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  1. Calloway County (29-3) Calloway County- 4th District Champion, defeated Murray in OT, 49-45. Regional defeated St. Mary 61-46, defeated Carlisle County 61-25, defeated Murray 48-35 Previous State tournament Games: 2003 Lost to Warren Central 70-47 Summary of the Lakers: The Lakers are led by KABC POY Parker Adams at 17.7 PPG. The play of Skyler Hunter in the paint has been huge for the Lakers on the defensive end. Hunter is one of the best three point shooters in the area at 43.8%. He is a match-up problems for opposing teams. Not many 6’7 can step out and hit the three as consistently as Hunter can. Conner Wagner is averaging 11 a game and gives a solid third option. He shoots 41.6% from threes. As a team, Calloway shoots 42 from the three point line making them a very tough team to defend. The team is ran by PG Wade Carter. He is a steady playmaker but capable of scoring as well. He puts in 8 a game. Rounding out the rotation is Clay Smotherman and Hunter Smith. Smotherman is a defense star and usually is assigned the task of chasing the top players. He can knock down the three as well. These six seniors have been waiting for this year since their freshman year. If the Lakers get in foul trouble they will have major problems. Rarely was 7th man Will Sivells called on to play and they hardly ever went beyond him on the bench. Calloway is a team that likes to slow the tempo to a crawl at times. They can run at times but feel much more comfortable with a slow pace. They run multiple sets to get a very good shot and not just an average shot. That is a main reason why they shoot such a high percentage. As a team they shoot 42% from threes and over 50% overall. They are solid at the FT line as well shooting 70.5%. Their sets are not for 3’s but for solid looks at the rim or isolations. They get most of their 3s from penetration and kick outs. On the defensive side they are solid. They pack it in and make the offense take tough contested shots. They play all man and no zone. I’ve watched them several times this year and have not seen them press at all. Calloway is not a team that will not look impressive but their style of play keeps them in games against good competition.
  2. Keys: -Battle of the Boards: Calloway showed some weakness against St. Mary on the boards but dominated them last night against Carlisle County. Murray hurt Calloway on the boards in their district final. Murray gets a lot of 2nd chance points with Hornbuckle, Sheppard, and English. Calloway won 29-20 on the Boards -Tempo: Will Murray try to wear down the short bench of Calloway. They tried in Game 1 to no avail. Calloway only goes 6 deep but it is a solid 6. Calloway has avoided foul trouble all year because of their solid positioning on the defensive end. The pace was in Calloway's favor all night -Role players: Boone has dominated the 1st 2 games. Nobody for Murray has scored double figures in either game. He is going to have get some help for Murray to win. They can come from a variety of players. Duane Curtis and Preston English both average in double figures. Sheppard and Hornbuckle have had big games this year as well. Ethan Clark is wildcard off the bench with his versatility. Calloway’s role players have been solid all year. Parker Adams has been the best player in the region this year. Skylar Hunter and Conner Wagner have been solid as the 2/3 option. But players like Smotherman and Carter could be the deciding factor. Carter needs to handle the pressure that the Tigers throw at him. Smotherman always seems to hit a big shot when left open with all the attention the Big 3 get. Role players came up big for Calloway -Seniors vs. Juniors: Calloway’s top 6 are Seniors. Murray’s Top 10 players there are 8 juniors. Does the senior leadership win out? The Calloway Seniors did not panic when they got down 11-1 but the juniors from Murray played tight in the 2nd half. Prediction: A grind it out game in the 40s and Calloway wins.
  3. Calloway's Seniors stepped up big time. Murray came out rolling taking a 11-1 lead and all points were scored by James Boone. Boone had 13 of the first 15 Murray points but did not score again until the 4th period. Calloway came out a little tight but settled in by hitting 2 three pointers before the 1st quarter was over to cut the lead to 11-8. After that the Laker defense took over. They were methodical on offense and downright stingy on the defensive end. A typical Coach Birdsong type of game with a grind it out game. The Lakers started with Clay Smotherman on Boone but quickly changed to POY Parker Adams. Adams made everything tough for Boone. Smotherman and Adams alternated between Boone and sharpshooter Preston English. The downfall of the Tigers was finding that 2nd scorer during the regional tournament. James Boone was the only player to reach double figures in the finals. Boone was outstanding during the tournament but could not defeat the senior starters of Calloway County. Calloway was lead by Adams with 15, Wagner 13, Hunter 8, Carter 7, Smotherman 3, and Smith 2 Murray was lead by Boone with 15 followed by Curtis 6, English 5, Flener 5, Sheppard 2, and Hornbuckle 2.
