2023 Queen of the Commonwealth: Preview (Main Gym)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 Queen of the Commonwealth hosted by Bullitt East is once again one of the top in-state tournaments around. This year's field is absolutely loaded with talent. No matter what rankings you look at, you will find nearly half of the teams in the top 25. Most of the others could be found right outside of those top 25. Here is a look at the first day matchups happening in the main gym. <em>Please note that leading 3-point shooters are only listed if the player has played in the majority of games so far and averages at least (1) 3-pointer made per game.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meade County vs Corbin</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>4:00 PM, Main Gym</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Meade County Lady Waves</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 6-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='254562' first='Peyton' last='Bradley'] (25.2 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='304632' first='Paige' last='Medley'] (16.2 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='455435' first='Annabelle' last='Babb'] (14.8 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s): </strong>Kaylee Rider (5.8 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='254562' first='Peyton' last='Bradley'] (5.4 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='470570' first='Savannah' last='Triplett'] (4.2 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='254562' first='Peyton' last='Bradley'] (45.2% - 2.8 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='304632' first='Paige' last='Medley'] (37.8% - 2.8 per game)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Corbin Lady Redhounds</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 6-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1053070' first='Kylie' last='Clem'] (19.4 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='321711' first='Kallie' last='Housley'] (14.4 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='199610' first='Bailey' last='Stewart'] (12.6 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='199610' first='Bailey' last='Stewart'] (5.6 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='321711' first='Kallie' last='Housley'] (5.2 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1053070' first='Kylie' last='Clem'] (4.6 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='199610' first='Bailey' last='Stewart'] (45.5% - 1 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='1053070' first='Kylie' last='Clem'] (42.9% - 1.8 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='321711' first='Kallie' last='Housley'] (35.7% - 2 per game), Darcie Anderson (33.3% - 1 per game)<br>*Missing 1 stat report per KHSAA at the time this was written</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview: </strong>Meade County started off this season dominating a team that has four different players with D1 offers. Their only loss this season comes to a team out of state and they have played some tough games in the 1st few weeks of this season. [player_tooltip player_id='254562' first='Peyton' last='Bradley'] is the kind of player who can really make any team competitive, but she has some very talented and experienced players around her too. Between Bradley, Medley, and Babb, you have 3 quick guards who can really score the ball. They will continue getting better as the season goes on because their other core players are still getting used to their new roles, but have been very solid so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corbin is one of the toughest teams in the state. They aren't afraid of physicality and don't back down from any challenge. They really dominated a talented North Laurel team and are undefeated going into this tournament. Their main core consists of experienced upperclassman who are absolutely fearless. I think this tournament is an excellent place for them to show people who maybe don't always get to watch them play that they are one of the best teams in the state this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barren County vs Franklin County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>5:30 PM, Main Gym</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Barren County Trojanettes</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 7-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> Abby Varney (18.7 PPG), Shelby Byrd (9.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> Abby Varney (8.2 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>No player averages 1+ 3-pointer per game - as a team, they average 2.7 made 3's per game and have shot 41.3% from deep on the season<br>*Missing 1 stat report per KHSAA at the time this was written</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Franklin County Trojanettes</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 4-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='413440' first='Rachel' last='Shropshire'] (11.4 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='471746' first='Leia' last='Hogan'] (11.1 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='985788' first='Keyonna' last='Taylor'] (6.3 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='647293' first='Logan' last='Kennedy'] (6.1 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='328576' first='Juliana' last='Frazee'] (5.9 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413440' first='Rachel' last='Shropshire'] (52.6% - 1.4 per game), Alexandria Newton (41.2% - 1 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='471746' first='Leia' last='Hogan'] (27.6% - 1.1 per game)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview: </strong>I'm very curious to see what Barren County can accomplish in this tournament. They are probably the team I've seen the least, but I continue to hear a lot about them and how they could really make some noise in the 4th region this year. They have a star in Abby Varney and are going into this tournament undefeated, but this will likely be their toughest test yet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin County's record is a little deceiving because they've played one of the toughest schedules in the state so far this season. They come into this game on a 3 game winning streak and have a very talented team. They are long and active on both ends of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bethlehem vs Covington Holy Cross</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>7:00 PM, Main Gym</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bethlehem Banshees</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 4-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1059182' first='Tessa' last='Miles'] (15.2 