Madison Central vs. Ballard (Sweet 16® Round 1) Predictions/Updates

[Randy Parker]

When the Sweet 16 Draw was announced back on March 10th, a number of eyes were immediately drawn to the 11 and 7 numbers that were paired up with each other.  Two of the state's powerhouse regions would clash on Day 1, with many folks envisioning a Lexington Catholic/Ballard showdown--two teams that were at the top of most state rankings at the time. 

But then came actual postseason play.  Allen Feldhaus, Jr's Indians eclipsed the century mark in a 101-97 edging of LexCath to open the 11th Region Tournament.  Madison Central then ran roughshod over Franklin County and Frederick Douglass in the semifinals and finals to claim the school's first Region Championship since 2013, when Dominique Hawkins and company went on to cut down Rupp's nets.  The 2021 version of Madison Central is headlined by senior Kole Brown (18.9 ppg), junior Will Hardin (16.2 ppg), and sophomore Jaylen Davis (14.1 ppg).  The trio combined for 61 points in the 11th's title game, very nearly outscoring the entire Frederick Douglass team.

Ballard and head coach Chris Renner wore the 7th Region "Favorite" target on their backs all season long, and did not disappoint when postseason play began.  The Bruins have won their 5 District and Region games by an average of 27.4 ppg, including a 22-point shellacking of Trinity in the 7th Region Semifinals and a 28-point thrashing of Manual in the title game.  Three underclassmen lead Ballard in scoring--sophomore Gabe Sisk (18.6 ppg), junior Maker Bar (15.2 ppg), and junior Kennedy Hayden (13.2).

Who wins this clash of the titans: Madison Central or Ballard?

[TheDeuce]

I think this could be a barn burner, but I'll take Ballard. 

[Randy Parker]

I'm with Deuce that this could be a nailbiter.  I'm also with Deuce in taking Ballard.  Bruins by 7.

[Tigerpride94]

I’ll go with Ballard, the obvious choice, but anything can happen in March as no chumps in sweet 16.

[ColonelMike]

Ballard by a dozen.    But it's the first round, and MC has had a great year.   An upset would be an upset, but it might not be a surprise.

[Randy Parker]

3-1 Ballard; 5:45 1Q.

[Randy Parker]

9-1 Ballard; 4:53 1Q.

[16thBBall Fan]

The KHSAA feed his about two minutes behind or more.

[Tigerpride94]

 

[Randy Parker]

Ballard up 24-19; 5:39 2Q.

[Randy Parker]

28-19 Ballard; 2:49 2Q.

[Randy Parker]

32-24 Ballard; 1:20 2Q.

[theguru]

24 minutes ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

The KHSAA feed his about two minutes behind or more.

Same as earlier.

[theguru]

2021 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® presented by UK HealthCare Orthopaedics
Tickets – https://khsaa.org/sweet-sixteen-ticket-sales/
Tournament Program – https://bit.ly/3m1YblV
Webcasts – http://khsaa.tv/
Audio broadcasts – http://mixlr.com/khsaa/events/
Live stats – http://bit.ly/2HpUZOq

[Randy Parker]

Halftime:

Ballard - 32

Madison Central - 24