article Inside the 15th Region - Regional Touranment Edition

[15th Region]

15th Region Tournament Overview:

It’s always great to see the banners from all the school’s (past and present) hanging in the East Kentucky EXPO Center in March. It lets us know tournament time is upon us and that all the hard work from summer conditioning and travel ball, to mid-season film study, to District tournament pregame walk throughs has paid off. This year’s field should make for an exciting week of basketball as we preview each match-up, but before we get to the 15th Region Tournament, let’s revisit our District Tournaments and see what we got right and what we got wrong.

District Tournament’s Recap

 

57th District Tournament Predictions / Results:

Prediction - Johnson Central 85 Magoffin County 63 (Actual Score: JC 85 MC 64)

Prediction - Sheldon Clark 66 Paintsville 65 (Actual Score: SC 81 Paintsville 45)

Prediction – (Championship) Johnson Central 82 Sheldon Clark 75 (Actual Score: SC 77 JC 68 in OT)

 

Having Sheldon Clark and Johnson Central in the 57th District makes it the best in the region and it showed in this years tournament. In opening rounds both JC and SC quickly dispatched of their opponents. Johnson Central blitzed Magoffin County early, jumping out to a 28-10 lead after the first quarter of action and never looked back, putting 5 players into double figures (Mason Blair 20 pts, Dalton Adkins 17 pts, Kyle Gullett 14 pts, Braxton Blair 12 pts, and Josh Hitchcock 11 pts). Magoffin County was led by Trenton Russell who had 15 pts and 14 rbs in the loss (Starting PG Jaren Lovely and Freshman wing player Ryan Mullins were also in double figures for Magoffin County with 15 and 11 points respectively). We almost hit the nail on the head with the exact score prediction as you can see above.

 

In the second district game, which was expected to be a very competitive contest, Sheldon Clark dismantled Paintsville (putting the running clock on them with 6:00 to go in the 4th Quarter. In fact, Sheldon Clark stars Chase Parsley and Dylan James outscored Paintsville by themselves as they each put up 24 points. In the 3rd Quarter of the game Sheldon Clark went 8 of 10 from behind the arc to extend a 15 point half time lead to what the final score was. We correctly predicted the outcome but was off on the score.

 

The District Championship was an instant classic. Johnson Central jumped out to a 27 to 19 1st Quarter led behind a lob tip-in by on and inbounds pass by Kyle Gullett with 00:00.2 Seconds to play. Sheldon Clark would answer with a strong 2nd Quarter performance to cut the lead to 41-35 at the half. Johnson Central would win the 3rd Quarter 11-10 and see their led get as high as 11 before a few late baskets by Sheldon Clark. The 4th Quarter belonged to Sheldon Clark as they outscored JC 16 to 9 in the end, but with 42s to go in the 4th JC seemed to have the game won. Leading by 4, Kyle Gullett did something he never does, he missed the front end of 3 consecutive 1+1 FT’s and he shoots 80% at the stripe. This paved the way for Sheldon Clark Senior PG Chase Parsley hit a lay-up with 24s to go to tie the game. JC held for the last shot as Braxton Blair drove to the basket, took contact, and missed a tough angle layup as the horn sounded. In overtime, Sheldon Clark got hot from behind the 3 and JC had no answer as a few key players had fouled out (SC hit 3 3’s in OT). For the game Sheldon Clark was 12 of 32 from behind the arc and led by Chase Parsley who had 34 pts 8 ast and Dylan James who had 18 pts 17 rbs. Johnson Central was led by Kyle Gullett who had 24 pts, 9 rbs, 4 ast, 3 blks, 2 stls, Braxton Blair 15 pts, 4 ast, 2 rbs, 1 stl, Mason Blair 13 pts, 5 rbs, 3 ast, 3 stls, and Dalton Adkins who had 6 pts and a career high 9 rbs. The game did not disappoint and may be a preview of the 15th Region Championship. We missed Sheldon Clark winning the District in our prediction as they secured their 2nd District Championship in 4 years (2012 – SC defeated JC in the District Championship and JC went on to win the region – SC got upset in regional first round by East Ridge that year and play East Ridge in the 1st Round this year).

