2024 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

 2024 GARDNER LAW
KING OF THE BLUEGRASS
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

BOB WHITE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Jermiah Jackson - St. Xavier

STANLEY HARDIN
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER
Armelo Boone - Woodford County

Amari Owens- Bryan Station

E.J. Walker - Lloyd Memorial

Demarcus Surratt - Frederick Douglass

Brooks Cargould - North Oldham

Zander Carter - Ashland Blazer

Jordan Mabe - South Laurel

Tai Bell - Mater Lakes

Jayson Gasaway - Male

Anthony Blaackar - Lloyd Memorial

Ferlandas Wright - Fairdale

James Turner - Newport

Chief Cameron - St. Xavier

Chance Dillingham - St. Xavier

Cameron Bead - Bryant

R.J. Newton - Bryant
R.J. Young - Bryant

SAINT XAVIER 76, BRYANT 50

The Saint Xavier Tigers (9-0) captured their first-ever Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass championship with a commanding 76-50 victory over the Bryant Hornets (8-5). With the win, the Tigers remained unbeaten on the season and became the first Louisville-area team to win the prestigious title since Ballard in 2019.

Graham Krezmien led the Tigers with 19 points, five rebounds, and five three-pointers, while Jeremiah Jackson, named the 2024 Bob White Most Valuable Player, contributed eight points, five rebounds, and three assists. 

The Tigers came out firing, opening the game with a 15-3 run, including back-to-back three-pointers by Krezmien and Chance Dillingham. Jackson added two triples of his own, as Saint Xavier’s hot shooting from beyond the arc fueled a dominant 26-8 lead after the first quarter. Bryant struggled offensively, shooting just 21.4% in the opening period.

In the second quarter, Saint Xavier continued their balanced attack. Freshman Josh Lindsay added 11 points off the bench, while Dillingham sank another three-pointer to push the lead to 43-20 at halftime. The Tigers shot a blistering 57.7% from the field in the first half, including 60% from three-point range, while Bryant’s Camarion Bead carried the Hornets with six first-half points.

The Hornets opened the third quarter with a brief surge, as Bead scored six of his team-high 17 points. However, Saint Xavier’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and limiting Bryant’s second-chance opportunities. Krezmien hit two more three-pointers, while Hanke added a putback basket to keep the Tigers comfortably ahead. Saint Xavier outscored Bryant 16-14 in the third quarter, extending their lead to 59-36.

In the fourth quarter, Saint Xavier closed the game in style, with Dillingham and Krezmien each knocking down key shots. The Tigers' defense stifled Bryant’s outside shooting, holding them to just 15% from three-point range for the game. Brandon Dayes added a fast-break layup and a steal in the final minutes to cap off the Tigers' dominant performance.

Krezmien led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Dillingham contributed 14 points, three assists, and flawless free-throw shooting (5-for-5). Lindsay’s 11 points off the bench and Hanke’s consistent two-way play highlighted the Tigers' depth.

For Bryant, Bead finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while RJ Young added 14 points and five rebounds. The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 34.4% from the field and committing 17 turnovers.

Saint Xavier’s Chief Cameron and Chance Dillingham were named to the 2024 King of the Bluegrass All-Tournament Team, with Jeremiah Jackson earning MVP honors for his outstanding contributions throughout the event. Bryant’s Camarion Bead, RJ Newton, and RJ Young also earned All-Tournament recognition for their performances.

Saint Xavier’s championship marks a historic milestone for the program, as the Tigers claimed their first KOB title and solidified their position as the top team in Kentucky. For Bryant, the runner-up finish caps an impressive tournament run that saw them become only the second Arkansas team to reach the finals. Both teams showcased remarkable talent and resilience throughout the tournament.

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CONSOLATION BRACKET SCORES - 12/22/24

Consolation Final

Lloyd Memorial 59, Newport 52
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5th Place Final

Bryan Station 69, Woodford County 66
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3rd Place Final

Frederick Douglass 81, North Oldham 69
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SCHEDULE OF PLAY - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND

Consolation Final

3:00pm - Lloyd Memorial vs. Newport

5th Place Final

4:30pm - Woodford County vs. Bryan Station

3rd Place Final

6:00pm - Frederick Douglass vs. North Oldham

Championship

7:30pm - Saint Xavier vs. Bryant (AR)

CONSOLATION BRACKET SCORES - 12/21/24

5TH PLACE SEMIFINALS

Bryan Station 63, South Laurel 54
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Woodford County 74, Fairdale 61
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CONSOLATION BRACKET

Mater Lakes (FL) 72, Trinity 61 [Click to View Box Score]

Butler County 72, Ashland Blazer 57 [Click to View Box Score]

Lloyd Memorial 56, Male 46 [Click to View Box Score]

Newport 56, Adair County 50 [Click to View Box Score]

BRYANT (AR) 65, NORTH OLDHAM 41

The Bryant Hornets (8-4) advanced to their first-ever Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass championship with a dominant 65-41 victory over the North Oldham Mustangs (6-3) in the semifinals. Camarion Bead earned Central Bank Player of the Game honors with a stellar 16-point, nine-rebound, and four-assist performance. Bryant also became just the second Arkansas team in tournament history to reach the final.

