Boyd County ? (29-6, State #15)
vs. 
Marshall County ?? (24-8) 

?️ Boyd’s perseverance finally paid off… after coming up short against Ashland time and time again, the Lions got the upper hand on their bitter rival to end the Tomcats’ seven year stranglehold on the 16th Region.

Jacob Spurlock, one of the state's most prolific scorers and three point marksmen, leads Boyd back to Rupp Arena for the first time since 2018. He carries hefty averages of 27 points and 9 rebounds per game into the Sweet 16. Malachi Payne (17 ppg) and Gunnar Woods (11 ppg) help supplement Spurlock to power the state's highest scoring offense (82.5 ppg).

Matching Spur bucket for bucket is Marshall County star Matthew Langhi, a 6’7” DI prospect who also averages 27 a night. He roasted Paducah Tilghman for 38 in the 1st Region final. Joining Langhi with double figure averages are Neyland Jezik (12 ppg) and Ryan Stokes (10 ppg).

The Marshals have recent experience to draw from, having made the state tournament two seasons ago. Can they use that to their advantage? Langhi, Jezik, and Stokes have been here before. Boyd's Gunnar Woods was here a year ago with Lawrence County, but the rest of the Lions will be taking the floor at Rupp for the first time.

Tip-off: Thursday, March 19th at 1:30pm

Spurlock and Langhi is quite the head to head matchup. I’ve seen both teams play several times this year and I think Boyd is the better overall team but Boyd is not deep at all so foul trouble could be a problem for them. Anything can happen this time of the year but I’ll take Boyd to win this one. 

Appreciate the write up from the Devil MC.  He always does an outstanding job!

Here are my 3 favorite Marshall players and then a quick analysis on a few of the others:

1. Matthew Langhi (Jr) - 27 ppg & 5 rpg.  I could write a few paragraphs on this guy.  He’s 6-6 but I would describe his game as a combo guard.  Can score in a multitude of ways.  He has a quick first step and he can get to the rim.  He also can pull up from the elbow.   He doesn’t shoot a ton of 3’s but he makes them at around 35%.  Don’t foul him!  He makes 8 FTs per game and shoots those at 87%. Pretty darn good defender too.  If you needed me to mention a weakness I’d have to think awhile. 

2. Ryan Stokes (Sr) - 10 ppg and 6 rpg ( leading rebounder).  Very good athlete!  The interesting thing about him is he’s a guard but he doesn’t really shoot 3’s.  If he has the ball in the perimeter the defender can sit below the FT line.  Stokes really likes to get to the rim and he’s very good at it. Possibly the best defender on the team.  

3. Neyland Jezik (Sr). 12 ppg and 5 rpg.  Simple analysis on him - pure shooter!  He makes three 3’s per game and doesn’t do much more on offense. But you can’t leave him!  The Marshals will run some things to get him open from 3.  

The others - Kaden Mohler is the PG and is a very good perimeter defender.  Braxton Burnham is a Freshman but he shoots like 47% from 3.  Carson Lovett is a Masked Crusader who provides some size (he’s also the GK for the Marshals soccer team).  

There are some other 1st Region experts in these parts so feel free to add stuff.

I think this will be a good one!  I’m the First Region guy so give me the Marshals in a tight one.  

I'm taking Boyd County in this one.

2026 UK HEALTHCARE BOYS’ BASKETBALL SWEET 16®

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

Paid video from Prepspin and it is awesome!

https://go.prepspin.com/marshall-county-vs-boyd-county-game-6-2026-uk-healthcare-boys-basketball-sweet-16-thursday-at-130pm-est/

? Teams' season stats and today's starting lineups ~

 

? Rierds/Marshall County

Neyland Jezik, 1

Ryan Stokes, 2

Kaden Mohler, 3

Braxton Burnham, 22

Matthew Langhi, 42

 

? Riherds/Boyd County

Jacob Spurlock, 2

Gunner Woods, 3

Ethan Reardon, 14

Malachi Payne, 23

Caleb Rimmer, 33

6-2 Marshals.

30 second timeout Lions, 5:19 Q1.

6-2 MC.

So far no announcers this game, just the actual sounds from inside the gym, way superior for me although the announcers have been just fine so far.

8 all.

Announcers are back!

3 minutes ago, theguru said:

So far no announcers this game, just the actual sounds from inside the gym, way superior for me although the announcers have been just fine so far.

I'm listening to the audio livestream, with announcers. 

? khsaa.mixlr.com

Just now, Runcible Owl said:

I'm listening to the audio livestream, with announcers. 

? khsaa.mixlr.com

Uncle! Uncle! ?

Langhi is awesome to watch!!  Nice dunk.