Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 1st Round: Pikeville/John Hardin predictions

2010 Sweet 16 MVP Elisha Justice brings his Pikeville Panthers to Rupp Arena for a second straight year after battling through a hard-fought 15th Region Tournament. Senior guard Wyatt Battaile and his 24.3 ppg will have stiff competition in the opening round, squaring off with the dynamic Mickey Pearson (25.7 ppg, 11 rpg) and his John Hardin Bulldogs. John Hardin narrowly nipped LaRue County in the 5th Region title game to earn a spot in this year's Sweet 16, and will look to make a deep run on the big stage in Lexington.

Who comes out on top?

This one, in my opinion, has the potential to get lopsided.

John Hardin moves on.

I like John Hardin to win a couple games in this tournament. PP92 has me excited about Mickey Pearson, who I think leads the Bulldogs to a 17 point win here.

See Advertising Section for Lower Arena tix.