Now that the drama has unfolded, seems like there's something new, yet something very familiar about this district tournament.

 

Schedule Games to be played at East Carter High School

Feb 18th (1)Morgan vs. (4)Elliott

Feb 19th (2)East Carter vs. (3)West Carter

Championship game Feb 21

 

The Skinny

Morgan County seems to be the favorites, obviously, with a 6-1 record within the district yet has to face the one district foe that has defeated them in the first round in Elliott County. Seems not too long ago the roles were reversed and it was Elliott the regional favorite with Morgan in the cellar of the district. And it just wouldn't seem like basketball season without a matchup of the directional Carters to determine a trip to the regional tourney.

 

Morgan - the Cougars come into this tournament with an impressive 18-6 mark in the region. They've won 5 of the last 6 with the only loss at home to an upstart Lawrence Co. squad and managed to thwart Rowan County at home as they finish up the regular season. Freshman guard Jordan Perry can seem to light it up from the perimeter and consistent PG play from Samuel Agguire have Morgan very formidable down the stretch. Jordan Whitt has filled the scoring column as well and the post play of big body Alexsander Malinic make Morgan a complete package to deal with as they look to rack up a district championship and face a district runner-up in Morehead.

 

East Carter - the season has been one of attrition for the Raiders. Gone is talented senior guard Jordan Burchett with a season ending ankle injury. And it seems that the Raiders have played as many games without big man Kyle Stewart as they've played with him. Coach Baker has to hope he gets his big man back in time for the matchup with West. In the meantime, Quin Huddle has assumed the leadership role and seems to do whatever East needs. He guards, rebounds, scores and has kept East very competitive. Look for the battle with West to be a classic.

 

West Carter - another season goes by and another matchup with East seems to be commonplace. However, this one is for a win or go home scenario for coach Jeremy Webb and his long time sharpshooter Kyle Brown. Brown has shouldered the scoring burden, the rebounding burden and most haven't figured out a way to stop him from doing it. It appears to be a good old good one brewing for the right to go to Morehead and West will only make it if they can get significant contributions from the supporting cast.

 

Elliott County - While the Lions bring up the caboose in the district, I don't think anyone, namely Morgan County, will overlook them. Not only have they already beaten Morgan in the All-A, they have a 12-13 record and aren't afraid to let the 3's rain. When they are on, they are seriously dangerous. Logan Nickell seems to be in range with he enters the gym. Lots of shot attempts can spell doom for Morgan in the first round if they fall. You can die by the three, but can live by it also. And that is where the hope lies for Elliott, beyond the arc.

 

How We See It

Morgan should advance, simply for the fact that they are more talented and that the odds of Elliott being able to shoot them out of it aren't likely. And East and West will undoubtedly be an epic battle. Both coaches are solid, both know each other's roster as well as their own. The fact that the game is at East has to have some bearing, but you can bet that most of the county will be in attendance, just in different colors.

 

Prediction

Morgan will defeat Elliott, West will upset East. And in the final, it'll be Morgan 64 West 54.

Bump

"Directional Carters". I love it.

 

When I arrived at Morehead State in the fall of 1973 from the suburbs of Baltimore; I noticed that just about everyone, when I asked where they were from, gave a county affiliation - especially if from EKY. Pike County, Breathitt County, Floyd County.

 

Except nobody ever said Carter County. It was always Olive Hill or Grayson (or Hitchins or Leon).

If Morgan Co wins the district this year, it will be the first district championship since they joined the 62nd district. Best of luck to the Cougars!!!!!

If Morgan Co wins the district this year, it will be the first district championship since they joined the 62nd district. Best of luck to the Cougars!!!!!

 

Not only that, it would be the first time Morgan has made it out of the 62nd District tournament. Their first year in the 62nd they were the regional favorite, and we (I went to West Carter) beat them in their gym. Haven't made it out of the district since.