Briana McNutt signs with Thomas More College

Briana McNutt, a member of the Mason County Lady Royals' 1,000 point club, thought her playing days were over as she planned to attend the University of Kentucky, but a visit to Thomas More College changed her mind.

McNutt signed today to play basketball for the Saints. She plans to study nursing.

"I went on a tour at Thomas More because the coach text me, and I just really like it a lot," McNutt said. "I was surprised at how much I liked it, so I thought I should give it a try and see where it takes me."

Another Mason County senior, Maddie Boone, signed with Thomas More in March. McNutt said that wasn't a major factor in her decision, but she said Boone "being there is also a great thing" because they've been friends since preschool, and they are going to room together.

McNutt had 1,043 points, 692 rebounds and 195 assists in her career.

She led the Lady Royals in field goal percentage, free throw percentage and rebounds this past season.

McNutt was named Second Team All-Region and was named to the 10th Region Tournament and Carolina Invitational Tournament all-tournament teams.

"She is a fantastic person," Mason County coach Brad Cox said. "Thomas More is getting another steal in my opinion."

Maddie Boone signs with Thomas More College

Mason County senior Maddie Boone signed today to play basketball at Thomas More College in Crestview Hills.

"I went up there to a college visit and I really liked it." Boone said. "It's small, but I think I that's what I'm looking for."

Mason County coach Brad Cox said Boone was "one of the most versatile players I've had the opportunity to coach, boys or girls."

Boone had 1,066 career points, 703 career rebounds and 313 career assists.

She averaged 7.2 points and 4.9 rebounds this past season while leading the Lady Royals in assists as a forward.

"The most important thing I want to say about Maddie Boone today is that, this year, I'm so proud of the way she matured." Cox said. "She came in everyday with about as good of a mindset as she possibly could under some tough circumstances."

Boone said she is going to major in biology because she wants to be a veterinarian.

Lady Royals rout Bracken Co. 77-32 for district title

The Mason County Lady Royals shared the ball in a 77-32 rout of the Bracken County Lady Bears tonight in the championship game of the 39th District Tournament at the Fieldhouse.

Mason County had 21 assists on 29 field goals and shot 49.2 percent.

The Lady Royals made nine three-pointers.

Mason County went on a 19-4 run to take a 33-13 lead with 4:51 left in the second quarter.

The Lady Royals led 56-20 with 4:33 to go in the third quarter and the rest of the game was played with a running clock

Whitney O'Mara led Mason County in scoring with 13 points.

A.J. Reed followed with 11 points.

Maddie Boone had 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

MC (21-8) Brooks 4, O'Mara 13, Reed 11, Littleton 8, Moran 5, McNutt 6, Butler 7, May 2, Frodge 9, Simms 2, Boone 10

BC (11-14) Myrick 1, Ruf 4, Florer 2, Hamilton 1, Jefferson 8, Carl 5, Goecke 2 Kalb 9

MC 18 26 17 16- 77

BC  09 09 08 06- 32

Cold shooting Lady Royals lose to Simon Kenton 71-55

The Mason County Lady Royals shot just 33.3 percent from the field (27,6 percent in the second half) in a 71-55 loss to the Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers today in Independence.

Simon Kenton shot 52.2 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.

The Lady Pioneers outrebounded the Lady Royals 39-27.

Jordan Frodge led Mason County in scoring with 13 points. Briana McNutt followed with 12 points and Maddie Boone added 11 points.

The Lady Royals host the Bourbon County Lady Colonels Wednesday night on Senior Night.

SK (21-5) Meier 17, Niece 17, Harmeyer 14, Harney 11, Jones 7, Dressman 2, Buckner 2, Gilliam 1

MC (18-7) Frodge 13, McNutt 12, Boone 11, O'Mara 9, Reed 7, Moran 3

SK  20 21 11 19- 71

MC 13 17 06 19- 55

Lady Royals cruise past Lady Vikings 81-41

Mason County shot 60 percent from the field and four Lady Royals scored in double figures in an 81-41 win over the Rowan County Lady Vikings Tuesday night in the Lady Royals Gym.

Jordan Frodge scored a game-high 15 points.

Briana McNutt tossed in 14 points.

Maddie Boone scored 12 points including her 1,000th career point.

Kara Moran also scored 12 points.

Mason County plays Nicholas County Friday night in Carlisle.

