Ballard football coach Adrian Morton

Adrian Morton, an assistant coach in Louisville the past seven seasons, has been named the football coach at Ballard High School.

The 31-year-old Morton was an assistant coach at Manual under Oliver Lucas from 2010-15 before serving as the defensive coordinator at Ballard last season. He replaces Mike Copley, who left Ballard after one season to become the head coach at Siegel in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

“This is something I’ve been working for,” Morton said. “It’s not something where I just woke up and said, ‘Hey, I want to do this.’ When Coach Lucas hired me at Manual he said, ‘Do you want to be a head coach one day?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and it’s been in motion since then.”

Morton is a Henry Clay High School product who played football at Georgetown College from 2003-07. He said he will take what he learned under both Lucas and Copley into his new role as head coach.

“I feel like I got my bachelor’s degree under Coach Lucas and my master’s degree under Coach Copley,” Morton said.

Ballard finished 9-4 last season, falling to Trinity 63-20 in the quarterfinals of the Class 6-A playoffs. The Bruins will lose 33 seniors off that team and will have just 10 seniors on next year’s roster, Morton said.

But one of the returnees will be quarterback Terrance May, who passed for 3,075 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.

“When he says something the other kids follow, and as a first-time head coach that’s something you need,” Morton said. “The great thing is that I know my guys. I’m not walking into a team with players I don’t know. I have a great relationship with the players on the team. …

“We had some success last year, and we’re just going to try to build on that. We know who’s on our schedule, and we’re not going to run from that. We’ll focus on improving ourselves and competing each and every week.”

Ballard is one of seven Jefferson County Public Schools programs to undergo a coaching change this off-season. Eastern named Justin Blanford its new head coach Wednesday. Central, Moore, Pleasure Ridge Park, Seneca and Western are still conducting their searches.

Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.

Some of the top senior football players from the Metro Louisville area are in Tennessee this weekend for an all-star football game.

Male running back Deion Montgomery puts up his hand as Male wide receiver Nathan Hobbs runs the for a touchdown, tying up the score in the 2nd period. 11 November 2016

Seven local athletes are set to take part in Saturday’s Kentucky/Tennessee Border Battle at Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tenn. The local athletes include Central linebacker Jonathan Dooley, Fern Creek running back Kyree Hawkins and offensive lineman Raymond Wingate, Male cornerback Nathan Hobbs and wide receiver BK Smith, Shelby County punter/kicker Josh Edwards, and Waggener quarterback Larry Harper.

Dooley and Hobbs were both named first-team selections in The Courier-Journal’s All-State teams. Hawkins and Edwards were named second-team all-state, and Wingate, Smith and Harper were named honorable mention all-state.

Hobbs has committed to play for former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and Illinois, while Dooley is considering multiple college offers, including those from Morehead State, University of the Cumberlands, and Kentucky Wesleyan.

As of last November, Hawkins had interest from Murray State, Ohio, and Eastern Kentucky. Both Harper and Smith hold preferred walk-on offers from Louisville.

With time winding down in the second period of overtime and the Butler High School girls basketball team trailing Manual by three points, the Bearettes needed someone to step up.

Butler High School basketball player Tasia Jeffries. Nov. 7, 2016.

On Friday evening, it was Tasia Jeffries, who had herself a huge scoring night, notwithstanding the biggest shot of the evening.

After taking a pass from teammate Jaelynn Penn at halfcourt with less than 4.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Jeffries took one dribble down the left side of the court before pulling up and firing a 3-pointer from 30-feet away, which swished into the net as the horn sounded to end the second overtime and tie the game at 63-63.

Jeffries hit another 3-pointer in the third overtime and Butler eventually pulled away for a dramatic 72-71 win. Jeffries, who signed with Saint Louis, led the Bearettes with 24 points.

Here’s a look at Jeffries shot at the buzzer.

Going to triple overtime here at Butler. Tied at 63 @ManualAthletics https://t.co/Kko3xF3xok

—
CSPN-TV (@cspn_tv) January 21, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rarely do basketball games between two highly-ranked teams live up to the hype, but Friday night was the exception.

