2021KHSAABEBETH

Bullitt East vs. Bethlehem

2021 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen ®

Rupp Arena

Lexington, KY

April 8, 2021

Bullitt East coach Chris Stallings started the following lineup:  5-8 Sr. Raegan Reid, 5-8 So.Lilly Reid, 6-6 Jr. Gracie Merkle, 5-4 Sr.Lexi Starr, and 5-8 Jr. Emma Egan.  Bethlehem coach Jason Clark countered with 5-10 Sr. Ella Thompson, 5-7 Jr. Kasey Spalding, 6-0 So. Emma Filiatreau, 5-5 Fr. Carlie Thurmond, and 5-5 Sr. Amelia Hodges.

The score was tied 46-46 after three quarters but Bethlehem pulled away for a 70-65 victory over Bullitt East in a battle between two of the top ranked teams in the state.  Bethlehem shot 37.1% from the field including eight of 19 from the three point line.  The Banshees connected on 16 of 17 free throws, pulled down 38 rebounds, and committed nine turnovers.  Bullitt East shot 41.3% from the field including four of 12 from beyond the arc.  The Lady Chargers connected on nine of 11 free throws,pulled down 40 rebounds, and committed 11 turnovers.

Ella Freeman led Bethlehem with 25 points including two three point baskets, five of six free throws, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.  Carlie Thurmond added 18 points including two three point baskets, eight of eight free throws, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals.  Emma Filiatreau recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.  Amelia Hodges chipped in with nine points and five assists.  6-2 So. Xaviara Smalley added four points, 10 rebounds, three blocked shots, and two steals.

Gracie Merkle led Bullitt East with 27 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocked shots.  Emma Egan added 12 points including four of four free throws, two rebounds, and five assists.  Lexi Starr recorded nine points, sux rebounds, four assists, and two steals.  5-9 Sr. Selena Granado added 10 points including two three point baskets, three rebounds, and three assists.

Bullitt East,14,11,21,19,65

Bethlehem,13,15,18,24,70

Bullitt East (65) – R. Reid 0, L. Reid 7, Merkle 27, Starr 9, Egan 12, Granado 10.

Bethlehem (70) – Thompson 25, Spalding 3, Filiatreau 11, Thurmond 18, Hodges 9, Smalley 4.

A special thanks to WL Stats and the KHSAA for providing the comprehensive statistics for this game.