That’s a wrap on the regular season in the 11^th Region for the 2025-26 season.  The contenders closed things out with some statement wins.  Madison Central took down top ranked Covington Catholic.  Frederick Douglass got by a Woodford County team that had earlier beat Madison Central, and Bryan Station dealt 12^th Region favorite Danville Christian Academy a home loss.  Only Lexington Catholic amongst the top 6 teams lost a game last week, and it was a 2 point game at Danville Christian.  Going into the postseason there is are 4 teams that are in a tier by themselves: Madison Central, Frederick Douglass, Bryan Station and Lexington Catholic.  Henry Clay, Great Crossing, Tates Creek and even Scott County and Lafayette seem capable of springing an upset and sending one of the big 4 home early.  It should be a great postseason.  As the Joker once said, “And. Here. We. Go.”

 

 

1.  Madison Central (27-3)

The Indians picked up a huge win over Covington Catholic, the state’s top ranked team, 70-60 on Friday night at home.  Central jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never trailed in the game.  They were able to extend the lead to as many as 20 points in a dominating performance at home.  Four players finished in double figures in the win, paced by Jake Feldhaus, who produced yet another double/double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.  Luke Asher added 17 points, Grayson Burton had 15 and Cam Steele finished with 11 points and dished out six assists.  The Indians used a deliberate pace and forced the high scoring Colonels to play defense while they turned their offense over to get good shots.  This resulted in Madison Central shooting 56.2% from the field for the game.  They held Catholic 22 points below their average, and was able to keep Mr. Basketball candidate Athens McGillis in check.  While McGillis did finish with 20 points, he only went 8-22 from the field, and the Colonels only shot 37.3% as a team.  Earlier in the week the Indians made the trip down I-75 and beat South Laurel 73-56.  Luke Asher and Grayson Burton each finished with 22 points in the win over the Cardinals.  Feldhaus added 16 points and grabbed 11 boards in the win.  Madison Central will play Madison Southern on Tuesday night in the first round of the 44^th District Tournament at Eastern Kentucky. 

 

2.  Frederick Douglass (19-6)

While Madison Central’s win over Covington Catholic got most of the attention on Friday night, the Broncos picked up a nice win of their own when they defeated Woodford County 58-52 at Kentucky State University.  DeMarcus Surratt led the team in scoring with 24 points.  The win over the Yellow Jackets capped off a 3-0 week for Douglass, and ran their win streak to 9 in a row.  Earlier in the week the Broncos took down Scott County 71-57.  Surratt was the high point man against the Cardinals as well with 20 points.  Thurman Wade added 16 points, and Tate Robinson joined them in double figures with 12.  On Thursday Freddy D  picked up a 61-48 win over Tates Creek at The Farm.  Stats have not posted for the Woodford County or Tates Creek wins.  The Broncos will play the winner of the Scott County/Sayre matchup on Tuesday at Bryan Station in the 42^nd District Tournament.

 

3.  Bryan Station  (21-7)

The Defenders closed out the regular season with a 3-0 week.  They started out the week with a 92-57 win over an overmatched Paris squad.  Amari Owens had 25 points, and Taeshawn Adams added 22 in the blowout of the Greyhounds.   Station followed that up with a 77-62 home win over Grant County.  It was again Owens and Adams leading the way with 23 points each.  The Defenders then went on the road to take on 12^th Region contender Danville Christian Academy.  In a defensive struggle Station was able to come away with a 48-45 win, and deal the Warriors only their second home loss in the last 2 seasons.  Amari Owens was the only Defender to finish in double figures as he pumped in 29 points.  The Defenders will take on Henry Clay at home in the 42^nd District Tournament in a rematch of a game won by the Blue Devils back on February 13^th. 