The top-ranked Butler High School girls basketball team outlasted No. 4 Manual, 72-71 at home in a triple-overtime thriller that featured a pair of last-second shots and big play after big play.

“It was a great game,” said Bearettes coach Larry Just, whose team is No. 1 in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings. “I knew coming in it was going to be a great game. I didn’t know it would be a three-overtime type game for either team, (but) it had a little bit of everything.

“I think it was just two teams that kept trying to make plays. We’d make a play to get ourselves up, then they’d make plays to get themselves up and we just happened to make the final play at the end to kind of get it far enough out.”

Senior guard Tasia Jeffries’ 3-pointer with 1:46 left in the third OT was the final lead-change as Butler (18-1) won its 18th game in a row since its season-opening loss to No. 2 Male.

Jeffries, who hit a game-extending, off-balance 3-pointer just before the buzzer of the second overtime, tallied a team-high 24 points while senior wing Jaelynn Penn added 23 points and 15 rebounds for the defending state champs.

“This is amazing,” Jeffries said amid the bedlam after the game. “This is our second time playing them this season. We knew it was going to be tough because they made different changes in the game so we knew we were going to have to fight different looks on defense and different looks on offense. We just did what we could. It shows how mentally tough this team is.”

The Bearettes beat Manual 62-50 on Dec. 23 in the final of the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic in Lexington. In the rematch no team led by more than six points at any point of the game.

A 3-pointer by Jeffries put Butler up 43-41 with 30 seconds left in regulation before Tonysha Curry’s putback at the buzzer sent the game to overtime. Penn’s two free throws with 21.7 seconds left in the first overtime sent it to a second.

At the end of the second period of overtime it was Penn who caught a pass at half court and then turned and found Jeffries. Jeffries took one dribble forward before she pulled up and drilled a long, on-the-move, high-arching 3-pointer just prior to the buzzer – a play very similar to the one Valparaiso’s Bryce Drew used in the NCAA Tournament in 1998.

“We were trying to get Tasia, just like we did, on the move up the floor and see if she could make something,” Just said. “These kids, a lot of them will stick around after practice and shoot their half-court shots and all that kind of stuff. Of course, as coaches you’re saying, ‘When are you ever going to use that?’ Well tonight we had to use one of them, and thank goodness it went in to continue the game.”

Added Jeffries: “It’s crazy. After practice we always have fun and shoot half-court shots, you never know when you’re going to need it in a game, though. And today we needed it.”

The two teams then traded baskets to start the third OT before Jeffries’ fifth 3-pointer gave the Bearettes the lead for good.

Manual had the ball down three in the final seconds, but it ended up in the hands of Nila Blackford underneath. The sophomore forward tallied the final two points of her game-high 30 just before the buzzer for Manual (15-4).

“That was a botched decision,” Crimsons coach Jeff Sparks said. “We had three different people trying to get an option for a three, but we didn’t execute that the right way.”

Junior guard Jaela Johnson added 20 points for Manual while Curry finished with 14 before fouling out late in the first OT.

“It was a real tough one,” said Sparks, whose team shot 50 percent from the field but was 18 of 32 from the free throw line. “You take a very good basketball team to triple-overtime, I know they feel like they had opportunities to win and we feel like we had opportunities to win. I just kept saying after each overtime, ‘Don’t forget this is supposed to be fun,’ trying to keep us relaxed.

“It was a great basketball game. It was a fun environment. We’ve just got to keep our kids together because we’ve got a very short time tomorrow before we play Mercer County. It’s a tough back-to-back, but if you want to be one of the best and have the opportunity to be there in postseason play, then you’ve got to learn to do it.”

The Crimsons are scheduled to take on the No. 2 Titans at 2:45 p.m. Saturday in the Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Basketball Classic at Mercy. The Bearettes are slated to play Lombard (Ill.) Montini Catholic immediately after that game.

MANUAL 71 (15-4)

Jaela Johnson 20p; Tonysha Curry 14p, 10r; Aniah Griffin 6p; Nila Blackford 30p; Jeanay Riley 1p.

