Augusta claims school's first Class "A" title

 

The last 3 or 4 seasons have perhaps been the finest ever in tiny Augusta's boys basketball history. The most elite player in school history, Brent Bach, donned the orange and black, and brought attention and success like never before. A 39th District Tournament runner-up, followed by a pair of 39th District championships, and an appearance in the 10th Region semifinals a season ago? Not bad for a school with an enrollment that barely eclipses 100. For those who felt Bach's departure would bring an end to the success, they thought wrong. Jason Hinson's club captured the program's first ever 10th Region Class "A" Championship last week, beginning with a 43-41 Thursday night victory over Paris, a team we had labeled as the slight favorite. The Panthers were led Camryn Snapp's 12 points & 9 rebounds, but it was sophomore guard Jared Shoemaker who put back Snapp's miss as the horn sounded, giving Augusta the win. Then came a thrilling Saturday title game, which saw the Panthers trail by as many as 12 points on three separate occasions. But Augusta persevered with its trademark grit, plus effective free throw shooting (23-30 overall & 11-14 in Overtime), to claim the crown. Junior guard Connor Maddox led Augusta in victory with 23 points, while Snapp added 15 points & 7 boards. Senior guard Nathan Shrader capped an impressive tournament with 14 points. Augusta's opponent in the Class "A" State Tournament will be Owen County, led by all-state performer Carson Williams. The Panthers will square off with the Rebels on Thursday night at 6:30 pm.

 

Jenkins plays and Breds see mixed results

 

D.J. Jenkins, after spending the first part of the season with Scott County, returned to Harrison County and saw his first action on Tuesday night when the Thorobreds entertained George Rogers Clark. Jenkins scored 15 points as the Breds won a game that was largely nip-and-tuck until the final 5 or 6 minutes. Senior forward Trenton Thompson helped the Breds pull away in the 4th, finishing with a game-high 20 points, while also grabbing 9 rebounds in a 62-55 victory. Forty-eight hours later it was a different story entirely, as Harrison County traveled to nearby Bourbon County, and was upset by the Colonels 88-76. Thompson went for 30 points & 11 rebounds, with junior Zack Pulliam adding 18, but Jenkins managed just 7 points on 2-12 shooting. Larry Kendall's squad ended the week with a Saturday night 69-63 home loss to Oldham County.

 

Wilson injured as Camels go 2-1

 

It's been a bit of a frustrating run recently for the defending 10th Region champs. Campbell County entered last week losers of 3 straight games, but the team took care of business in Monday night's District seeding game at Calvary Christian. A total of 13 Camels scored in the 100-29 win, led by Blake Losey's 15 points, but the game brought bad news when star junior center Matt Wilson went down with a high-ankle sprain. Wilson is not expected to miss the entire season, but his departure will make things tough for Campbell. The Camels played well in their first game without Wilson on Tuesday night, dominating Conner in an 81-52 road win. Losey turned in another strong performance of 21 points & 10 rebounds, while Dre Jackson scored a team-high 23. Craig Neltner, filling in for the injured Wilson, added 10 points & 14 rebounds. Then in a highly important Friday night game with District seeding implications, the Camels led Scott at the half by 3 points at the Bank of Kentucky Center, but the Eagles forced several Campbell turnovers and pulled away for a 77-68 win. Losey led in a losing effort with 19 points and Neltner did his part again with 18 points & 14 rebounds.

 

Indians win road rivalry battle

 

Montgomery County's only game last week was a huge 52-51 40th District win over rival George Rogers Clark in Winchester on Friday. Art Walker scored 15 points and Caswell Fuller added 11, as the Indians held off a late Cardinals surge. The Indians have won 3 of their last 4 games.

Mason County dominates the 16th, but falls to LexCath

 

Chris O'Hearn's Mason County team, ranked #20 in the state, had a pair of road contests against 16th Region foes last week, starting with Tuesday night's 63-47 win over current 16th top-dog Boyd County. Dorian Henry paced Mason with 20 points & 8 rebounds, while Antwavon Williams chipped in 13. Friday night saw the Royals pulverize the 16th's current whipping boy, Ashland, by a score of 78-37. Henry again topped the Royals out with 27 points on 13-14 field goal shooting and Williams contributed 13. Mason County returned home on Saturday for the first time since January 2nd and did not receive a warm welcome. Lexington Catholic, ranked 10th in the Bluegrass, ran out to a 28-12 lead, but the Royals stormed back and cut the deficit to 3 points in the 4th quarter. The Royals could get no closer, however, eventually falling 53-49. Henry finished with 13 points & 13 rebounds, with Williams also scoring 13 for a third straight game.