  4. Calloway County (28-3) vs. Murray (23-9) Calloway County- 4th District Champion, defeated Murray in OT, 49-45. Regional defeated St. Mary 61-46, defeated Carlisle County 61-25 Murray, 4th District Runner-up, defeated Marshall County 50-44 and lost to Calloway Co. in OT, 49-45 Regional defeated Paducah Tilghman 55-53, defeated Graves County 57-48 Previous Games: January 16th Calloway County 61 Murray 37 February 5th: Calloway County 43 Murray 39 February 26th: Calloway County 49 Murray 45 OT Summary of the Lakers: The Lakers are led by KABC POY Parker Adams at 17.7 PPG. The play of Skyler Hunter in the paint has been huge for the Lakers on the defensive end. Hunter is one of the best three point shooters in the area at 43.8%. He is a match-up problems for opposing teams. Not many 6’7 can step out and hit the three as consistently as Hunter can. Conner Wagner is averaging 11 a game and gives a solid third option. He shoots 41.6% from threes. As a team, Calloway shoots 42 from the three point line making them a very tough team to defend. The team is ran by PG Wade Carter. He is a steady playmaker but capable of scoring as well. He puts in 8 a game. Rounding out the rotation is Clay Smotherman and Hunter Smith. These six seniors have been waiting for this year since their freshman year. Summary of the Tigers: The Tigers roared out of the gate and have been steady all year. The won the All A regional and look to be only the 2nd boys’ team to win both regionals. Carlisle County in 2004 is the only boys’ team to pull off the double championships. The Tigers are a very balanced and deep team. Sharp shooter Preston English leads them in scoring at 11.5 but guards Duane Curtis, 10.3 and James Boone, 9.6 get the Tigers going. Curtis maybe one of the most improved players in the region. Depth is the key in the paint as well. Tandyn Sheppard, 6.1, Tre Hornbuckle, 5.7, and Ethan Clark, 4.4 give Murray several options in the middle. Zach Flener is has come off the bench maybe the best 6th man in the region. He gives a jolt of energy with his constant motion play. He is a solid defender and a great passer. Game #4: This will be the 4th meeting of the year for these crosstown rivals. This year with Murray’s new coach, Bart Flener, the rivalry has renewed fire. The Lakers and Marshalls have dominated this district since 2001 and Murray has made the most of this opportunity so far. In their 1st meeting Murray tried to speed up the tempo against Calloway. Calloway’s experience and good guard play tore up the Tiger press and they won in a runaway. The last two games the tempo has been much different. Murray has given in to Calloway’s pace of the game. Calloway is very patient on the offensive end with constant sets being run to set up their big three. On the defensive end the Lakers have been solid all year and have one of the best defenses in the state with the points per game that they give up. That has been the big difference in Calloway this year is on the defensive end. Nothing comes easy for their opponents. Murray on the other hand is very deep and can play different ways. Coach Flener’s best line-up includes 6’4 PG James Boone and 6’3 swing man Preston English then he can go big across the front line with Hornbuckle, Sheppard, and Clark or he can go small with Curtis, Flener, and Miles. This team can show many lineups and match-up problems. Murray is at its best with Boone in there. He can create his own shot because of the way he elevates on his jumper. He is quickly turning into a star. He has been huge in the 1st two games in the regional tournament. He hit the game winner against Paducah Tilghman and had 24 in the regional semifinals. Keys: -Battle of the Boards: Calloway showed some weakness against St. Mary on the boards but dominated them last night against Carlisle County. Murray hurt Calloway on the boards in their district final. Murray gets a lot of 2nd chance points with Hornbuckle, Sheppard, and English. -Tempo: Will Murray try to wear down the short bench of Calloway. They tried in Game 1 to no avail. Calloway only goes 6 deep but it is a solid 6. Calloway has avoided foul trouble all year because of their solid positioning on the defensive end. -Role players: Boone has dominated the 1st 2 games. Nobody for Murray has scored