BUTLER (18-1)

Breia Torrens 2p, 5a; Tasia Jeffries 24p; Teri Goodlett 9p; Jaelynn Penn 23p, 15r; Molly Lockhart 12p, 10r; Kiara Cain 2p.

Butler head basketball coach Larry Just talks to his players during a time-out. 07 January 2017

Jaelin Thompson ensured that the Presentation Academy girls basketball team would be heading back to Franfort.

With less than four seconds remaining, Thompson took a pass from Lauren Nunnelley and hit a long jump shot at the buzzer to give the Toppers a 44-42 win over Holy Cross in the Sixth Region All “A” championship, sending the Toppers to the All “A” finals in Frankfort next week for the third consecutive year.

“It’s huge, it’s one of our goals every year,” Presentation coach David Jackson said. “We always know it’s going to be a tough battle playing Holy Cross so it’s huge to survive, and to go again it’s a big deal.”

Neither team was able to develop much offensive rhythm during the game, as Thompson’s nine points led the Toppers. Courtney Jackson and Lilly Stephenson, the team’s top two scorers coming into the game averaging 10.4 and 17.1 points per game, both scored just seven points each.

Halle Snyder scored a game-high 16 points for the Cougars.

The Toppers first-round game is on Wednesday against Eighth Region champions Trimble County.

Here are more stories, stats and scores from around Louisville and the Commonwealth from boys and girls basketball games on Jan. 20, 2017:

STORIES

GIRLS

Butler 72, Manual 71, 3OT

Story: Butler outlasts Manual in 3OT thriller

BOYS

Oldham Co. 71, Collins 48

Story: Oldham Co. powers past Collins

SCORES

GIRLS

BUTLER 72, MANUAL 71 3OT

MANUAL (15-4)

Jaela Johnson 20p; Tonysha Curry 14p, 10r; Aniah Griffin 6p; Nila Blackford 30p; Jeanay Riley 1p.

BUTLER (18-1)

Breia Torrens 2p, 5a; Tasia Jeffries 24p; Teri Goodlett 9p; Jaelynn Penn 23p, 15r; Molly Lockhart 12p, 10r; Kiara Cain 2p.

PRESENTATION 44, HOLY CROSS 42

PRESENTATION (12-6)

Courtney Jackson 7p; Lauren Nunnelley 2p; Jaelin Thompson 9p; Lilly Stephenson 7p; Julia Vogt 8p; Madison Perkins 2p; Cassie Jones 6p; Ashley Swearingen

HOLY CROSS (7-13)

Ally Klein 4p; Kayley Reed 8p; Lauren Shraut 2p; Halle Synder 16p; Madison Turner 2p; Karly McKinney 1p; Olivia Murphy 2p; Amber Kaufman 7p.

7th Region All “A” Classic

at KCD

KCD 53, WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 48

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Double-doubles by Olyvia Green and Kierra Scott led KCD (5-13) to the 7th Region All “A” Classic title over Whitefield Academy (7-10). Scott scored 15 points and had 11 rebounds, while Green contributed 13 points and added 15 rebounds. Jaya McClure led all scorers with 26 points for the Wildcats.

WHITEFIELD ACADEMY (7-10)

Jaya McClure 26p; Lauren Harris 3p; Abby Ritter 15p; Bekah Dwyer 2p; Juliana Yates 2p.

KCD (5-13)

Meghana Manchi 6p; Kierra Scott 15p, 11r; Tia Dowling 5p, 10r; Rachel Jennings 10p; Olyvia Green 13p, 15r; Iyla Draw 1p, 7r; Maya Rao 3p, 6r.

Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Classic

at Mercy

PRINCETON (OHIO) 44, ASSUMPTION 36

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Rockets (9-12) fell in the first game of the Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Classic to visiting Princeton (Ohio) (11-4). The Rockets shot just 18 percent from the field as a team. Leading scorer Samantha Babey was held to just nine points following a 16-point performance on Thursday. Princeton (Ohio) was led by a double-double from DeAsia Reed, with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

PRINCETON (OHIO) (11-4)

Malika Wildon 8p, 3r, 4a; Trinity Morris 7p, 3a; Willow White 6p; Jacquelyn Hinesman 4p, 3r; Jimeisha Smith 8p, 7r; DeAsia Reed 11p, 12r.