 

Scott gets pounded, then upends Campbell

 

Agruably the most unexpected final score the 10th Region has seen this year was Boone County's 70-28 thrashing of Scott on Monday. Apparently unhappy with his team's performance in the early going, Eagles top man Brad Carr benched his starters for lengthy amounts of time as the Eagles were taught a lesson both by their coach and the visiting Rebels. The message Carr sent was evidently received, as the Eagles rebounded to handle Campbell County 78-69 on Friday night at NKU. Four Eagles were in double figures, led by senior guard Blake Schneider's 28. Andrew Trame had 17 points on 5-11 3pt. shooting. Darian Witherspoon finished with a double-double of 13 points & 10 rebounds. And sophomore Jake Ohmer also scored 13 points on 6-10 FG shooting.

 

GRC suffers a pair of losses, but ends week with a W

 

George Rogers Clark, as we have touched on, suffered a pair of losses to begin last week. The Cards fell 62-55 at Harrison County on Tuesday night, with Braxton Greene scoring 15 points in the losing effort. Greene would score 11 and Damion King would lead with 18 points, but GRC fell again on Friday night, beaten by long-time rival Montgomery County 52-51. But Scott Humphrey's club ended the week on a more positive note after a 63-52 Saturday home win over Bourbon County. Green was one of four Cardinals in double figures, leading the way with 20. Jyles Anderson added 16 points, with both King & Jordan Davis contributing 10.

 

Mustangs fall just short of 6th straight Class "A" crown

 

Bishop Brossart entered the Class "A" Tournament as one of the three favorites to win, and Mike Code's team very nearly pulled it off. On Monday the Stangs handled Silver Grove 70-32 in the Quarterfinals. Five Brossart players reached double figures, led by Jonathan Zink's 15 points & 12 boards. On Wednesday, the Mustangs took care of host Robertson County in the semis by a score of 68-27. Jackson Crawford's 20 points & 12 boards led the way, with Zink scoring 16 and Jacob Zai tossing in 12. In the Saturday title game, Brossart appeared several times to be on its way to another title, only to see Augusta repeatedly fight back. Perhaps the most tense moment came with just 0.5 seconds left in regulation, with Brossart trailing by 1 & Zink at the line for a pair of free throws. The senior forward missed the first attempt and hit the second, sending the game into OT where the Panthers prevailed. Zink's free throws may not have turned out how he would've liked, but the young man played well, leading the Stangs with 22 points & 8 rebounds. Crawford contributed 15 points & 7 rebounds.

 

Colonels shock Breds, fall to GRC

 

Bourbon County's Thursday night 88-76 win over Harrison County may have been the 10th's shocker of the week. The Colonels were on fire offensively, led by sophomore guard Ameryon Blackburn (26) and senior guard Michael Baker (24) who combined to score 50, connecting on an eye-popping 9-12 from beyond the 3-point line. Bourbon was brought back down to earth on Saturday, though, when the Colonels fell at George Rogers Clark 63-52, despite leading 30-25 at the half. Landon Sexton was the high-scorer for the Colonels with 17 points.

 

Nicholas County takes 2

 

Roger Newton's Nicholas County squad enjoyed a nice 2-0 finish last week. Tyler Newton scored 21 points, hitting five 3's, in the Jackets' Tuesday night 62-57 win over Bath County at home. On Friday night, Nicholas overcame a 19 point 2nd half deficit on the road at Bracken County to win 71-69 in OT. With under 10 seconds to play in regulation, Newton converted an improbable 4-point play that sent the game to the extra frame, where the Jackets eventually prevailed. Four Nicholas players notched double figures, with Devin Trussell's 15 points leading the way. Newton and freshman wing Spencer Morris added 14, while Elijah Barnett had a double-double of 13 points & 11 boards.