 

4.  Lexington Catholic (19-8)

The Knights went 2-1 last week.  They opened up the week with a 52-50 road loss at Danville Christian Academy.  Everett Stuart was the only player in double figures for Catholic as he finished with 28 points.  As a team the Knights struggled shooting the ball, finishing at 37.7% from the field and 50% from the line.  Catholic quickly shook off the setback against DCA as they went out and demolished Paul Laurence Dunbar the next night 72-44.  Four players finished in double figures in the blowout:  Hank Woodall had 14, Jacob Holland 12, Everett Stuart 11 and Max Meagher finished with 10.  Catholic then closed out the regular season with a 79-40 home blowout of Lincoln County.  Stats have not posted for that one.  The Knights have a bye in the 43^rd District Tournament.  They will play the winner of  Lexington Christian Academy and Paul Laurence Dunbar at Lafayette on Tuesday. 

 

5.  Henry Clay (17-11)

The Blue Devils closed out the regular season with a perfect 3-0 week.  They started off the week with a hard-fought 56-53 win over Scott County.  Jackson Stephan poured in 28 points in the win, and was the only player to finish in double figures.  The win over the Cardinals was followed by a closer than expected 64-60 win against Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Stephan was again the leading scorer with 25 points.  He was joined in double figures by Jack Hemenway and Isiah Brown with 10 points each.  The Devils finished off the regular season with a 73-63 win over Lafayette.  Stephan scored 22 points in that one.  Richard Goatley added 18, and Colton Helton had 15.  Henry Clay will take on Bryan Station at Bryan Station in the first round of the 42^nd District Tournament on Wednesday.  One of the top 5 teams in the region will be going home early in one of the best first round matchups in the state. 

 

6.  Great Crossing (18-11)

The Warhawks also closed out the regular season with a 3-0 week.  They blew out a good Walton Verona team 63-36 on Tuesday.  Brady Orem led the team in scoring with 17 points in the win.  Great Crossing followed that up with another impressive win over Ryle 75-66.  Orem again led the team in scoring with 25 points.  Graham Swartz added 19, while Travanti Cooper finished with 15.  The Warhawks then closed out their regular season with a 85-57 blowout of Madison Southern on the road.  Stats have not posted for the win over the Eagles.  Great Crossing has a bye in the 41^st District Tournament.  They will play the winner of the Western Hills/Frankfort Christian game on Tuesday at Frankfort High School.

 

7.  Lafayette (16-11)

The Generals went 2-1 last week.  On Monday they picked up a 58-46 win over Sayre.  Tyler Hunt led the team in scoring with 16 points.  Joseph Chatting finished with 12 points, while Ben Marsh ended up with 11 points and 11 rebounds.   On Thursday the Generals went to Henry Clay were they dropped a 73-63 decision to the Blue Devils.  Tyler Hunt put up 23 points in the loss.  Lafayette then closed out their regular season on Saturday with a 69-49 road win over Frankfort.  The Generals started out the season 3-7, but have went 13-4 since the slow start.  They will face Tates Creek on Wednesday in the 43^rd District Tournament at home. 

 

 

8.  Scott County (14-13)

The Cardinals had a rough week last week as they finished up 1-3, although against some strong competition.  On Monday they dropped a close one on the road at Henry Clay 56-53.  Phillip Grimes, Brailyn McNear, and Montae Washburn all scored 11 points in the loss.  Things didn’t get any easier for Sean Woods team as they had to play Frederick Douglass at The Farm the next night.  The Cardinals came out on the short end of a 71-57 decision in that one.  Grimes had 14 points to lead the team while Washburn added 11.  Thursday found Scott on the road at Walton Verona, where they came up just short against the Bearcats, 70-65.  Tidiane Faye led a trio of Cardinals in double figures with 18 points.  Phillip Grimes had 16 and Montae Washburn finished with 10.  The Cardinals, however, were able to right the ship a bit and close out the regular season with a 60-56 win over Oldham County at home on Friday night.  Stats have not posted for that game.  Scott County will play Sayre in the first round of the 42^nd District Tournament at Bryan Station on Monday.  The winner will take on Frederick Douglass in the semifinals.

 

9.  Tates Creek (15-13)

The Commodores closed out their regular season with a 2-1 week.  They picked up a 50-40 win over Frankfort in a game that was played at Transylvania.  Stephen Franklin went 5-8 from long range and finished with 15 points, while Ja’Mond Jackson added 12 points to go along with 15 rebounds.  The win over the Panthers was followed by a 61-48 loss on the road at Frederick Douglass.  AJ Slaughter and Stephen Franklin were the only Commodores to finish in double figures against the Broncos with 14 and 13 points respectively.  Tates Creek then closed out with a 78-66 win at home against Western Hills.  Stats have not posted for that game yet.  The Commodores will take on Lafayette on Wednesday in the 43^rd District Tournament at Lafayette.  The teams have split their previous two meetings this season. 

