East turns turnover table on Tomcats

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January 27, 2010

By ROCKY STANLEY — The Independent The Daily Independent Wed Jan 27, 2010, 12:07 AM EST

GRAYSON — Ashland is not accustomed to being on the wrong side of the turnover margin.

East Carter bucked the trend Tuesday night, neutralizing the Tomcats’ fullcourt pressure in a matchup of two of the 16th Region’s top teams.

The Raiders pulled away to a 75-60 victory, limiting their own turnovers to 13 while helping force Ashland into 15 miscues.

Tomcats coach Buddy Biggs said it was the first time this season for his team to lose the turnover category. Ashland also shot only 39 percent against a tough East Carter defense that blocked five shots.

“They cause you to do that because of their length and size,’’ Biggs said. “East Carter did a nice job contesting our shots.’’

The Raiders answered an Ashland comeback by reeling off 15 consecutive points down the stretch to break open a close game.

East Carter improved to 14-4 and handed the Tomcats only their fourth defeat in 19 games.

“Both teams have been talked up a lot,’’ said Raiders center Colt Barnhill, who paved the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds. “I think tonight says a lot about how hard we work in this gym.’’

Barnhill put on an offensive show, shooting 11-for-17 from the field while displaying several nice spin moves around the basket. But his biggest play of the night came on an assist.

After Ashland scored the first five points of the fourth quarter to charge within 54-52, East Carter patiently worked the ball on the longest possession of the game. Finally, after more than a minute, Barnhill caught a pass in the post and spotted teammate Kyle Bair open on the perimeter.

Bair buried the 3-pointer with 5:14 remaining to ignite East Carter’s decisive run.

“That was a big-time shot,’’ said Raiders coach Brandon Baker. “I don’t know if you can say it was a game saver, but it gave us the confidence lift we needed and kind of took the momentum away from them.’’

Barnhill added a rebound basket and also got free for a layup during East Carter’s spree.

“He’s the best post player in this region, and probably in this part of the state,’’ Biggs said. “He played a great game. You’ve got to tip your cap to him.’’

Barnhill credited his teammates for finding him inside.

“My point guards read the defense right,’’ he said. “They made good entry passes that allowed me to do the moves I did.’’

East Carter shot 53 percent from the field, including a 17-for-29 performance in the first half while taking a 42-32 lead.

Bair finished with 14 points, connecting on all five of his floor shots and 3-of-4 free throws. Caleb Adams had 15 points, nearly matching his season high, and the Raiders also got nine points apiece from Dylan Genung and Connor Robinson.

“They are a nice ball club,’’ Biggs said. “East Carter and Fleming County are probably playing the best right now in the region.’’

Cody Withrow led Ashland with 15 points, including three 3-pointers. But the Tomcats were only 5-for-20 from long range.

The game began a challenging four-game road stretch for Ashland that continues with Clark County (Friday), Fairview (Saturday) and Elliott County (Tuesday).

“This will only make us better in the long run,’’ Biggs said.

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East turns turnover table on Tomcats

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