PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — In an early-season 58th District matchup featuring two of the 15th Region’s most competitive girls’ basketball programs, the Prestonsburg Lady Blackcats welcomed the Floyd Central Lady Jaguars on Monday night. As is often the case in December basketball, turnovers and early jitters shaped the flow, keeping scoring at a premium through the opening minutes.
Floyd Central struck first and held a narrow advantage after one quarter, leading 13–9 behind active defensive pressure. Prestonsburg matched the Lady Jaguars possession for possession at times, but miscues prevented the Blackcats from gaining rhythm on the offensive end.
The second quarter brought more of the same, and foul trouble for Floyd Central allowed Prestonsburg to hang around. At halftime, the Lady Jaguars led 24–16. Floyd Central’s Aubrey Moore delivered a strong opening half, posting 10 points to pace all scorers and help maintain the lead. Prestonsburg countered with balanced production, as Howard, Fitzpatrick, and Stephens each contributed four points to keep the Blackcats within range.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Floyd Central outscored Prestonsburg 20–13, sparked by back-to-back and-one plays from Maddy Engle, who seized momentum and energized the Lady Jaguars’ bench. Engle’s performance only grew more dominant as the game progressed.
Despite a gritty fourth-quarter effort from Prestonsburg, the Lady Blackcats were unable to cut the deficit to a single possession. Floyd Central maintained composure down the stretch and secured its first district win of the season, 57–44.
Engle earned Surplus Products Player of the Game honors, finishing with 21 points — 19 of them in a commanding second half — to guide the Lady Jaguars to victory.
Top Scorers
Floyd Central Lady Jaguars
- Maddy Engle – 21 points
- Aubrey Moore – 13 points
- Chloe Crace – 6 points
Prestonsburg Lady Blackcats
- Jade Fitzpatrick – 12 points
- Allison Howard – 10 points
- Laiken Stephens – 10 points
The win brings the Lady Jags to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in District play. Next on the schedule for FLoyd Central, they will participate in the WYMT Food City Classic on Wednesday, December 10th as they will take on Knox Central. The loss for Prestonsburg drops the Lady Blackcats to 1-1 on the season and 0-1 in District play. Prestonsburg can be seen Monday night on the APSN sports network as they will play host to the visiting Pikeville Lady Panthers.
Photo Credit: Stacy Compton Shannon
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