 

10.  Madison Southern (18-12)

The Eagles finished out their regular season with a 3-1 week.  They went on the road and picked up a 72-69 win at Bourbon County.  Bryant Brock led the way with a 26 point effort.  The next night Southern used a more balanced attack to get by Lexington Christian Academy 75-61 at LCA.  Landon Adams led 4 Eagle players in double figures with 19 points.  Tucker Nobbe finished with 17, while Colin Sebastin had 16 and Jordan Dunaway added 10.  The Eagles then returned home and picked up a 64-53 win over Garrard County to run their win streak to 4 games.  The win streak was snapped the next night however, when they Eagles were crushed by Great Crossing at home 85-57.  Stats have not been posted for that game.  For the 2^nd season in a row the Eagles have drawn Madison Southern in the blind draw for the 44^th District Tournament.  The 44^th is the last district that does not use seeding to determine the matchups.  The game with Madison Central will be on Tuesday at Eastern Kentucky University.

 

11.  Lexington Christian Academy (12-16)

The Eagles had 2 games on the schedule for last week, but there has been no result posted for the game with Frankfort on Friday.  LCA went 0-1 in the only result posted for the week, a 75-61 home loss to Madison Southern.  Caleb Marshall provided the highlights for Lexington Christian as the sophomore nailed 5 three pointers and finished with 32 points.  The young Eagles, with only one senior on the roster, have stumble down the stretch, losing 8 of their last 9 games.  The Eagles will play Paul Laurence Dunbar in the quarterfinals of the 43^rd District Tournament at Lafayette on Monday night.  The winner will face Lexington Catholic. 

 

12.  Model (18-11)

The Patriots closed out their regular season with a 2-1 week.  They lost a home game to Franklin County 77-75 in spite of a 39 point performance from Jayden Bingham.  Riley Mollette added to 21 points as the seniors combined for 60 of Model’s 75 points.  They bounced back from that defeat with an 85-72 overtime win on the road at Estill County.  This time it was Mollette who went for over 30, as he finished with 34 points while ripping down 20 rebounds.  Jayden Bingham added 25 points in the win.  The Patriots finished off the regular season with a 54-45 win on the road a Barbourville.  Mollette finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds in the win.  Model is matched up with Berea in the first round of the 44^th District Tournament on Monday night at McBrayer Arena on the EKU campus. 

 

13.  Sayre (11-19)

The Spartans went 2-1 last week.  They lost at Lafayette 58-46 before finishing out with a 71-59 win at Paris and a 74-51 home win against Western Hills.  The standout performance of the week was a 34 point, 7 rebound game by John Gaines in the win over Paris.  Sayre will play Scott County in the quarterfinals of the 42^nd District Tournament at Bryan Station on Monday.   The winner will face Frederick Douglass in the semifinals.

 

14.  Paul Laurence Dunbar (12-18)

The Bulldogs closed out the season with a 1-2 week.  They dropped a pair of games to 11^th Region opponents: 64-60 at Henry Clay and 72-44 at home against Lexington Catholic.  They did, however, pick up a nice win in the finale when they went on the road and beat Rockcastle County 62-55.  PLD will play Lexington Christian in the quarterfinals of the 43^rd District Tournament at Lafayette on Monday.  The winner will get Lexington Catholic in the semifinals. 

 

15.  Franklin County (11-19)

The Flyers went 2-1 to close out the regular season last week.  They picked up a 77-75 road win against Model and a 78-54 win at Berea before losing their last game at home to Anderson County 50-42.  Franklin County will play Frankfort in the 41^st District Tournament at Frankfort on Wednesday.  The Flyers defeated the Panthers in their 2 meetings this season. 