MC (17-5) Brooks 6, O'Mara 2, Reed 7, Littleton 2, Moran 12, McNutt 14, Butler 7, Frodge 15, Simms 2, Schumacher 2, Boone 12
RC (9-14) Rogers 5, K. Rose 6, Ricer 6, H. Rose 3, Blevins 4, Cross 12, Purdy 2, Grimshaw 2, Fielding 1

MC 19 26 26 10- 81
RC  11 13 05 12- 41

Lady Royals run win streak to 8 games with a 64-48 victory over Greenfield-Central

The Mason County Lady Royals ran their winning streak to eight games with a 64-48 victory over Greenfield-Central today in the Indiana-Kentucky Challenge Cup in New Castle, Indiana.

Greenfield-Central jumped out to an 8-0 lead and was up 19-13 at the end of the first quarter.

Mason County opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run and led the rest of the game.

Three Lady Royals scored in double figures with Maddie Boone leading the way with 16 points.

Whitney O'Mara followed with 14 points and Briana McNutt scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Iowa State signee Madison Wise had a double-double for Greenfield-Central with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Mason County plays at Fleming County Monday night.

MC (10-2) Boone 16, Frodge 6, Littleton 7, O'Mara 14, McNutt 12, Reed 7, Butler 2

MC 13 20 17 14- 64 

GC 19 11 12 06-  48

Strong defense propels Lady Royals to a 66-38 win over Conner

The Mason County Lady Royals defense forced 28 Conner turnovers and held the Lady Cougars to 27.7% from the field in a 66-38 rout tonight in the US Bank Mike Murphy Classic at the Fieldhouse.

Conner entered the game with a 7-1 record and was averaging 62 points a game.

The Lady Royals held the Lady Cougars to five points in the first quarter and 16 in the first half.

Briana McNutt was 5 of 5 from the field and led Mason County in scoring with 15 points. 

Whitney O'Mara scored 13 points and Maddie Boone added 12 points.

The Lady Royals, winners of four straight games, will play South Pointe, South Carolina Wednesday night in the Carolina Invitational in Charleston.

MC (6-2) Brooks 1, O'Mara 13, Reed 6, Littleton 3, Moran 5, McNutt 15, Frodge 9, Simms 2, Boone 12

C (7-2) Carr 2, Strange 5, Hurst 5, Jordan 9, McLemore 4, Burcham 4, Roberts 2, Kennedy 3, Duncan 4

MC 19 18 18 11-66

C     05 11 10 12-38

Lady Royals use big 4th quarter to beat Boone Co. 78-55

The Mason County Lady Royals opened the fourth quarter with a 16-0 run and outscored the Boone County Lady Rebels 26-9 in the quarter for a 78-55 road win Friday night.

The Lady Royals scored 34 points off the Lady Rebels' 29 turnovers.

Mason County's bench outscored Boone County's bench 28-4.

Whitney O'Mara led the Lady Royals in scoring with 16 points.

Maddie Boone scored 15 points, Briana McNutt followed with 12 points and Madison Butler added 11 points. 

Mason County's next game is Thursday at 8 p.m. in the US Bank "Mike Murphy" Classic.

MC (4-2) Brooks 4, O'Mara 16, Reed 7, Littleton 2, Moran 4, McNutt 12, Butler 11, Frodge 5, Simms 2, Boone 15

BC (1-4) Gieske 11,Ka. Anderson 4, Hirn 13, Beal 19, Ky. Anderson 8

MC 19 15 18 26- 78

BC  16 09 21 09- 55

Lady Royals suffer first loss, 52-49 to Ryle

The Mason County Lady Royals could not overcome cold shooting and suffered their first loss of the season tonight, falling to the Ryle Lady Raiders 52-49 in Union .

The Lady Royals were 20 of 73 from the field (27.4%) including 4 of 28 on three-point shots (14.3%).

Whitney O'Mara led Mason County in scoring with 15 points.

Maddie Boone added 12 points.

The Lady Royals play Mercer County Saturday night at Mercer County.

R (2-3) Schwartz 20, Crittendon 11, McGregor 8, Douthit 5, Miller 3, Branson 3, Sturdivant 2

MC (2-1) O'Mara 15, Boone 12, Frodge 8, McNutt 6, Moran 5, Littleton 3

R     15 09 14 14- 52

MC 12 07 16 14- 49

10th Region Girls Basketball Coaches Association Preseason Lists

Lady Royals Score 33 Straight Points in 66-12 Rout of Nicholas County

The Mason County Lady Royals scored 33 straight points in a 66-12 rout of the Nicholas County Lady Jackets Friday night.

The Lady Royals led 20-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Jackets did not score in the second quarter.

Mason County scored 42 points off Nicholas County's 27 turnovers. The Lady Royals had 16 steals.

Maddie Boone scored 17 points and Jordan Frodge added 13.