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='228143' first='Carlie' last='Thurmond'] (13.3 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='544178' first='Ashlyn' last='Miles'] (12.7 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'] (22.7 PPG)*</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='544178' first='Ashlyn' last='Miles'] (6.5 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1059182' first='Tessa' last='Miles'] (5.2 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'] (10.3 RPG)*</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228143' first='Carlie' last='Thurmond'] (30% - 1.5 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'] (57.1% - 1.3 per game)*</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>*[player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'] is the leading scorer and rebounder, along with one of the Banshees top 3-point shooters, but has only played in 3 games due to injury</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Holy Cross (Covington) Indians</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 5-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='398022' first='Julia' last='Hunt'] (13.6 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='329464' first='Aaliyah' last='Hayes'] (10.6 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='310827' first='Aniyah' last='Carter'] (10.3 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='329461' first='Miyah' last='Wimzie'] (10 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='398022' first='Julia' last='Hunt'] (7.7 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='329461' first='Miyah' last='Wimzie'] (5.7 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='329464' first='Aaliyah' last='Hayes'] (4.7 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310827' first='Aniyah' last='Carter'] (45.8% - 1.6 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='913410' first='Alyssa' last='Arlinghaus'] (30% - 1.3 per game)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview: </strong>Bethlehem has been without their top-10 nationally ranked player, [player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'], since the 3rd game of the season. Without her, they don't have a ton of size, but what they lack in size, they make up for in heart and effort. [player_tooltip player_id='1059182' first='Tessa' last='Miles'], [player_tooltip player_id='228143' first='Carlie' last='Thurmond'], and [player_tooltip player_id='544178' first='Ashlyn' last='Miles'] are all players who contribute in big ways on both ends of the court. The Banshees are coming off a tough loss and will be looking to get back on track tonight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holy Cross' only 2 losses came in their 1st 3 games and they came to two very tough opponents. What I really like about their roster is that they have quick guard play, strong posts, good shooters, versatile players, etc. While I trust their guard play will be strong, where I could see them really taking advantage in this game is down low in the paint. They have one of the top shot blockers defensively and have great touch around the basket offensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manual vs Boyd County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>8:30 PM, Main Gym</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Manual Lady Crimsons</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 6-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='376789' first='Ashlinn' last='James'] (14 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='329434' first='Alana' last='Smith'] (12.7 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1131725' first='Electra' last='Lovely-Tolbert'] (12.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='329434' first='Alana' last='Smith'] (8.7 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='761885' first='London' last='Sweeney'] (5.3 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131725' first='Electra' last='Lovely-Tolbert'] (41.7% - 3.3 per game)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>*Only 3 games reported, so stats above are based on those games only</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Boyd County Lady Lions</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Team Record:</strong> 6-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Scorer(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='231464' first='Jasmine' last='Jordan'] (19.7 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='167104' first='Audrey' last='Biggs'] (19.3 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading Rebounder(s):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='231464' first='Jasmine' last='Jordan'] (8.3 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='167104' first='Audrey' last='Biggs'] (6.9 RPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leading 3-Point Shooter(s): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='167104' first='Audrey' last='Biggs'] (32% - 1.1 per game), [player_tooltip player_id='743739' first='Jada' last='Ray'] (32% - 1.1 per game)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview: </strong>Manual has a whole different look this year after graduating multiple top players from last season's roster. [player_tooltip player_id='376789' first='Ashlinn' last='James'] is still adjusting to having to take over games more after playing a true PG role in the past, but she's a star who will be ready. They have already been challenged with a tough overtime game this season, but this might be their toughest test yet. They have good quickness and athleticism, and they've had many players, like [player_tooltip player_id='329434' first='Alana' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1131725' first='Electra' last='Lovely-Tolbert'], who have really step their game up this season in their new roles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's going to be very difficult for any team to stop Boyd County's duo of [player_tooltip player_id='231464' first='Jasmine' last='Jordan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='167104' first='Audrey' last='Biggs']. Their lone loss came in the 1st game of the season to an out-of-state team and they've been on a roll ever since. Jordan had to step up in Biggs absence last season and she has continued dominating this season. Biggs had to adjust in her return from her knee injury, but she's fully back and looks as good as ever. They have a very talented group around them as well, including defensive stoppers and scoring threats, so they have potential to go very far this season and it'll be very interesting to see what they can do in this tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->