 

16.  Berea (14-14)

The Pirates went 3-1 last week.  They won 50-37 at Frankfort, lost at home to Franklin County 78-54, beat Bluegrass United 69-64 and then picked up a road win at Williamsburg 62-44.  Berea will play Model in the 44^th District Tournament on Monday with a trip to the 11^th Region Tournament on the line. 

 

17.  Frankfort (8-17)

The Panthers stumbled to the finish line of the regular season with an 0-3 record last week.  They lost a home game to Berea 50-37, a game to Tates Creek at Transy 50-40, and another home game to Lafayette 69-49.  Frankfort will play Franklin County in the semifinals of the 41^st District Tournament at home on Wednesday. 

 

18.  Frankfort Christian Academy (14-15)

The Royals 2-1 last week and came up just short of finishing the regular season with a winning record.  The picked up road wins at Lynn Camp 85-69, and Francis Parker 75-58, before losing on the road at Carroll County 68-64.  FCA will take on Western Hills in the 41^st District Tournament at Frankfort, with the winner playing Great Crossing in the semifinals. 

 

19.  Western Hills (4-23)

The Wolverines went 0-4 last week and finished the regular season on a 10 game losing streak.  The losses were: at George Rogers Clark 80-34, at home to Rockcastle County 79-65, at Sayre 74-51, and at Tates Creek 78-66.  Western Hills will play Frankfort Christian in the quarterfinals of the 41^st District Tournament at Frankfort on Monday, with the winner playing Great Crossing in the semifinals. 

The 41st District as whole, had a rough season.   Only Great Crossing finished the season above .500 and would seem to be a prohibitive favorite to win the Tournament, which will be played at Frankfort High School this season.   Here are the games, times and my predictions.

 

Quarterfinal: Western Hills (4-23) vs Frankfort Christian (14-15) 2/23/2026 8:00PM

Western Hills comes into this matchup reeling, losers of 10 games in a row, and 13 of 14.  They are a young team with their 2 leading scorers being a pair of sophomores: Matt Dicken (20.7 points per game) and Preston Clouse (17.7 points per game).  Frankfort Christian finished only a game below .500, but it was against a really weak schedule.  They were 0-6 against 11th Region foes.  They are led by senior Williams Sims who averages 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.  If Western Hills hasn't gotten discouraged and packed it in for the season I think they have just enough to slip by FCA and book a date with Great Crossing in the semifinals.  Give me Western Hills 58-52.  

 

Semifinal:  Franklin County (11-19) vs Frankfort (8-17) 2/23/2026 8:00PM

These 2 teams have already met twice this season with Franklin County winning both matchups: 66-55 on February 13th, and 63-51 on January 23rd.  While their overall record is not good, they do have an 8-4 record in the region.  They have went 3-2 in their last 5 games, while Frankfort is on 4 game losing streak.  The game is at Frankfort, a crosstown rivalry game, and there's the "hard to beat a team 3 times" thing.  I think the Flyers will be able to get that 3rd win, and move on to the 11th Region Tournament 62-57.

 

Semifinal:  Great Crossing (18-11) vs Western Hills/Frankfort Christian Academy 2/24/2026 8:00PM

Great Crossing is not anywhere near the level that they have been the past 2 seasons.  They are however, still a good basketball team as their 9-2 record in region shows.  They are led by Brady Orem who averages 22.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.  They will be far too much for the survivor of the Western Hills/Frankfort Christian game.  Great Crossing will move on to the finals by 20+.

Finals: 2/27/2026 8:00PM

I've got Franklin County and Great Crossing meeting in this one.  The Warhawks have won both meetings between the two teams: 64-51 at Franklin County and 93-63 at Great Crossing.  I think it will be closer to the first game with Great Crossing pulling away for a 72-50 win.  

 

There are my predictions.  Who do you have?  

 

 

The 42nd District is home to 3 of the top 5 teams in the 11th Region this season.  Frederick Douglass has been on a roll, and has to be seen as the favorite but they have lost a game to Henry Clay, and their games with Bryan Station the past couple of seasons have been battles.  Luckily for the Broncos, they wouldn't see either of those 2 teams until the finals, when their ticket to the Regional Tournament would have already been punched.  Here's how I see what promises to be a great tournament at Bryan Station playing out.  

