15th REGION REMATCH
Robert Dalton eclipses 2000 points; first player in LC History
Pikeville, Ky. — The Bulldogs are 32 minutes from playing in Rupp Arena after a 82-61 victory over Magoffin Co. ( 22-9 ) in the semifinals of the 15th region tournament on Monday night at the Pikeville Expo Center.
Lawrence Co. ( 28-4 ) came out of the gate looking to take control of the game and it showed as they went 8-16 from the field as Robert and Timmy Dalton had 13 of the 16 first quarter points as the Dawgs led 16-8 after one.
In the second quarter LC hit four consecutive three pointers two of which came from Austin Chaffins to extend the lead to 32-21 at halftime.
In the second half Lawrence Co. built a 16 point lead only to see Magoffin Co. hit three pointers on five straight possessions to get within 57-52.
The Hornets spent so much energy to get back in the game that they had nothing left midway through the fourth quarter and that is when the Dawgs took over and closed out a return trip to the 15th region championship game and a rematch with Johnson Central.
Timmy Dalton had 28 points and 5 assists, Brandon Richardson had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Robert Dalton had 16 points and 3 rebounds, Austin Chaffins had 10 points and 7 assists, Grant Kiser had 9 points and 4 rebounds, Shawn Moore had 2 points.
Lawrence Co. shot 58.2% ( 32-55 ) from the field, 29.4% from behind the arc, and 61.9% ( 13-21 ) from the foul line.
Magoffin Co. was led by Trenton Russell with 25 points and Jaren Lovely with 20 points.
Congratulations to Lawrence Co. Senior Robert Dalton for surpassing the 2,000 point mark vs Magoffin Co. he is the first Bulldog in school history to accomplish the feat.
Johnson Central advanced to the finals by beating East Ridge 59-45 in the first semifinal. JC is looking for their 5 straight 15th Region title.
Lawrence Co. won the only regular season meeting with Johnson Central in Louisa on Feb. 6th 93-84 in overtime.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Travis York
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Didn’t execute the game plan very well, got out rebounded and that is something we stressed pre game. …Our offense is normally not the problem it is our defense, ,,,but we held them below their average. ..Thought we shared the ball with 17 assists and had good balance, our kids played so hard it was a team effort tonight.” …We only had one turnover and had 6 steals.” …Johnson Central is looking for five straight and we are looking to making history,… it should be a dandy.” Awesome crowd tonight hope to see even more for the championship game.”
Lawrence Co. Junior Timmy Dalton
“… Got out rebounded so that is disappointing, Coach York preached about that in practice and in the pregame.” …Thought we could do some damage down low and got some buckets and then Magoffin Co. collapsed on me and tried to find the open cutter and Brandon, Robert and Grant all can finish around the basket.” Can’t wait to play for the Championship we have worked four years for this moment and we are ready.”