By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
The Campbell County and Simon Kenton girls’ basketball teams jumped out to early leads and won first-round games in regional basketball tournaments on Monday.
Campbell County took a 39-2 lead in the first quarter and went on to defeat Bracken County, 98-20, in a 10th Region playoff game at Mason County. The Camels ended up shooting 56 percent from the field with 43 points coming off turnovers.
In an 8th Region game, tournament host Simon Kenton let a 12-point lead slip away in the second quarter and came roaring back to post a 58-40 win over Spencer County.
With Campbell County leading 71-12 going into the second half, the starting players were able to stay on the bench and let their teammates close out the game against Bracken County.
At the break, senior guard Lexie Stapleton had 26 points and senior guard Taylor Clos had 25 to account for most of the Camels’ scoring. Senior forward Mackenzie Schwarber also had a good first-half, getting 10 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Campbell County (29-3) will play Clark County (24-7) in a 10th Region semifinal game at 6 p.m. Friday at Mason County.
Simon Kenton had a 19-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Spencer County cut it to 30-27 by halftime. The Pioneers responded by outscoring their opponent, 28-13, in the second half to come away with the win.
The leading scorer for Simon Kenton was Maggie Jones with 16 points, followed by Ally Niece with 11 and Megan Buckner with 10. Niece also had four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Pioneers (18-10) will play Oldham County (22-7) in an 8th Region semifinal game at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Simon Kenton.
8th REGION TOURNAMENT AT SIMON KENTON HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday
Anderson County (25-5) vs. South Oldham (19-11), 6 p.m.
Owen County (18-10) vs. Walton-Verona (23-9), 8:15 p.m.
Friday
Oldham County (22-7) vs. Simon Kenton (18-10), 6:30 p.m.
Winners of Tuesday’s games, 8:15 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 6 p.m.
10th REGION TOURNAMENT AT MASON COUNTY FIELDHOUSE
Tuesday
Mason County (18-11) vs. Paris (22-9), 6 p.m.
Scott (17-14) vs. Harrison County (25-5), 7:30 p.m.
Friday
Clark County (24-7) vs. Campbell County (29-3), 6 p.m.
Winners of Tuesday’s games, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 7 p.m.