 

Additional Notes

 

* The only outing for Paris last week was the 43-41 defeat at the hands of Augusta in Thursday's Class "A" semifinals. Junior forward Koebe Garrard scored nearly half the team's points, finishing with 20 points on 9-20 shooting. The rest of the Greyhounds scored 21 points on 10-37 shooting for the game.

 

* Robertson County also played just 1 game last week in its 68-27 home loss to Bishop Brossart in the other Class "A" semifinal. Senior guard Dawson Cooper scored all but 11 of his team's points, finishing with 16 to go along with 9 rebounds.

 

* Two games, two tight road losses last week for Pendleton County. The Wildcats fell at Beechwood 47-45 on Tuesday night, with Michael Antrobus scoring 18 points in the loss. On Friday, Keaton Belcher's club fell at Grant County 77-75, despite getting 21 points & 7 boards from senior center Hunter Lea. Antrobus added 15 points and Wade Browning chipped in with 13.

 

* St. Patrick played just 1 contest last week, a 59-51 win at Burgin that saw senior forward Andrew Sticklen finish with 21 points & 16 rebounds. After losing 6 straight, the Saints have won 3 of their last 5.

 

* After its Class "A" Quarterfinal loss to Bishop Brossart, the Big Trains of Silver Grove managed a pair of wins the rest of the week. Anthony Turcios finished with 22 points & 6 rebounds in a 64-53 win over James N Gamble Montessori (OH) on Wednesday night. Turcios was at it again on Friday, scoring a team-high 18 points in the Trains' 67-56 win over Model. Billy Miller also played well, finishing with 17 points & 10 rebounds. Christian Pollitt and Randy Kuntz added 14 & 12 points respectively.

 

* Calvary Christian went just 1-2 last week--all home games--starting with the lopsided 100-29 loss to Campbell County on Monday. The next night saw the Cougars on the short end of a close contest in a 57-52 loss to Dayton. Calvary managed a Thursday night win over Latin by a score of 70-44, snapping a 12-game losing skid. In the last two outings, Calvary has received solid play from a pair of sophomores: Aikeem Riley & Justin Wade. Riley scored 18 against Dayton and then 29 against Latin. Wade went for 17 against Dayton & 21 against Latin.

 

* As was the case with several of ther Class "A" brethren, Bracken County took to the floor just once last week, in the heartbreaking 71-69 home OT loss to Nicholas County on Friday--the team's fifth straight defeat. The box score of the game reflects what has been the Polar Bears primary problem this season, which is finding consistent production from someone other than Austin Crawford. The sophomore guard finished with 38 points & 9 rebounds, but was the only Bear in double figures. For the season, Bracken is averaging 60.8 ppg, with Crawford scoring 26.1 a clip.

 

10th Region Top 10 Teams

 

1. Mason County (16-2)

2. Montgomery County (8-7)

3. George Rogers Clark (13-5)

4. Scott (10-9)

5. Augusta (15-6)

6. Campbell County (13-6)

7. Harrison County (8-10)

8. Bishop Brossart (9-7)

9. Paris (10-4)

10. Bourbon County (6-11)

The poll could be:

1. Mason County

2. Moco, GRC, Scott, Augusta, Campbell, Harrison, Bishop, Paris, and Bourbon

 

#2 could change on any given night.

 

Nice work RP!

If Mason isnt playing in rupp in March it will be a monumental upset.

If Mason isnt playing in rupp in March it will be a monumental upset.

 

I agree that they are the favorite in the 10th, (and have the best player in the 10th) but disagree that it would be a monumental upset. Upset, yes. Monumental, no. Several teams are capable of beating them if they are hitting on all cylinders.

If Mason isnt playing in rupp in March it will be a monumental upset.

 

They may be a Region favorite, but they have to make it our of the 39th District first, which they haven't been able to do the past two seasons.

Randy, your weekly overviews are fantastic...positive...accurate...and enjoyable reading. Thanks for your efforts.

Great job, as always.

If Mason isnt playing in rupp in March it will be a monumental upset.

 

I disagree. Due to the balance between the 2nd-9th(or so) teams in the region, they could have to win 3-4 games against tough competition to win the region.

