2021 Zip Zone Classic ~ Recap Pt. 2
Prep Hoops staff was in attendance for a full slate of scrimmages Saturday at Martin County for the 2021 Zip Zone Express Classic. Jim & Linda Booth, the good folks at Zip Zone Express, and Martin County School District facilitated…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops staff was in attendance for a full slate of scrimmages Saturday at Martin County for the 2021 Zip Zone Express Classic. Jim & Linda Booth, the good folks at Zip Zone Express, and Martin County School District facilitated a phenomenal event. A special thank you to Coach Jones and his Martin County Cardinals coaching staff for putting this event together! We’ve split our recap into five sections: Recap Pt. 1 & Recap Pt. 2, and Super Star Performers, Top Performers: Guards/Wings & Top Performers: Posts.
Paintsville (15th Region) vs Lyon County (2nd Region)
Over 350 miles separate these two All “A” schools in a unique matchup that headlined two elite scorers. Lyon County’s Travis Perry Travis Perry 6'2" | PG Lyon County | 2024 State #115 Nation KY and Paintsville’s Colby Fugate Colby Fugate 6'3" | SF Paintsville | 2022 State KY Both teams are coming into the season as preseason favorites to win their regions. From the opening minute, Perry flashed his superstar prowess by hitting deep 3s, jumping the passing lanes, and crashing the offensive glass. The Lions have other skilled players that compliment Perry. Jack Reddick Jack Reddick 6'4" | PG Lyon County | 2024 State KY is a slashing playmaker that made multiple outside shots. The paint was anchored by Jackson Shoulders Jackson Shoulders 6'3" | SF Lyon County | 2022 State KY . Shoulders is an undersized post player that flashed the most overall skill of anyone at the event. Lyon County exploded in the first quarter and jumped out to a comfortable 20 point lead. The Tigers clawed back into the game in large part due to the quick and efficient scoring of Colby & Connor Fugate. But in the end, the Lions pulled ahead and ultimately eclipsed the 100 point mark on the scoreboard. Perry broke the Zip Zone Classic scoring record finishing with 49 points.
George Rogers Clark (10th Region) vs Ballard (7th Region)
Another highly anticipated matchup between preseason #1 Ballard against preseason #4 GRC. Unfortunately, Maker Bar Maker Bar 6'9" | C Ballard | 2022 State KY (#2 Ranked Player in ℅ 2022) did not suit up for this contest. The crowd really came out for this one… and the product did not disappoint! Despite Bar’s absence, the Bruins were led by nationally ranked Gabe Sisk Gabe Sisk 6'5" | SG Ballard | 2023 #232 Nation CA-N , and a top 15 player in Kentucky, Kennedy Hayden Kennedy Hayden 6'3" | CG Ballard | 2022 State KY . Both players flashed their elite-level skills all over the court. Sisk is a patient scorer that likes to use isolation at the top of the key. Hayden is a lethal shooter that elevates with ease. GRC came into the game with several talented players and kept the game tight until late in the fourth quarter. GRC was powered by transfers Tanner Walton Tanner Walton 6'3" | CG Lexington Christian | 2022 State KY and Sam Parrish Sam Parrish 6'0" | PG George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY as well as returning players Jerone Morton Jerone Morton 6'3" | SG George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY , Trent Edwards Trent Edwards 6'8" | PF George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY , and Chester Abbott. Both teams played every possession with grit, speed, and experience that you would expect from top teams in the state. Coach Renner’s Bruins ultimately prevailed by remaining poised and kept attacking the offensive end.
Martin County (15th Region) vs North Laurel (13th Region)
The host school, Martin County Cardinals, brought out all the zazz for the heralded North Laurel Jaguars and the face of their team, Reed Sheppard Reed Sheppard 6'3" | PG North Laurel | 2023 State #22 Nation KY . The gym was packed to the brim with cheerleaders, alumni, coaches, and players from across the region to watch UK commit, Sheppard, take on the hometown team. Early on, Brady Dingess Brady Dingess 5'11" | PG Martin County | 2022 State KY wowed the crowd with his smooth midgame jumper. Dingess knocked down several shots off the dribble over contested hands. Coach Valentine put Sheppard in a mix of looks that allowed him to showcase his court vision and overall feel for the game. As the first half progressed, Sheppard found Ryan Davidson Ryan Davidson 6'4" | SF North Laurel | 2023 State KY as he rolled to the hoop or popped out for a jump shot. The Cardinals kept it within reach for most of the first half but the second half belonged to Sheppard and the Jaguars. Brody Brock caught fire from deep hitting on five 3 pointers. The Jaguars prevailed with a commanding 30+ point victory.
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