double figures in either game. He is going to have get some help for Murray to win. They can come from a variety of players. Duane Curtis and Preston English both average in double figures. Sheppard and Hornbuckle have had big games this year as well. Ethan Clark is wildcard off the bench with his versatility. Calloway’s role players have been solid all year. Parker Adams has been the best player in the region this year. Skylar Hunter and Conner Wagner have been solid as the 2/3 option. But players like Smotherman and Carter could be the deciding factor. Carter needs to handle the pressure that the Tigers throw at him. Smotherman always seems to hit a big shot when left open with all the attention the Big 3 get. -Seniors vs. Juniors: Calloway’s top 6 are Seniors. Murray’s Top 10 players there are 8 juniors. Does the senior leadership win out? Prediction: A grind it out game in the 40s and Calloway wins.
  5. Semifinal #1 Carlisle County (20-8) vs. Calloway County (27-3) Carlisle County-1st District Champion, -defeated Hickman County 69-54 and Fulton City, 59-50. Regional defeated Ballard Memorial 65-57. Calloway County- 4th District Champion, defeated Murray in OT, 49-45. Regional defeated St. Mary 61-46. Previous Games: February 10th: Calloway County 59 Carlisle County 42 Carlisle County has been a solid team all year with a few bumps in the road. They got to the regional by beating Hickman County and Fulton City to win the 1st district championship. The Comets are led in scoring by three juniors, Ethan Weatherspoon, 16 PPG, Paxton Crider, 14 PPG, and Noah Norworthy, 10 PPG. They get steady PG play in Trey Carrico. Coach O’Neill has been starting the four guards since mid-January. The key maybe the play on the inside. The Comets have four post players Bailey Morefield, Jordan Kellett, Austin Bailey, and Codie Bailey. Codie Bailey came up big in the district tournament with a double double in the 1st game and 12 rebounds in the 2nd. They have depth in the post with these four players. The key for the Comets will be on the defensive end and stopping Calloway’s multiple sets that they run. Can they contain Calloway’s big 3 in Adams, Hunter, and Wagner? Also, can they score enough against Calloway’s solid man to man defense? Boards could be key. St. Mary outrebounded Calloway and Carlisle was solid on the boards against Ballard. The Lakers are led by KABC POY Parker Adams at 17.7 PPG. The play of Skyler Hunter in the paint has been huge for the Lakers on the defensive end. Hunter is one of the best three point shooters in the area at 43.8%. He is a match-up problems for opposing teams. Not many 6’7 can step out and hit the three as consistently as Hunter can. Conner Wagner is averaging 11 a game and gives a solid third option. He shoots 41.6% from threes. As a team, Calloway shoots 42 from the three point line making them a very tough team to defend. The team is ran by PG Wade Carter. He is a steady playmaker but capable of scoring as well. He puts in 8 a game. Rounding out the rotation is Clay Smotherman and Hunter Smith. These six seniors have been waiting for this year since their freshman year. Key for the Lakers maybe overlooking the Comets. The Lakers are heavy favorites. Coach Birdsong has battled the Comets in past regional tournaments so I don’t see him allowing his team to overlook the underdog Comets. The Lakers have been solid on both ends of the court this year so I look for that to continue. Prediction: I think this game is closer than people think but see the Lakers pulling out a close one. If the Comets can hang tight until the 4th quarter the pressure will shift to the regional favorite Lakers. Semifinal #2 Graves County (19-11) vs. Murray (22-9) Graves County, 3rd District Champions, they defeated Ballard Memorial 58-44 Regional defeated Fulton City 63-28 Murray, 4th District Runner-up, defeated Marshall County 50-44 and lost to Calloway Co. in OT, 49-45 Regional defeated Paducah Tilghman 55-53. Previous Games: NONE The Eagles have played well down the stretch. They are on a 5 game winning streak. It has been an up and down season for 1st year coach Josh Frick but it was too expected with them losing so many players to graduation. Andrew Smith has been one of the region’s best players this year averaging 18.4 and