2025 ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Bob White

Most Valuable Player

Jordan Mitchell — Male

Stan Hardin

Most Outstanding Player

Jake Feldhaus — Madison Central

All-Tournament Team

Adrian Wilder — Butler

Armani Byrd — Warren Central

Reece Davidson — North Laurel

Athens McGillis — Covington Catholic

Braeden Myrick — Covington Catholic

Jack Logsdon — Grayson County

Tommy Gregg — North Oldham

Kamari Roberts — Fairdale

Luke Asher — Madison Central

DeMarcus Surratt — Frederick Douglass

Jeremiah Jackson — St. Xavier

Josh Lindsay — St. Xavier

Chief Cameron — St. Xavier

Jaymes Clark — Male

Trey Hillerich — Male

MALE 60, SAINT XAVIER 58

In a championship game that delivered intensity until the final horn, No. 9 Male held off a furious late charge by top-ranked Saint Xavier to secure a 60–58 victory Monday night, claiming the Bulldogs’ fourth all-time King of the Bluegrass championship and their first title since 2007.

Male (9-1) controlled the game early, building a sizable lead behind disciplined defense and efficient scoring, then withstood Saint Xavier’s late push as the Tigers (7-2) made it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The Bulldogs answered every challenge just enough to close out the win and celebrate on the Fairdale floor.

Jordan Mitchell was the centerpiece of the championship effort, earning Bob White Most Valuable Player honors after scoring a game-high 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Mitchell added five rebounds and delivered repeatedly in key moments, including late baskets and free throws that helped Male maintain its narrow edge down the stretch.

Saint Xavier was led by an outstanding performance from Jeremiah Jackson, who finished with 24 points and nine rebounds while carrying much of the offensive load during the Tigers’ second-half rally. Jackson’s aggressiveness and shot-making fueled Saint Xavier’s comeback attempt and kept pressure on Male until the final possession.

Male’s supporting cast played a crucial role throughout the tournament and in the title game. Jayme Clark earned All-Tournament honors after contributing four points and a team-high eight rebounds in the championship, consistently impacting the game on the defensive end. Trey Hillerich, also named to the All-Tournament Team, added 10 points, six rebounds, and multiple timely plays on both ends, including critical minutes late as Male protected its lead.

Saint Xavier placed three players on the KOB All-Tournament Team. In addition to Jackson’s standout performance, Josh Lindsay earned honors after scoring six points with key rebounds and interior plays throughout the tournament, while Chief Cameron was recognized for his physical presence, pulling down eight rebounds and anchoring the Tigers in the paint during the championship game.

With the victory, Male moved into sole possession of second place on the all-time King of the Bluegrass championship list with four titles. The win also marked the Bulldogs’ 54th all-time victory in the prestigious tournament, keeping them third all-time in total wins.

The championship run was as impressive as any in recent memory. On their way to the title, the Bulldogs defeated Kentucky’s preseason No. 3 Covington Catholic, preseason No. 2 Frederick Douglass, and capped the week by knocking off preseason No. 1 Saint Xavier in the championship game.

Nearly two decades after their last KOB championship, Male’s return to the top was sealed by resilience, balance, and timely execution — a championship earned by surviving the best and finishing the job when it mattered most.

[Click to View Box Score]

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CHAMPIONSHIP

Male 60, Saint Xavier 58 - FINAL

3RD PLACE FINAL

Madison Central 72, Frederick Douglass 61 - FINAL
[Click to View Box Score]

5TH PLACE FINAL

Covington Catholic 78, North Oldham 57 - FINAL

[Click to View Box Score]

CONSOLATION FINAL

Warren Central 63, Butler 60 - FINAL
[Click to View Box Score]

CONSOLATION

Christian Academy of Louisville 67, Lee (AL) 64 - FINAL [Click to View Box Score]

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW — 44th ANNUAL GARDNER LAW KING OF THE BLUEGRASS

The final night of the King of the Bluegrass arrives with a championship matchup that feels both historic and perfectly balanced. When the ball goes up Monday night, #9 Male and #1 Saint Xavier will meet with the tournament crown on the line — two unbeaten teams in tournament play, two programs steeped in tradition, and one trophy waiting to be lifted.

Both teams have taken different roads to this point, but each has proven worthy of playing on the final night.

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THE ROAD TO THE TITLE GAME

Saint Xavier (7-1) has looked every bit the defending champion throughout the weekend. The Tigers opened the tournament with a disciplined 62–54 win over Warren Central, followed by a methodical 57–47 victory against North Oldham. In the semifinals, Saint Xavier passed its toughest test, turning back Madison Central 70–59 in a game that demanded poise, rebounding, and execution down the stretch. The Tigers have thrived by controlling tempo, spacing the floor, and locking in defensively when it matters most.

