article 12th Region Tournament Preview

12th Region Tournament Preview

The 12th Region tournament is set to begin tomorrow night at Pulaski County. Lincoln County and Southwestern kickoff the tournament and Mercer County takes on Rockcastle in the 7:45 game. Thursday brings two more good games with Wayne County versus Boyle County and Casey County versus West Jessamine. Eight teams remain with all vying for the 12th Region crown and the opportunity to play in Rupp Arena. Which teams will survive to play another game? Who has what it takes to win 3 games and cut down the nets next Tuesday? Let’s all enjoy this week of basketball because we will be seeing seven good teams play for the last time as their season will come to an end. Good luck to all teams.

Lincoln County Patriots (19-11) vs Southwestern Warriors (23-6)

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 6:00

Lincoln County 2016 45th District Champions

Southwestern 2016 48th District runner-up

Last Played: February 1, 2016, Southwestern 67 Lincoln County 59 (at SWHS)

Last playoff meeting: 2014 12th Region semifinals Southwestern 66 Lincoln Co. 60

The Warriors and Patriots have played each other four times in past region tournaments with Southwestern leading the series 3-1. Even though the Patriots are the district champions this year they will be considered the underdog in this first round game with Southwestern. The Warriors better not be looking ahead to the potential semifinal matchup or they will find themselves ending their season early.

Mercer County Titans (30-1) vs Rockcastle County Rockets (19-12)

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 7:45

Mercer County 2016 46th District Champions

Rockcastle County 2016 47th District Runner-up

Last Played: December 8, 2016, Mercer Co. 85 Rockcastle Co. 51 (at RCHS)

Last Playoff meeting: Have never played each other in the postseason.

Mercer County is the top team in the 12th region and will be heavily favored in the game versus Rockcastle County. The Rockets will need a lot of things to go their way if they plan on making this a game. Win or lose, the Rockets have had a great season. But, anything can happen in a game where someone’s season will come to an end. That’s why they play the game.

Casey County Rebels (14-17) vs West Jessamine Colts (18-13)

Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 7:45

Casey County 2016 47th District Champions

West Jessamine 2016 46th District Runner-up

Last Played: January 16, 2016, West Jessamine 81 Casey Co. 74 (at West)

Last Playoff meeting: Have never played each other in the postseason.

The Casey County Rebels are riding a wave of momentum coming into the 12th Region tournament. They won the district tournament for the first time since 1994 and are looking to win their first 12th Region game since 1994 also. West Jessamine has been in the 12th Region tournament every year since they joined the region except 2011. They won the region in 2009 and 2010 and the Colts feel like the path is there for them to make it to the championship game this year. This could be the best first round game in the region.

Wayne County Cardinals (18-10) vs Boyle County Rebels (14-11)

Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 6:00

Wayne county 2016 48th District Champions

Boyle County 2016 45th District Runner-up

Last Played: Last year in the 12th Region semifinals, Boyle Co. 63 Wayne Co. 56

In 1966 the Cardinals and Rebels met for the first time in the 12th Region tournament and fifty years later they meet once again. This is actually a fairly common occurrence as they have met nine other times in the postseason with Wayne County leading in region meetings 6-4. Boyle beat Wayne last year in the semifinals and went on to take the 12th Region crown. This ended the Cardinals chance for a three-peat as they had won the region in 2013 and 2014. The Cardinals have not forgotten and are seeking to avenge last year’s loss. This has the potential to be a great first round game Thursday night.

Love the storyline of Mercer County vs Rockcastle County with the Coach of the Year drama looming in the shadows.

As always good stuff, SHS!!!! I'm excited!!!!!!

Bounce's Predictions

Southwestern 56 v Lincoln 45

Mercer 80 v Rockcastle 55

Wayne 67 v Boyle 60

Casey 74 v West Jessamine 68

I'm looking forward to Wednesday but Thursday has the potential to be 2 really good games. I could see any of those 4 teams on Thursday in the championship game. This is going to be a great tournament!

I cant eat I cant sleep I cant work all I can do is think about the this tourney, gonna be fun. Go Cards!!