ASSUMPTION (9-12)

McKenna Schelb 1p, 4r; Reese Sexton 5p; Abby McQueary 3p, 6r; Samantha Babey 9p, 6r; Jenna Calhoun 5p, 3r; Taylor Allen 13p, 3r.

Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Classic

at Mercy

BULLITT EAST 73, ST. JOSEPH (W.VA.) 61

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville signee Lindsey Duvall scored 23 points and was a rebound short of a double-double as she led the Chargers (17-4) past St. Joseph (W.Va.) (7-6). Bullitt East opened up a 17-point lead midway through the third quarter after a close first half that featured three ties. The Irish were led by Bailee Adkins with 16 points.

ST. JOSEPH (W.VA.) (7-6)

Bailee Adkins 16p; Tyesha Taylor 12p, 8r; Haylee Hunter 4p; Dena Jarrells 9p, 4r; Abby Lee 2p, 3r; Alexis Hall 12p, 7r, 5a; Paige Shy 6p.

BULLITT EAST (17-4)

Caroline Scott 2p; Lauren Masden 9p; Lindsey Duvall 23p, 9r, 6a; Cori Etherton 2p; Alexis Taylor 2p, 3r; Alyssa Peak 7p, 5r, 6a; Kirstie Henn 13p, 9r; Kathleen Scott 10p, 3r; Emmy Ralph 5p.

FERN CREEK 60, SOUTHERN 38

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Tigers (13-8) recorded their fifth-straight win, knocking off the Trojans (5-15), 60-38. Alexis Smith led the Tigers with 19 points while Maelyn Ridener added 15 points. Nia Sheckles tallied 14 points and four rebounds for the Trojans, and DaVionna Sloan had 11 points and six rebounds.

FERN CREEK (13-8)

Nsasa Makando 14p; Maelyn Ridener 15p; Aliyah Stallard 2p; Alexis Smith 19p; Tiana Austin 7p; Jordan Anderson 3p.

SOUTHERN (5-15)

DaVionna Sloan 11p, 6r; Nia Sheckles 14p, 4r; Krystal Jackson 2p; Azari Prescod 2p, 1r; Marsharea Henderson 6p, 5r; Navosha Sheckles 2p, 2r; Kelsey Thompson 1p, 2r.

PRP 80, FAIRDALE 64

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Panthers (10-7) defeated the Bulldogs (6-13) with an impressive team performance. The Panthers were led by Amani Saunders and Perri Mitchell who scored 26 and 22 points respectively. PRP built an early lead behind Saunders and Faidale was unable to keep pace. Fairdale was led by Sophie Hale’s 19 points.

PRP (10-7)

Makenna Combs 1p; Reaunna Halsell 6p; Amani Saunders 26p; Mariah Jones 11p; Perri Mitchell 22p; Dayja Evons 14p.

FAIRDALE (6-13)

Hanah Cleveland 4p; A.T. Proctor 19p; Sophie Hale 6p; Caitlyn Chen 2p; Alyssa Gordon 3p; Skylar Gillies 1p; Sarah Fiorito 9p.

DOSS 57, J’TOWN 51

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Dragons (8-7) defeated the Chargers (5-13) behind Jamari Tillman’s 27 points. Both teams played even throughout the game. As time winded down the Dragons remained composed as the Chargers started to unravel after a 3-pointer was waived off.

DOSS (8-7)

Jamari Tillman 27p; Kemeshia Moxley 7p; Khadaizah Hellman 5p; Shacora Paige 12p; Kayla Tindall 10p.

J’TOWN (5-13)

Jasmine Majors 5p; Kamaya White 5p; Kaleb McDonald 8p; Jasmine Thomas 17p; Nia Cole 1p; Telia Perks 10p; Naomi Johnson 3p; Dezhane Carthen 2p.

