Aye provides memorable moment in Senior Night loss to Eudora

Louisburg senior Shayla Aye makes her first varsity basket as her teammates look on during Tuesday’s game against Eudora. Aye, who serves as the team’s manager, suited up for the first time on Senior Night.

If you are a Louisburg fan, the game itself between the Lady Cats and No. 4-ranked Eudora didn’t leave a lot to cheer about.

The Cardinals showed why they are one of the best teams in Class 4A as they defeated the Lady Cats, 56-33. Despite that, the Lady Cats left the floor with a lot of smiles on their faces and there was one big reason why.

Tuesday was Senior Night for the Lady Cats as they honored senior players Haley Cain and Sydni Keagle, along with manager Shayla Aye.

Aye, who has been in charge of the team’s camera the last few years, had a chance to suit up for the first time. So late in the fourth quarter, she made her way to the scorer’s table to check in.

What came after was something many of the Lady Cat players will never forget.

Aye stole the ball and dribbled down the court in the game’s final seconds, and after a couple missed shots, scored her first varsity basket as the LHS gymnasium erupted.

“Shayla has to be one of the most positive people on the planet,” coach Leanna Willer said. “She smiles constantly and brings such a positive energy and light into any room. We have absolutely loved having Shayla be part of our program over the years, and she earned her right to put on that uniform for senior night.

“At the end of the game, we were going to do whatever we could to get Shayla the ball and the opportunity to score. It was truly an incredible moment, and I’m so glad we got to share it together. Shout out to the Eudora coaching staff and players – they were true class acts and cheered for her just as much as we did.”

It was also a chance to recognize Cain and Keagle for their efforts with the program and both players were honored following the game along with their parents. Both players started the game for the Lady Cats and Aye was named as an honorable starter.

“It’s difficult to even put into words what Haley and Sydni have meant to this program,” Willer said. “They have been awesome leaders, and are incredible young women. Although roles have changed for each of them over the years, they are completely unselfish and have been willing to do whatever is best for the team. These two are true team players and their teammates trust them wholeheartedly as they lead by example.

“There is no hiding the fact that they are not leading the team in points, rebounds, or even minutes, but they make the biggest impact when it comes to the intangibles. We can always count on them to give their all and hold teammates accountable while being the glue holding our team together. Personally, I do not know what I would have done without these two this year. They will be greatly missed next year.”

As for the game itself, Eudora took control of the game early as it scored the game’s first 15 points and took a 31-11 halftime lead.

It was a closer game in the second half and Louisburg (7-10) found a little more of a rhythm offensively, but the Cardinals scored 17 points in the third quarter to all but seal the win.

Junior Madilyn Melton led Louisburg in scoring with 14 points, while sophomore Delaney Wright and junior Alyse Moore each finished with seven. Moore also had a team-high seven rebounds and three steals. Cain also had six rebounds to help lead the Lady Cats and Keagle had four.

Louisburg will try and bounce back tonight when it travels to Bonner Springs for a league game. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

LOU               4             7             11           11 – 33

EUD               19           12           17           8 – 56

LOUISBURG (7-10): Madilyn Melton 6-7 2-2 14; Delaney Wright 2-8 1-2 7; Alyse Moore 2-4 3-5 7; Brooklyn Diederich 1-5 0-0 2; Shayla Aye 1-6 0-0 2. Totals: 12-39 6-9 33. 3-point field goals: 3, (Wright 2, Diederich)

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