South Shelby Rallies Past Palmyra With Dominant Second Half

The South Shelby Ladybirds outscored the Palmyra Lady Panthers 40-22 in the second half on their way to a 63-50 win and their third straight district championship Friday night. The Lady Panthers got out to an eight-point lead late in the first half. The Ladybirds began to take control in the third quarter as a Belle Roush bucket with under a minute left gave the Ladybirds a 40-39 lead. Reese Maupin added to it on the next possession.

A basket by Palmyra made it 43-41 going into the fourth. However, the Ladybirds opened the final quarter on an 11-0 run and never looked back. Coach Luke O’Laughlin discussed the differences in the two halves of play.

The Ladybird defense held Palmyra’s top two scorers, Candra King and Sydney Compton to two points each in the second half. O’Laughlin said he’s proud of the growth of his team.

Belle Roush led South with 19 points while Callie McWiliams added 17 and Charlie Roush scored 10. The Ladybirds also shot 21-27 at the free throw line. They advance to host Elsberry Monday in a Class 3 Sectional. O’Laughlin said they’re looking forward to hosting a playoff game.

Clare Williams led the Lady Panthers with 18 points and King chipped-in 12. Palmyra closes the year at 19-7 under first-year head coach Kelsey Stuart.

South Shelby coach Luke O’Laughlin