Rocky Stanley
The survivor of one of the more wide-open races in boys 16th Region basketball history will play in the opening game of the 2010 Boys Sweet 16.
Balls 4 and 16 were first out of the hopper during Friday’s televised draw from Lexington.
Winners of the two regions will meet Wednesday, March 17, at noon in Lexington. The tournament runs through March 20 at Rupp Arena.
The Game 1 slot for the 16th Region is a radical departure from recent seasons. The past three years saw Elliott County plugged into the tournament’s Thursday night session, including the final first-round game in 2008 and ’09.
In contrast, upper-bracket winners have the benefit of a day’s rest before heading into their quarterfinal games.
As the high school season nears the February homestretch, several teams are in the mix for the 16th Region title. Heading the pack — in no particular order — are Ashland, East Carter, Fairview, Elliott County and Fleming County.
Others are fully capable of making noise at tournament time.
Ashland, Fairview and Elliott County entered Friday night as 15-game winners. East Carter’s 14-4 record included a 13-1 mark against region opponents. The one loss came against Fleming County.
Ashland and Fairview have split two meetings so far and are scheduled to play again tonight in Westwood, weather permitting.
The 16th Region already has a glimpse of what the 4th Region has to offer.
Glasgow went 2-1 in the Ashland Invitational Tournament last month, including an 84-57 romp over East Carter. Senior guard Cameron Hall, who scored 31 points against the Raiders, began his high school career at Fairview.
His father, Glasgow head coach Jeff Hall, starred at Fairview and was head coach at Ashland and Rose Hill Christian.
Glasgow, 15-4 heading into the All “A’’ quarterfinals Friday, has plenty of competition in the 4th Region. Bowling Green is ranked 12th in the state Associated Press poll. Warren Central also rates as a strong contender.
Overall, the top bracket of the State Tournament could produce such high-profile teams as defending state champion Holmes (9th Region), Scott County (11th Region) and the survivor of a loaded 7th Region that has five teams in the AP Top 10. Trinity is currently No. 1.
Christian County, ranked sixth, is the top team in the 2nd Region and could face Holmes in a first-round game. East Carter knocked off Christian County in the AIT.
On the girls’ side, the 16th Region champion will play the 14th Region winner on Wednesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. (EST). The tournament site again is Diddle Arena in Bowling Green.
Top contenders in the 16th Region include two-time defending champion Rowan County, Ashland and East Carter.
East Carter defeated 14th Region leader Breathitt County 54-52 in overtime last month for the championship of the Commercial Bank Queen of the Bluegrass in Grayson.
ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.