 

58th District Tournament Predictions / Results:

Prediction - Betsy Layne 71 Allen Central 68 (Actual Score: AC 48 BL 45)

Prediction - South Floyd 75 Prestonsburg 63 (Actual Score: SF 73 Prestonsburg 54)

Prediction – (Championship) Betsy Layne 70 South Floyd 65 (Actual Score: SF 35 Allen Central 28)

 

The first game of the 58th District Tournament provided us with the biggest shocker in the Region as Betsy Layne fell to Allen Central. In the game Betsy Layne Seniors Peyton Case and Charles “Lako” Daniels did not have their typical performances. Case scored 19 pts to lead Betsy Layne, but did it on 6 of 17 shooting. Daniels only got 6 shots on goal and grabbed 2 rbs due to foul trouble (He averages 17 pts and nearly 12 rbs a game). It didn’t help that Dalton Maldonado went 1 for 10 in the game as well. Looking at the numbers we can say that Allen Central played some excellent defense and Betsy Layne had an off game. Seth Hall led Allen Central with 15 point while Devan Horn was held to only one made 3FG but still scored 12. We missed this prediction completely, but that is what makes tournament time so wonderful.

 

In the second District game South Floyd used home court advantage to easily defeat Prestonsburg. The great inside play of Andrew Tackett led the way as he had 22 pts and 8 rbs. Also in double figures for were Jacob Collins with 13 points and Brady Ousley with 11 pts. Prestonsburg had been in disarray since a few of their players quit earlier in the season and never seemed to recover. This game was never in question and we got fairly close on the prediction.

 

Its hard to explain the 58th District Championship. Part of me wants to tell you it was a great defensive game and part of me wants to tell you it set basketball back 35 years. In reality both teams had not been to the district championship in quite a few years and looked like they didn’t know how to win (nerves played a big part). South Floyd was able to play “not quite as bad” as Allen Central and hold on for the win but nonetheless congratulations to both teams on their advancement to the 15th Region Tournament. For South Floyd it was their first District Championship since 2005. It is also the first time since 2001 that neither Prestonsburg nor Betsy Layne will be in the regional tournament. We missed the prediction as we had Betsy Layne winning the championship.

 

59th District Tournament Predictions / Results:

Prediction - East Ridge 88 Piarist 40 (Actual Score: ER 72 Piarist 27)

Prediction - Shelby Valley 71 Pikeville 69 (Actual Score: SV 88 Pikeville 83)

Prediction – (Championship) Shelby Valley 73 East Ridge 70 (Actual Score: SV 59 ER 52)

 

The 59th District Tournament played out as expected. In the first game East Ridge had no trouble with Piarist as they won by a sizeable margin, establishing a running clock at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. Johnny Miller and Austin Hylton led the way for East Ridge as they were both in double figures. We got fairly close on the prediction.

 

The second game did not disappoint as Shelby Valley shot lights out and was able to hold off a hard charging Pikeville squad late. Pikeville big man Zach Huffman finished his career with a bang, scoring 30 points and leading 4 Pikeville players in double figures (Ryder Johnson had 16 pts, Wyatt Battaile had 14 pts, and Blaine May had 11 pts). Shelby Valley had their best shooting night of the year, hitting over 10 3FG’s, and answering every Pikeville bucket down the stretch. The game was played at a high level in front of a packed house, the kind of atmosphere 15th Region fans are accustomed to seeing during tournament time. We predicted a Shelby Valley close win (which is what we got), but the scoring was slightly up.

 

The 59th District Championship was very physical and close to a repeat of the Pikeville / Shelby Valley District semi-final game. Shelby Valley shot the ball well and held off all runs made by East Ridge. Defense was at a premium, but in the end timely FT’s and game management won out for the Wildcats. This marked the 2nd Consecutive 59th District crown for Shelby Valley and Coach Jim Hicks. In the prediction thread we had Shelby Valley winning, but had both teams scoring more points. We should have known Coach Randy McCoy would emphasis the defensive side of the ball.