taking the younger players on his back. Eamon Hannan has been solid inside and out averaging 13.2. The big key in this year and I do mean big is 6’9 Chris Vogt. He has improved dramatically as the season as progress. He is averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds, and set a single season block record with over 125 this year. The steady play of Hunter Grant at the point and in the paint with Christian Gough has led the Eagles down the stretch as well. Coach Frick was playing up to 10 players early in the year but has settled with a shorter rotation down the stretch. Key for the Eagles will be containing James Boone. Boone has been a top player but an injury slowed him down this year but his emergence was big in last night’s win. The Eagles will have to win the battle of the boards. Vogt, Hannon, and Gough will have to battle Hornbuckle, Sheppard, and Clark on the boards. Murray will also come with pressure. Can the Eagle guards handle it? The Tigers roared out of the gate and have been steady all year. The won the All A regional and look to be only the 2nd boys’ team to win both regionals. Carlisle County in 2004 is the only boys’ team to pull off the double championships. The Tigers are a very balanced and deep team. Sharp shooter Preston English leads them in scoring at 11.5 but guards Duane Curtis, 10.3 and James Boone, 9.6 get the Tigers going. Curtis maybe one of the most improved players in the region. Depth is the key in the paint as well. Tandyn Sheppard, 6.1, Tre Hornbuckle, 5.7, and Ethan Clark, 4.4 give Murray several options in the middle. Zach Flener is has come off the bench maybe the best 6th man in the region. He gives a jolt of energy with his constant motion play. He is a solid defender and a great passer. This team plays hungry and if they can get by Paducah Tilghman I see them making the finals. Key for the Tigers will be coming down from their amazing comeback last night. Will their pressure bother Graves County? I think it will. Another key for the Tigers is containing Andrew Smith and the interior against Vogt. Prediction: Tigers by 6
  6. Last night games: Carlisle County 65 Ballard Memorial 57 Calloway County 61 St. Mary 46
  7. PLay continues tonight 6:00 Graves County vs. Fulton City 7:45 Paducah Tilghman vs. Murray
  8. Saturday's Schedule: Boys: 11:00 Carlisle County vs. Ballard Memorial 12:30 Calloway County vs. St. Mary Boys: 6:30 Graves County vs. Fulton City 8:00 Paducah Tilghman vs. Murray Looks like they will try to play the girls' semifinals in between boys' sessions. I really don't see them playing Saturday. Not sure what the plan is if they have to cancel on Saturday.
  9. so you think that Murray can get them on their 4th try? you may be right.
  10. Regional Tournament Update: Games for Wednesday and Thursday Boys have been postponed until Saturday. If the girls get their games on Friday then the boys will be continue on Saturday with the following schedule: 2:00: Ballard Memorial vs. Carlisle County 3:45: St. Mary vs. Calloway County 6:00: Fulton City vs. Graves County 7:45: Murray vs. Paducah Tilghman If the girls can't play Friday night then they will play Saturday and they will have 3 sessions. I am getting two different schedules so not sure which is correct. One is the girls play first followed by two boys' sessions. the other is a boys session followed by a girls' session and then finish the day with a boys' session. If Boys can play on Saturday then the semifinals will be Monday and Finals on Tuesday.
  11. Regional Tournament Update: Games for Wednesday and Thursday Boys have been postponed until Saturday. If the girls get their games on Friday then the boys will be continue on Saturday with the following schedule: 2:00: Ballard Memorial vs. Carlisle County 3:45: St. Mary vs. Calloway County 6:00: Fulton City vs. Graves County 7:45: Murray vs. Paducah Tilghman If the girls can't play Friday night then they will play Saturday and they will have 3 sessions. I am getting two different schedules so not sure which is correct. One is the girls play first followed by two boys' sessions. the other is a boys session followed by a girls' session and then finish the day with a boys' session. If Boys can play on Saturday then the semifinals will be Monday and Finals on Tuesday.
