By Audrey Carrico
NKyTribune sports reporter
Simon Kenton junior point guard Brynli Pernell scored 22 points Friday as the Pioneers secured a return trip to the 8th Region final with a 58-37 semifinal win over Spencer County.
In the championship game, Simon Kenton (30-2) will take on Anderson County (23-9) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Henry County High School. The Pioneers won the regular season game between the two teams, 56-20, in January.
Spencer County provided a tough first-quarter challenge as senior Gracie Brown found early production in the paint. After a 3-point goal by Pernell tied the score at 13 in the final seconds of the period, the Pioneers never trailed again.
Taking charge in the second quarter, Simon Kenton forward Haylie Webb converted three consecutive baskets inside to ignite a 15-0 run. Webb finished with 18 points.
The Pioneers recorded an assist on all but one of their 22 made field goals. On defense, they forced 22 turnovers using full-court pressure to stifle the Bears and limit their offensive production.
Simon Kenton relied on perimeter shooting to pull away before the break. The Pioneers got six of their nine 3-pointers, in the first half to build a 31-19 lead.
Their production on both ends of the court left Spencer County with little time to mount a late-game comeback. The Bears were outscored 27-18 in the second half.
A 3-pointer by eighth-grader Angela Kabaya early in the third quarter set the tone for the Pioneers’ second-half production. She and Pernell entered Friday’s matchup shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range with a combined 132 makes.
A sizable fourth-quarter advantage allowed the Pioneers to empty their bench in the final minutes as they moved a step closer to their second consecutive region championship.
Anderson County defeated Owen County, 40-23, in Friday’s other region semifinal game. Leading scorers Emily Jarrard and Ellie Shouse, a pair that combine for nearly 30 points per game, were held to just five points in their last meeting with Simon Kenton.
Girls basketball region tournaments
10TH REGION GIRLS AT HARRISON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Saturday
Championship game: George Rogers Clark (28-2) vs. Campbell County (23-6), 7 p.m.
8TH REGION GIRLS AT HENRY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Saturday
Championship game: Anderson County (23-9) vs. Simon Kenton (30-2), 7 p.m.
Boys basketball region tournaments
9TH REGION BOYS AT TRUIST ARENA
Saturday — Upper bracket
Highlands (25-5) vs. Conner (14-12), 1 p.m.
Covington Catholic (28-2) vs. Dixie Heights (18-12), 2:30 p.m.
Saturday — Lower bracket
Lloyd (22-4) vs. Holy Cross (21-9), 6:30 p.m.
Ryle (21-8) vs. Newport (21-9), 8 p.m.
Sunday
Upper bracket semifinal, 6:30 p.m.
Lower bracket semifinal, 8 p.m.
Tuesday
Championship game, 7 p.m.
10TH REGION BOYS AT MASON COUNTY FIELDHOUSE
Monday
Scott (16-14) vs. George Rogers Clark (27-4), 6 p.m.
Montgomery County (18-12) vs. Campbell County (22-9), 8 p.m.
Tuesday
Championship game, 7 p.m.