Tomcats’ press does it again against Boyd

Local Sports

Related Photos

Don McReynolds

Discussion

January 23, 2010

By ROCKY STANLEY — The Independent The Daily Independent Sat Jan 23, 2010, 01:03 AM EST

SUMMIT — Boyd County fared better on the scoreboard than the last meeting against Ashland, but the Tomcats’ swarming and double-teaming defense continued to take a toll Friday night.

Ashland’s press triggered runs of 16-0 in the first quarter and 20-0 to start the second half, paving the way for a 76-42 victory at Boyd County Middle School.

“I really liked the way we came out of halftime,’’ said Tomcats coach Buddy Biggs. “I thought our intensity, effort and pressure were very high.’’

Ashland harassed the Lions into seven turnovers during the third-quarter blitz that pushed the lead out to 61-19. Sophomore Cody Withrow led the defensive charge from his position at the top of the press.

Withrow scored the first eight points of the third quarter as the Tomcats came up with a flurry of takeaways.

“Coach tells everyone to get their hands up, deny passes, and deflect the ball,’’ Withrow said. “I got help from my teammates in the back. The wing guys were helping me trap the guy with the ball.’’

Withrow scored 11 of his team-high 14 points during the Tomcats’ 20-point spree, including a 3-pointer from the top of the key. He got it all started with a layup off point guard Will Skaggs’ zip pass through traffic.

“Will is an unbelievable passer,’’ Withrow said. “He’s one of the best point guards I’ve seen play in high school.’’

Skaggs handed out six assists to go with his 10 points and five steals.

In December, Ashland crushed Boyd County 82-21 — the second-largest margin for the Tomcats against their rival.

This time, Boyd County handled Ashland’s pressure in the opening minutes and grabbed a 9-5 lead on Eric Gindlesperger’s 3-pointer.

“They took the fight to us to start the game,’’ Biggs said. “We were not making shots and Boyd County did a nice job scoring in the half court. They put some wrinkles in since the last time we met, but we adjusted and recovered very well.’’

Ashland (14-3) scored the last 16 points of the first quarter to take control. Chris Johnson helped fuel the surge with six points and went on to rack up a Tomcat season-high 15 rebounds. The 6-foot-2 junior also had 10 points in his first double-double of the season.

“Chris did a tremendous job on the glass,’’ Biggs said. “His effort level was great.’’

Ryan Whetsel added 13 points for the Tomcats, who helped pressure Boyd County into 21 first-half turnovers and 32 overall.

Boyd County shot only 29 percent from the field in dropping to 1-12, but Biggs saw positive signs for the Lions.

“They made a lot of improvement I think from December until now,’’ he said. “I can see them making more leaps by the end of the season. (Jacob) Mayse is going to be a nice player.’’

Mayse, a sophomore, had 12 points and nine rebounds. Gindlesperger also scored 12 points and Brandon Lowe finished with nine points and six rebounds.

Ashland plays at home tonight against Bath County.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.

Text Only

Local Sports

Full speed ahead for Fleming
Half-sacks are recognized as official statistics in football. How about a half-dunk in basketball?

February 11, 2012
Ashland rolls over Johnson Central
Ashland makes chaos look good — real good.

February 11, 2012
Vikings turn back inspired Lions
State runner-up Rowan County is getting everybody’s best shot around the 16th Region this season.

February 11, 2012
Fairview holds off East Carter, 55-48
For Fairview coach Derek Cooksey, the student finally defeated the teacher.

February 11, 2012
Pairings set for 62nd District
The girls and boys 62nd District Tournament pairings are set for the week of Feb. 20. All games are to be played at Elliott County High School.

February 11, 2012
Boyd tightens up, downs Lady Devils
Boyd County girls basketball coach Pete Fraley felt inclined to call for a maintenance check when Russell climbed to within six points of his Lady Lions in the third quarter.

February 11, 2012
Tomcat wrestlers head to regionals with momentum
When the high school wrestling season opened, Ashland coach Tony Love didn’t know what to expect.

February 10, 2012
Fourth-quarter getaway
Cody Stamper swiped the ball away, tipping it to a teammate who had a clear view of the landscape.

February 10, 2012
AARON SNYDER: ‘Untouchables’ can be touched
On Tuesday night, I was just another awestruck observer of the show, just another dumbstruck face in the crowd.

February 9, 2012
Ashland’s Whetsel signs to play at KCU
Turns out, Kentucky Christian University has what Ryan Whetsel wanted all along.
Namely, a football program not far away that provides an opportunity to earn playing time right away. And just as importantly, a nursing program to help him reach career goals.

February 9, 2012
More Local Sports Headlines

Local Sports

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Tomcats’ press does it again against Boyd

Site Map

Contact Us