The Caldwell County Lady Tigers are back in the 7th District championship game for the first time since 2014. The Lady Tigers advanced with arguably their most solid performance of the season, cruising past Madisonville 72-62 Monday night in Princeton.
Caldwell County never trailed in the contest, and had the answer every time the Lady Maroons made a run to get back in the game.
The Lady Tigers, leading 4-3 early in the game, went on an 11-3 run, behind the inside play of Bella McConnell, to take a 15-6 lead. Caldwell County would lead Madisonville 20-12 after the first quarter. McConnell was huge early, scoring ten points in the quarter.
The Lady Maroons batted to cut into the lead, trimming it to 27-22 with just over two minutes to go in the half. A Jada Boyd basket would send Caldwell County into the locker room with a 33-27 halftime lead.
Jacey Jaggers, who was held to just two points in the first half, knocked down a three to open the second half, and give Caldwell County a 36-27 lead. Madisonville cut the lead to five points on a couple of occasions in the third quarter, but could get no closer. Caldwell County ended the quarter on a 14-3 run to take a 52-36 lead after three.
Jaggers and McConnell then took over for the Lady Tigers during the 4th quarter to help secure the win. Madisonville would cut the lead to seven points with just over a minute left. But, Jaggers and McConnell combined to hit five free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Foul problems were major issue for the Lady Maroons, as four players would foul out of the game in the fourth quarter.
Bella McConnell led the way for Caldwell County with 29 points. Jacey Jaggers added 19 for the Lady Tigers. Madisonville was led by Courtney Peyton with 25 points, while Kara Franklin added 11.
The win moves Caldwell County into Thursday night’s district championship game against Dawson Springs, and improves the Lady Tigers record to 15-12. Madisonville ends the season at 8-18.