60th District Tournament Predictions / Results:

Prediction - Pike Central 81 Phelps 70 (Actual Score: PC 86 Phelps 59)

Prediction - Lawrence County 88 Belfry 70 (Actual Score: LC 64 Belfry 47)

Prediction – (Championship) Pike Central 75 Lawrence County 73 (Actual Score: LC 73 PC 59)

 

The first game of the 60th District Tournament saw host school Phelps go down to regular season district champion Pike Central. This wasn’t the year for the Phelps Hornets but they have their program moving in the right direction and are fairly young across the board; look for them to be back in the region soon. Pike Central was able to use its size and experience to overwhelm the young Hornets and cruise to victory. In the game Pike Central put 4 player in double figures (Braxton Tibbs 19 pts, Brad Elkins 16 pts, Teddy Smith 11 pts, and Ethan Blackburn 11 pts) and saw their 6’8’’ 335 lb. Center grab 15 rebounds. Our prediction was close, but the score was slightly off.

 

In the second 60th District Semi-Final, Lawrence County exacted revenge from an early season loss against Belfry when they didn’t have either Timmy or Robert Dalton. They are without Robert Dalton for the remainder of the season after he underwent successful hand surgery last week (seen in hard cast at tournament) but got big performances from Brandon Richardson and Timmy Dalton in the win. Belfry was led in scoring by Garrett Fannin with 17 points but also saw Nathan Copley and Austin Woolum hit double figures with 11 and 10 pts each (Adam Dillon grabbed 10 boards for Belfry in the loss as well). Lawrence County seemed hungry for the win as they steadily built their final margin of victory, winning each quarter by 3 to 6 points. We predicted an 18 point win for LC and got a 17 point win!

 

In the 60th District Championship Pike Central saw Teddy Smith score 20 points and Ethan Blackburn garner 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks but it was not enough to defeat Lawrence County for a 3rd time this season (The teams ended up splitting 2-2 on the year). Lawrence County looked motivated and got big performances from Brandon Richardson and Timmy Dalton yet again (Grant Kiser played huge in the first half hitting big shots from the corners, but cooled in the 2nd half). The Bulldogs were able to bring home the 60th District Crown in their first year since relocating from the 57th District last year (Their first District Title since winning the 57th in 2010). Pike Central struggled with the quickness LC can put on the floor and failed to make shots they normally hit. The prediction thread had Pike Central winning by a narrow margin and was off by quite a bit as LC easily won by double digits. Pike Central will be making their 3rd straight trip to the 15th Regional Tournament while Lawrence County will be making their 2nd consecutive.

 

Summary:

Overall we were able to predict 7 of the 8 regional tournament teams, but missed 3 of the District Championship winners. Grade? That’s for you to decide!

 

15th Region Tournament Preview

 

Tournament Location: East Kentucky EXPO Center (Pikeville, KY)

Defending Champion: Johnson Central (3x running)

 

Schedule:

Session 1 Wednesday 4 March 2015:

Sheldon Clark (57th Winner) vs. East Ridge (59th Runner-up) – 6:30 PM

Lawrence County (60th Winner) vs. Allen Central (58th Runner-up) – 8:00 PM

 

Session 2 Thursday 5 March 2015:

Shelby Valley (59th Winner) vs. Johnson Central (57th Runner-up) – 6:30 PM

South Floyd (58 Winner) vs. Pike Central (60th Runner-up) – 8:00 PM

 

Session 3 Saturday 7 March 2015:

Semi Final 1 – 6:00 PM

Semi Final 2 – 8:30 PM

 

Session 4 Monday 9 March 2015:

Championship – 7:00 PM (Winner will play Region 7 Champion)

 

Overall Team Rankings Entering the Tournament (Record):

1 – Johnson Central (20-9)

2 – Sheldon Clark (22-5)

3 – Lawrence County (17-12)

4 – Shelby Valley (18-12)

5 – East Ridge (11-15)

6 – Pike Central (16-13)

7 – South Floyd (12-17)

8 – Allen Central (13-17)

 

Match-Up #1 (Sheldon Clark [22-5: 15-4 in Region] vs. East Ridge [15-11: 11-9 in Region])

 

Previous Match-Up:

In their only meeting this season, East Ridge defeated Sheldon Clark 70-68 in the first round of the All-A Classic on January 2nd (SC had been the All-A Tournament favorite). In the game Sheldon Clark was led by Chase Parsley (33 points) after Dylan James and Trevor Blackburn were ejected for fighting late in the 2nd Quarter (Austin Hylton and one East Ridge Bench player also ejected). In the game, East Ridge put 3 players in double figures led by Johnny Miller’s 21 points (Christian Taylor 13 points and Trey Little 12 points) while Sheldon Clark was only able to add James to the double digit column as he had 11 before being tossed.