Quarterfinals:  Scott County (14-13) vs Sayre (11-19) 2/23/2026 7:30PM

After finishing 6-21 last season, Scott County brought in former UK player, and college head coach Sean Woods to right the ship.  While he hasn't gotten the Cardinals back to a regional and state contender, he has certainly got them on the right path.  They have stumbled a bit down the stretch as they are only 2-6 in their last 8 games. But included in those 6 losses are a 4 point loss to Bryan Station and a 3 point loss to Henry Clay.  Sayre has had a tough season after graduating a good group of seniors from last season's 17-12 team.  Scott County has 2 solid wins in the first 2 matchups between these two teams.   I think Sayre puts up a fight, but the Cardinals win 70-58 to move on to the semifinals against Frederick Douglass.

 

Semifinals:  Bryan Station (21-7) vs Henry Clay (17-11) 2/25/2026 7:30PM

The Defenders have been ranked all season and have wins over Jeffersontown, Caverna, Montgomery County, Woodford County and Danville Christian Academy on their resume.  They are led by the high scoring duo of Amari Owens (25.9 points per game) and Taeshawn Adams (17.1 points per game).  Henry Clay has not been as consistent, but has wins over both Frederick Douglass and Bryan Station.  They are powered by Jackson Stephan, who averages a double/double (20.8 points and 10.7 rebounds).  They will be a tough out.  But this game is at Bryan Station.  I like the Defenders to move to the District Finals 70-60. 

 

Semifinals:  Frederick Douglass (19-6) vs Scott County/Sayre 2/24/2026 7:30PM

Frederick Douglass has been a top 10 team all season.  They feature a balanced attack with 5 players averaging at least 7 points per game, with DeMarcus Surratt leading the way at 19.6 points per game.  They will be too much for the survivor of the Scott County/Sayre quarterfinal game.  I'll take the Broncos to move on 75-53 over Scott County.  

 

Finals: 2/27/2026 7:30PM

If everything goes chalk we should see our third matchup between Frederick Douglass and Bryan Station here.  Last season Frederick Douglass won the first 3 meetings between these 2 teams, but each winning margin was smaller than the last.  Finally the Defenders were able to take the 4th matchup to win the District Championship.  I could very well see things working out the same way this season.  I think Freddy D is a bit better than Station, but playing at home I'll take the Defenders 65-62.  

 

There are my predictions. Who have you got.  

The 43rd District Tournament will be held at Lafayette this season.  Lexington Catholic would seem to be a solid favorite here as they went through district play with an 8-0 record and only have one loss to an 11th Region team all season.  The survivor of the Tates Creek/Lafayette game is capable of pulling the upset against the Knights as the margin of victory for Catholic in 3 of the 4 games against those 2 teams has been in single digits.  Lafayette is at home, that will likely be a factor as well.   

Quarterfinals:  Lexington Christian Academy (12-16) vs Paul Laurence Dunbar (12-18) 2/23/2026 8:00PM

When Lexington Christian Academy defeated Sayre to win the 11th Region All A Championship back on January 17th their record stood at 11-8 and they young Eagles seemed to be putting it together.  They have won only a single game since, going 1-8 down the stretch.  That one win, however, came at the expense of Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Sophomores Caleb Marshall (21.1 points per game) and Dawson Farmer (16.2 points per game) are the leading scorers on a team that features only one senior.  Dunbar has struggled this season, but except for a blowout against Lexington Catholic, they have played well down the stretch.  With LCA being in freefall, I think PLD moves on 62-50.

Semifinals: Lafayette (16-11) vs Tates Creek (15-13) 2/25/2026 8:00PM

After a 2-6 start, Lafayette has played well going 14-5 the rest of the way.  They are powered by senior Tyler Hunt who averages 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and junior Ben Marsh who averages 14.3 points and 6.1 boards per game.  Tates Creek has been wildly inconsistent.  They had a 7 game win streak early in the season, that was immediately followed by losing 7 of the next 8.  The Commodores like to shoot a lot of threes.  They average over 30 attempts and 10 makes per game.  When they are hitting, they are extremely dangerous.  When they're off, they're really bad.  I look for this to be a great game as the teams split their 2 previous matchups.  I think Lafayette is playing a little bit better basketball right now, and at home I'll take them by 3, 60-57.

