Jackson County's shot at a KHSAA state championship was ended by the hands of Christian County on Friday, losing 53-44.Jackson County led for over three quarters, stretching the lead to as many as 13 points. Still holding on to a seven point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Christian County began to finally chew away. At the 6:22 mark, Jackson County lost their lead and never regained it.
Christian County used a burst of offense in the fourth, outscoring Jackson County 22-8. While Jackson County shot a respectable 50-percent from the field during the fourth, the team only attempted six shots. Christian County had 14 attempts and made 57-percent of them.
Sarah Elliott had 13 points and 12 rebounds, blocking four shots. For Christian County, Arnika Brown, a 6'2 freshman forward, led all scorers with 18 points. She also added nine rebounds, three assists, five steals and a block while shooting 50-percent for the game.
Jackson County finishes its season at 28-7.
Jackson County made it to the KHSAA Elite Eight with a win Thursday over Calloway County, 53-37. Sarah Elliot led all scorers with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 30 minutes of play.
In attendance for the Thursday game was Purdue head coach Kristy Curry. Curry attended the morning session, and likely got a look at Christian County forward Arnika Brown in the game before the Jackson County game. Brown scored 17 points and 17 rebounds in their Sweet Sixteen win Thursday. She played high school varsity as an 8th grader and averaged 14.2 points and 9.5 rebounds, and is the best player in her class in the state of Kentucky. She's already getting major Division I attention, and likely has more college coaches as fans of her game after Thursday's and Friday's performances.