 

Also, while Mason is definitely the #1 team in the region, they are not an elite team like this region has typically had for the last 12 years.

High ankle sprain to Campbell Co.'s Wilson could be a major factor when all is said and done. This type injury is not understood by many. Always happens when the foot is abruptly turned outward, versus a normal ankle sprain when the foot rolls inwards. The tibia and fibula are held together by a tendon that is stretched during the injury. Three distinct levels can result. Simplest is a strain that might allow uncomfortable but reasonable use in a short time (maybe couple weeks). Second level is such a stretching/strain that there might be partial tearing of the tendon. This level requires extended stabilization and can be pretty lengthy in recovery. Third level is actual tearing of the tendon and will require surgery and extensive recovery and rehab. Third level often results in the smaller bone breaking. I am not a doctor, just an old timer that took 4 months to recover from the 2nd level. Many people mistakenly think a high ankle sprain is just a bad rolling sprain that can be walked off over time. Wrong!

 

Hope Wilson's is just the less severe high ankle sprain and he will be back in a few weeks. With him the Camels can challenge Mason Co. In the 10th.

Who is 2 thru 6 will be settled later. Several of these teams won't even make It to the regional. This will be the best 10th region districts and regionals in years.

 

Depending on the draw, 1 if not 2 of the first round games should be very good games.

RP,

 

At this point and time I would have to put Augusta at #2. With tournament wins over BB and Paris this week, along with beating #4 Scott(I know that was weeks ago,but still) and they led Mason County after 3 quarters at The Fieldhouse(weeks ago as well) before falling. They may or may not be as good as those above them in the long run, but for now just me would put them at #2

RP,

 

At this point and time I would have to put Augusta at #2. With tournament wins over BB and Paris this week, along with beating #4 Scott(I know that was weeks ago,but still) and they led Mason County after 3 quarters at The Fieldhouse(weeks ago as well) before falling. They may or may not be as good as those above them in the long run, but for now just me would put them at #2

 

Given time to prepare & be rested, Augusta can beat anyone in the 10th Region, including Mason County. While I don't agree that they are #2, they have as much of an argument as all these other teams, save Mason County, who have not been able to distance themselves from the rest.

 

Additionally, if we're going to go back to Scott & Mason County games, we also have to go back to Model & Iroquois games, which took place after Scott & Mason. Those 2 losses work against Augusta just as much as the wins work in their favor. In other words, it's a wash in the end. At least in my opinion.

 

I'm not trying to poo poo what Augusta has done, nor any other team. But when you boil it down, there's not a single team in the 10th Region who has earned a #2 ranking. Not one. Mason County has established itself as #1 and that's really it. I suspect spots 2-10 will fluctuate with every single ranking we release until the post-season starts.

Given time to prepare & be rested, Augusta can beat anyone in the 10th Region, including Mason County. While I don't agree that they are #2, they have as much of an argument as all these other teams, save Mason County, who have not been able to distance themselves from the rest.

 

Additionally, if we're going to go back to Scott & Mason County games, we also have to go back to Model & Iroquois games, which took place after Scott & Mason. Those 2 losses work against Augusta just as much as the wins work in their favor. In other words, it's a wash in the end. At least in my opinion.

 

I'm not trying to poo poo what Augusta has done, nor any other team. But when you boil it down, there's not a single team in the 10th Region who has earned a #2 ranking. Not one. Mason County has established itself as #1 and that's really it. I suspect spots 2-10 will fluctuate with every single ranking we release until the post-season starts.

 

This. But somebody's gotta get it. MoCo is this week's choice at #2 given the fact that, among other things, they went into Winchester and won.

 

Likely as not it will be someone else 168 hours from now.

Very well done!!

Record vs. Other Top 10 teams in the 10th Region in bold

 

1. Mason County (16-2) - 5-0

2. Montgomery County (8-7) - 3-3

3. George Rogers Clark (13-5) - 3-2

4. Scott (10-9) - 2-4

5. Augusta (15-6) - 4-2

6. Campbell County (13-6) - 3-3

7. Harrison County (8-10) - 3-4

8. Bishop Brossart (9-7) - 0-2

9. Paris (10-4) - 3-2

10. Bourbon County (6-11) - 1-5