16th Region News and Notes

• The Ashland Invitational Tournament unfolded over the weekend, crowning the host as champions for the second straight year. The Tomcats’ claws sink deeper into the region's top ranking after narrowly escaping Walton-Verona before dispatching Harlan County and Danville Christian Academy for the title. Ashland was not intimidated by the height of DCA, imposing themselves on the glass at times. Coach Ryan Bonner has to be pleased with his defense, which allowed 52 ppg for the tourney.

Courtesy of X.

Fleming County also had a fruitful three days in Ashland, edging Highlands on a last second put-back by Lucas Jolly….

 

…. before being edged by DCA in the semifinals. The Panthers bounced back to handle Harlan County in the third place game. Seth Hickerson and Bradley Robinson shined for coach Buddy Biggs, averaging a combined 40 ppg in the AIT.
 
• Boyd County faced a challenging trifecta of opponents last week, with losses to Bryan Station and Newport sandwiched around a win over reigning state champ Lyon County. Jacob Spurlock tamed the Lyons with 33 points & 11 boards. He had a strong individual showing against Station, but the Lions squandered an early 11-0 lead and got rolled the rest of the way. It's looking like a light week for Boyd coming up, as Bath County is the only opponent on the docket.

• Russell's record continues to swell in the loss column. The Devils completed their second straight 0-3 week, leaving them at 3-7. They were swept out of the AIT with a last place finish. Russell can't seem to put a complete game together. One night, the offense is clicking, but the defense can't get stops. The next night, the defense is present and accounted for, but the offense is still on the bus. Effort has been a bright spot, they just need consistency at both ends to break out of this funk.

• Bath County toppled East Carter for the second time this month, triggering a shift in the rankings. The Wildcats rise four spots to #10 while the Raiders slide down two places to #11. The graduation losses of foundational players from last season have left East in a rebuilding position. Their four wins have come against teams with a combined five wins. 

Ranking The Region

1. Ashland (6-5) ? 

2. Fleming County (9-3) ?

3. Boyd County (5-7) ?

4. Lewis County (6-3) ? 

5. Raceland (9-2) ? 

6. Elliott County (6-3) ? 

7. Rowan County (4-4) ??

8. Russell (3-7) ?

9. Greenup County (3-8) ??

10. Bath County (3-7) ??

11. East Carter (4-7) ??

12. Morgan County (4-7) ??

13. Menifee County (3-9) ??

14. West Carter (2-8) ☄️

15. Fairview (1-8) ?

Player Of The Week 
Zander Carter (Ashland) - The Liberty University commit was the MVP of the AIT, averaging 20 ppg for Ashland's run to the title.

Courtesy of X.

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