  12. Wednesday: 6:00Ballard Memorial (17-12) vs. Carlisle County (19-8): Ballard Memorial -3rd District Runner-up, defeated Mayfield 76-62 and lost to Graves Co. 58-44. Carlisle County-1st District Champion, defeated Hickman County 69-54 and Fulton City, 59-50 Previous Games: January 3rd: Ballard Memorial 49 Carlisle County 44 February 13th: Ballard Memorial 71 Carlisle County 53 Ballard Memorial has been much improved this year. They had won 10 games the past two years combined. They got to the regional by beating Mayfield and losing to Graves County in the 3rd district tournament. The leadership of their seniors have been big for them. The steady play of Tolar Terrell at the point and his ability to score has made a huge difference. The increase of production from Clay Newton down the stretch has increased the versatility of this team. Balance is key as well. They have 8 players averaging between 4.7 and 13.6. Each of them have had big scoring games. They are led by Keagan Cooper at 13.6 by followed closely by Cody and Clay Newton. Cody averages 9.5 and his brother Clay at 9.1. They have 3 other players averaging 7 points a night, Tolar Terrell, Dre Bledsoe, and Zach Parson. Then you have Lee Chandler a deep threat from threes averaging 6 a game and backup PG TJ Wray averaging almost 5 a game. This team is deep and can score a variety of ways. Their defense is much improved this year as Coach Botner has used a 2-2-1 press back into a 2-3 zone. They struggled at man the past couple of years and he has found a solid defense this year. This group is long and athletic. Where they struggle with at times is outside shooting and turnovers. If they can hit enough threes and take care of the ball they are a tough out. Carlisle County has been a solid team all year with a few bumps in the road. They got to the regional by beating Hickman County and Fulton City to win the 1st district championship. The Comets are led in scoring by three juniors, Ethan Weatherspoon, 16 PPG, Paxton Crider, 14 PPG, and Noah Norworthy, 10 PPG. They get steady PG play in Trey Carrico. Coach O’Neill has been starting the four guards since mid-January. The key maybe the play on the inside. The Comets have four post players Bailey Morefield, Jordan Kellett, Austin Bailey, and Codie Bailey. Codie Bailey came up big in the district tournament with a double double in the 1st game and 12 rebounds in the 2nd. They have depth in the post with these four players. The key for the Comets will be on the defensive end. They have been real good at times and not so good at other. They will need to be solid because Ballard has so many weapons. They will also have to handle the 2-2-1 that the Bombers will throw at them. Prediction: Comets finally break through and win a close one. Wednesday: 7:45 St. Mary (14-15) vs. Calloway County (26-3) St. Mary- 2nd District Runner-up, beat McCracken County 62-57 and lost to Paducah Tilghman 55-46. Calloway County- 4th District Champion, defeated Murray in OT, 49-45. Previous games: NONE This is the 1st meeting for these two teams this year although Coach Greg Overstreet and Coach Terry Birdsong are familiar foes. When Coach Birdsong was at Graves these two were in the same district. St. Mary has balanced scoring led by Ben Hooper at 13.2. He is followed by Austin Hubert at 12.4, Davis Sims, 9.3 and Peyton Smith at 8.0. These four are capable of putting up big numbers. The key maybe the post players in John DeNeve and Brian Johnston not in the scoring column but defending Skyler Hunter and Parker Adams of Calloway. The key for St. Mary besides containing those two will be scoring against the Lakers. The Lakers defense is much improved and very stout half-court wise. The Lakers are led by KABC POY Parker Adams at 17.7 PPG. The play of Skyler Hunter in the paint has been huge for the Lakers on the defensive end. Hunter is one of the best three point shooters in the area at 43.8%. He is a match-up problems for opposing teams. Not many 6’7 can step out and hit the three as consistently as Hunter can. Conner Wagner is averaging 11 a game and gives a solid third option. He shoots 41.6% from threes. As a team, Calloway shoots 42 from the three point line making them a very tough team to defend. The team is ran by PG Wade