The Glasgow Lady Scotties, 16-10, defeated the 16th district champions Russell County Lady Lakers 62-58 in the opening round of the 4th region tournament at WKU's E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green Monday night, ending Russell County's season at 19-8 on the year.

"It was a tough lost for us," said Lady Laker Coach Craig Pippen after the game. "Glasgow played extremely well and outrebounded us (39-21) from start to finish. That was the difference in the game. They are very athletic and have good size inside."

Russell County, who shot 45 percent from the field, was led in scoring by senior Lindsay Ramage with 20 points and eight rebounds.  Sophomore LeeAnn Grider finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Regan Helm finished with seven points, Julie Wethington tallied five points, Blair Hoover and Amanda Cooper finished with three points and Tyla Bailey ended the game with two points.

Haley Perkins led Glasgow with 20 points while teammate Kelsey Greer added 13 points in the win.

Pippen said he felt like his team battled to the end and put themselves in a position to win the game but had a few miscues down the stretch.

"The game could have gone either way but Glasgow managed to take advantage of our turnovers and put the game away on the free throw line," he said.

Pippen said his three seniors, Blair Hoover, Lindsay Ramage and Tyla Bailey have played a big part in raising the bar in the Lady Laker basketball program.

"I am extremely proud of the improvements our players have made these past four years," he said. "I couldn't ask for a better group of seniors off and on the court. In just four years they managed to play in three region tournaments and won two 16th district tournaments. That's pretty impressive. They are family to me and will always be a part of Lady Laker Basketball. I will miss coaching them but what I will miss the most is our daily friendship. During these past four years we won together, loss together, laughed together and last night we cried together."

Pippen wanted to, on behalf of the Lady Laker basketball program, thank the Laker cheerleaders, the Laker band and all the Laker fans for supporting them this year.

"I would also like to thank our booster officers, Amy Leach, Deana Grider, Duchie Helm and Shannon Shepard, our Athletic Director Rita Branscum, our Principal Darren Gossage and our Superintendent Kenny Pickett," he said. "Our administration here at Russell County has been outstanding. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the best school system in the state of Kentucky. God truly blessed my family by opening a door and allowing us to be a part of Laker Country."

In closing Pippen said to be successful you must have the support and loyalty of those who work alongside of you. "My assistant coaches have played a major role in the growth of our program," he said. "I want to thank our high school staff; Coach Kelly Kelsey, Tylar Coffey and Casey Rexroat. I also want to thank our youth and developmental coaches; Rodney Johnson, Darrell Coffey, Wayne Ackerman and Tom Wethington for all the time and care that goes in to making our players better basketball players, but more importantly, better people. I am looking forward to a bright future."