Semifinals:  Lexington Catholic (19-8) vs Lexington Christian Academy/Paul Laurence Dunbar 2/24/2026 8:00PM

Lexington Catholic has a balanced attack that features 3 players who average in double figures, and a 4th that averages 9 points per game.  They have won all 4 games played against LCA and PLD by at least 24 points.  This game will be no different.  I'll take Catholic over Dunbar 80-52.

Finals: 2/27/2026 8:00PM

If my predictions hold we'll see Lafayette facing off against Lexington Catholic here.  Catholic has won both meeting between the 2 teams:  78-63 back on December 8th, and 74-65 on February 2nd.  I think Lafayette puts up a heck of a fight at home but falls just short.  Lexington Catholic 57-51.  

 

There are my predictions.  Who have you got?  

I've got the Broncos. I would not be surprised if Henry Clay would knock off the Defenders in the semis.

The 44th District is currently the only district in the state that uses a blind draw, and not seeding, to determine the matchups for the district tournament.  That will change next season when the 49th District will also go to the blind draw to determine matchups.  For the 2nd year in a row the 2 best teams in the district, Madison Central and Madison Southern will play in the semifinals.  Either Berea or Model will advance to the 11th Region Tournament.  Seeing which one of the 2 small schools gets to go on to the region will likely be the only drama in the tournament this season.  Madison Central is just on another level than the other teams, and it would take a monumental effort for any of the other 3 teams to play within 20 points of the Indians.  The games will be played at McBrayer Arena on the EKU campus.  Here's how I see it playing out.

Semifinals:  Berea (14-14) vs Model (18-11) 2/23/2026 8:00PM

These two teams have played twice this season, with Model taking both contests.  The Patriots defeated Berea in the All A Regional Tournament at LCA 73-67 and at home 63-54 back on January 31st.   Model is led by a pair of seniors:  Jayden Bingham (21.5 points per game) and Riley Mollette (18.8 points and 14.0 rebounds per game).  Berea will counter with a balanced attack that features 5 players scoring between 6.5 and 12.7 points per game.  Both teams shoot a lot of threes, but not necessarily well.  Berea shoots 31% from three as a team, and Model checks in at 31.7%.  Berea also struggles at the line, hitting only 55.5% of their free throws.  In the postseason free throws are often the difference.  I'll take that a my season for picking Model to get their 3rd win in as many tries against the Pirates and move on to the 11th Region Tournament.  I'll take Model 61-57. 

 

Semifinals:  Madison Southern (18-12) vs Madison Central (27-3) 2/24/2026 8:00PM

Madison Southern has a good record.  It has largely been built, however, against lackluster competition.  The Eagles have a young squad with their 5 leading scorers, and 4 leading rebounders all being underclassmen.  The confidence gained through their experience should pay off down the road, but it won't help them against the Indians.  Central won the only matchup between these two archrivals by 30 back on January 16th.  I will be shocked if it is any different this time.  Madison Central 80-48.

Finals: 2/26/2026 8:00PM

I've picked Madison Central and Model to get this far.  I'm certain about by pick of the Indians, but less certain about Model.  In the end, it won't matter whether it is the Patriots or the Pirates playing against Central in the finals.  I think we'll see a running clock.  I'll take Madison Central 96-50.  

That's the way I see it.  Who have you got?  

 

 

I do think Crossing wins. If Franklin Co is shooting well and can get out in transition, they can make some things happen. If I'm not mistaken, Frankfort High has played Crossing the tightest. The Flyers did play a decent game the last time at High. I do think on a neutral floor and a near-perfect game, some magic could happen for the Flyers. Frankfort High being at home would be more in their favor. I do think High would have the best shot of beating the Warhawks. High will be tough for the next couple of years if this team stays together and continues to grow. To be the man, you've got to beat the man! It's Crossings until someone takes it. Could this be the year it finally happens? I do think it ends up County vs GC, with it being close in the first half, and then GC pulls ahead in the 4th and wins by 10 or so.

