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Wednesday, December 18, 2024
BRYAN STATION 72, NEWPORT 43
The 10th ranked Bryan Station Defenders (6-0) cruised to a commanding 72-43 victory over the 5th ranked Newport Wildcats (3-4) in the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament, with Amari Owens earning the Central Bank Player of the Game honors for his electrifying performance.
The game started competitively, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops in the first quarter. Newport’s James Turner opened the game with a strong showing, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds overall, including a dunk and key second-chance points. Meanwhile, Owens began asserting himself for Bryan Station, contributing a three-pointer and a fast-break layup off a steal by Rashaad Faulkner. Bryan Station edged ahead 16-15 at the end of the first quarter, with eight lead changes already setting the tone for a thrilling matchup.
In the second quarter, the Defenders took control. Owens spearheaded a 17-2 run, highlighted by his relentless drives to the basket and a three-pointer assisted by Faulkner. He scored nine points in the quarter, finishing the game with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Bryan Station’s defense clamped down, forcing Newport into seven turnovers in the quarter, including two steals by Owens. By halftime, the Defenders led 40-26, with Faulkner and Taeshawn Adams providing support on the boards and in transition.
The third quarter saw Bryan Station extend their dominance. Owens hit another three-pointer and added a transition layup, while Brunley Fon dominated the paint, scoring 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. Newport struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 30.8% in the quarter, as Bryan Station’s defense continued to smother their attacks. The Defenders outscored the Wildcats 16-8 in the period to take a commanding 56-34 lead.
In the final quarter, the Defenders sealed the game with efficient play on both ends of the court. Adams added a highlight-reel dunk off an assist from Owens, while Fon contributed a putback and another layup to push Bryan Station’s lead to 30 points. Newport’s Turner and Griffin Starks battled valiantly, with Starks finishing with six points and eight rebounds, but the Wildcats were unable to overcome their 23 turnovers and 0-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc.
Bryan Station’s victory was a team effort, with contributions from Adams (11 points, nine rebounds) and Faulkner (11 points, one steal). The Defenders shot an efficient 47.5% from the field and dominated the rebounding battle, 37-34, converting 15 second-chance points. Newport, despite flashes of promise, struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3% from the field and managing only nine second-chance points.
With this win, Bryan Station advances to Friday's quarterfinals where they meet the winner of Bryant (AR) vs. Mater Lakes (FL) at 4:30pm. Newport looks to regroup in the consolation bracket facing the Bryant-Mater Laker loser at 4:30pm on Friday.
SAINT XAVIER 76, LLOYD MEMORIAL 64
The second ranked Saint Xavier Tigers (6-0) secured a hard-fought 76-64 victory over the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (4-1) in the opening round of the2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament. Saint X junior Chief Cameron earned Central Bank Player of the Game honors for his standout performance.
The game opened with a competitive first quarter, as both teams traded scores and established their rhythms. Jeremiah Jackson got Saint Xavier rolling with a three-pointer, while Lloyd Memorial’s EJ Walker and Jayden Humphrey responded with inside baskets. Cameron made an early impact, sinking two three-pointers and adding a crucial steal that he converted into a fast-break layup. The Tigers ended the quarter with a slim 18-16 lead.
In the second quarter, Saint Xavier began to take control. Cameron’s efficient scoring, combined with Chance Dillingham’s sharpshooting, sparked a dominant 12-2 run that extended the Tigers’ lead to 34-19. Dillingham hit three three-pointers in the half, while the Tigers’ defense forced nine turnovers, converting them into key points. Despite a late push from Lloyd Memorial, led by Carter Bresser’s perimeter shooting, Saint Xavier held an 10-point lead at halftime, 36-26.
The Juggernauts fought back in the third quarter with a 16-2 run, led by Anthony Blaackar’s strong interior play and Humphrey’s consistent scoring. Walker added a crucial three-pointer, cutting the Tigers’ lead to just five points. However, Cameron stepped up with timely baskets, including a putback and a mid-range jumper, to keep Saint Xavier ahead. By the end of the third quarter, the Tigers led 53-45.
Cameron delivered in the final quarter, scoring seven of his game-high 21 points when it mattered most. He added a three-pointer and a fast-break layup to extend the lead, while Dillingham’s clutch free throws secured the victory. Saint Xavier’s balanced effort was reflected in their 51.8% shooting from the field and strong rebounding presence, with Cameron contributing six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
For Lloyd Memorial, Walker and Blaackar each scored 16 points, while Humphrey added 13. Despite their efforts, the Juggernauts were hampered by 17 turnovers and were out-rebounded by the Tigers, 30-26.
Saint Xavier advances to Friday's quarterfinals where they'll meet the winner of Ashland Blazer vs. Woodford County at 7:30pm. Lloyd Memorial will look to bounce back in the consolation bracket playing the loser of Ashland Blazer-Woodford County at 7:30pm Friday.