Carter. He is a steady playmaker but capable of scoring as well. He puts in 8 a game. Rounding out the rotation is Clay Smotherman and Hunter Smith. These six seniors have been waiting for this year since their freshman year. Prediction: Calloway by 8. Inside play will be too much for the Vikings Thursday: 6:00 Fulton City (8-18) vs. Graves County (18-11) Fulton City, 1st District Runner-up. They defeated Fulton County 51-43 and lost to Carlisle County 59-50 Graves County, 3rd District Champions, they defeated Ballard Memorial 58-44a Previous Games: January 10th, Graves County 70 Fulton City 41 The Bulldogs were on a roll until they lost 5 in a row right before the District tournament. They avenged one of those losses in the 1st round of district beating Fulton County. They are led in scoring by Stephen Houston at 11.6 and Brandon Walker at 10.4. The emergence of Walker and Michael Thomas has given the Bulldogs an inside presence this year. Thomas is averaging 9 PPG and 7.4 rebounds. However, the key maybe the play of PG Areon Ferrell. He doesn’t score much but he is the one that gets them going. His ability to break down defenses and distribute the ball is important. Zach Howard, Queshon Ward, and Nick Ware all average 5-6 points. The key for the Bulldogs will be getting good shots against an Eagle team that scouts opposing teams very well. They will also have to avoid foul trouble with Thomas and Walker against the bigger Eagles. The Eagles have played well down the stretch. They are on a 5 game winning streak. It has been an up and down season for 1st year coach Josh Frick but it was too expected with them losing so many players to graduation. Andrew Smith has been one of the region’s best players this year averaging 18.4 and taking the younger players on his back. Eamon Hannan has been solid inside and out averaging 13.2. The big key in this year and I do mean big is 6’9 Chris Vogt. He has improved dramatically as the season as progress. He is averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds, and set a single season block record with over 125 this year. The steady play of Hunter Grant at the point and in the paint with Christian Gough has led the Eagles down the stretch as well. Coach Frick was playing up to 10 players early in the year but has settled with a shorter rotation down the stretch. I think the Eagles win this game fairly easy but their semifinal game will be a tough one. Prediction: Eagles by 20. Thursday: 7:45 Murray vs. Paducah Tilghman Murray, 4th District Runner-up, defeated Marshall County 50-44 and lost to Calloway Co. in OT, 49-45 Paducah Tilghman, 2nd District Champions defeated CCA 91-29 and St. Mary 55-46. Previous Games: December 12th, Murray 72 Paducah Tilghman 68. These two teams are probably 2A and 2B if you were to rank the teams in the regional. One of the favorites will be eliminated in the quarterfinals. The Tigers roared out of the gate and have been steady all year. The won the All A regional and look to be only the 2nd boys’ team to win both regionals. Carlisle County in 2004 is the only boys’ team to pull off the double championships. The Tigers are a very balanced and deep team. Sharp shooter Preston English leads them in scoring at 11.5 but guards Duane Curtis, 10.3 and James Boone, 9.6 get the Tigers going. Curtis maybe one of the most improved players in the region. Depth is the key in the paint as well. Tandyn Sheppard, 6.1, Tre Hornbuckle, 5.7, and Ethan Clark, 4.4 give Murray several options in the middle. Zach Flener is has come off the bench maybe the best 6th man in the region. He gives a jolt of energy with his constant motion play. He is a solid defender and a great passer. This team plays hungry and if they can get by Paducah Tilghman I see them making the finals. Paducah Tilghman has won 6 in a row and seem to be playing their best ball right now. This team has so many offensive weapons that it doesn’t seem fair to the other teams. Devon Hart, 15, Sayveon McEwen, 12.8, Jerome Reed, 9.8, Brannon Warfield, 8.2, Jesse Dunnigan, 5.7, Rodriquez Thomas, 5.6, Nathan Hawkins, 4.6, and Jordan Prather, 4.0. They can score in bunches because of the ability to hit the three. Because of the three it opens driving lanes for their quick guards. If there is one weakness is on the boards. They are not very big but still rebound well. The key for both teams will be three point shooting and rebounding. Both teams shoot a lot of threes. PT is 33.8% and Murray is 37.6% from the three point line and both teams like to let them fly. I expect the winner of this game to make the finals to battle Calloway County. Prediction: The Tigers lack of regional experience will hurt them. The Tornadoes in a close one. Record against the field: Calloway County: 5-0 Paducah Tilghman: 7-1 Murray: 6-3 Graves County: 4-3 Carlisle County: 4-4 Ballard Memorial: 5-7 St. Mary: 3-7 Fulton City: 0-9
