Bowling Green (28-6) vs. Adair County (30-5)
Series in 2024-25: Adair County leads 1-0 (61-57 W at neutral site on 12/14/2024)
Series Overall: Series tied 2-2 (Adair County has won one consecutive - Bowling Green last won 2/3/2018)
Series in Sweet 16: First Meeting

The Sweet 16 kicks off with one of the best matchups of the first round as Bowling Green out of Region 4 meets Adair County out of Region 5.  Bowling Green is making their first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 2021, when they advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Ballard by 8.  Adair County is back for the second consecutive year, one of only three teams to return this year - they fell to eventual state champion Lyon County in the quarterfinals last year.  

It's the second meeting of the season for the two teams as Adair County narrowly edge out the Purples in early December, but that was prior to the Purples settling in with their team following a state title run in football.  Both teams played at a high level in that contest.  Bowling Green shot 47.6% from the floor and 7/16 from three, also winning the rebound battle 26-25.  Adair County won on their strength inside the arc, making 13/18 attempts from two, shooting 59.4% from the floor in the game.  They were good from three as well, hitting 6/14.  Joseph Hurt, probably the MVP of the 4th Region tournament, had 32 points in that contest, including going 5/7 from three.  Braylon banks was the only other scorer in double figures for Bowling Green, dropping 20 points on 8/14 shooting. Meanwhile Adair County was led as usual by Connor Loy, who had 20 points and got to the foul line consistently, going 8/12 in addition to 5/8 from the floor.  Isaiah Cochran had 16, and Dawson Gilbert had 11. 

Bowling Green has won in the first round each of the last five times they went to state, but this might also be the best team they've played in that time.  Adair County won in the first round last year, but lost in the first round their previous trip, in 2009.

The Purples are very balanced in scoring on the season - four players average in double figures, and all six of their seniors average at least 8 points per game (no one else on the team averages more than 2).  Luke Idlett leads the way averaging 14.3 PPG while shooting 58.8% from three.  Joseph Hurt is just behind, scoring 14.2 PPG and leads team in rebounds with 5.3 per game.  Braylon Banks, the hero of the district final, averages 12.7 PPG while Jace Wardlow averages 12.7 PPG.  The Purples shoot 54.5% from the floor as a team, and 46.4% from three.  They're guard heavy, and can shoot you right out of the gym.  Adair County is less balanced and very top heavy.  Connor Loy, 5th Region Player of the Year, averages 20.4 PPG, shooting 60.6% from the floor. Isaiah Cochran adds 16.6 PPG while averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.  (The earlier meeting aside, Adair seems a good choice to lead the game in rebounds.) Dawson Gilbert is the only other Indian to average in double figures with 12.1 PPG, and Brayton Coomer (9.4 PPG) is the only other player to average more than 4.2.  Adair as a team shoots much better from two than from three, shooting 53.6% from the field but just 38.5% from three. 

On paper, this appears to be anyone's game.  Who takes it down?

I like BG in the rematch, but this has the makings of one of the better opening games. 

I like the Indians in this one. Adair's ability to handle the pressure I think will be the difference maker in this one. Loy doesn't turn the ball over much and that's been BG's key in the regional tournament. Make teams turn it over. I expect it to be a close game but give me Adair by 5. 

I like the Indians to win this one as well.  Adair had football guys (2 starters, 2 key reserves) that weren’t quite in basketball shape during the first meeting as well.  Adair wasn’t playing close to their potential at that time either.   Since January 3, Adair has 1 loss to a good full strength Warren Central team defeating some good teams along the way.  Undefeated in a very solid 5th region this year.  Veteran group that won’t be rattled at all.  
 

BG is a solid group but I think this is the year for Adair to potentially advance to Saturday morning.

Poll is currently at 13-12 Adair. 

Going BG 67-61. Too many scorers.

I'll take BG 65-64 in the best game of the first round!

Is there a way to stream these games?

1 minute ago, Purple88 said:

Is there a way to stream these games?

It looks like the standard options, either the nfhs network or https://go.prepspin.com/

I will also go with the Purples in a close game! Deuce is now starting with Wardlow coming off bench. I believe it has made a big difference! They did not play in first game with Adair County. The  starters and Wardlow are each capable of scoring in double figures! Should be a great game!

I think experience on the big stage matters here, and will go with Adair in a close one.  I don't see the Purples pressure bothering Connor Loy.  He's a stud!

21 hours ago, Purple88 said:

Is there a way to stream these games?

 

21 hours ago, theguru said:

It looks like the standard options, either the nfhs network or https://go.prepspin.com/

The Sporting Times is getting in on the action, just not sure if it's a live video stream or audio only.

?: https://stfanclub.com/live/

 

2025 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®

• khsaa.org/ruppboys
• khsaa.tv
• khsaa.net
• Live Stats
• KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard
• Tournament Bracket
• Tournament Program

I don't know what to think about this game? I have seen Adair County twice this season. They have height up front with Cochran and Coomer and great guard play by Connor Loy, who took over vs North Hardin in the 4th quarter of the Region final. Should be a great first round game.