That goal remained out of reach for the moment as Rockcastle took the first step towards defending its title with an 82-41 rout of the Lady Jackets.
"We just haven't played this caliber of team this year," said Middlesboro coach Elgie Green. "It's a good experience for our kids to see where we want to be in a couple of years."
"We stressed the last two days that we weren't going to lay down. We knew we were 30- or 40-point underdogs, but we told our kids, 'Hey, they're going to have to pack their lunch, because we're going to make them play. I think our kids played hard. Rockcastle just jumped out really quick, hit some 3s and ran the floor."
Rockcastle's physical, speedy press rocked Middlesboro as soon as the opening whistle blew. The Lady Rockets hit their first five shots and were ahead 12-0 before Middlesboro got the ball past halfcourt. The Lady Jackets committed 10 of their 31 turnovers in the opening frame and Rockcastle led 26-4 before Emily Osborne and Mary Flanary ended the period with consecutive baskets.
"They are just so much bigger than we are and physically stronger," said Green. "It was hard for us to see over their outstretched hands. Once we got trapped, it was hard to get out of it. It's a really good lesson for our kids."
"I didn't think our girls were going to overlook anybody," said Rockcastle coach Chrysti Noble. "They know what it's like to be the underdog. They came in ready to play and take care of business."
Rockcastle's three-headed monster of stars shone brightly as senior forward Heather Hammond scored 16 points, grabbed seven steals and pulled down five rebounds; senior guard Tara Rowe scored 16 points, handed out four assists and made three steals; and guard Johnna Abney scored 11 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting and handed out 11 assists, adding four steals.
The Lady Rockets recorded a staggering 19 steals on the night.
Noble said the reason the Lady Rockets' press works so well is simple: "Heather Hammond on the point. Really, she is so intimidating with her size and those long arms. She can guard a guard or guard a post. She's big for us."
Middlesboro (15-12) fought throughout the game, turning an impressive performance on the boards, outrebounding the Lady Rockets 35-26. Middlesboro pulled down a whopping 24 offensive rebounds. Rockcastle had significantly fewer opportunities for offensive boards, missing only 18 of 50 shots while shooting 64 percent from the field, including a 9-for-12 performance from behind the 3-point arc.
"I thought we hit the boards well. Offensively we crashed the boards," said Green. "We got a lot of good looks, I thought, when we did get it up the floor. We got it in to the post players well, but shots didn't fall tonight."
Freshman Brooklyn Jimison led Middlesboro with 10 points and eight rebounds. She also blocked three shots. Freshman Ashley Williams came off the bench to add 10 rebounds and four points.
"Middlesboro did a great job on the boards," said Noble. "They've got some good young kids. You have to give them credit there. We didn't do a very good job."
Rockcastle (25-4) advances to play Corbin in the semifinal round Saturday afternoon. Corbin advanced via a 67-32 win over Harlan in the nightcap Wednesday.
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