Lady Demon Classic: Freshmen Gabby Gardner and Emmalyn Ogden anchor Paris’ semifinal rout of Shelby County
Ladyhounds’ young posts shine while Molly Mason, Jamyah “MyMy” Bell, and Rose Hayden add firepower in 60‑29 win
IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, KY – Behind the emerging interior duo of freshmen posts Emmalyn Ogden and Gabby Gardner, the young and inexperienced Paris Ladyhounds muscled their way into the championship game of the 2025 Williamstown Lady Demon Holiday Classic, using a dominant second and third quarter surge to put away a gritty Shelby County Lady Rockets squad 60-29 in Monday’s semifinal.
The two young centers, who continue to grow more confident with each outing, combined for 20 points and 15 rebounds as they controlled the paint from start to finish. Gardner, the 6-foot-1 force who has steadily expanded her offensive game, delivered a career-high 12 points to go with 7 rebounds. Ogden, the 6-foot-3 rim protector whose presence has already changed the way opponents attack the lane, added 8 points and a career-best 8 boards. Together, they gave Paris the interior punch that Shelby County simply couldn’t match. If Ogden and Gardner continue their upward trajectory, Paris may be building something even bigger than a tournament run, they may be discovering the foundation of their future.
OGDEN’S TIME – Freshman Emmalyn Ogden, shown here against Nicholas County, has totaled 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals over the first two games of the Lady Demon Classic.
Paris, now 5-4 after picking up its second straight win in Williamstown, advances to face Somerset in tomorrow’s championship game. The Briar Jumpers, representing Region 12, are led by senior standout Sophie Barnes and junior guard Sarah White. Paris will be looking to defend the tournament title it claimed a year ago.
The semifinal didn’t begin smoothly for the Ladyhounds, who have made a habit of slow starts this season. Paris opened with a 6-2 lead, only to see Shelby County respond with an 8-1 run to move ahead 10-7. But junior leader Molly Mason steadied the group with a three-pointer, and senior guard MyMy Bell followed with an old-fashioned three-point play to push Paris back in front 13-10 at the end of the first quarter.
From there, the Ladyhounds took full control.
Ogden opened the second quarter with a putback that sparked a 9-0 Paris run, stretching the margin to 22-10. Shelby briefly trimmed the deficit to 23-13, but Gardner went to work inside, scoring four straight points with strong post moves. Moments later, Ogden returned to the floor and immediately added another bucket, setting the stage for Paris to close the half on an 8-0 burst. Freshman guard Segan Oliver capped the run with a smooth baseline three, sending Paris into the locker room with a commanding 31-13 advantage.
Even without the full-court pressure that Coach Aaron Speaks often deploys, Paris kept its foot on the gas in the third quarter. Mason found her rhythm from deep, knocking down a pair of quick threes, while Ogden and Gardner continued to seal off the middle defensively and clean the glass. Their presence allowed the guards to push tempo and attack in transition.
“I’m extremely happy with the progress Em and Gabby have been making in the post,” said Speaks, now in his 10th season leading the Ladyhounds. “They’ve really been able to give us the huge inside presence that we need. When we get them involved and they are playing well, we’re a different basketball team. I see their confidence growing each game with each rep they get.”
LOOKING FOR THE ROCK – Freshman Gabby Gardner has posted 18 points and 13 rebounds across Paris’ first two Classic games, capping back-to-back strong performances in Williamstown.
The supporting cast made sure the momentum never dipped. Eighth graders Rose Hayden and Jasmine Wilson both hit timely shots and brought their usual energy, helping Paris win the third quarter 21-9 and stretch the lead to 52-22.
Hayden opened the fourth with a putback, and Bell followed with back-to-back driving layups to trigger the running clock at 58-22. From there, Paris coasted to the 31-point victory, securing its spot in the title game.
Mason, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, narrowly missing her fifth double-double of the season. Bell added 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Hayden contributed 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals, while Wilson chipped in 5 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Oliver scored 3, junior guard Kyla Crutcher added 2, and freshman Mia Mason close with 2 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
Bottom line, if Ogden and Gardner continue their upward trajectory, Paris may be building something even bigger than a tournament run, they may be discovering the foundation of their future.
Paris 63, Villa Madonna 48
Paris reached the semifinal by knocking off Villa Madonna 63-48 in Sunday’s opening round. Once again, the Ladyhounds overcame a sluggish start before dominating the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Down 15-7 early, Paris rallied to take a 16-15 lead after the first quarter. The Ladyhounds extended their advantage to 28-23 at halftime, then found separation in the third thanks to the long-range shooting of Molly Mason and the relentless hustle of Hayden. Paris carried a 44-33 lead into the fourth, where they blew the game open, stretching the margin to 20 before the Vikings closed with a late 5-0 run.
Mason was electric from deep, knocking down six threes on her way to 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Bell added 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. Hayden delivered a career-high 11 points and 5 rebounds. Mia Mason reached double figures with 10 points and 4 assists. Crutcher added 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals, while Gardner contributed 6 points and 6 rebounds.