VALLEY 55, WESTERN 44

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Destany Love scored 35 points, tying her season high, as Western (6-11) fell to the host Vikings (6-7). Lazhia Mitchell led the way for Valley with 20 points and Arion Holmes was close behind with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds.

VALLEY (6-7)

Brooklyn Black 7p, 3r; Serena Brumback 9p; Faith Jones 2p, 6r; Faith James 2p, 6r; Lazhia Mitchell 20p, 4r, 4a; Arion Holmes 17p, 8r.

WESTERN (6-11)

Destany Love 35p; Cheyenne Brooks 6p; Alyssa Hayes 3p.

BULLITT CENTRAL 60, ATHERTON 44

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sierra Graham dominated with 18 points for the Cougars (6-13) as they went on to defeat the Rebels (9-14), 60-44. Amber Walden also had 13 points for the Cougars, a majority of which came from her four 3-pointers. Sarah Overley led her squad with with 19 points.

BULLITT CENTRAL (6-13)

Amber Walden 13p; Sierra Graham 18p; Makenzie Bible 3p; Lauren Welch 3p; Haley Maggard 5p; Katlin Graham 7p; Brooke Ewing 3p; Carlie Walls 5p; Courtney Blevens 3p.

ATHERTON (9-14)

Lauren Burks 4p; Sarah Overley 19p; Paige Riley 2p; Taeci White 4p; Lucy Washington 4p; Kaylynn Thompson 6p; Hailey Stone 5p.

MALE 75, CENTRAL 36

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bulldogs (15-1) defeated the Yellow Jackets (8-6). The Bulldogs routed the Yellow Jackets in Friday’s contest. Male had 12 players record a score in the contest. Toelle Johnson led Male with 11 points. Central was led by Stephanie Cole who recorded 20 points and led all scorers.

MALE (15-1)

Ciaja Harbinson 4p, 6a; Toelle Johnson 11p, 5r; Emilia Sexton 8p; Destiny Combs 5p; Derise Cox 8p; Alana Striverson 8p; Jada Owens 5p, 6r; India Green 6p, 5r; Kyra Hogan 5p; Cameron Browning 3p; Logan Calvert 8p, 5r; Maya Crimes 3p.

CENTRAL (8-6)

Precious Hereford 7p; DeAsia Yates 3p; Gerail Pickett 1p; Stephonie Cole 20p; Aurianna Burnett 4p.

EASTERN 83, OLDHAM CO. 52

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Briana Mishler led hot-shooting Eastern (13-6) to a win over the Colonels (10-9). Mishler finished with 22 points and was one of four players scoring in double digits for the team. Eastern shot 55 percent from the field, including 6-of-13 from the 3-point line. Oldham Co. was led by Kaylee Nuernberger with 16 points.

OLDHAM CO. (10-9)

Bayleigh Richardson 3p; Madison Clark 4p, 5r; Lakynn Goldsmith 4p, 3r; Sophia Head 8p; Alexis Head 11p; Kaylee Nuernberger 16p; Aliyah Swanson 2p, 3r; Ally Korzeniowski 4p.

EASTERN (13-6)

Briana Mishler 22p, 3a; Tedi Nunn 2p; Breanna Anthony 4p; Molly Thompson 3p; Mikayla Kinnard 12p, 5r, 4a; Natalie Collins 12p, 4r, 6a; Kiara Pearl 13p; Destiny Houseal 8p, 5r; Jaidyn Townsend 1p; Devin Beach 6p, 4r.

CAL 58, NORTH HARDIN 46

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Summer Conti and Shelby Calhoun pushed the Centurions (13-6) past host North Hardin (3-18). Conti, recently signed to Rollins College, scored 18 points, while Calhoun posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. CAL swarmed the Trojans from the outset, forcing 23 steals in total. North Hardin was led by Sydney Coleman, who finished with 12 points.

NORTH HARDIN (3-18)

Addison Sutton 3p; Niya Jones 2p; TeDeja Marhsall 11p; Sydney Coleman 12p; Deveona Daniel 11p; Alexis Ingram 7p.

