Linton’s win streak ends to a top-ranked team

Vanessa Shafford and the Miners took their first loss of the season Tuesday night.

File Photo

The 20-game stretch of victories for the Linton-Stockton Lady Miners finally ended Tuesday night as Linton fell to Bedford North Lawrence in the Limestone Classic final 60-45.

Linton entered No. 1 in Class 2A but BNL was No. 6 in Class 4A and the difference in talent proved too much. Points were tough to come by as Linton had a season-low 45 points as the Miners entered averaging 70 a game.

However, Linton had not played a team with the quality in the Stars. BNL has won its sectional the past decade and won its regional last season.

Only four Miners scored points with senior Aubrey Burgess leading the charge with 15. Senior Vanessa Shafford was also in double-digits with 13. Senior Haley Rose had nine and junior Jaylee Hayes had eight.

Linton only trailed 27-26 at halftime but BNL controlled the second half 33-19.

Chloe McKnight had a game-high 29 points for the Stars as she hit nine shots from beyond the arc. She will play at St. Francis next year.

Linton moves to 12-1 and will next host Sullivan Jan. 5.

Linton stats

Aubrey Burgess (15) 5-6 FTs, Vanessa Shafford (13), Haley Rose (9) 0-2 FTs, Jaylee Hayes (8)