[Stardust]

Scott County girls hold off Lexington Catholic

http://www.kentucky.com/813/story/717497.html

RICHMOND — For the past five years, it never failed.

It was always the same scenario: Through tear-streaked vision, the Scott County players would always see the Lexington Catholic jerseys celebrating in front of them.

For five straight years, the Cards have had their season end at the hands of Catholic, but not Friday night in the 11th Region semifinals.

This time it was Scott County cheering a 69-60 victory and its first trip to the 11th Region title game since being moved into the region in 2006.

"This was a good win for us," a subdued coach Steve Helton said. "It was a really nice win."

The Cardinals, who won their ninth straight, will face No. 2 Lexington Christian in Saturday's title game at Eastern Kentucky. The Eagles quickly dispatched No. 17 Franklin County 67-40 in the other semifinal.

In the regular season, LCA topped Scott County 74-55, but the Cardinals were playing without star Madisen Webb.

The championship game is not a place many imagined Scott County would be after an 8-14 start to the season.........