 

The Game:

This should be a great match-up between two opposing styles of play. East Ridge likes to play physical (going inside out and attacking the rim), while Sheldon Clark relies on the 3 (averaging near 25 attempts per game). It will interesting to see which one wins out at the EXPO Center. It should also be noted that the last time Sheldon Clark won the 57th District Championship they drew East Ridge in the first round of the tournament and lost (2012 – Sheldon Clark was the favorite in the Region that year as well).

 

Regional Titles:

Sheldon Clark – 1983

East Ridge – 2004

 

Players to Watch:

East Ridge – Johnny Miller 5’10’’ Senior (19.2 ppg, 2000 point scorer / 4 year starter), Austin Hylton 6’4’’ Senior (11.8 ppg 8.0 rbp, Best leaper in the 15th Region)

Sheldon Clark – Chase Parsley 5’10’’ Senior (23.5 ppg, 8.4 apg, 2000 point scorer / 4 year starter), Dylan James 6’4’’ Sophomore (23.4 ppg, 10.0 rbg, 47.9% 3FG)

 

Prediction: Sheldon Clark 71 East Ridge 60

 

Match-Up #2 (Lawrence County [17-12: 8-5 in Region] vs. Allen Central [13-17: 6-10 in Region])

 

Previous Match-Up:

Lawrence County and Allen Central did not meet in the regular season but do have some common opponents to compare. Both squads played Pikeville, Pike Central, Paintsville, and Phelps at least once during the regular season. Lawrence County was 5-3 (lost to Pike Central twice and Pikeville once) while Allen Central was 2-3 (Lost to Pikeville, Pike Central, and split with Paintsville). The average margin of victory in the wins favors LC as they are defeating common opponents by an average of 17.5 points while Allen Central is winning by an average of 2.5 points. The last time the two school’s met was in the 2013 All-A Classic Semi-Final played January 16th. Lawrence County was able to win that game 72-41 with the same players they have today.

 

The Game:

This is expected to be a lopsided win for Lawrence County as Allen Central cannot match-up with the speed, athleticism, and experience the Bulldogs bring to the table. Look for Lawrence to attack the rim and look for kick outs. Allen Central does have the best shooter on the floor in Devan Horn but have gone stretches without being able to score. Defensive Pressure is too much for the Rebels as Lawrence County advances.

 

Regional Titles:

Lawrence County – none (to include when they were in the 16th Region)

Allen Central – 1994

 

Players to watch:

Lawrence County – Timmy Dalton 6’2’’ Sophomore (24.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg), Brandon Richardson 6’2’’ Junior (17.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 40.0% 3FG), Austin Chaffin 6’0’’ Junior (12.3 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.3 rpg)

Allen Central – Devan Horn 6’0’’ Senior (17.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 113 made 3FG on 45% 3FG Shooting), Seth Hall 6’3’’ Junior (16.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg)

 

Prediction: Lawrence County 88 Allen Central 65

 

Match-Up #3 (Shelby Valley [18-12: 10-6 in Region] vs. Johnson Central [20-9: 12-3 in Region])

 

Previous Match-Up:

