BB2024COOPSHG

Cooper vs. Sacred Heart Academy (Girls)

2024 Republic Bank LIT Semifinal

Valley High School
Louisville, KY
January 27, 2024

© 2024 by Ron Harrison

Cooper coach Justin Holthaus started the following lineup: 6-1 Sr. Logan Palmer, 6-1 Sr. Bella Deere, 6-1 Sr. Liz Freihofer, 5-10 Sr. Maleah Alexander, and 6-0 Fr. Haylee Noel. Sacred Heart Academy coach Donna Moir countered with 6-0 Jr. ZaKiyah Johnson, 5-8 Sr. Claire Russell, 6-3 Sr. Angelina Pelayo, 5-3 Fr. Amirah “Tootie” Jordan, and 5-10 Sr. Reagan Bender.

Sacred Heart Academy defeated Cooper by the score of 61-56 to advance to the championship game. The Valkyries led 55-35 in the final quarter but Cooper finished the game on a 21-6 run to narrow the margin. Sacred Heart shot 50% from the field including three of seven from the three point line. The Valkyries connected on 14 of 16 free throws, pulled down 28 rebounds, and scored 22 points off 16 Cooper turnovers. Cooper shot 37% from the field including six of 18 from beyond the arc. The Lady Jaguars connected on 16 of 27 free throws, pulled down 28 rebounds, and scored 22 points off 18 Sacred Heart turnovers.

Reagan Bender led Sacred Heart with 21 points including eight of eight free throws, two assists, and three steals. ZaKiyah Johnson added 13 points including four of four free throws, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Claire Russell recorded eight points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Angelina Pelayo chipped in with eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Amirah “Tootie” Johnson added five points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals

Haylee Noel led Cooper with 19 points including three three point baskets, six of seven free throws, and four rebounds. Logan Palmer added 11 points, two rebounds, and four steals. Bella Deere recorded eight points, six rebounds, and five assists. Liz Freihofer chipped in with six points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Cooper,9,10,15,22,56

Sacred Heart Academy,21,14,13,13,61

Cooper (56) – Palmer 11, Deere 8, Freihofer 6, Alexander 5, Noel 19, Brissey 3, Scott 1,Thompson 3.

Sacred Heart Academy (61) – Johnson 13, Russell 8, Pelayo 8, Jordan 5, Bender 21, Frey 4, Howe 2.

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to Bob Tonini of Sacred Heart Academy for the comprehensive stats provided for today’s games.

Please feel free to send your comments and questions concerning the event, teams, or players to me at prephoops@yahoo.com.

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on kyprephoops.com.