Charger boys and girls are riding nice winning streaks

MOUNT WASHINGTON - Both of the Bullitt East basketball teams went on the road last Tuesday to face former Eighth Region foes and after the results both teams probably wish they were still in that region.

The Pioneer News

The Bullitt East High School Chargers

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In the girls’ game, Bullitt East had a dominating performance as they beat former rival Shelby County 63-43. The Lady Charges had a 13-point scoring advantage in the third quarter and then coasted to the win, the team’s seventh straight win in January.

Just 20 miles away, it was much the same story as the Bullitt East boys renewed an old rivalry with Oldham County, beating the Colonels 69-57. The game was not even as close as the final score as the Chargers had a 24 points lead late in the third quarter.

Lady Chargers Stay Hot

Bullitt East and Shelby County was always a hot rivalry in the old Eighth Region and while some of the players might not know much about the history, Lady Charger head coach Chris Stallings certainly does.

“It’s always good to go up there and get a win,” the coach said later in the week.

“We played four pretty solid quarter offensively and defensively,” Stallings added. “I was pleased with the effort. We were able to get after them on defense. I like the way we’re coming on defensively from the start of the season to now.”

The defense was very evident in the third quarter as Bullitt East forced Shelby County to turn the ball over without a shot on seven straight possessions. That helped Bullitt East push a 31-23 halftime lead to 49-28 entering the final quarter.

As is becoming more the norm for the Lady Chargers, everybody who dressed for the game made a contribution. Kayla Thacker led the way with only 13 points and freshman Nikole Isabel tossed in 12 points, but 12 different Bullitt East players scored at least a point in the win.

Haleigh LeCompte led Shelby County (7-10) with 15 points.

“We still have a ways to go,” Stallings noted. “But it was good that everybody contributed. That’s good to see.”

Three nights earlier, Bullitt East got its sixth-straight win with a 60-41 decision over Sixth Region rival Central.

Bullitt East has lost to once this season within the Sixth Region and that was a loss to Butler back early in the season. The Lady Chargers will face the top team in the Sixth Region, Iroquois, on Feb. 3 in Louisville.

Against Central, it was another strong defensive effort as the Lady Chargers jumped on top 33-18 in the first half and then never looked back. Bullitt East had a scoring advantage in each of the four quarters as 11 different players scored in this win.

In fact, the only Bullitt East player in double-figures was junior Shelby Romine with 11 points. Thacker contributed nine points in the win.

At Shelby County

BULLITT EAST 63 (16-15-18-14) Jaime Simpson 7, Jessica Philpott 5, Chelsey Smith 4, Nikole Isabel 12, Whitney Stansbury 2, Jennifer Romine 4, Kayla Thacker 13, Lindey Young 4, Kelly Cunningham 5, Jackie Sevens 1, Samantha Johnson 6.

SHELBY COUNTY 43 (12-11-5-15) LeCompte 15, Case 6, Stucker 6, Davis 6, Shaw 3, Cardwell 3, Wells 4.

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At Central

BULLITT EAST 60 (15-18-13-14) Jaime Simpson 2, Jessica Philpott 3, Chelsey Smith 3, Nikole Isabel 8, Shelby Romine 11, Jade Troutman 8, Kayla Thacker 9, Meredith Polson 6, Lindey Young 4, Jackie Stevens 2, Samantha Johnson 4.

CENTRAL 41 (9-9-11-12) Williams 2, Coleman 14, LeMaster 1, Brents 4, Everette 12, Washington 8.

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Back to Normal

Bullitt East’s recent four-game losing streak seems years ago now as the Chargers have rediscovered their missing mojo.

That was in evidence on Tuesday as the red and gold travel to Oldham County and turned back the Colonels 69-57 for their third-straight victory.

This one was over after three quarters as Bullitt East built a 62-40 lead and then cleared the bench down the stretch.

“We had a good game,” Charger head coach Troy Barr said later in the week. “Oldham County is a good place to play. It’s not one of their best teams. Still, when you go there and get a double-digit win it’s good.

“It showed that we’re getting our swagger back,” the coach added. We had a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. We had a great work ethic.”

Bullitt East (11-8) had good balance on offense, led by three seniors. Willie Moore led the way with 17 points while Tyler Downs tossed in 14 points and Adam Kelty added 12.

The Chargers have a big week coming up. The red and gold start on Monday when they play host to North Oldham and then have a huge game on Wednesday when Fairdale visits Mount Washington. On Friday, the Chargers will play at Iroquois.

At Oldham County

BULLITT EAST 69 (17-24-21-7) Adam Kelty 12, Tyler Downs 14, Hayden Sweat 6, Brandon Alphin 5, Grant Polson 9, Justin Smith 2, Tyler Payne 2, Willie Moore 17.

OLDHAM COUNTY 57 (9-17-14-17) Obradovich 4, Dunlap 19, Davis 11, Payne 7, Denise 4, Sims 2, Mason 8, Leary 2.