Simon Kenton’s unbeaten start has been built on expectation, not surprise.
The Lady Pioneers improved to 8–0, the program’s best start since the 2014–15 season when they opened 14–0, pulling away late from a shorthanded Campbell County team for a 63–44 win in their first home game of the season Friday night in Independence.
“It’s what we expect,” Simon Kenton head coach Jeff Stowers said. “We expect a lot of ourselves. We just want to take it one game at a time, but tonight we really had to get into them.”
Campbell County was without its leading scorer and Thomas More commit Izzy Jayasuriya, who averages 14.5 points and seven rebounds, as well as Stella Brockman, who is averaging six points and 2.3 rebounds.
Jayasuriya suffered a knee injury in the Camels’ second game against Newport Central Catholic and also missed their previous game against Ryle. Brockman was out under concussion protocol.
“She would have helped us tonight,” Campbell County head coach Davey Johnson said of Jayasuriya. “What killed us was the inside game, and that’s what she defends for us. Stella Brockman has been fantastic, playing almost 20 minutes a game, but she’s out with concussion protocols.”
Still, behind 11 made three-pointers, the Camels stayed within striking distance.
Campbell County had three players score in double figures, with Kendall Augsback and Faith Whitford posting 12 points apiece while combining for five three-pointers. Madeleine Barbian added 11 points and three triples.
After trailing 30–19 in the second quarter, Campbell County used its perimeter shooting to close within 34–28 at halftime.
When the Camels drilled their 10th three late in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 42–36, the Lady Pioneers responded with a decisive run. Simon Kenton went on on a 15–0 surge that lasted into the fourth quarter, which stretched the lead to 50–36 entering the fourth. Campbell County was held to just eight points the rest of the way.
“First half, we’re going out there with no hands up,” Stowers said. “Second half, we got hands up, did what we needed to do and cut down on the three-point shots.”
Offensively, Simon Kenton was led by Haylie Webb and Brynli Pernell, who combined for 49 points — 78 percent of the team’s scoring. Webb finished with 27 points, controlling the paint, while Pernell added 22 by knocking down shots from the perimeter.
“When our shooters are on, it’s obviously a made shot and I’m there for the rebound,” Webb said. “If they’re not, I’m still there for the rebound and get a layup. It’s whatever’s working that day. We know when we need to get it inside and when it’s more of a three-point game.”
With Campbell County missing two forwards who defend the paint, opportunities opened up even more for Webb to score and rebound inside.
“We tried to simulate it in practice, but you can’t simulate what they do,” Johnson said. “It’s an uphill battle. We don’t have a lot of size, and then our two girls who guard in the post are out. It was always going to be a battle. Haylie earned it. Her motor is unbelievable.”
Webb and Pernell scored 14 of Simon Kenton’s final 21 points to close out the win.
The Lady Pioneers have now won all eight games by double digits, and the excitement of the hot start was only heightened by finally playing at home for the first time this season.
“I love home games,” Webb said. “I love when our school is here to support us, and the band and cheerleaders. It’s my favorite atmosphere. I prefer playing at home over anywhere.”
Simon Kenton will play next in the Holiday Showcase at Frederick Douglass High School, facing Butler on Sunday at 4 p.m. and Madison Southern on Monday at 11 a.m.
Campbell County (2–2) will travel to Montgomery County High School in Mount Sterling on Saturday to face Knox Central at 1:45 p.m. in the 2025 Girls Gateway Holiday Classic.
MORE PHOTOS: Provided by Charles Bolton
LADY PIONEERS 63, CAMELS 44
SIMON KENTON — 18-16-16-13 — 63
CAMPBELL COUNTY — 14-14-8-8 — 44
Scoring
Simon Kenton (63) — Webb 27, Pernell 22, Kelch 5, Ober 4, Kabeya 3, Gadzala 2
Campbell County (44) — Augsback 12, Whitford 12, Barbian 11, Davis 3, Mullins 3, Weinel 3
Game Stats
3-Pointers: Simon Kenton 5, Campbell County 11
Free Throws: Simon Kenton 10/12, Campbell County 1/2
Fouls: Simon Kenton 6, Campbell County 12
Records: Simon Kenton 8-0, Campbell County 2-2