CAL (13-6)

Hayley Ice 4p; Summer Conti 18p, 3r, 3a; Emma Frank 2p, 4r; Shelby Calhoun 13p, 12r; Sarah McDonald 8p, 2r; Mia Beam 13p, 4r.

Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Classic

at Mercy

MERCY 46, TOLEDO ROGERS (OH) 41

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Jaguars (10-10) squeezed out a 46-41 win against the Rams. Danielle Feldkamp led the Jaguars with 19 points and nine rebounds. Hope Sivori added 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Jaguars.

TOLEDO ROGERS (Ohio)

Zia Cooke 13p, 4r, 6a, 5s; Ariss Amison 3p, 7r, 1a, 1b, 2s; Geionna Hollingsworth 1p, 4r, a. 1s; Keyaira Burroughs 5p, 1r, 1s; Lauren Smith 9p, 2r, 2s; Tasya Gant 4p, 7r, 1s; Tanaziah Hines 6p, 7r, 1a, 5b.

MERCY (10-10)

Taziah Jenks 7p, 5r, 1a, 1s; Raquael Reese 3p, 6r, 2a; Hope Sivori 11p, 6r, 2a, 2s; Regan Berger 2p, 4r, 2a, 1b, 2s; Josie Woods 4p, 1r, 1s; Danielle Feldkamp 19p, 9r, 1s.

Here are some scores from around the state: 