FAIRDALE 87, BUTLER COUNTY 72
The host Fairdale Bulldogs (6-2) showcased their dominance in an 87-72 victory over the 12th ranked Butler County Bears (4-3) in the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament. Central Bank Player of the Game Mihajila Mandic delivered an exceptional performance, leading Fairdale to a commanding win in the first-round matchup.
The game began with a closely contested first quarter, as both teams traded leads and tied the score five times. Butler County leaned on Justin Castlen’s hot hand early, as he drained two three-pointers and finished the quarter with eight points. The Bears built an early six-point lead before Fairdale responded with a balanced attack, including a three-pointer from Mandic and key contributions from Ferlandas Wright. By the end of the first quarter, the teams were knotted at 19.
In the second quarter, Fairdale began to assert control. Wright, who recorded a dominant double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, was relentless on the boards, creating second-chance opportunities. Mandic contributed on both ends, combining defensive stops with timely scoring. Fairdale capitalized on Butler County’s cold shooting stretch to go on a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 33-23 midway through the period. Despite Castlen’s efforts to keep the Bears within reach, the Bulldogs carried a 38-32 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter was where Fairdale blew the game open. Mandic, who led all Bulldogs with 22 points, fueled a 16-2 run that included a mix of layups, free throws, and a three-pointer. Wright’s presence in the paint and Sean Malone’s contributions off the bench added to Butler County’s struggles to keep pace. Malone finished with 15 points, including several key free throws that helped extend Fairdale’s lead. The Bulldogs limited Butler County to just eight points in the quarter while shooting 58.3% from the field, entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 61-40 lead.
Butler County made a late push in the final quarter behind Castlen and Briar Griffin, who added 19 points and provided energy with a mix of inside scoring and a fast-break dunk. The Bears managed to cut the deficit to 12 points midway through the quarter, but Fairdale’s poise and efficiency, especially at the free-throw line, ensured the lead remained out of reach. Roberts, who contributed 14 points and six assists, and Mandic combined for several clutch plays to close out the game.
Fairdale’s ability to capitalize on Butler County’s mistakes was a key factor, scoring 21 points off turnovers while holding the Bears to just 37% shooting from the field. The Bulldogs’ dominance on the boards, with a 40-32 rebounding advantage, further cemented their control of the game.
The Bulldogs advance to the quarterfinals and will play the winner of Male vs. Frederick Douglass at 6:00pm. Butler County will look to regroup in the consolation bracket Friday against the Male-Frederick Douglass loser at 6:00pm.
NORTH OLDHAM 77, ADAIR COUNTY 68
In a dramatic opening-round clash of the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament, the North Oldham Mustangs (5-2) rallied from a double-digit deficit to edge the 7th ranked Adair County Indians (5-2), 77-68. Tommy Gregg, whose dynamic performance guided the Mustangs’ resurgence, was named the Central Bank Most Valuable Player of the game.
The Indians came out firing in the first quarter, building an early lead with sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Dawson Gilbert set the tone, sinking a three-pointer midway through the quarter, and Blane Bardin’s back-to-back triples in the final minute pushed Adair County to a 20-17 advantage at the break. Gilbert finished with 17 points, and Bardin added 14 off the bench, as the Indians relied heavily on their perimeter game.
Adair County extended their lead in the second quarter behind steady contributions from Isaiah Cochran in the paint. Cochran, who tallied 10 points and eight rebounds overall, kept the Indians in control of the tempo. Meanwhile, the Mustangs struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 30.8% in the second quarter. At halftime, Adair County led 36-28, seemingly in control.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Gregg, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, erupted with a string of highlight plays, including a deep three-pointer off an assist from Colin Daniels early in the period. Gregg’s hot shooting ignited a 24-9 run, capped by a second-chance layup from Daniels to give North Oldham a 52-45 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Mustangs shot a blistering 76.9% from the field during the quarter, while Adair County managed just 33.3%.
The Indians fought back valiantly in the final period. Connor Loy’s aggressive drives to the basket and timely jumpers helped Adair County close the gap to two points with under two minutes remaining. Loy finished with 13 points and five assists, leading the late push. However, turnovers proved costly, including a critical steal by Gregg that led to a fast-break score, extending the Mustangs’ lead.
Brooks Cargould also played a key role in sealing the game for North Oldham, scoring 18 points and hitting a dagger three-pointer in the closing minutes. Daniels dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and added defensive stops that stifled Adair County’s offense down the stretch.
The Mustangs’ 20-2 run during the second half was fueled by Gregg’s ability to hit contested shots and capitalize on defensive lapses. His final line—22 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range—cemented his selection as the game’s MVP.
With the victory, North Oldham advances to the quarterfinals Friday at 9pm where they will take on the winner of Trinity vs. South Laurel. Adair County will play Friday at 9pm in the consolation bracket against the Trinity-South Laurel loser.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Eight of Kentucky’s Preseason Top 10 Teams Set to Compete in the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass
The 43rd Annual Chad Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass is set to take center stage at Fairdale High School from December 18-22, 2024, promising five days of thrilling high school basketball action. This year’s tournament once again solidifies its reputation as one of the premier holiday events in the nation, featuring an impressive lineup of Kentucky’s finest alongside elite out-of-state teams. With five reigning regional champions, eight of the top 10 teams in Kentucky, 11 of the state’s preseason Top 25 teams, and one preseason nationally ranked team, the stage is set for another unforgettable showcase of talent, grit, and competitive spirit.
