What to Watch: Sweet 16 Quarterfinals
Just like that, there are only 8 high school teams left playing basketball in the Commonwealth. By the end of tonight, we will be down to our Final 4 teams. Here’s a quick look at all 4 games at Rupp today, in chronological order.
Noon, Corbin v. Scott County:
Corbin Wins…If they can get hot from outside and contain Michael Moreno. They should not even bother pressing and their best chance at limiting Scott County offensively is probably to use a mixture of zones and keep Moreno off the offensive glass. Andrew Taylor needs to shoot the ball better in his second game at Rupp.
Scott County Wins…If they overwhelm Corbin with a strong start and never let up. The longer that the Hounds stick around, the more the neutral people in the crowd will get behind them. Scott shoots a ton of 3s. If they’re making a ton of 3s, this game will be a blowout. If Corbin is allowed to hang around, the pressure all falls on Scott to win. The role players for Scott County like Lorenzo Williams, Glenn Covington and Bryce Long could provide the difference.
1:30, Warren Central v. Pikeville:
Warren Central Wins…If they come out with the same fire and offensive execution that led them to blowout Southwestern on Wednesday night. Skyelar Potter, Jordan Cousin and Micale Mee should be able to overwhelm the Pikeville defense.
Pikeville Wins…If they can continue making timely shots and executing their offense while doing just enough defensively to stay in the game. They will need another big game from Wyatt Battaille and to get some contributions from the bench to stay with the Dragons for the full 32 minutes.
6:30, Campbell County v. Oldham County:
Campbell County Wins…If they can score at the deliberate pace Oldham County plays at. And if they can push the tempo when they have chances. Oldham likes to play games in the 50s and 60s while Campbell is at their best in the 70s and 80s. The Camels are going to have to contest the Oldham County shooters or those guys will make them pay. Reid Jolly and Tanner Clos need to have big games.
Oldham County Wins…If they control the tempo and win the game with half court execution. Jackson Gibson needs to have a big game and Travis Henderson needs a double double. Oldham is probably the slight favorite in this game but it’s a toss up in my eyes. Should be a great one!
8:00, Fern Creek v. Covington Catholic:
Fern Creek Wins…If they are better prepared than they were against Boyd County yesterday. Boyd really should have won the game over Fern Creek. Ahmad Price, Anthony Wales and Clint Wickliffe need to play well and Tony Rogers needs to step up and play to his capabilities. Creek beat Cov Cath back in December at the King of the Bluegrass. In order to repeat that result, the Tigers will have to play their best game.
Covington Catholic wins…If they can play inside-out. Jake Walter, Nick Thelen and Michael Mayer present a formidable inside trio that has a considerable size and strength advantage over the Fern Creek front line. If the Colonels can establish their inside game, that will open up shots for CJ Fredrick and driving lanes for Aiden Ruthsatz. Covington Catholic will be hungry for revenge after they took an earlier loss to the Creek. They should be a favorite in this game but never underestimate the heart of Fern Creek.