Pikeville’s late season surged landed the Lady Panthers into the girls’ Sweet 16 for the first time since 1980.
The Lady Panthers, who finished 27-8, won 15 of their final 17 games and will go out on top in the final EKB Sports’ weekly girls’ basketball poll.
Pikeville edged out Floyd Central (28-3), which finished second after being ranked on top most of the regular season. The Lady Jaguars only regional loss came to Pikeville in the 15th Region semifinals.
Letcher County Central, 20-10, claimed the third position. The Lady Cougars lost in the 14th region championship game in overtime to Knott Central.
Pike County Central (20-12), Johnson Central (18-15) and Shelby Valley (18-6) finished in a three-way tie for fourth place.
Prestonsburg (20-11) and Paintsville (20-11) rounded out the top 7 at No. 7.