[Stardust]

Veteran Simon Kenton coach Jeff Stowers said his young team, which has just one senior, exceeded his expectations, but that it wasn’t quite ready for a regional semifinal game, especially because it was affected by Friday night’s severe weather.

“I had no idea what to expect from them this year,” said Stowers. “I expected them to play hard, but other than that I had no idea. Our inexperience kind of hurt us today. If we had played last night we were all set with that routine. I don’t think the weather iwas a distraction as far as the game, I think it was a distraction not being able to play yesterday. We were raring to go yesterday.”

South Oldham senior guard Jasmine Whitfield, a University of Cincinnati signee, poured in 29 points, 20 in the first half as South Oldham built a 40-25 halftime lead.

Stowers said it wasn’t Whitfield who hurt his team as much as the other players, three of whom scored nine points or more.

“We were willing to give her hers,” said Stowers. “We told them we need to stop the fringes from hitting 6 to 8 footers on us and we didn’t do that.”

Senior guard Hanna Stephenson led Simon Kenton with 19 points.