Kylee Elmore was overcome with emotion as she embraced her close friend and fellow senior Olivia Woosley. Her career – and the Houston Lady Tigers’ pursuit of a district title – was over.
Licking earned a championship three-repeat Monday night with a wire-to-wire 59-43 victory against HHS in the title game of Class 3 District 10.
Not only did it end a strong season for the Lady Tigers, but it was also the final game in a memorable career for Elmore. The four-year starter eclipsed 1,000 points in her career and led Houston (18-10) to consecutive appearances in the district final.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with the kid. She is like a daughter to me,” Lady Tigers coach Brent Kell said. “We’re really going to miss her.”
Licking took control from the get-go. The Lady Wildcats scored the game’s first 12 points and had an eight-point halftime advantage.
The lead grew to double digits early in the second half as Licking won three straight district titles for the first time in program history.
“They were very aggressive and we weren’t,” Kell said. “I wish we would have given our best effort.”
Junior Sarah Kelley led HHS with 17 points. Elmore added a pair of 3-pointers and 12 points.
Licking’s duo of Bailie Osborne and Megan Smith combined for 51 of the team’s 59 points as the Lady Wildcats beat Houston for the fourth time this season.
Kell said Licking’s aggressive zone defense caused his team’s struggles.
“They’re tough to get shots against. We just couldn’t get any open looks,” he said. “You move the ball pretty well and think you have an open look, but by the time you catch it you’re no longer open.”
BOX SCORE
Houston 7 8 11 17 – 43
Licking 12 11 18 18 – 59
HOUSTON (43) – Kylee Elmore 12. Shelby Cremer 5. Abby Casper 3. Olivia Woosley 2. Sarah Kelley 17. Jaydin Ramsey 4. FG 18. FT 4-8. F 14. (3-pointers: Elmore 2, Cremer. Fouled out: none).
Monday’s score
Championship
Licking 59, Houston 43
Last Wednesday’s scores
Semifinals
Licking 44, Mountain Grove 22
Houston 55, Willow Springs 52
Last Monday’s scores
First round
Licking 63, Hollister 22
Mountain Grove 41, Ava 37
Houston 63, Forsyth 46
Willow Springs 43, Liberty 42
Wednesday morning, AD Brent Kell announced the Thayer game – which was postponed by snow, rescheduled, canceled and rescheduled again – will be played at 6 p.m. Tuesday inside Hiett Gymnasium.