Johnson Central defeated, at the time, an undefeated Shelby Valley team this season 60-54 on December 16th (played at Johnson Central). JC was led in scoring by Mason Blair who had 25 points (Josh Hitchcock chipped in with 13 points) and did not play Braxton Blair (out with illness) or Kyle Gullett (ankle injury at the time). Dalton Adkins started and played but was battling illness and Patrick Rice played in his first game of the year (limited minutes) as he returned from a football knee injury. In short, Johnson Central is a much different team this time around, but so is Shelby Valley. In the first match-up Shelby Valley was without Senior Big man Andrew Newsome (lower leg injury from football) but he is back and at full strength. The Wildcats also saw Steve Slivers play big minutes but he has since left the team. In the regular season meeting Shelby Valley was led in scoring by Hunter Swindall (17 points) and Corey Hamilton (15 points). SV also got a strong game from Dalton Richardson who had 9 points and 12 rebounds from the guard position. Shelby Valley shot 7 of 25 from behind the arc in game (shot 4 for 6 in the first quarter) but have been shooting lights out down the stretch. Shelby Valley only committed 12 TO’s in the game compared to 15 by the Golden Eagles.

 

The Game:

This is most evenly matched quarterfinal game in the tournament. Look for Johnson Central to return to the 1-3-1 full court press they used in the 15th Region Championship last year that caused Shelby Valley Head Coach Jim Hicks to burn 4 Time-outs in the first half. Shelby Valley will likely show 3-quarter court pressure and try to take advantage of their bigs in the post, dropping into a variety of zone defense. If SV can hit the outside shot like they did in the District Tournament, they will be tough to handle. If Johnson Central can get balanced scoring and hit their FT’s they will be hard to stop. JC has always had an advantage on the big EXPO center floor (due to their speed), but this game will come down to in game adjustments and bench support as both teams are loaded with talent. On a side note, Johnson Central Head Coach Tommy McKenzie has never lost to Shelby Valley Head Coach Jim Hicks (3-0).

 

Regional Titles:

Shelby Valley – 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011

Johnson Central – 1972, 1975, 1984, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014

 

Players to watch:

Shelby Valley – Hunter Swindall 6’3’’ Junior (17.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg) Dalton Richardson 6’0’’ Senior (9.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4 year starter), Michael Fields 5’11’’ Senior (7.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.2 rpg, Transfer from East Ridge)

Johnson Central – Kyle Gullett 6’7’’ Senior (19.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 spg, 15th Region POY), Braxton Blair 6’0’’ Senior (15.2 ppg, 5.5 apg, 5.0 rpg, 4 year starter) Mason Blair 6’0’’ Sophomore (17.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 spg, 94 made 3FG on 36% 3FG shooting)

 

Prediction: Johnson Central 77 Shelby Valley 73

 

Match-Up #4 (South Floyd [12-17: 9-11 in Region] vs. Pike Central [16-13: 14-9 in Region])

 

Previous Match-Up:

Pike Central and South Floyd met one time during the regular season (Pikeville Invitational played at Pikeville High School – 12/27/2014), while Pike Central winning 69-57. Nine players scored for Pike Central in the game as they built a big lead early in the second half. The Hawks were led by Brad Elkins (19 points), Teddy Smith (13 points), and Braxton Tibbs (12 points) as they were without the services of 6’8’’ 335 lb. big man Ethan Blackburn in the game (illness). South Floyd was led by Roger Tackett (22 points) as they put 5 players in the scoring column and 3 in double figures (Andrew Tackett and Brady Ousley had 14 and 11 points).

 

The Game:

South Floyd plays very good defense but will be outmatched in this game. Look for Pike Central to play very physical and attack the rim at will, mixing in the occasional press and zone defense. If South Floyd can rebound and match physical play with the Hawks we could have a game, but that is a tall order for the undermanned Raiders. It might be close early, but in the end Pike Central should advance with ease in Head Coach Keith May’s first year at the helm.

 

Regional Titles:

South Floyd – none

Pike Central – none

 

Players to Watch:

South Floyd – Andrew Tackett 6’4’’ Junior (16.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Roger Tackett 5’11’’ Freshman (12.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg)

Pike Central – Ethan Blackburn 6’8’’ Senior (10.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.8 bpg), Teddy Smith 6’4’’ Junior (13.1 ppg, 3.9 ppg), Braxton Tibbs 6’3’’ Senior (10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg)

 

Prediction: Pike Central 68 South Floyd 53

 

Semi Final 1 Prediction: Sheldon Clark 75 Lawrence County 70 (No Robert Dalton hurts here)

Semi Final 2 Prediction: Johnson Central 76 Pike Central 65

 

Championship Prediction: Johnson Central 73 Sheldon Clark 70

 

Agree or Disagree? Feel free to respond and discuss!