MC (20-3) Highfield 2, O'Mara 7, Reed 7, Moran 4, McNutt 7, Butler 7, Frodge 13, White 2, Boone 17

NC (12-11) Sowell 5, Jolly 2, Myers 2, Stafford 3

MC 20 17 18 11- 66

NC 03 00 05 04- 12

Lady Royals Pull Away in 4th Quarter for a 51-42 Win over Rowan Co.

Despite going scoreless in the second quarter, the Mason County Lady Royals defeated the Rowan County Lady Vikings 51-42 in Morehead Wednesday night.

Mason County jumped out to a 20-5 lead, but Rowan County answered with an 18-0 run. The Lady Royals outscored the Lady Vikings 17-9 in the fourth quarter.

Brianna Littleton and Maddie Boone led Mason County in scoring with 14 points apiece. Jordan Frodge added 10 points.

MC (19-3) Kumler 2, Littleton 14, Moran 8, McNutt 3, Frodge 10, Boone 14

RC (16-7)  Planck 6, Bandura 12, Oakley 3, Berry 20, Callahan 1

MC 20 00 14 17- 51

RC  09 14 10 09- 42



(Edited to change Mason County's record to 19-3)

Lady Royals Edge Simon Kenton 66-4 in 2 OT

The Mason County Lady Royals edged the Simon Kenton Pioneers 66-64 in double overtime at the Fieldhouse Tuesday to run their winning streak to four games.

Mason County missed a shot at the end of regulation. Simon Kenton sophomore Allyson Niece, who scored a game-high 28 points, tied the game with a shot at the buzzer at the end of the first overtime.

The Lady Royals outscored the the Lady Pioneers 7-5 in the second overtime. Simon Kenton had a chance to tie the game again but missed its last shot.

There were nine lead changes and 11 ties in the game.

Whitney O'Mara led Mason County in scoring with 15 points. Maddie Boone scored 13 points and Briana McNutt had 12 points and eight rebounds.

MC (16-2) O'Mara 15, Kumler 2, Littleton 5, Moran 9, McNutt 12, Butler 2, Frodge 8, Boone 13

SK (12-5) Jones 5, Stamper 1, Harmeyer 11, Gilliam 3, Niece 28, Buckner 7, Meier 7, Dressman 2

MC 18 16 13 05 07 07-66

SK  22 10 16 04 07 05-64

Lady Royals Rout Lady Panthers 71-46

The Mason County Lady Royals led 39-13 at halftime on their way to a 71-46 victory over the Fleming County Lady Panthers Monday night.

Briana McNutt scored a game-high 15 points for Mason County. Jordan Frodge and Maddie Boone scored 10 points apiece. Whitney O'Mara did not play due to an injury.

MC (14-2) Littleton 7, Moran 7, McNutt 15, Butler 9, Frodge 10, Boone 10, Kumler 6, Simms 2,

Brooks 2, Highfield 3

FC (9-8) Ishmael 9, Fern 4, Fearin 3, McIntyre 2, A. Jackson 14, J. Jackson 1, Steward 9, Jett 2, Burrell 2

MC 24 15 15 17- 71

FC  10 03 17 16- 46 

Lady Royals Win Lady Jackets Holiday Classic

The Mason County Lady Royals beat the Louisville Central Lady Jackets 63-37 in the championship game of the Lady Jackets Holiday Classic.

Mason County led 15-9 at the end of the 1st quarter, 28-17 at the half and 44-26 at the end of the third quarter.

The Lady Royals won three games in the tournament by an average margin of 31 points and ran their record to 12-1.

Whitney O'Mara and Maddie Boone were named to the all-tournament team.

Lady Royals Cruise To 71-37 Victory Over Oldham County

The Mason County Lady Royals cruised to a 71-37 victory over the Oldham County Lady Colonels today in the opening round of the Lady Jackets Holiday Classic at Louisville Central.

Whitney O'Mara led the Lady Royals in scoring with 13 points and Maddie Boone added 10 points.

Mason County plays Collins in the semifinals Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

MC (10-1) Littleton 5, Frodge 8, Boone 10, McNutt 9, O'Mara 13, Moran 9, Kumler 6, Butler 5, Reed 4, May 2

O'Mara's Last Second Shot Gives Mason Co. a 55-53 Win Over Murray

Whitney O'Mara made a last second shot from the right baseline to give the Mason County Lady Royals a 55-53 victory over the Murray Lady Tigers tonight in the second round of the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic.

The Lady Royals rallied from a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Maddie Boone led Mason County in scoring with 13 points. O'Mara followed with 12 points.

