By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
Ashland Blazer’s relentless rebounding and physical defense proved too much for the East Carter Lady Raiders Monday night, as the Lady Kittens pulled away for a 66-37 victory in regional tournament play.
The loss ends East Carter’s season but caps off another strong year for the program under head coach Matthew Clark, whose team finished with its second consecutive 21-win season and continued the turnaround that has made the Lady Raiders competitive across the region.
East Carter’s Brynlee Walker (24) controlled the opening tip to begin the matchup. Ashland struck first as Brookelyn Duckwyler (10) and Gabby Karle (11) opened the scoring for the Lady Kittens. Jocie Rudd (10) pushed through a tight Ashland defense to record the Lady Raiders’ first basket of the night.
Aryanna Gulley (25) extended Ashland’s early momentum with an and-one play in the paint to give the Lady Kittens an 8-2 advantage. Abby Boggs (5) responded with a three-pointer to bring East Carter within three before Gulley answered again with a strong post move for two.
Sophomore Bristol Boggs (0) and Walker (24) combined for four points to keep the Lady Raiders within striking distance, but Ashland continued matching each East Carter push.
The Lady Kittens tightened their defense in the second quarter, forcing three East Carter turnovers and gradually widening the gap. Walker (24) connected with Rudd (10) inside to keep the Lady Raiders battling, but Ashland’s defensive pressure, led by Duckwyler (10), helped extend the lead to 25-12.
With 2:14 remaining in the half, East Carter searched for offense at the rim. Brooke Campbell (4) drained a three-pointer for Ashland before Boggs (0) answered with a tough basket in the paint. The Lady Raiders entered halftime trailing 30-15.
Following the game, head coach Matthew Clark said the Lady Raiders initially hoped to slow the game down with a zone defense.
“We originally were trying to play 2-3 zone and just see if we could get them to shoot poorly,” Clark said. “They didn’t shoot great from three early, but they kept getting offensive rebound after offensive rebound. The backside rebound was really killing us and they just got a ton of second-chance opportunities.”
At halftime, Clark said East Carter adjusted its defensive approach.
“At halftime, we went man-to-man and tried to put a little more pressure on them,” Clark said. “But they’re so physical, and they crash the boards so hard. You can look around and see we’re pretty outsized at almost every position.”
East Carter opened the second half with renewed energy. Senior Tori Bishop (21) drove to the basket to start the scoring, while Rudd (10) attempted a shot from the top of the key.
Ashland quickly answered as Duckwyler (10) recorded a steal that led to a fast-break layup by Gulley (25). Jenna Delaney (23) added another possession for the Lady Kittens after forcing a turnover.
The fourth quarter followed a similar pattern as Ashland capitalized on nearly every possession. Despite continued effort from the Lady Raiders, the Lady Kittens’ offense proved difficult to contain as they extended their lead down the stretch.
Even in defeat, Clark praised the effort and resilience of his team.
“Our girls battled. They gave it everything,” Clark said. “They played their guts out all year.”
Clark also reflected on the senior class, which helped lead the program’s recent resurgence.
“My first year was their first year in high school,” Clark said. “They came off a three-win season, and they’ve been through the worst times and some really good times.”
Clark noted the group’s accomplishments during their careers.
“They’re leaving with back-to-back 21-win seasons, a district championship, and an EKC regular-season championship,” Clark said. “They’ve really helped get this program back to where we want it to be.”
Looking ahead, Clark said the next generation of Lady Raiders will need to build on that foundation.
“We’re respectable throughout the region now,” Clark said. “But these younger girls have to take the next step. It’s going to take a lot of work, and we’ll still have to play with that underdog mentality.”
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