  13. District Finals: 1st District: #1 Carlisle County vs. #2 Fulton City: This will be the 3rd time in 4 years these two have meet in the Finals. Fulton City won in 2012 and Carlisle County in 2013. This is the 5th straight appearance in the Finals for Carlisle. The Comets won both regular season contests, 52-47 and 78-61. Carlisle is led by junior Ethan Weatherspoon, Paxton Crider, and Noah Norsworthy in scoring. Trey Carrico is key as well at the point. Fulton City is led in scoring by Steven Houston but the play of PG Areon Ferrell and post player Michael Thomas. The Comets have won the last 6 meetings. The Bulldogs missed the tournament last year. The Comets will be making their 5th straight appearance. Prediction: Comets by 5 2nd District: #1 Paducah Tilghman vs. #3 St. Mary: St. Mary is making their 4th straight regional appearance which has never happened in school history. They knocked off McCracken County in a slight upset. The Vikings had lost both times to the Mustangs during the season. Paducah Tilghman has been impressive as of late winning their last 5 games. The Vikings beat Marshall County in their last regular season game which was a 1st in school history. Then they knocked off McCracken a team that they lost 2 times to. I said going into the last week of the season that the Vikings had played teams close but could not pull out a win against one of the top teams. They have done that the last 2 games. Both teams have multiple weapons on offense. Tempo will be key. If the Tornadoes are hitting behind the arc then they are tough to defend. The Vikings have made 4 straight regional appearances. The Tornadoes missed the tournament last year. Prediction: PT by 8 3rd District: #1 Graves County vs. #2 Ballard Memorial: Graves swept the season series winning 66-50 in both games. The Eagles have won 4 in a row and the Bombers have won 6 of their last 7 games. Ballard’s balanced scoring has been big. Keagan Cooper leads them in scoring but both Newton, Dre Bledsoe, and Tolar Terrel have lead them in scoring throughout the year. They had four players in double figures in their win against Mayfield. Graves has balance as well in their top 3 in Smith, Hannan, and Vogt. Vogt can be a game changer in the paint. The big question is do the Bombers think they can win? The Eagles have won the last 8 meetings. The Bombers last made the regional tournament in 2011. This is the 8th straight year the Eagles have made the regional tournament. Prediction: Eagles by 8 4th District: #1 Calloway County vs. #2 Murray: Calloway swept the season series, 61-37 and 43-39. In the 1st game Murray tried to force tempo and Calloway picked their press apart. In the 2nd match-up it was a slow tempo which Calloway prefers. This game is at Murray so the Tigers do have home court advantage. Calloway is led by KABC POY Parker Adams. He has Skylar Hunter and Conner Wagner who are capable of big offensive nights. The key maybe Wade Carter’s ability to handle Murray’s pressure. Murray is a balanced team led by James Boone, Duane Curtis, Preston English, and Tandyn Sheppard. Murray goes deep in the bench but that has not been a factor in the two previous games. The Lakers have won the past 8 meetings. Calloway has made 14 straight regional appearances. Murray last made the regional in 2001. Prediction: Calloway by 3
