Prestonsburg, Ky — Lawrence Co. ( 19-11 ) will play for a 58th District title for the first time after a 77-58 victory over Floyd Central ( 7-22 ) Tuesday night at the Prestonsburg Fieldhouse.
The Bulldogs led 20-15 after one quarter behind balanced scoring with six players denting the scorebook.
In the second quarter the Dawgs amped up the pressure and forced the Jaguars into turnovers which led to easy baskets and pushed the lead to 37-22 before Blake Slone hit a long three pointer to set the halftime score at 37-25.
In the third quarter the Bulldogs out scored the Jaguars 24-10 and had the lead to almost thirty points and were never really threatened the rest of the way.
The Dawgs placed four in double figures and were led by Tyler Maynard with 23 points, Baden Gillispie tallied 13 points, Trenton Adkins and Cody Maynard chipped in with 11 points each, Chase Sartin 7 points, Alex Ratliff and CJ Fairchild 4 points each, Bryce Blevins 3 points and Kaden Gillispie 1 point.
The Bulldogs hit 6 three pointers and went 21 of 26 from the free throw line.
The Jaguars were led by Brandon Little with 11 points, Blake Slone 10 points, Ronnie Sammons and Hayden Hall 9 points each, Brandon Moore 6 points, Tanner Hall 4 points, Josh Martin 3 points, Markus Thacker, Brody Buck and Bryce Thacker 2 points each.
Floyd Central hit 3 three pointers and went 11 of 17 from the charity stripe.
FCHS 15 10 10 23 = 58
LCHS 20 17 24 16 = 77
The two teams have met in the semifinals each of the last two years with Floyd Central winning the first two meetings.
Lawrence Co. defeated the Jaguars four times this year and the teams played in four different venues which has to be a record.
The Bulldogs will play for the District championship Friday night at 7:00 against Prestonsburg ( 9-17 ) after the Blackcats beat Betsy Layne 56-54 in Double Overtime in the second semifinal Tuesday night. Lawrence Co. swept the Blackcats in the regular season.
In other 15th Region Boys action.
57th District
Martin Co. 64 Magoffin Co. 46
59th District
Pikeville 68 East Ridge 67
Shelby Valley 86 Jenkins 33
60th District
Belfry 70 Pike Co. Central 36
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Chandler Thompson
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… What an atmosphere we had for the games tonight. This place was packed and just the right size for a District Tournament. Our fans really showed up in a big way and we are much appreciative of that.”
“… I thought a key for us was to extend the lead coming out of halftime and we did. I challenged the kids during the break to put the game away in the first four minutes of the third quarter and they responded. Our defense was key during that stretch, coming out with steals and getting easy buckets. Baden, CJ and Tyler were big up front in the press.”
“… We played these guys four times in four different places which is unheard of. Hard enough to beat a team three times but we did it four times this year. Now we are going to have to beat Prestonsburg a third time and again on the road even though we are wearing white jerseys Friday night.”
“… Not looking ahead at all but happy for all of our guys, especially the Seniors for qualifying to play in the 15th Region Tournament they really deserve it. I know last year’s game at home in the District tournament was heartbreaking and I’m glad they can get that bad taste out of their mouth.”
