Warren Central (4th Region Champions, 33-1) vs. Ashland (16th Region Champions, 23-11)

Series History: Warren Central leads 2-1

Just the fourth meeting all-time between these two teams, and the first that won't take place in Ashland at the Ashland Invitational.  Warren Central won matchups in the 04/05 and 11/12 seasons, while Ashland won the most recent meeting, a 59-55 win in the midst of their unbeaten season.  The two were perhaps on tap for a rematch in the Sweet 16 that year, but the tournament never happened.  So perhaps this is somewhat a balancing in the universe....

Ashland has won their last four since dropping the 64th District final to Boyd County, and have not scored less than 66 points in those four games. Their low on three point attempts in those four games is 24.  They're going to be shooting threes early, late, and often.  Zander Carter leads the Tomcats with 22.4 PPG with Rheyce Deboard adding 17.3 PPG.  They were very close to those averages in their 66-65 comeback win over Owensboro.  Carer had 25 while Deboard added 17. 

Warren Central has won a school record 24 in a row, and enter as the #1 team in the state.  Other than the region final against Bowling Green when they scored 52, they have not scored fewer than 72 points since February 11th, or below 63 since January 20th.  The Dragons shoot plenty from deep, but they primarily are going to go for the rim and from midrange, and they rebound incredibly well.  They shot the lights out in their opener against Pulaski County, hitting 9/17 from three and 33/58 from the floor.  They led all teams in the field percentage-wise in both categories.  Kade Unseld had 26 in the opener most by any individual so far in the tournament.

I've got Warren Central 71-54.

As much as I would love to see a Final between Ashland & Male (a 3 point fest), I don't think Ashland can overcome Warren Central's size and athleticism.  I'll pick Warren Central winning this one! 

Let’s go Dragons!

Warren Central by 10-15+. 

Dragons by double digits. 

Buzz Saw - Dragons by 20+ until they let off the gas late.

WC wins by double digits.  Ashland is going to shoot the three. If they hit a few they may hang around. Ashland has no answers for WC on the defensive side. A few missed threes and a couple of turnovers, while not getting stops should allow WC to win comfortably. 

Introductions coming shortly. 

Ashland out to an early 9-8 lead, Warren Central first deficit of tourney. They’re 3/3 from three.

12-9 Warren Central with 3:49 left in the first. 

14-11 Warren Central w/ 2:02 left in 1st.  Ashland has missed their last two attempts from three, but hit their first two point attempt.  4/6 from the floor.

Warren Central leads 18-13 after one.  They’ve led by five on several occasions.  Ashland led by 1 at 9-8, their only lead.  

Warren Central leads 24-23 with 4:32 left in the half.  Ashland up to five made threes.  They’ve rebounded well so far as well.  Several second chance opportunities. 

Warren Central 31-25 with 2:25 remaining in 2nd.