2021BETHSVG

Bethlehem vs. Shelby Valley (Girls)

Shelby Valley Sports Center

Robinson Creek, KY

January 23, 2021

This was billed as a battle between two of the most intriguing teams in the state this year.  Jason Clark’s Bethlehem Banshees captured the All “A” Classic Championship this year and is considered one of the top contenders in the state to win the Sweet 16 this year.  They are led by two talented seniors 5-10 Sr. Ella Thompson and 5-5 Sr. Amelia Hodges and a very talented supporting cast.  Lonnie Rowe’s Shelby Valley Lady Kats enter the game led by their dynamic Junior 1-2 punch 5-6 Jr. Cassidy Rowe and 5-10 Jr. Alyssa Elswick.

Bethlehem dominated a stretch in the second quarter and actually led 45-28 early in the third quarter but there was no quit in Shelby Valley as they battled back and trailed 62-60 with 5:26 left in the game.  However Bethlehem got two key baskets from Ella Thompson and hit their late free throws to earn a 74-66 victory.  Bethlehem shot 43.3% from the field including five of 16 from the three point line.  The Banshees connected on 17 of 19 free throws and pulled down 38 rebounds.  Shelby Valley shot 50.9% from the field including nine of 27 from beyond the arc.  The Lady Kats connected on three of eight free throws amd pulled down 18 rebounds.

5-10 Sr. Ella Thompson led Bethlehem with 20 points including four of four free throws and pulled down 13 rebounds.  5-5 Sr. Amelia Hodges added 19 points including three three point baskets.  6-0 So. Emma Filiatreau recorded 14 points and nine rebounds.  5-5 Fr. Carlie Thurmond chipped in with 14 points including two three point baskets.  6-2 So. Xaviaria Smalley added six points and six rebounds.

5-6 Jr. Cassidy Rowe led Shelby Valley with 23 points including five three point baskets and dished out 10 assists.  5-10 Jr. Alyssa Elswick added 20 points and 12 rebounds.  5-6 Sr. Laci Johnson recorded nine points and four rebounds.  5-6 Fr. Jazzy Meade chipped in with eight points including two three point baskets.  5-7 Jr. Kyra Looney added six points on two three point baskets.

Bethlehem,19,22,13,20,74

Shelby Valley,10,18,21,17,66

Bethlehem (74) – Thompson 20, Hodges 19, Filiatreau 14, Thurmond 14, Smalley 6, Spaulding 1.

Shelby Valley (66) – Rowe 23. Elswick 20, L. Johnson 9, Meade 8, Looney 6.