The Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers clinched their second consecutive girls’ 8th Region championship on March 15, 2024, with a commanding 63-34 victory over Anderson County. The match took place at Roy L. Winchester Gymnasium in New Castle, where the Pioneers showcased their dominance throughout the season. With this win, Simon Kenton improves to an impressive 31-2, marking the most victories in a single season in the program’s history, and maintains an unbeaten record against teams from Kentucky.
Senior guard Haylie Webb expressed pride in her team’s performance, stating, “We worked really hard this season. Back-to-back, undefeated in Kentucky, and we’ve kept that up. I’m really proud of us. Now we get to go to Rupp and hopefully finish on a good note.” The anticipation for their next challenge at Rupp Arena is palpable among the players.
The success of the Lady Pioneers can be traced back to their earlier years. Four of the starters from their previous championship-winning team, including seniors Webb, Anna Kelch, and Meg Gadzala, have continued to play pivotal roles. Gadzala, who had been sidelined with an injury, has been a motivating presence for the team. Kelch emphasized the bond formed over the years, saying, “This is my family out there. We play for each other.”
The championship game showcased contributions from multiple players. Brynli Pernell led the scoring with 19 points, earning the tournament MVP title for the second consecutive year. Eighth grader Angela Kabeya, who has stepped into the starting lineup due to Gadzala’s injury, added 16 points. Webb and Bella Ober contributed 10 and 8 points, respectively, both also receiving all-tournament recognition.
The game began strongly for Simon Kenton, with Webb sinking two three-pointers early on, complemented by Kabeya’s shot that gave the Pioneers a quick 9-0 lead. By halftime, the team had extended their advantage to 31-15. The momentum continued into the second half, culminating in a 39-21 lead heading into the final quarter. Ober’s 8-0 run effectively sealed the game for Simon Kenton.
Head coach Jeff Stowers highlighted the team’s synergy, stating, “They’ve played for each other all year long. When Brynli is on, it’s a new ball game.” The Lady Pioneers have demonstrated a remarkable ability to work together, a key factor in their success.
Anderson County’s effort was led by Andie Beasley, who scored nine points, while teammates Emily Jarrard and Ellie Shouse also made significant contributions. Both Jarrard and Shouse were named to the all-tournament team alongside their counterparts from Simon Kenton.
This victory marks Simon Kenton’s eighth regional title, a significant achievement as they aim to advance further in the state tournament. Previous appearances have ended in the first round, leaving the players eager to change that narrative. “All the times we’ve been at state, we’ve lost in the first round and it’s devastating,” Pernell shared. “I think we have a really, really good chance of going past the first round and even further this year.”
The Lady Pioneers now prepare to face the 16th Region champion, Ashland Blazer, at Rupp Arena on Thursday at 13:30. As they look to make history, the community and fans continue to rally behind them, hopeful for a standout performance.
The final game statistics reflect Simon Kenton’s dominance: they made 25 of 48 field goal attempts and converted 10 of 22 three-pointers. In contrast, Anderson County managed 12 of 34 field goals and 6 of 17 from beyond the arc. The Pioneers also excelled in rebounds, securing 21 compared to Anderson’s 12.
As the team heads to the state tournament, Simon Kenton aims to build on their strong performance and make a lasting impact in the competition.
