MADISON CENTRAL 61, TRINITY 51

In a matchup steeped in tradition, No. 5 Madison Central reminded everyone why tournament experience still matters, pulling away late to defeat No. 15 Trinity 61–51 on Wednesday night in the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass at Fairdale High School.

The game marked a battle of former KOB champions, with Madison Central — the 1998 title winner making its first appearance in the event since 2018 — facing a Trinity program that owns two championships and ranks as the fourth-winningest team in tournament history. By night’s end, the Indians not only stayed unbeaten on the season at 6–0, but also handed the Shamrocks their fourth straight KOB loss.

Madison Central set the tone early behind physical interior play and a steady defensive presence. After a tight opening quarter that featured multiple lead changes, the Indians began to separate in the second period, outscoring Trinity 18–10 to take a 31–22 halftime advantage. That momentum carried into the third quarter, where Madison Central methodically extended the lead to double digits.

Jake Feldhaus was the difference all night. The senior forward delivered a dominant performance on both ends, finishing with a game-high 26 points and 15 rebounds while consistently getting to the free-throw line. Feldhaus, who converted 9 of 15 attempts at the stripe, was named Central Bank Player of the Game after anchoring Madison Central’s inside attack and controlling the glass.

Luke Asher added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Grayson Burton chipped in 16 points, including timely baskets to halt Trinity runs. Madison Central shot an efficient 45.2 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle 37–26, a margin that proved decisive as the game wore on.

Trinity showed resilience in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit behind strong guard play from Garrison Gilvin, who led the Shamrocks with 12 points, and Griffin Weis, who added 11. But each push was met with timely responses from the Indians, often at the free-throw line, where Madison Central went 19-of-27 on the night.

By the final horn, Madison Central had secured a statement win advancing to the tournament quarterfinals where they will face the winner of Fairdale vs. LaRue County on Saturday at 6:00pm. Trinity will place the loser of the Fairdale vs. LaRue County game in the consolation bracket Saturday at 6:00pm.

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