Male (8-1) has taken a more physical path to the championship. The Bulldogs opened with a dominant 71–46 win over Greeneville, then knocked off Covington Catholic 77–69 in a high-energy quarterfinal. In the semifinals, Male survived a tense, grind-it-out battle with Frederick Douglass, escaping with a 62–59 victory that showcased toughness, rebounding, and composure in the closing moments.

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UNBEATEN AGAINST THE BLUEGRASS

Adding to the intrigue, neither team has lost to an in-state opponent this season. Male’s lone defeat came against Pike (Indianapolis), Indiana, while Saint Xavier’s only loss was to national powerhouse Spire Academy (Geneva), Ohio. Against Kentucky competition, both teams have been flawless — further underscoring just how elite this championship matchup is and how difficult it has been for anyone inside the state’s borders to slow either program down.

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A TRUE CHAMPIONSHIP TOSS-UP

Statistically, this championship matchup is as close as any in recent tournament memory. According to the official team matchup report, scoring and defense are essentially even. Male holds advantages in productivity, strength, aggressiveness, ball handling, and intangibles, while Saint Xavier counters with edges in shooting range, concentration, alertness, and consistency. When all factors are weighed, the overall edge is listed as even, underscoring just how thin the margin is between the two finalists

Saint Xavier’s success has come from precision — valuing possessions, winning the rebounding battle at key moments, and forcing opponents to execute late in the shot clock. Male has thrived on imposing its will — attacking downhill, winning physical battles, and turning effort plays into momentum-shifting sequences.

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HISTORY ON THE LINE

Beyond the matchup itself, history hangs over the court Monday night.

Saint Xavier is chasing something rare: a second straight King of the Bluegrass championship. A win would make the Tigers the first back-to-back champions since the 2011–12 era and cement their place as a modern tournament power. In their lone previous championship appearance, the Tigers claimed the title — giving them a spotless 1–0 record in KOB finals.

Male is playing for legacy. The Bulldogs are making their fifth championship appearance, owning a 3–1 record in title games with championships in 1991, 2001, and 2007. A victory Monday night would deliver Male its fourth all-time King of the Bluegrass title, tying host Fairdale for the second-most championships in tournament history.

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WHAT TO EXPECT TONIGHT

Expect a championship decided by details. Possessions will matter. Free throws will matter. One defensive stand, one loose ball, or one timely basket could swing the outcome. Saint Xavier will look to stretch the floor, stay composed, and defend with discipline for all 32 minutes. Male will aim to make the game physical, pressure the ball, and turn effort into advantage.

Two undefeated tournament teams. Two programs unbeaten against Kentucky competition. One trophy.

By the end of the night, the 44th Annual King of the Bluegrass will have its champion — either a team making history by repeating, or one adding another banner to an already storied legacy.

SCHEDULE OF PLAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 22ND

Monday, December 22nd

East Gym

3:00pm

Lee (AL) vs. Christian Academy of Louisville

West Gym

3:00pm - Consolation Final

Warren Central vs. Butler

4:30pm - 5th Place Final

North Oldham vs. Covington Catholic

6:00pm - 3rd Place Final

Madison Central vs. Frederick Douglass

7:30pm - Championship

Saint Xavier vs. Male

MALE 62, FREDERICK DOUGLASS 59

No. 9 Male (7-1) is headed back to the King of the Bluegrass championship game for the first time in nearly two decades after holding off No. 2 Frederick Douglass (5-1), 62–59, in a hard-fought semifinal Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs leaned on poise, toughness, and timely execution to survive repeated late pushes from the Broncos, earning their first KOB finals appearance since 2007 and the fifth championship berth in program history.

Jordan Mitchell turned in a championship-level performance to lead Male, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds to earn Central Bank Player of the Game honors. Mitchell scored in the paint, knocked down jumpers when needed, and controlled the glass down the stretch, delivering several key defensive rebounds and late free throws to keep Douglass at bay.

Frederick Douglass was powered by DeMarcus Surratt, who poured in 27 points of his own. Surratt ignited multiple comeback attempts with aggressive drives and second-chance baskets, helping the Broncos claw back into the game time and again.

The contest was tight throughout, featuring 10 lead changes and seven ties, with neither team able to gain lasting separation. Douglass briefly pulled even early in the fourth quarter, but Male responded with timely baskets from Mitchell and Cornellius Barnett to regain control. In the final minute, the Bulldogs’ defense forced tough shots and limited second chances, sealing the victory.

Male now stands one victory away from another KOB title. The Bulldogs enter the championship game with a 3-1 all-time record in KOB finals, their most recent championship coming in 2007. Frederick Douglass fell just short of a reaching the KOB finals for the second straight year.

