The Tomcats take it to their arch rival to cement themselves as the clear #1 in the 16th Region. Boyd County made a run to cut the deficit to single digits at the end, but Ashland led by as many as 22 in the final quarter.

You can see Boyd County's upside, but they were outclassed tonight. This was the first of what should be at least three meetings between the two.

1 hour ago, DevilMayCare said:

You can see Boyd County's upside, but they were outclassed tonight.

Explain?

1 hour ago, brooksville said:

Explain?

Jason Ellis is a handful in the paint and Boyd's got shooters, namely Jacob Spurlock. They can score the basketball. The shots weren't falling tonight - something like 3/22 from behind the arc - and they still put up 68.

Ashland's shots were falling and the shot selection and ball movement were excellent for the most part. Those have been hallmarks of Tomcat basketball over the last few years. Five players hit double figures. Rheyce Deboard commands the offense so well from the point. He can shoot, finish in transition, distribute, and he knows when to push tempo or pump the brakes. He did a little of everything tonight.

Ashland was clearly the better team tonight, but Boyd also helped shoot themselves out of it. 

This probably means a little more after everything that occurred with these two schools in the off season. 

I thought the Mayor kid from Ashland would play a bigger role thus far. Is he healthy? Or just not developed enough and ready to contribute?

17 minutes ago, jtb12882 said:

I thought the Mayor kid from Ashland would play a bigger role thus far. Is he healthy? Or just not developed enough and ready to contribute?

I think your last sentence is the answer. 

Ashland opened in man defense and Boyd was finding ways to score early on but then the Tomcats switched to zone and it totally baffled the Lions. Ashland slowly increased the lead to where it was 22 in the 4th quarter and Coach Bonner put his subs in the game. The subs were running’ and gunnin’ as if they were behind 10 points, lol, and Boyd was able to cut into the lead.