  14. District Standings: 1st District @ Carlisle County Carlisle County 5-1 Fulton City 3-2 Fulton County 2-3 Hickman County 1-5 1/#4 : Carlisle County vs. Hickman County. The comets are the favorite but their only district lose was to the #4 seed Hickman County. The Comets won in December 70-68 and the Falcons returned the favor in January winning 56-54. The Comets are lead in scoring by three juniors, Ethan Weatherspoon, Paxton Crider, and Noah Norsworthy. They have several other capable scorers as they typically go 9 deep. The Falcons are lead in scoring by 8th grader Jordan Naranjo, and juniors Alec Spillman, and Zeke Prince all averaging around 9-10. The pace of this game will be a big key. The Comets like to play fast and the Falcons like to slow it down. This is the only #1 /#4 seed game in the region that will be competitive. Pick: Comets in a close one #2/#3 Fulton County and Fulton City split during the regular season. Both teams won on their opponent’s home court. The Bulldogs won in January 55-47 and the Pilots won 51-48 on February 13th. The Bulldogs had been playing better but finished the year on a 5 game losing streak. This game should be very competitive The Bulldogs are lead by Stephen Houston in scoring at12 a game and have an inside force in Michael Thomas. The key may be point guard Areon Ferrell. The Pilots are lead by jumping jack Steven Roberson at 15 a game. He has plenty of help in Major Davis, Andreous Smith, and Joe Holman. Pick: Pilots win the rubber match 2nd District: Paducah Tilghman 5-0 McCracken County 4-1 St. Mary 2-4 CCA 0-6 #1 /#4 Paducah Tilghamn vs. CCA this will not be a game. Paducah Tilghman will win by as many as they want. The last time it was 100-25. PT is playing well blowing out McCracken 71-44 in the last district game. PT should advance easily to the finals. The Tornadoes have several players that can put up big numbers. Devon Hart, 15 PPG, Sayveon McEwen, 13 PPG, Reed 9 PPG, and several others. Prediction: Tornadoes in a running clock game. #2/#3 McCracken County vs. St. Mary: The Mustangs won the season series but both games were close and St. Mary lead in both of them in the 2nd half. 55-43 and 55-47 were the finals of the two games. McCracken has had an up and down season after winning the regional in the inaugural season. They are lead in scoring by Caleb Stonecipher and Nathan Telfair who have both been suspended this year. The Mustangs are deep and that has helped as the season has progressed. The key to their play may be PG TJ Ingram. When he goes they go. The Vikings have balanced scoring but really no go to guy and that has hurt them down the stretch in games. They did beat Marshall County last week to get them a signature win. Will that be enough to get over the hump against McCracken? Prediction: The Mustangs squeak out another one against the Vikings by 5. 3rd District Graves County 4-0 Mayfield 1-3 Ballard Memorial 1-3 #1 seed Graves County goes automatically to the finals. #2/#3 Mayfield and Ballard Memorial split their regular season district game. Each winning on their own homecourt. Ballard won the latest game. The Bombers have balance scoring and all 8 that play can put in the hole. Keagon Coper is their top scorer but Clay and Cody Newton both put in 9-10 a game. Dre Bledsoe, Tolar Terrell, Tyler Wray, and Lee Chandler are capable of big games. Mayfield has really struggled since the All A Tournament going 2-4. Scoring has been way down and the only player in double figures now is Marshall Bacon. Nick Felts one of the better 3 point shooters could be key. I look for Ballard to continue their surge and their depth will be too much for Mayfield. Prediction: Ballard by 6. 4th District: Calloway County 3-0 Murray 2-2 Marshall County 0-3 #2/#3 Murray vs. Marshall County. The best 2/3 game in the region. Murray has defeated Marshall County 2 times but this one could be a very good one. Murray won 53-35 and more recently 56-52. Murray is a very balanced team with multiple players that can score. James Boone is the one that gets them going. The PG is back in form after missing a month to injury. Preston English one of the best 3 point shooters in the region is a big time scorer as well. Zach Flener, Tayndyn Sheppard, Tre Hornbuckle are capable scorers as well. Duane Curtis’ improvement this year has been key to Murray’s success as well. Marshall is lead by the trio of Mason Wooten, Collin Travis, and DJ Pigg. The supporting cast of Marshall will have to come up big. Prediction: Murray @ home by 4.
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