The 11th region bracket was just released. The tournament begins with quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5. All games are at EKU this year  

Upper Bracket:

Great Crossing vs. Model- 6:15pm

Lexington Catholic vs. Bryan Station- 8:15pm

Lower Bracket:

Frederick Douglass vs. Franklin County- 6:15pm

Madison Central vs.  Tates Creek- 8:15pm

Semis are Saturday March 7 at 2:00&4:00pm 

Finals are Monday March 9 at 7:00pm

The draw puts the two top teams in the same bracket in Frederick Douglass and Madison Central. In the top bracket an opening game between Lexington Catholic and Bryan Station.

Is the region held at EKU? That’s where it usually is played.

10 minutes ago, The Professor said:

Is the region held at EKU? That’s where it usually is played.

Yes this year even quarterfinal games are at EKU in the past the district winners got to host the first game. 

 

The District Tournaments are in the books, and the regional tournament matchups are set.  Everything largely went chalk in the districts with a couple of upsets in the quarterfinal rounds in 2 of the districts.  Lafayette/Tates Creek turned out to be a great game in the semifinals of the 43rd District with the Commodores surviving.  That set up what turned out to be a double overtime game between Lexington Catholic and Tates Creek for the 2nd time this season.  The eagerly anticipated 3rd matchup between Frederick Douglass and Bryan Station largely fizzled with the Broncos rolling over the Defenders.  Speaking of eagerly anticipated matchups, the regional draw should pit Frederick Douglass and Madison Central against each other in the semifinals.  That's a matchup that would be worth of a State Final, not a regional semifinal.  Should be a great regional tournament at EKU.  

41st District

There wasn't a lot of drama, nor any upsets in the 41st.  Save Great Crossing, and Frankfort Christian Academy, none of the teams in teams in the district even approached a .500 record this season.  FCA's record was largely due to playing a very weak schedule as they try to build their program, so the Warhawks were the only team to find much success in the regular season.  In the quarterfinal game Western Hills faced Frankfort Christian and came away with an 83-69 win for only their 5th win of the season.  That win set up a matchup with Great Crossing in the semifinals.  The Wolverines were simply no match for Great Crossing who cruised to an 89-40 win.  Aslam Ismail led the team in scoring with 21 points on 10 out of 12 shooting from the floor.  Brady Orem added 19, and Travanti Cooper 13 as 10 players got in the scoring column for the Warhawks.  In the other semifinal matchup Franklin County and Frankfort matched up for the 3rd time this season.  The Flyers had won both of the previous matchups by double figures, and this one would be no different as Franklin County came out on top 65-47.  That set up a matchup between Great Crossing and Franklin County in the finals.  Although this matchup would be closer than the 30 point blowout by Great Crossing in the teams last matchup on February 6th, it would still be a solid win for the Warhawks 56-43.  

42nd District

The 42nd District Tournament was played at Bryan Station.  Though all of the final margins were at least 10 points, it did produce an upset.  Sayre, who had finished the regular season at 11-19, and had been beaten by Scott County in their previous 2 meetings by 31 and 12 points, sprung a 58-48 upset on the Cardinals.  Scott County, who had won only 6 games a season ago, saw a marked improvement in Sean Woods first season as coach, finishing with a 14-14 record.  The win over Scott County earned the Spartans a matchup with Frederick Douglass in the semifinals.  Sayre had been able to keep things competitive against the Broncos in their first 2 meetings, but that was not the case this time.  Behind 17 points from DeMarcus Surratt Freddy D blew away Sayre 65-36 to move on to the finals.  The other semifinal was between Henry Clay and Bryan Station, in what was viewed as one of the better semifinal games in the state.  The 2 teams had split their meetings in the regular season with Bryan Station winning by 8 at home, and Henry Clay getting a 3 point overtime win in the rematch.  The Defenders, playing at home, were just too much for the Blue Devils in the rubber match of the series for this season.  Led by Taeshawn Adams, who had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Amari Owens, who had 21 points, the Defenders punched their ticket to the finals 62-48.  Jackson Stephan concluded his stellar career for Henry Clay with 24 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.  The finals looked to be another classic matchup between 2 of the state's best teams in Frederick Douglass and Bryan Station.  It did not, however, end up being another classic, as Frederick Douglass simply dominated the Defenders 66-36.  Dakari Talbert led a trio of Broncos in double figures with 21 points, Wade Thurman added 14, and DeMarcus Surratt finished with 12.   

