McCreary Central 77 Lincoln Co. 68

[SouthernSportsFan]

Final.

[rockcastleraiders]

WOW! What was Aaron Watts stat line?

[Riverside 157]

Radio cast said he had 34 points for the game, 11 at half time.....

 

Big win for the Radiers. Of course, really means nothing til the regional tournament begins.

 

Congrats to the Radiers and good luck to both teams down the stretch.

[Les]

Big win for da Raiders. Congrats.

[rockcastleraiders]

Big win and a big game for Watts. It still amazes me how young this kid is and how good he is.

[SouthernSportsFan]

This was a great game. Let me do an overview:

 

The game started out with Aaron Watts stealing a pass and running it down the court for the early 2-0 lead. But from there, Lincoln's sticky man-to-man, trapping defense was deadly. I think Lincoln's biggest lead might have been 2, but at one point, I was worried about their great defense.

 

However, to start the fourth quarter, the Raiders opened the lead to about 16 points I believe until Phillips was undercut when catching a 35 foot pass and fell to the floor hard on his head. After he left, (although he wasn't very productive tonight) the Patriots made a good run to get it to 5 or 6 - thanks to consecutive unforced turnovers by the Raiders that led to six quick points. From there, the Raiders were able to hang on as Lincoln started fouling to make the game longer.

[KYHOOP]

Watts is the real deal tonight, if he can keep it up the sky is the limit for this kid. Lincoln County laid down and the Raiders proved a point by beating them.

[SouthernSportsFan]

Watts had 34 points and 10 rebounds.

Roark had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

 

Both sophomores.

 

Watts stepped up his game. Especially hitting the cross-over, fade-away, buzzer-beater to end the third over his Lincoln defender. When the shot went in, Watts turned to the fans and just shook his head.

[gchs_uk9]

Noticably small number of responses from Lincoln County people.

 

I will say that I predicted Lincoln to win, but McCreary Central has been playing so well lately. Many people (myself included) didn't factor in how difficult it is to ride to the southern-most point of the region and win. McCreary is a tough place for visitors.

 

I think we can call McCreary and Lincoln co-favorites to win the 12th Region, but we're along way from that. Both have tough districts to emerge from as champions (obviously as champs you should get a better first round draw) and there are enough quality teams throughout the region that either McCreary or Lincoln could stumble on their way to a final.

[SouthernSportsFan]

I agree, gchs. You've been one of my favorite people to post with on this site because of your unbias personality and knowledge of the game.

 

The atmosphere was fantastic last night. A lot of black (although not completely, besides student section which was better than usual). Every score on the Raider's end was welcomed with a huge roar from the crowd. McCreary hosts their district this year, which they 'should' win. Then, the region tournament is held at Pulaski County. The last time it was held there, McCreary had a magical run (for a small tourney.) They first upset West Jessamine in overtime and then gave the champions (Boyle Co.) all they wanted in a five-point loss. McCreary plays extremely well in that gym.

[gchs_uk9]

I noticed in an earlier post that Phillips from McCreary was knocked out of the game. Is he okay? Will he miss any time?

[SouthernSportsFan]

He should be okay. He laid on the floor for several minutes before getting up and being helped off onto the sidelines and examined by the athletic trainer. I haven't heard much, but if he needs time to rest, the play again on Friday at Monticello and they probably won't need him so he has time to get back on the same page.

[region12hoops]

Noticably small number of responses from Lincoln County people.

 

I will say that I predicted Lincoln to win, but McCreary Central has been playing so well lately. Many people (myself included) didn't factor in how difficult it is to ride to the southern-most point of the region and win. McCreary is a tough place for visitors.

 

I think we can call McCreary and Lincoln co-favorites to win the 12th Region, but we're along way from that. Both have tough districts to emerge from as champions (obviously as champs you should get a better first round draw) and there are enough quality teams throughout the region that either McCreary or Lincoln could stumble on their way to a final.

 

Its also just a possible for Lincoln and McCreary to meet in the semi's (or even first round since Wayne or Boyle either one could win their district) which might give the other team in the finals an advantage since the Lincoln/McCreary rematch will be such an anticipated and likely emotionally draining game. It could be very tough for the winner to bounce back the next night and be on top of thier game against another tough opponent, especially if that other semifinal isn't a real barnburner.

[Trojans]

Wonder how Lincoln beat Madison Central so bad.

[BuckNut]

He should be okay. He laid on the floor for several minutes before getting up and being helped off onto the sidelines and examined by the athletic trainer. I haven't heard much, but if he needs time to rest, the play again on Friday at Monticello and they probably won't need him so he has time to get back on the same page.

 

Hope he is OK. I got to see him play vs. Southwestern. What a competitor. I really enjoyed watching him hustle on both ends of the floor. I have been trying to tell people all season long that McC would be a factor in the 12th region. All I keep hearing is Lincoln, Lincoln, Boyle, Lincoln. I think the 12th is wide open come tounament time.