
OC (11-10) 7 2 11 10–30
AHS (14-6) 19 16 11 4–50
OC: Madison Smith 2, Camryn Kennedy 2, Kelsey Kennedy 11, Shelby Probus 3, Heaven Vanover 4, Addie Bullock 4, Rain Embry 2, Kami Smith 2
AHS: Amaya Curry 10, Shelbie Beatty 8, Zoe Floyd 4, Addison Carter 6, Kassidy Daugherty 11, Amber Dunn 11
2021 basketball coverage is presented in part by Rhoads & Rhoads Attorneys at Law.