[Wireman]

57th district rematch in finals. Sheldon Clark wins

[15th Region]

57th district rematch in finals. Sheldon Clark wins

 

Very possible. It will depend on how well Sheldon Clark shoots the 3 at the EXPO Center. Dont sleep on Lawrence County or Shelby Valley either as the best teams dont always advance in March! You are correct in your statement though, on paper we should see a 57th rematch.

[Cash-Money]

According to KHSAA Sheldon Clark beat East Ridge 64-45 on Dec. 9.

Also, South Floyd has 1 Region Title: 2001 they beat Allen Central.

 

15th, I don't know how you do it! You have done a GREAT job of keeping everyone updated on all the on goings of the region all season. Very nice job as usual with this weeks recaps and laying out the 15th region tournament!! It has been a nice reading them this year. Hope to see more in coming weeks.

 

I agree with your prediction for the tournament. I feel though with JC getting beat in the finals of the district they will come out with FIRE in the eyes!! I look for them to win by a bigger margin in all 3 of their games. This team got a wake up call! A shame they will play the #1 team in the state Lou. Trinity/ Lou. Ballard in the opening round of the State Tournament though.

[15th Region]

According to KHSAA Sheldon Clark beat East Ridge 64-45 on Dec. 9.

Also, South Floyd has 1 Region Title: 2001 they beat Allen Central.

 

15th, I don't know how you do it! You have done a GREAT job of keeping everyone updated on all the on goings of the region all season. Very nice job as usual with this weeks recaps and laying out the 15th region tournament!! It has been a nice reading them this year. Hope to see more in coming weeks.

 

I agree with your prediction for the tournament. I feel though with JC getting beat in the finals of the district they will come out with FIRE in the eyes!! I look for them to win by a bigger margin in all 3 of their games. This team got a wake up call! A shame they will play the #1 team in the state Lou. Trinity/ Lou. Ballard in the opening round of the State Tournament though.

 

Thank you for the kind words. I should not have missed the South Floyd regional title in 2001. I was at the game. The first East Ridge game was a corrected score that I had no notes on (other than khsaa) and therefore omitted it as I felt the game which East Rige won was worth talking more about.

 

It is a shame the 15th drew the 7th Region, but you never know at the state tournament. I was glad to be able to provide the players and teams of the 15th Region with some exposure this season, albeit small.

[Bball Legend]

Great job as always. I enjoy reading your updates on the 15th region. Very good work and it looks to be an exciting regional tournament this year. I'll stick with the consensus by most and go with the Johnson Central vs Sheldon Clark final. With JC taking the final 69-63. Good luck to all of the teams entering the regionals.

[UKfan1977]

LC may have surprise come Saturday if they can beat AC. Only time will tell.

[Bball Legend]

LC may have surprise come Saturday if they can beat AC. Only time will tell.

 

If Robert Dalton plays that game should make for an interesting game between them and Sheldon Clark.

[Royal]

Johnson Central has my vote! :laugh:

[gchs_uk9]

Regional Titles:

South Floyd – none

 

15th Region, you write the best previews on this site. Great job. One quibble: South Floyd won the region in 2001, their only title.

[X`s and O`s]

Wow great thread, wish there was 1 for the 16th.. And I`ll take Johnson Cent, to win 15th

[15th Region]

Thank you for the comments and Im glad you enjoy the articles. It's all about the student athletes though! They are the ones who play the game.

[Tugriverboy]

LC may have surprise come Saturday if they can beat AC. Only time will tell.

 

I, think you are right, with or without Robert D.

[Tugriverboy]

Thank you for the comments and Im glad you enjoy the articles. It's all about the student athletes though! They are the ones who play the game.

 

You are so right. Thanks MUCH.

[15th Region]

LC may have surprise come Saturday if they can beat AC. Only time will tell.

 

Just heard the same thing from a reliable source. Could be very interesting for the East Ridge / Sheldon Clark winner. But I will not comment further until this is 100% validated by my own eyes.