Pikeville, Ky –Lawrence Co. ( 21-11 ) scored 55 points in the second half to overcome a ten point halftime deficit in a 81-72 victory over Paintsville ( 15-14 ) Thursday in the quarterfinals of the 15th Region Tournament at Appalachian Wireless Arena.
Paintsville took control early with a 16-13 advantage after one quarter and extended that lead out to double figures behind Colby Fugate who had 15 points and the Tigers led 36-26 at the break.
In the third quarter the Dawgs came out attacking the basket and kicking out for three pointers behind Trenton Adkins and Cody Maynard. Lawrence Co. out scored the Tigers 24-14 to tie the score at 50 all heading to the final stanza.
The Bulldogs continued their stellar play in the fourth behind smothering defense and timely shooting to extend the lead and close out the game at the foul line making 15 out of 18 in the second and 18-26 from the field in the second half.
Lawrence Co. was led by Cody Maynard with 25 points and 5 assists, Trenton Adkins 22 points including 3 of 5 from three point range, Tyler Maynard 20 points and 7 rebounds, Chase Sartin 9 points and 6 rebounds, Alex Ratliff 3 points and Baden Gillispie 2 points.
The Dawgs hit 7 three pointers and went 18 of 24 from the charity stripe and only turned the ball over five times the entire game.
Paintsville was led Colby Fugate with 26 points and 7 assists, Nick Keeton tallied 19 points and 7 rebounds, Baron Ratliff 10 points and 7 rebounds, Braxton Tharpe 10 points, Ryan Gibson 5 points and Jaxson Watts 2 points.
The Tigers hit 5 three pointers and went 13 of 18 from the free throw line.
PHS 16 20 14 22 = 72
LCHS 13 13 24 31 = 81
Lawrence Co. will play Shelby Valley ( 25-7 ) at 8:30 on Saturday night in the second semifinal after the Wildcats beat Phelps 69-53 in the second game Thursday night.
Martin Co. ( 20-12 ) will play Pikeville ( 17-11 ) in the first semifinal at 6:45.
The Boys Championship is slated for 7:00 Monday night.
The 15th Region Girls Championship game will be played at 5:00 Saturday evening.
Floyd Central vs Shelby Valley and Belfry vs Pikeville play tonight in the semifinals.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Chandler Thompson
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… First half we didn’t play defense at all, in the second half we really picked up the defensive intensity and then started getting to the basket which led to easy scores for us. I’m really proud of our group. We found some magic once again in third quarter which has been good to us lately. I can’t wait until we put four quarters together and see how special we can be.”
“… Cody Maynard and Trenton Adkins are two special players in our region and both guys are only sophomores, Tyler Maynard battling an illness along with Chase Sartin and Baden Gillispie all played so hard. Paintsville has a nice team and to come back from that halftime deficit and get the win. Alex Ratliff is one the most selfless guys I have ever been around.”
“… To win a Region Tournament you don’t have much time to prepare. No matter who you play it’s going to be a challenge. I will take my chances with our guys against anyone. We are blessed to be playing Saturday night.”
Lawrence Co. Sophomore Cody Maynard
PLAYER’S COMMENT
“… In the first half we were a little nervous, first time for a lot of our team to play in this kinda game and atmosphere. In the second half we settled and got into the flow of the game. Once we tied it at 50 I knew we were going to win the game. We told each other this wasn’t going to be our last game.”