Now, Male will look to finish the job and add another championship chapter to its King of the Bluegrass legacy as they take on 7th region rival Saint Xavier at 7:30pm on Monday. Frederick Douglass will play Madison Central in the 3rd Place Final at 6:00pm on Monday.

[Click to View Box Score]

SAINT XAVIER 70, MADISON CENTRAL 59

Top-ranked Saint Xavier continued its impressive run through the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass on Sunday night, pulling away in the middle quarters to secure a 70–59 victory over No. 5 Madison Central and advance to the championship game for the second straight season.

Saint Xavier (6-1) set the tone early and never relinquished control, building a double-digit cushion by halftime and responding to every Madison Central push after the break. The Tigers outscored the Indians 21–8 in the opening quarter and carried a 36–22 lead into the locker room, fueled by defensive pressure and efficient perimeter shooting.

Junior guard Jordan Jackson was named Central Bank Player of the Game after delivering a poised all-around performance, finishing with 17 points while consistently answering momentum swings with timely baskets and trips to the foul line. Jackson was especially effective during a decisive third quarter, when Saint Xavier pushed the margin to as many as 20 points and seized firm control of the contest.

Saint Xavier received strong complementary scoring throughout the lineup. Josh Lindsay added 17 points of his own, knocking down four three-pointers and providing a steady scoring punch on the perimeter, while Bryce Johnson chipped in 10 points, hitting timely shots that helped maintain momentum whenever Madison Central threatened.

Madison Central (7-1) showed resilience throughout, led by Jake Feldhaus, who poured in a game-high 18 points and battled inside to keep the Indians within reach. Madison Central cut the deficit to single digits late in the fourth quarter, but Saint Xavier calmly closed the door at the free-throw line and with key finishes in transition down the stretch.

The Tigers knocked down shots from the perimeter at a high clip and turned defensive pressure into points, converting Madison Central turnovers into consistent scoring opportunities that prevented any sustained comeback attempt.

With the victory, Saint Xavier has now won seven straight games in King of the Bluegrass play and advanced to its second-ever KOB championship game. The Tigers will now look to make history, aiming to become the first program to repeat as KOB champions since Christ Presbyterian accomplished the feat in 2011–12.

Saint Xavier will play the winner of Frederick Douglass vs. Male in the Championship at 7:30pm on Monday. Madison Central will play in the 3rd Place Final against the loser of Frederick Douglass vs. Male at 6:00pm on Monday.

[Click to View Box Score]

SCHEDULE OF PLAY - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

**PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO
4:30PM CONSOLATION GAME
AS LYON COUNTY CHOSE TO LEAVE EARLY**

5th Place Semifinals (West Gym)

4:30pm - North Laurel vs. Covington Catholic

6:00pm - Fairdale vs. North Oldham

Semifinals (West Gym)

7:30pm - Madison Central vs. Saint Xavier

9:00pm - Frederick Douglass vs. Male

Consolation (East Gym)

6:00pm - Trinity vs. Grayson County

7:30pm - LaRue County vs. Warren Central

9:00pm - Butler vs. Greeneville (TN)

2025 KOB LIVE STREAM

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FREDERICK DOUGLASS 74, NORTH LAUREL 64

Second ranked Frederick Douglass (5-0) continued its strong run at the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass on Saturday night, pulling away late to defeat No. 6 North Laurel (6-2) 74–64 and advance to its second straight tournament semifinal.

The Broncos set the tone early and never trailed, building a steady cushion behind efficient shooting and relentless defensive pressure. Frederick Douglass was sharp offensively throughout the night, using balanced scoring and ball movement to keep the Jaguars from gaining sustained momentum.

Senior guard Tate Robinson led the way for the Broncos, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors with 18 points. Robinson connected on five three-pointers and delivered several momentum-shifting baskets, particularly during a decisive second-quarter stretch that helped Frederick Douglass push its lead into double figures.

North Laurel was fueled by an outstanding performance from Reece Davidson, who poured in a game-high 32 points. Davidson scored in a variety of ways and repeatedly kept the Jaguars within reach, but Frederick Douglass consistently responded with timely shots and key defensive stops.

The Broncos carried a 38–29 lead into halftime and continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, extending the margin to as many as 17 points. North Laurel made a late push in the fourth, trimming the deficit, but Frederick Douglass closed the door with poise at the free-throw line and strong finishes in transition to secure the win.

With the victory, Frederick Douglass moves on to the semifinals where they'll face Male on Sunday at 9:00pm. North Laurel will play Convington Catholic at 4:30pm Sunday in the 5th Place semifinals.

[Click to View Box Score]