Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MT. VERNON — The Mt. Vernon Lady Rams downed South Seven foe Carbondale 64-54 to win their own 3A regional championship, the program’s fifth straight (excluding the pandemic season that did not have a postseason) regional title.
Mt. Vernon’s dynamic senior duo of Kamaree Pollard and Melaina Zedalis once again led the way. Pollard led all scorers with 22 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Zedalis added 19 with another senior, Autumn Rudd, chipping in 10.
The Lady Rams led 33-19 at the half and extended that lead to as many as 20 in the third quarter before Carbondale mounted a fierce rally. The Terriers got as close as 54-47 with 3:38 on a basket by freshman Rylee McElveen, who led Carbondale with 21 points.
Mt. Vernon improves to 27-3 and will face Effingham in the first semifinal of the Civic Memorial Sectional Tuesday night at 6:00. Marion will take on the hosts in the second semifinal with the winners to meet Thursday night for the sectional championship.
Carbondale finishes the season 19-14.
