2nd Region Tournament Preview

The 2nd Region Tournament will be played at Madisonville North Hopkins High School.  First round dates are 3/5 and 3/6 with the semifinal on 3/11 and the championship on 3/18.  

First Round Matchups

Madisonville (15-12) vs. Livingston Central (9-20):  These two teams did not face each other during the regular season. Madisonville has a trio of double digit scorers in Landon Smith (15.5), Kanyon Johnson (15.9), and Ryan Bryant (11.5) that make them a difficult matchup on the offensive end.  Johnson, a 6'4 point guard who recently made SportsCenter's top 10 plays with his 360 dunk as time expired in the 7th district championship, makes the Maroons' offense go.  However, the athleticism and defensive abilities of starters Trashaun Smith and Davin Cheirs may propel Madisonville to a 2nd Region title.  Livingston Central's Logan Wring averages 24.1 ppg, while Bryson Walker averages 16.1.  For the Cardinals to have a shot in this one, they will have to limit their turnovers and knock down 3's.  I expect Madisonville's athleticism will carry the day and move the Maroons to the semis. 

Christian County (8-22) vs. Union County (15-10): This is the most interesting first round matchup and another game where the teams did not meet in the regular season.  Head Coach Dior Curtis played the long game with his squad this season and was rewarded with an 8th District Championship.  Playing a very tough schedule, the young Colonels took their fair share of bumps and bruises along the way.  However, Christian County seems to be playing its best basketball at the right time. Led senior NDarien Rowe (12.3) the Colonels rely on stingy defense, transition offense, and a relentless pursuit of second shots to win ball games.  Union County is the worst first round matchup for the Colonels, however.  The Braves are strong, athletic and fast.  Additionally, their mix of zone defenses will likely give Christian County problems scoring.  Led by 6'2 junior point guard Daishawn Curry, Union County is the most efficient offense in the region at 52.9% from the field and they have the size and strength to matchup well with the Colonels.  I expect Union County to win this one and move on to face Madisonville in the semis. 

Henderson County (22-6) vs. Hopkinsville (15-15): The Colonels from Henderson County won the regular season matchup between these two teams back in December, 83-56.  The Colonels have won 8 of their last 9 games including wins over Warren Central and Bowling Green.  The Colonels are led by a trio of double figure scorers including Cooper Davenport (13.7), Lacon McKinney (11.4), and Elijah Suggs (11.4).  Additionally, the Colonels benefit from x-factor senior Dwaine Moss (8.8) who can stretch the floor and take some attention off Davenport, as well as the emergence of steady sophomore point guard Xavion Johnson (7.2).  Hopkinsville has a big 3 of their own in James Bradley (15.5), Jonathan Hart (12.4), and Jonovan Leavell (12.3).  The Tigers matchup well with the Colonels in every statistical category and have enough size in sophomore Layton Giltner to compete in the paint.  However, the experience of Henderson County has shown up so far this season in their ability to win against tough competition, as the Tigers have struggled to close the deal against the best teams on their schedule.  I expect this to be a good first round matchup and I have Henderson County coming out on top to move on to the semis. 

Lyon County (24-7) vs. Dawson Springs (17-15): Lyon County won the regular season matchup between these two teams just over three weeks ago in a 107-65 win at home. The Lions are the defending state champs and have put together an impressive season after losing three Division 1 players, including Mr. Basketball Travis Perry.  The Lions have finished their season strong, winning 8 of their last 9 games, including wins over Owenboro and Madisonville.  The Lions boast 4 players averaging double figures led by Bray Kirk's 22.5 points per game.  Additionally, Nolan Coffman (17.5), Cooper Collins (11.1), and Isaac Defew (10.4) pitch in to an offensive attack that is top 10 in the state in points per game.  The Panthers are led by Region 2 Player of the Year Rex Blue who averages 20.2 PPG and 10.1 RPG.  Additionally, the point guard play of the All-Time leading Panther scorer Montgomer Johnson (23.0) creates a tough one-two punch for Dawson Springs.  However,  based on the regular season outcome and the drama surrounding the resignation of 2nd Region Coach of the Year Mickey Blue, I think there is just too much for Dawson Springs to overcome.  I expect Lyon County to roll in this one.