Bryant wasted no time establishing control in the opening quarter, jumping out to a 20-10 lead. The Hornets’ defense stifled North Oldham, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition points. Bead scored six points in the first quarter, including a putback off an offensive rebound that showcased Bryant’s dominance on the boards.

The Mustangs struggled to generate consistent offense, with Tommy Gregg’s three-pointer and layup providing brief sparks. Gregg finished with a team-high 13 points, including three three-pointers. By halftime, the Hornets extended their lead to 36-21, with RJ Young contributing 10 of his 14 points in the first half.

Bryant’s defensive pressure intensified in the third quarter, holding North Oldham to just four points in the period. Bead continued to lead the way, adding six more points and dominating the glass. The Mustangs shot just 15.4% from the field in the third quarter, while Bryant outscored them 14-4 to take a commanding 50-25 lead into the fourth.

RJ Newton and Young provided key support for the Hornets, combining for 25 points and seven rebounds. Newton’s three assists kept Bryant’s offense fluid, while Young’s interior presence disrupted the Mustangs’ rhythm.

Despite a late push by North Oldham, Bryant maintained control in the final quarter. Pierre Rondo added six points off the bench, while Bead capped his performance with a highlight-reel layup and a block on the defensive end. The Hornets’ rebounding dominance (35-18 overall) and second-chance points (9-2) sealed the victory.

North Oldham’s Gregg and Pierre Rondo provided moments of resistance, but the Mustangs’ 34.8% shooting and 21.7% from three-point range were not enough to overcome Bryant’s balanced attack.

Bead’s all-around effort led the Hornets with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Young added 14 points and seven rebounds. Newton contributed 11 points, six assists, and five rebounds, providing steady play on both ends of the floor. Bryant shot an efficient 56.5% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line, highlighting their offensive efficiency.

For North Oldham, Gregg led the way with 13 points, while Rondo chipped in 13 points and two rebounds. The Mustangs struggled to match Bryant’s physicality and depth, committing 13 turnovers and securing just seven offensive rebounds.

Bryant’s victory propels them into their first-ever KOB championship game, where they will look to make history as the first Arkansas team to win the tournament. They will meet Saint Xavier at 7:30pm Sunday. North Oldham will regroup in the 3rd Place Final against Frederick Douglass at 6:00pm Sunday.

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SAINT XAVIER 72, FREDERICK DOUGLASS 55

The 2nd ranked Saint Xavier Tigers (8-0) secured their first-ever appearance in the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass championship with a commanding 72-55 victory over 11th ranked Frederick Douglass (5-2) in the semifinals. Will Hanke led the way with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors. The Tigers also became .

The Tigers started strong, holding the Broncos to just 11 points in each of the first two quarters. Saint Xavier’s defense, led by Hanke and Jeremiah Jackson, forced 13 turnovers in the first half, converting them into 13 points. Offensively, Hanke was efficient, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds by halftime.

Saint Xavier built a 16-11 lead in the first quarter, thanks to sharp shooting from Chance Dillingham and Graham Krezmien. Dillingham added a three-pointer early in the second quarter, while Jackson contributed with a fast-break layup. The Tigers closed the half on a 19-11 run to lead 35-22 at the break.

Saint Xavier extended their lead in the third quarter with a balanced offensive attack. Hanke scored six points in the period, including a putback and a mid-range jumper. Dillingham, who finished with 10 points, hit a clutch three-pointer to help the Tigers outscore the Broncos 24-16 in the quarter. The Tigers’ rebounding dominance (38-24 overall) was critical, as they limited Frederick Douglass to just five second-chance points.

Despite a strong effort from DeMarcus Surratt, who led the Broncos with 16 points and two steals, Frederick Douglass struggled to keep pace. Jaunte Jenkins added 10 points for the Broncos, but their 40.7% shooting and 46.7% free throw percentage hindered their ability to close the gap.

Saint Xavier maintained control in the fourth quarter, with Hanke adding three points and another assist. Jackson finished with 11 points, including a crucial putback late in the game, while Krezmien’s three-pointer midway through the period put the game out of reach. The Tigers outscored the Broncos 13-11 in the final frame to secure the 17-point win.

