It's the 16th Region final most have expected since early January. Ashland opened the year as region favorite, but Rowan County proved itself a worthy challenger on February 24th, when the Vikings pushed the Tomcats to the brink at Anderson Gymnasium, before falling short in overtime, 68-66.

Ashland (19-4) had to dig deep to escape the clutches of West Carter in the semis, while Rowan (15-3) mostly breezed past Boyd County. How big a role, if any, will that play?

Ashland features sensational sophomore PG Colin Porter (18 ppg/playmaker extraordinaire) and sharp shooting two-guard Cole Villers (23 ppg/44% on 3s). Rowan counters with one of the state's top multi-sport athletes, region player of the year Mason Moore (20 ppg/9 rpg) and 6'7" Robert Todd (13 ppg/8 rpg).

Game time is set for 2pm on Saturday afternoon from Ellis T. Johnson Arena in Morehead. 

 

Bump.

Ashland is competing for its third consecutive 16th Region championship and 26th overall. Rowan County is looking for its first title since 2012 and seventh overall.

I’ll take Ashland in a close one. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rowan win though. It all comes down to if the three ball is falling for Ashland.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to provide thorough updates, but here's the stream for the game. If you haven't seen MyTownTV before, they do a fantastic job.

 

 

I will have end of quarter score updates.

9 all

2:24 in the 1st

14-12 RC after 1.

Good to see both teams getting after it early. 

20-15 Rowan

5:30 in the 2nd

Sean Marcum and Ethan Sellars each picked up two fouls in the opening quarter. That's something to watch for. They're key components for the Tomcats. 

24 All

1:30 in the 2nd

Colin Porter is playing really well for Ashland.

30-24 RC at the half.

Mason Moore and Colin Porter looking like All-Staters out there in the first half. Big shot by Moore there near the end of the half.