Tyler Thacker took a nasty spill today and his knee gave out on him. Looked bad when it happened. Wasn't in traffic but in the open floor, typical of ACL issue. Hoping just a hyperextension. He went out in the 2nd qtr and returned in the 3rd to the bench. It sure affected Rowan. Don't think it would have changed the outcome, but still hoping it's not serious.

 

Hate to hear this, keep us updated.

You just always hate to see this:

 

The Vikings outstripped most people's expectations this season. They worked hard, they played hard. If they couldn't get back to Rupp I'm glad it's our favorite team to "hate". Hope the Panthers enjoy Rupp and make 61 district noise at the big dance. "GO PANTHERS"!

Such a shame for Thacker and the Vikings. I think I read that they were up 7 late in the 2nd quarter when he went down. I agree with others who say Fleming probably wins either way, but by no means would that have been a given. I hate seeing kids go down with injuries, and it is an unfortunate end to the team's season. With that said I'm sure Rowan Co is proud of the run they made in the tournament.

 

Congratulations to the Panthers. They were the best team in the 16th region, and well deserve the trip to Rupp. I think those who haven't seen him will really enjoy the opportunity to watch Burns play next week.

MOREHEAD — Once Fleming County had completed Friday's 60-45 victory over Rowan County, thus earning a trip to the Boys' Sweet Sixteen, it didn't take long for emotions to overtake Coach Mark Starns.

"After what happened at Henderson last year, being dismissed with a 99-45 record, I feel like I'm vindicated," Starns said, choking back tears. "That's what I feel like. I'm vindicated."

Vindicated by winning Fleming's first 16th Region title. The Panthers, who had played most of their days in the 10th Region, will face the winner of the 5th Region in the first round of the State Tournament, Thursday at 1:30 p.m., in Rupp Arena.

They made it by beating Rowan for a fifth time.

Fleming (28-6) swept the Vikings 81-76 in the EKC tourney, 80-61 and 61-59 in regularly scheduled meetings, and 66-58 for the 61st District title.

Defending region champ Rowan (20-14) came prepared and led 24-12 when Ryne Callahan made a free throw with 4:40 left in the first half.

Then, things fell apart.

Fleming closed the half with an 11-0 run to make it a one-point game and, with 1:02 left in the half, Rowan lost top player Tyler Thacker to a knee injury.

Thacker, driving to the hoop, went down in pain and grabbed his left knee. Vikings coach and Tyler's dad Shawn Thacker said early results indicate a possible ACL injury.

Tourney MVP Darion Burns, a 5-foot-11 junior, led the Panthers with 21 points, five assists, six steals and no turnovers.

"It was a big win for us. I'm just at a loss for words right now," Burns said. "It means a lot to us in the community, to win our first region title in the 16th Region."

Brady Saunders added 18 points and four assists for the winners. Troy Steward had 11 points and matched Desmond McAdams for the team lead in rebounds, seven.

"They all were relentless," Starns said.

Fleming got to rip-and-run in the second half.

Having shot 6-for-23 (26.1 percent) in the first half, Fleming went 16-for-31 (51.6) the rest of the way. Rowan went the other way, following a 9-for-20 (45.0) half with an 8-for-29 (27.6) second half.

The Panthers went on a 10-0 run to take a 35-29 lead. A 9-0 flurry to open the fourth quarter made it 48-32.

Burns' third and final dunk of the night, with 3:00 left, provided the biggest gap of the night, 54-36.

 

Read more here: 'Relentless' Fleming County romps into state tourney | High school basketball | Kentucky.com

 

 

Congrats Fleming County

Congrats Panthers, Don't be satisfied and play well in the State Tourney!!!!!

I was there, was asked to go with my nephew, Burns wasa awsome, radio announcer said he had 4 dunks in the game. Hated to see Thacker go down. Good luck to that young man.

Congratulations to Fleming County and especially to Coach Mark Starnes, who has been through much in his coaching career. Great guy and a product of Mason County and the 10th Region.

 

The last time Fleming County were regional champs was back in 1998 when they beat a very good Willie Schlarman coached Brossart team in the 10th Region finals. Lake Kelly coached the Panthers at that time.