16th Region District Review and Region Preview

Lions turn back Tomcats again…. Watson rows the Vikings to victory…. Musketeers don't fear the fork…. And Morgan tends off Raiders

Looking Back

61st | All the talk of Fleming County's high ceiling and potential to win the region has gone in one ear and out the other of the men from Morehead. Rowan County staved off a Panther rally to beat Fleming for the second game in a row, this time for the district title. Rowan guard Dashawn Watson may have been the region's easiest pick for district tournament MVP after scoring 47 points across both games and sticking the dagger deep into Fleming's heart with the championship game winner as time expired. By now, coach Shawn Thacker is expert at climbing ladders, as this marks his 12th district championship leading the Vikings.

Rowan County coach Shawn Thacker cutting down the nets. Pic taken from Rowan's basketball x/twitter.

62nd | Morgan County has been the favorite here since day one. That label has never wavered, despite East Carter playing the Cougars to a four point loss a month ago and the all-around improvement of the Raiders in the season's latter stage. With the district championship in the balance, East came out with a purpose, leading by nine deep into the second quarter before Morgan erased the deficit and held on to repeat as champions of the 62nd. Eli Griffith led the way with five threes and 19 points.

63rd | The Musketeers imposed themselves on Russell again to claim their first district title since 2017. You get the vibe that the two could play a hundred times this season and the green and gold would win every game. That matchup is all wrong for the Devils right now. Greenup's fortitude and tireless defensive work ensured that this was their year, no two ways about it. Bryson Chandley did work against Russell for the second straight game, posting game highs in points (20) and rebounds (7), while shooting a perfect 8/8 from the charity stripe. The picture below captures the essence of the rivalry this season.

Bryson Chandley and Bradley Adkins contesting a shot attempt by Elijah Neel. Pic by Matt Jones for the Daily Independent.

64th | Slowing Boyd's offensive assault is no easy task, but Ashland was up to it. The Tomcats got the game flow they needed. A final score in the 50s would be to the benefit of anyone sharing the court with the Lions. And yet, despite the favorable conditions, Boyd escaped Ashland's clutches again, twice now in overtime. Jacob Spurlock was the hero in OT, splashing a pair of catch and release threes, including the game winner with nine seconds left. Ashland has to be wondering what it'll take to come out ahead of the Lions this season. 

Jacob Spurlock releasing the game winner. Pic by Matt Jones for the Daily Independent.

Standout District Tournament Performers

Dashawn Watson (Rowan County) - 47 points and 16 rebounds combined in the 61st semis and finals

Jacob Spurlock (Boyd County) - 26 points and 13 rebounds in the 64th finals

Zander Carter (Ashland) - 25 points and 10 rebounds in the 64th finals

Lucas Jolly (Fleming County) - 37 points in the 61st semis

Looking Ahead

The 16th Region Tournament field is set. It’s as deep with quality teams capable of getting to Rupp Arena as we've seen in years. The bracket is bottom heavy, though, paving the way for a predictable top half and a battle royale in the bottom. 

Top Half Bracket (March 6th)

At the risk of stating the obvious…. the draw was kind to Boyd County. The champions of the 64th District open with East Carter, a team they destroyed by 44 back in December. But to anyone penciling the Lions in for an easy win, Boyd and East met in the first round last year, with the Lions needing overtime to advance. Boyd is a safe pick here, but the Raiders are playing well and capable of muddying the waters and making this interesting. 

The other top half quarterfinal matches 61st District champion Rowan County with Russell. They've met twice this season, both resulting in convincing wins for the Vikings. The consistency of their senior laden lineup has gotten the better of the youthful Devils. Russell's frosh have to play well beyond their years to pull this off. They've flashed the goods this season, but this would take another gear. Advantage Rowan.

Bottom Half Bracket (March 7th)

The marquee game of the quarterfinal round pits regular season #1 Fleming County against 62nd District champ Morgan County. Among the top teams in the region, these are the only two that haven't crossed paths yet. It's a genuine pick'em game and potentially one of the best first round clashes we've seen in a while. Expect a torrid pace with three balls flying liberally. The status of Preston Hoskins is the x-factor here. His availability would be a huge boost for Morgan County. 

With Boyd County and Ashland sharing a district, one of the three other district champions is guaranteed a difficult draw. That misfortune landed at the feet of Greenup County this year, as the Musketeers drew the Tomcats for the final matchup of the quarterfinal round. Owners of two of the 16th Region's deepest hardwood traditions, Ashland and Greenup have surprisingly only met once in the last six years, and it's been a decade since they've faced off in Morehead. The Musketeers have the pieces to pose a formidable challenge if Ashland is flat, but that's an unlikely scenario as the Tomcats begin, in earnest, the quest to extend their dynasty with a sixth consecutive regional championship.