Hanke’s all-around performance (15 points, eight rebounds, three assists) anchored the Tigers, while Jackson contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Dillingham added 10 points, and Krezmien scored 10 points with two three-pointers. The Tigers shot an efficient 50.9% from the field and hit eight three-pointers, including six in the second half.

For Frederick Douglass, Surratt led the way with 16 points, while Jenkins chipped in 10 points and two steals. However, the Broncos were plagued by turnovers (13 total) and poor shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-17).

With this victory, Saint Xavier advances to their first-ever KOB championship, where they'll be the first Louisville school in the finals since 2019. They will meet the winner of North Oldham vs. Bryant (AR) at 7:30pm Sunday. Frederick Douglass moves to the 3rd Place Final where they'll meet the North Oldham-Bryant loser at 6:00pm Sunday.

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2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass Semifinals: Tale of the Tape

Tonight, the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic enters its semifinals, showcasing elite matchups between Frederick Douglass and Saint Xavier, and North Oldham and Bryant (AR). Each team has dominated the competition thus far, earning their place in the Final Four.

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Frederick Douglass Broncos (5-1)

Team Stats (Per Game):

• Points Scored: 74.5
• Points Allowed: 54.5
• Field Goal %: 47.6%
• Rebounds: 35% offensive, 71% defensive

The Broncos are riding high, powered by their relentless defense and standout performances from DeMarcus Surratt and Jaunte Jenkins. Surratt is averaging 17.5 points and 7 rebounds per game, while Jenkins leads in steals (3 per game). Their ball movement has been clinical, with 26 assists in the tournament so far, showcasing their ability to create open looks. Expect a strong showing from their bench, which has contributed 41 points in the tournament.

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Saint Xavier Tigers (7-0)

Team Stats (Per Game):

• Points Scored: 68.0
• Points Allowed: 59.5
• Field Goal %: 48.1%
• Rebounds: 39% offensive, 66% defensive

Saint Xavier thrives on balance and grit. Led by Chief Cameron, who averages 18.5 points per game, and Jeremiah Jackson, the team has found success with aggressive rebounding and a solid defensive scheme. Their free-throw shooting (81.5%) has been pivotal in close games, and with 18 steals across two games, their pressure defense could stymie the Broncos’ offensive rhythm.

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North Oldham Mustangs (6-2)

Team Stats (Per Game):

• Points Scored: 69.0
• Points Allowed: 57.0
• Field Goal %: 53.9%
• Rebounds: 36% offensive, 66% defensive

North Oldham enters the semifinals as one of the tournament’s sharpest shooting teams, hitting 24 three-pointers over two games. Brooks Cargould has been a standout, averaging 21 points, 5.5 assists, and 11 rebounds per game. Alongside Tommy Gregg’s hot hand from beyond the arc (4/5 in their last game), the Mustangs are a potent offensive threat. Their high productivity rating (142) speaks to their efficiency in key moments.

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Bryant (AR) Hornets (7-4)

Team Stats (Per Game):

• Points Scored: 72.0
• Points Allowed: 59.0
• Field Goal %: 56.4%
• Rebounds: 40% offensive, 73% defensive

The Hornets have been relentless on both ends of the floor, boasting the second-best field goal percentage in the tournament. RJ Young has been their driving force, averaging a tournament-best 29.5 points per game, while Camarion Bead adds a robust 20.5 points and 12 rebounds. With their aggressive style, Bryant has forced nine steals and six blocks, showing their ability to disrupt opponents’ game plans.

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Key Matchups:

Frederick Douglass vs. Saint Xavier

This game pits Saint Xavier’s balanced attack against Frederick Douglass’s lockdown defense. Look for DeMarcus Surratt and Chief Cameron to lead their respective teams in a battle of star power and strategy.

North Oldham vs. Bryant

Bryant’s RJ Young and North Oldham’s Brooks Cargould are two of the tournament’s top performers. North Oldham’s three-point shooting will be crucial to counter Bryant’s dominance in the paint.

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The road to the championship continues tonight. Which two teams will punch their ticket to the finals? Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying night of basketball.

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SCHEDULE OF PLAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

  16 TEAMS - 8 GAMES - 2 GYMS

West Gym

4:30pm - South Laurel vs. Bryan Station

6:00pm - Fairdale vs. Woodford County

Semifinals

7:30pm - Frederick Douglass vs. Saint Xavier

9:00pm - North Oldham vs. Bryant (AR)

East Gym – Consolation Bracket

4:30pm - Trinity vs. Mater Lakes (FL)

6:00pm - Butler County vs. Ashland Blazer

7:30pm - Male vs. Lloyd Memorial

9:00pm - Adair County vs. Newport