2024BBSHASKG

. Sacred Heart Academy vs. Simon Kenton (Girls)

Simon Kenton High School
Independence, KY
February 14, 2025

© 2025 by Ron Harrison

Sacred Heart Academy coach Donna Moir started the following lineup: 6-0 Sr. Za’Kiyah Johnson, 5-10 Jr. Brianna Wilkins, 6-0 Sr. Morgan Frey, 5-5 So. Amirah “Tootie” Jordan, and 5-8 Sr. Caroline Osting. Simon Kenton coach Jeff Stowers countered with 5-10 Jr. Anna Kelch, 5-7 Jr. Megan Gadzala, 5-9 Jr. Haylie Webb, 5-3 So. Brynli Pernell, and 5-4 Fr. Bella Ober.

Simon Kenton defeated Sacred Heart Academy 75-70 in overtime to end Sacred Heart’s 92 consecutive victories against in-state competition. There were 11 lead changes and five ties in this game and the score was tied 64-64 at the end of regulation. Simon Kenton shot 51% from the field including 12 of 25 from the three point line. The Lady Pioneers connected on 13 of 22 free throws, pulled down 31 rebounds, and scored nine points off 13 Sacred Heart turnovers. Sacred Heart shot 52.7% from the field including five of 14 from beyond the arc. The Valkyries connected on seven of 13 free throws, pulled down 25 rebounds, and scored 27 points off 19 Simon Kenton turnovers. (Za’Kiyah Johnson, Tootie Jordan, and Morgan Frey all flouled out for Sacred Heart).

Brynli Pernell led Simon Kenton with 22 points including four three point baskets, four of five free throws, three rebounds, and four assists. Bella Ober added 21 points including three three point baskets, four of six free throws, three rebounds, and five assists. Haylie Webb recorded 13 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Anna Kelch chipped in with 12 points on four three point baskets, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Megan Gadzala recorded seven points, five rebounds, and five assists. The five starters should be named “The Iron 5” as they each recorded 36 minutes of playing time and never left the floor tonight as they pulled off this hurculean task of knocking off the reigning giant of girls basketball in the Bluegrass.

Za’Kiyah Johnson led Sacred Heart with 25 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and six steals. “Tootie” Jordan added 16 points including two three point baskets, two rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Morgan Frey recorded 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Brianna Wilkins chipped in with seven points and four rebounds. 5-7 Fr. Riley Gilvin added seven points.

Scoring Summary

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to Bob Tonini of Sacred Heart Academy for the comprehensive stats provided for tonight's games.

Please feel free to send your comments and questions concerning the event, teams, or players to me at prephoops@yahoo.com.

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on kyprephoops.com.