By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
The Brossart girls basketball team posted a big win in more ways that one Wednesday when the Mustangs defeated Campbell County, 35-32, in a 37th District semifinal game.
With the victory, Brossart advanced to the district final and earned a 10th Region tournament berth for the first time since 2014. The Mustangs also ended a seven-game losing streak against Campbell County and they achieved their first 20-win season in five years.
That’s why Brossart players were screaming with delight when the final horn sounded in Wednesday’s game. After seeing a 12-point lead slip away during the second half, the Mustangs (20-9) got the baskets, and the blocked shot, they needed at the end to come away with the victory.
Sophomore forward Marie Kiefer and senior forward Mariah Frommeyer scored back-to-back baskets to give Brossart a 35-29 lead with under a minute left on the clock. But Campbell County senior Tamara Wells was fouled while making a field goal and knocked down the free throw to cut the margin to 35-32.
Brossart junior Lily Cropenbaker was fouled with 27 seconds remaining, but she missed the front end of a bonus situation and Campbell County got the rebound. The Camels missed a 3-point attempt and called a timeout after once again getting the rebound.
With 11 seconds remaining, Campbell County inbounded the ball to junior guard Jalyn Jackson. When she wasn’t able to find an open teammate, Jackson put up a 3-point shot that was blocked by Kiefer. Jackson recovered the ball and put up an off-balanced shot from the corner that fell short as the final horn sounded.
Kiefer, who turned her ankle early in the game and needed it taped, finished with a game-high 16 points and seven rebounds. Campbell County’s leading scorer was junior guard Mallory Holbrook with 13 points.
Brossart sophomore Rosie Jump scored eight of her 10 points in the third quarter when her team opened up a 27-15 lead. But Campbell County scored three points on each of its next four possessions and cut the margin to 29-27.
Campbell County was the 37th District champion nine of the last 11 years. Brossart has a 4-4 record in 37th District finals going into Friday’s championship game against Scott at 7 p.m. at Campbell County Middle School.
Both district finalists will play in next week’s 10th Region tournament at Montgomery County High School.
Conner, Ryle, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Highlands, Newport Central Catholic and Scott all won girls district semifinal games by double-digit margins on Wednesday to clinch regional tournament berths. St. Henry and Dixie Heights won 34th District boys semifinal games to extend their seasons.
Boys district basketball tournaments
32nd District at Simon Kenton
Thursday
Championship: Simon Kenton vs. Walton-Verona, 7 p.m.
33rd District at Cooper
Thursday
Championship: Cooper vs. Conner, 7 p.m.
34th District at St. Henry
Friday
Championship: St. Henry vs. Dixie Heights, 7 p.m.
35th District at Holmes
Thursday
Championship: Beechwood vs. Covington Catholic, 7 p.m.
36th District at Newport Central Catholic
Thursday
Championship: Highlands vs. Newport, 7 p.m.
37th District at Campbell County Middle School
Thursday
Championship: Campbell County vs. Scott, 7 p.m.
Girls district basketball tournaments
32nd District at Simon Kenton
Friday
Championship: Simon Kenton vs. Walton-Verona, 7 p.m.
33rd District at Cooper
Friday
Championship: Conner vs. Ryle, 7 p.m.
34th District at St. Henry
Thursday
Championship: Ludlow vs. Dixie Heights, 7 p.m.
35th District at Holmes
Friday
Championship: Notre Dame vs. Holy Cross, 7 p.m.
36th District at Newport Central Catholic
Friday
Championship: Highlands vs. Newport Central Catholic, 7 p.m.
37th District at Campbell County Middle School
Friday
Championship: Scott vs. Brossart, 7 p.m.