When Metcalfe County sold out early to try and stop Franklin-Simpson standout forward LaReesha Cawthorn in Saturday’s Region 4 Girls’ Basketball Tournament championship, the Lady Wildcats needed to find a new spark to keep the offense rolling.

Junior Kloie Smith was more than up to the challenge, posting a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in Franklin’s 72-45 victory. Smith also had five assists, four steals and a pair of blocks in a dominating performance.

“We have a really big support system here and I think the fans help bring us energy,” Smith said. “That gets us going, gets that momentum going and that makes our shots go in most times.”

Franklin-Simpson played George Rogers Clark in the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 on Wednesday.