43rd District 

The 43rd District Tournament was held at Lafayette and produced a minor upset, and a couple of close games.  Paul Laurence Dunbar, who had lost their previous 2 games to Lexington Christian Academy, was able to win their quarterfinal matchup over the Eagles 63-47 to move on to the semifinals.  Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, it was Lexington Catholic who was waiting for them in the semifinals.  Catholic had won the previous 2 matchups between the teams in blowout fashion (75-48 on December 12th and 72-44 on February 18th).  This matchup went exactly like the first 2 as the Knights won going away 77-50.  The other semifinal featured Tates Creek and Lafayette.  The 2 teams had split their regular season matchups with each team winning at home.  The Generals had the home court advantage in the third matchup, but it was the Commodores that came out on top in a close one, 65-62.  That set up a matchup between Lexington Catholic and Tates Creek in the finals.  The previous 2 games between the Commodores and Knights were both won by the Knights 60-53, and 68-65 in double overtime.  The third matchup would produce another double overtime thriller, and it was again the Knights that would come out on top 68-60.  Max Meagher put up a 20 point, 20 rebound line for Catholic in the win.  

44th District

The 44th District Tournament was held at Eastern Kentucky, the site of the 11th Region Tournament.  Madison Central was the overwhelming favorite to win the district, and that is exactly how things worked out.  The only drama involved who would join them in advancing to the region.  The 44th District is the only district in the state to still use a blind draw to determine the matchups.  That resulted in Madison Southern and Madison Central facing off in the semifinals for the 2nd consecutive season, and one of the small schools (Berea or Model) advancing to the region.  As expected Madison Central was able to breeze by Madison Southern in their semifinal 87-44.  Eleven different players scored for the Indians in the blowout, led by Luke Asher with 24 points.  Jake Feldhaus put up another double/double in the win with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Grayson Burton added 12 points.  The other semifinal saw Model complete a season sweep of Berea 49-43.  Riley Mollette was the key in the Patriots win with 21 points and 9 rebounds.  That set up a Model/Madison Central matchup in the finals, and it went about how you would expect.  The Indians simply destroyed Model 94-43.  Eleven of the Twelve players that got in the game for Central scored in this one, led by Will Richardson's 21 points and Jake Feldhaus 20 points and 12 rebounds. 

11th Region Tournament Preview

The 11th Region Tournament will take place at McBrayer Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.   That is a departure from the past few seasons where the first round games were held at the exact same time at the home of the District Champions.  The tournament will tip off on Wednesday night with what figures to be a mismatch between Model, and the defending 11th Region, and Sweet Sixteen Champion Great Crossing.  Anything other than an easy win for the Warhawks will be a surprise.  The nightcap, however, figures to be an intense matchup between the 3rd and 4th ranked teams in the region: Bryan Station and Lexington Catholic.  The teams did not meet in the regular season, and are both 7-3 in their last 10 games.  This one looks to be a toss-up.  Thursday night will open up with what figures to be a blowout with 12-20 Franklin County facing off with the hottest team in the region in Frederick Douglass.  The final game of the opening round features the regional favorite, Madison Central taking on Tates Creek.   The Indians would figure to be a big favorite in this matchup, but Tates Creek averages taking 30 three point shots a game.  If they are hitting, they could make this one closer than anticipated.  The second round will be played on Saturday and should have 2 great matchups if things go as expected.  The Great Crossing vs the winner of the Bryan Station/Lexington Catholic game should be a good one.  The nightcap, however, is the one that will have everyone's attention as Frederick Douglass and Madison Central would face off for the 3rd time this season.  The Indians have come out on top in the first 2 meetings, but the Broncos are playing extremely well right now.  One of the best teams in the state will be going home before the regional finals. The finals will be played on Monday

Bump.

Bump.