Some great games thus far!

 

Tournament started off right with a serious grudge match against district rivals Pikeville and East Ridge. I alluded to the fact earlier in the thread that national top 150 recruit Ray Kasongo transferred to Pikeville from East Ridge before the start of the season. That certainty added to the rivalry and lead to some back and forth between the two sides. In the end though it was Pikeville with the edge, Ethan Rowe stepping up huge for them.

 

Just to show you how much both sides were into the game, here's a video I found online of an East Ridge player (Christian Hagy) swatting one of Kasongo's shots. A foul gets called on the play but it was called on another player down below. Show's how much back and forth was going on in this game, at the end you can will notice Kasongo getting in on the taunting as he acknowledges the East Ridge crowd.

 

Pikeville won the first matchup, but these two teams haven't saw the last of each other. Both will be vying for a spot (along with Shelby Valley) in the regional tournament coming out of the 59th district.

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=452215288175123&set=p.452215288175123&type=2&theater

In the second game of the night the tourney favorite, Betsy Layne, almost got knocked out by South Floyd. Betsy Layne had beat them 20+ earlier in the season, but had to squeak this one out in OT. Just goes to show you that the 15th Region is always a crap shoot. Hat's off to South Floyd on the effort as they appear to be a much better team than what they were just a few weeks ago.

 

 

In another game down to the wire, Dalton Richardson hits one practically at the buzzer to advance Shelby Valley over Sheldon Clark, the final score 47-45. This game IMO showed that both Valley and Sheldon Clark are going to be in the hunt for the regional championship. Sheldon Clark already has a win over Johnson Central, and this morning shows they can compete with anyone in the region. Shelby Valley made some mistakes late to keep SC hanging around, but ultimately they pulled it out.

 

 

 

 

Shaping up to be an exciting tournament, especially if the first round is any indication.

Thanks for posting the bracket as well, much cleaner than what was on KHSAA. :thumb:

 

No problem. All "A" Classic website is pretty good. Lots of information.

Pikeville vs. Lawerence County this Saturday (1/19) @ East Ky Expo Center, for 15th Region "All-A" crown.

 

 

Pikeville beat Paintsville 66-59 last night to advance, while Lawerence coasted by Allen Central. Very intriguing matchup. We accepted Pikeville as one of the teams likely to cut the nets before the tournament started, but Lawerence County without a doubt has been the surprise. The young Bulldogs have five guys who average over double figure scoring, so their balance could be enough to topple the inside out duo of Kasongo and Rowe for Pikeville.

 

Pikeville has beated East Ridge, Prestonsburg, and Paintsville on route to the title game while Lawerence has wins over Maggoffin County, Shelby Valley, and Allen Central on their way.