Highlighting the field are regional champions Adair County (Fifth Region), Ashland Blazer (16th Region), Butler County (Third Region), Newport (Ninth Region), and Trinity (Seventh Region). Each of these teams brings a unique combination of experience, star power, and hunger to the tournament, making them strong contenders for the coveted King of the Bluegrass title. Adding to the intrigue, the 16-team field includes two highly touted out-of-state programs: Bryant, last season’s Arkansas Class 6A state runner-up and ranked No. 74 in the MaxPreps Preseason Rankings, and Mater Lakes Academy, a Florida Class 4A quarterfinalist.
This year’s tournament also boasts some of the top individual talents in the nation. Butler County’s Ty Price, a University of Tennessee at Martin commit was one of the state’s leading scorers last season. Joining him are Liberty commit Zander Carter of Ashland Blazer and South Carolina commit E.J. Walker of Lloyd Memorial. Other standout players include Woodford County’s Armelo Boone, a transfer from Frederick Douglass, Trinity junior Jayden Johnson, and Male junior Cole Edelen. Out of state talent includes Bryant (AR) senior Kellen Robinson, a Arkansas-Little Rock signee. Each of these athletes will look to leave their mark in front of packed crowds and college scouts.
The action tips off with a strong slate of first-round matchups. Adair County, ranked No. 7 in the state and preseason favorite in the Fifth Region, opens against North Oldham. Adair County’s Connor Loy and Isaiah Cochran will lead their team against North Oldham’s balanced attack, anchored by Brooks Cargould. Host Fairdale takes on defending Third Region champion Butler County, ranked No. 12 in the state and preseason favorite in the Third Region. Fairdale’s sophomore duo, Ferlandas Wright and Michael Ray Stinnett, will look to outduel Butler County leader Ty Price, a Tennessee-Martin commit and top 5 ranked player in the state. St. Xavier, ranked 2nd in the state and preseason favorite in the Seventh Region, follows with a showdown against Lloyd Memorial. St. Xavier’s dynamic duo of Chance Dillingham and Jeremiah Jackson will need to contain Lloyd Memorial’s South Carolina commit, E.J. Walker, a top 5 ranked player in the state. Rounding out the first day, Newport, ranked No. 5 in the state and preseason favorite the Ninth Region, takes on Bryan Station, ranked No. 10 in the state and picked 2nd in the Eleventh Region preseason, in what promises to be a great matchup featuring Newport’s Yamil Rondon and Bryan Station’s Amari Owens.
The excitement continues with Thursday’s games, beginning with a high-profile interstate clash between Bryant (AR) and Mater Lakes Academy (FL). Bryant, ranked No. 74 in the MaxPreps Preseason Rankings, returns its top three scorers, Kellen Robinson, Camarion Bead, and R.J. Young, and will look to showcase their depth and scoring prowess against Mater Lakes’ disciplined and athletic squad. Mater Lakes is led by the lengthy senior duo of Bertran Walthour and Teo Martinez. Male, ranked No. 4 in the state, then takes on Frederick Douglass, ranked 11th in the state, in a matchup of highly talented rosters. Male’s sharpshooter Cole Edelen and Keashawn Jordan will look to counter Frederick Douglass’ DeMarcus Surratt . Trinity, ranked No. 3 in the state, follows with a matchup against 18th ranked South Laurel, picked 2nd in the 13th Region, with Trinity’s Jayden Johnson and Julius Edmonds anchoring their team against South Laurel’s standout forward Jordan Mabe, an Alabama-Huntsville signee. The first round concludes with Ashland Blazer, ranked No. 9 in the state and preseason favorite in the 16th Region, facing Woodford County, ranked No. 8 in the state and preseason favorite in the Eighth Region. This battle of top 10 teams also features a clash of two of the state’s top-10 players in Liberty commit Zander Carter and Western Kentucky commit Armelo Boone.
The tournament progresses through Friday and Saturday, with eight games each day narrowing the field toward Sunday’s championship showdown. The consolation bracket, fifth-place game, and third-place matchup ensure plenty of action for fans, culminating in the championship game on Sunday evening.
This year’s King of the Bluegrass tournament is more than a basketball competition; it’s a celebration of the sport’s future. With eight of the Kentucky’s preseason top 10 teams, and the nation’s 74th-ranked Bryant (AR) squad, the event continues to showcase the very best in high school basketball. Will Kentucky teams extend their recent dominance, or will an out-of-state powerhouse like Bryant or Mater Lakes Academy take the title? The answers will unfold over five unforgettable days of hoops, creating memories that players and fans alike will cherish for years to come.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Monday, December 9, 2024
Media Request Deadline
Media Request Deadline
for 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass
is December 10, 2024
is December 10, 2024
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Monday, December 2, 2024
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