Henderson County girls basketball hopes this Sweet 16 appearance is the best of all

Treasure Washington, Henderson Gleaner
·4 min read

HENDERSON, Ky. — The last several days for the Henderson County girls basketball team were jam-packed.

The Second Region tournament was pushed back after last week's severe weather. Then the Lady Colonels overcame some postseason jitters and cruised to their two remaining victories Saturday and Sunday to clinch the title. Monday and Tuesday were practice days in Henderson. Then, the Lady Colonels made the three-hour trek east to Lexington for the KHSAA Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

Henderson County (26-4) is accustomed to making this trip. The program has set the gold standard in the Second Region with its 19 championships. The Lady Colonels have won the region title in five consecutive seasons, one shy of the record they previously set.

But there’s one thing that the Lady Colonels haven’t done that they would like to do this week — make a run toward their first-ever state title. The last four years at Rupp have been hectic:

  • A one-and-done trip in 2019.

  • No tournament in 2020 because of COVID-19.

  • Run to the final four in 2021.

  • Another first-round exit last year.

Henderson’s Brooklyn Gibson (33) takes a three-point shot as the Henderson County Lady Colonels play the Daviess County Lady Panthers at Henderson County High School Friday night, Jan. 6, 2023.
Henderson’s Brooklyn Gibson (33) takes a three-point shot as the Henderson County Lady Colonels play the Daviess County Lady Panthers at Henderson County High School Friday night, Jan. 6, 2023.

The Lady Colonels especially remember the 2021 semifinal loss to Marshall County.

“We knew that we were so close to that championship game. We could almost taste it how close we were,” senior Jarie Thomas said. “We really would like to be able to accomplish that. That’s our big goal this year.”

The Lady Colonels rolled through their four postseason games, beating Webster County, Madisonville-North Hopkins, Christian County and Crittenden County by an average margin of 22 points. This group has more experience than in previous years. Not only does it boast a four-member senior class, but its underclassmen have stepped up in the postseason.

Plus, they carry a 12-game winning streak into the tournament.

Brooklyn Gibson and Shalyn Sprinkles have stepped up lately. Gibson’s 17 points against Webster County in the Sixth District championship marked her season-high while Sprinkles has netted double figures in four of her last five games.

Henderson Head Coach Jeff Haile gives direction during a timeout of the Henderson County Lady Colonels vs the Daviess County Lady Panthers game at Henderson County High School Friday night, Jan. 6, 2023.
Henderson Head Coach Jeff Haile gives direction during a timeout of the Henderson County Lady Colonels vs the Daviess County Lady Panthers game at Henderson County High School Friday night, Jan. 6, 2023.

Henderson County coach Jeff Haile credited Sprinkles for the team’s proficient 3-point shooting. It leads the state from deep at 41.8%, and senior Graci Risley shooting at a 51.9% clip is also a state-best.

Thomas and Gibson also have both been efficient in the paint for the Lady Colonels and are shooting at over 53% so far this season.

“It’s a well-rounded offense, we feel,” Haile said. “That’s why our shooting percentage is probably a little bit better because we’re taking good shots.”

Henderson County’s first order of business in the Sweet 16 is taking care of Simon Kenton (19-14) in the first round. The two teams have never played each other, but the Pioneers are just as proficient from deep, if not more. They shot over 700 3-pointers compared to the Lady Colonels' 497.

“They’re a young basketball team,” Haile said. “They’re well-skilled, well-coached, have some speed, put a lot of pressure on you. (They) like to press a lot. It’s things that we’ve seen all year long, but nothing we haven’t seen before that we won’t be prepared for.”

Henderson’s Graci Risley passes the ball against CAL.Jan. 24, 2023
Henderson’s Graci Risley passes the ball against CAL.Jan. 24, 2023

In the bottom of the bracket with Henderson County are Mercy (24-9) and Cooper (29-3). Mercy is back in Lexington for the first time since 2019. It has Division I talent and is the last team from Kentucky to take down two-time defending state champion Sacred Heart.

Cooper, meanwhile, has made back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and is a favorite to contend for the title. It made the semifinals last year, has a stifling defense this season and already defeated Mercy and Simon Kenton.

Henderson County would love to make history and win that first-ever title. If it were to win, the celebration would be unlike any other. But the Lady Colonels are solely focused on Simon Kenton for now.

“I honestly would have no words. It would be very exciting,” Risley said of potentially winning the title. “That would be a great moment, but we’ve got to get there first.”

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on Twitter @Twashington490.

Henderson County's KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Schedule

Will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington. All times Central.

Thursday, 7:30 p.m. – Henderson Co. (26-4) vs. Simon Kenton (19-14)

Friday, 7:30 p.m. – Cooper-Mercy winner vs. Henderson County-Simon Kenton winner

Saturday – Semifinal at 12:30 p.m.; championship at 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Henderson Gleaner: KHSAA Sweet 16: Henderson County girls hope to make noise