The Lady Royals will play Butler in the quarterfinals Monday at 7:15 p.m.

Lady Royals Fall to Allen County Scotsville 49-42

Allen County Scottsville outscored Mason County 13-3 in the third quarter and beat the Lady Royals 49-42 Saturday night in the semifinals of the Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament. Kara Moran made a lay up to give Mason County a 27-17 lead with 2:09 left in second quarter. But Allen County Scottsville scored the final four points of the first half and the first nine points of the third quarter. Mason County's only points in the third quarter came on a free throw by Maddie Boone at the 4:29 mark and lay up by Erin Kumler that tied the game at 30-30 with 2:32 left in the quarter. Allen County Scottsville scored six straight points to lead 36-30 with 7:10 to play. Jordan Frodge and Brianna Littleton hit back-to-back three-pointers to tie the game at 36-36. Morgan Rich hit two free throws for Allen County Scottsville. Maddie Boone hit a jumper to tie the score at 38-38 with 2:18 to go. The Lady Patriots outscored the Lady Royals 11-4 the rest of the way. Allen County Scottsville hit three free throws and Holly Robinson came up with a steal and made a lay up to give the Lady Patriots a 43-38 lead. outscored Mason County 11-4 the rest of the game. Frodge and Whitney O'Mara were named to the All-Tournament Team.

MC (23-12) McNutt 6, Boone 9, O'Mara 7, Littleton 6, Frodge 8, Kumler 2, Moran 4
ACS (30-4) Sutton 3, Robinson 6, Brooks 4, Rich 15, Gregory 15, King

ACS 10 11 13 15 - 49
MC     9 18  3 12 - 42

ACS FG 35%     3 PT FG 20% FT 71.4% REB 36 TO 16
MC   FG 30.2%  3 PT FG 41.2% FT 90% REB 23 TO 14

Allen County Scottsville outscored Mason County 13-3 in the third quarter and beat the Lady Royals 49-42 Saturday night in the semifinals of the Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament. Kara Moran made a lay up to give Mason County a 27-17 lead with 2:09 left in second quarter. But Allen County Scottsville scored the final four points of the first half and the first nine points of the third quarter. Mason County's only points in the third quarter came on a free throw by Maddie Boone at the 4:29 mark and lay up by Erin Kumler that tied the game at 30-30 with 2:32 left in the quarter. Allen County Scottsville scored six straight points to lead 36-30 with 7:10 to play. Jordan Frodge and Brianna Littleton hit back-to-back three-pointers to tie the game at 36-36. Morgan Rich hit two free throws for Allen County Scottsville. Maddie Boone hit a jumper to tie the score at 38-38 with 2:18 to go. The Lady Patriots outscored the Lady Royals 11-4 the rest of the way. Allen County Scottsville hit three free throws and Holly Robinson came up with a steal and made a lay up to give the Lady Patriots a 43-38 lead. outscored Mason County 11-4 the rest of the game. Frodge and Whitney O'Mara were named to the All-Tournament Team.

MC (23-12) McNutt 6, Boone 9, O'Mara 7, Littleton 6, Frodge 8, Kumler 2, Moran 4
ACS (30-4) Sutton 3, Robinson 6, Brooks 4, Rich 15, Gregory 15, King

ACS 10 11 13 15 - 49
MC     9 18  3 12 - 42

ACS FG 35%     3 PT FG 20% FT 71.4% REB 36 TO 16
MC   FG 30.2%  3 PT FG 41.2% FT 90% REB 23 TO 14

Lady Royals rout Muhlenberg County 63-43

The Mason County Lady Royals used a 13-0 run in the first quarter to pull away from the Muhlenberg County Lady Mustangs and won 63-43 Thursday in the opening round of the Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament. Four Lady Royals scored in double figures- Whitney O'Mara and Jordan Frodge with 14 points apiece and Maddie Boone and Brianna Littleton each with 10. Littleton had six assists.

(Mason Co. 22-11) McNutt 4, Boone 10, O'Mara 14, Littleton 10, Frodge 14, Kumler 2, Moran 9
(Muhlenberg Co. 20-11) Porter 1, Blackburn 7, Vincent 4, Sampson 13, Harney 12, Johnston 1, Weikel 3, Morris 2

Mason Co.      20 12 12 19 - 63
Muhl. Co.        9    9  12 13 - 43

Mason Co. FG 46.5%,  3 PT FG 55.6% FT 78.3% REB 24 TO 6
Muhl.  Co. FG 44.1% 3 PT FG 35.7% FT 66.7% REB 22 TO 17