Anderson Co. 60, Collins 37

Augusta 55, Robertson County 47

Barren Co. 64, Allen Co.-Scottsville 53

Belfry 63, Lawrence Co. 48

Bellevue 63, Silver Grove 22

Bishop Brossart 43, Pendleton Co. 31

Bourbon Co. 47, Montgomery Co. 37

Bowling Green 61, Warren East 33

Bracken Co. 62, Harrison Co. 38

Breathitt Co. 56, Jackson City 33

Bullitt Central 60, Lou. Atherton 44

Calloway Co. 54, Graves Co. 50

Central Hardin 48, Bardstown 44

Daviess Co. 53, Owensboro 35

Dawson Springs 45, Fort Campbell 33

Elizabethtown 44, John Hardin 30

Estill Co. 69, Lee Co. 64, OT

Fairview 60, Rose Hill Christian 36

Franklin-Simpson 47, Logan Co. 40

Garrard Co. 50, Boyle Co. 43

George Rogers Clark 65, Southwestern 55

Grayson Co. 59, Butler Co. 25

Greenwood 34, Warren Central 28

Harlan Co. 81, Bell Co. 52

Henderson Co. 43, Madisonville-North Hopkins 36

Johnson Central 68, Magoffin Co. 38

June Buchanan 53, Cordia 15

Knott Co. Central 75, Letcher County Central 51

Ky. School for the Deaf 32, Ohio Deaf, Ohio 15

Lex. Christian 44, Paris 42

Lex. Lafayette 53, Madison Central 49

Lexington Catholic 53, Lex. Tates Creek 50, OT

Lloyd Memorial 45, Villa Madonna 29

Lou. Ballard 66, Lou. Waggener 46

Lou. Butler 73, Lou. DuPont Manual 71, 3OT

Lou. Christian Academy 58, North Hardin 46

Lou. Doss 57, Lou. Jeffersontown 51

Lou. Eastern 83, Oldham Co. 52

Lou. Fern Creek 60, Lou. Southern 38

Lou. Male 75, Lou. Central 36

Lou. Mercy 46, Tol. Rogers, Ohio 41

Lou. Moore 57, Lou. Iroquois 27

Lou. Pleasure Ridge Park 80, Lou. Fairdale 64

Lou. Valley 55, Lou. Western 44

Madison Southern 64, Woodford Co. 54

Marion Co. 41, Taylor Co. 33

Marshall Co. 44, McCracken County 16

Muhlenberg County 65, Ohio Co. 25

Nelson Co. 76, Adair Co. 37

Newport 48, Beechwood 43

North Laurel 82, Jackson Co. 50

Paintsville 52, Sheldon Clark 37

Pikeville 65, East Ridge 41

Pineville 61, Red Bird 34

Rockcastle Co. 62, West Jessamine 56

Russell 62, Greenup Co. 42

Shelby Valley 83, Piarist 22

South Floyd 59, Allen Central 26

Spencer Co. 62, Shelby Co. 45

Trigg Co. 53, Community Christian (Paducah) 22

Walton-Verona 56, Eminence 25

Wayne Co. 78, Knox Central 62

Webster Co. 58, Hopkins Co. Central 31

Whitley Co. 66, South Laurel 62, OT

Williamsburg 53, Barbourville 43

4th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Monroe Co. 75, Metcalfe Co. 38

6th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lou. Presentation 44, Lou. Holy Cross 42

7th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lou. Ky. Country Day 53, Whitefield Academy 48

12th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Danville 64, Somerset 46

16th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

West Carter 51, Menifee Co. 40

Raatz Fence Classic

Incarnate Word Academy, Mo. 51, Mercer Co. 49

Toyota Classic

Franklin Co. 79, Ryle 69

Simon Kenton 78, Scott Co. 69

BOYS

OLDHAM CO. 71, COLLINS 47

OLDHAM CO. (16-4)

Ryan Heelan 8p, 1a; Ismail Jones 6p, 2a; Jackson Gibson 14p, 7a, 5s; Travis Henderson 8p, 6r, 1a; Zach Larimore 17p,10r, 2a, 6s; Caleb Strunk 5p; Andre Brewer 8p; Jameson Meinhold 3p; Nicholas Coleman 2p.

COLLINS (15-5)

Eric Mowder 6p; Dayvion McKnight 7p; Charlie Cochran 13p, 16r, 2b; Nick Eades 1p; Dominque Turner 11p, 5r; Marcellus 9p, 4r.

6th Region All “A” Classic

HOLY CROSS 67, BETH HAVEN 45

HOLY CROSS (10-8)

Cade Crawley 13p; De’Shawn Ellis 3p; Sam Bearden 2p; Jaren McDonald 1p; Chase Phillips 18p; Cooper Scott 7p; Ethan Short 4p, 10r; Max Bearden 3p; Ethan Driskell 16p, 4r.

BETH HAVEN (10-7)

Isiah Mahoney 11p; Aaron Rice 3p; Dylan Kerr 2p; Austin Streble 14p; Cody Mikel 15p.

VALLEY 83, WESTERN 59

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Vikings (15-4) overtook the Warriors (7-10). Cam Wilson exploded tonight with 22 points and six 3-pointers for the Vikings. The Vikings hit total of 14 3-pointers in the game. Juvon Thompson led the Warriors with 21 points.

VALLEY (15-4)

Ty Walter 11p, 6r; Cam Wilson 22p; Raekwon Evans 13p, 9r; BJ Anderson 9p, 2a; Kurt Lewis 6p, 10a, 8r; Jaylen Smith 3p; Xavier Johnson 5p; Eric George 3p; Tre Anderson 11p, 6a.

WESTERN (7-10)

Mark Jones 5p; Raeshawn Wright 4p; Stoney Mack 4p; Dazmen Lively 2p; Juvon Thompson 21p; Jojuanta Dickerson 8p; Ernest Bradley 2p; Anthony Lewis 6p; Seth Sales 4p; Jaelin Shannon 3p.

BARDSTOWN 69, NORTH BULLITT 66

BARDSTOWN (14-4)

Kel Livers 19p; Tavris Slaughter 9p; TraJan Walls 13p; Daydrian Allen 28p.

NORTH BULLITT (6-13)

Lance Johnson 2p; Peyton Little 9p; Brendan Holt 14p; Travis Dunnavan 29p; Nate Johnson 2p; Logan Steinmacher 6p; Dylan Ing 4p.

MANUAL 48, ST. X 46, 2OT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Manual (4-13) held on to upset the visiting Tigers (11-7) in double overtime. With four seconds left at the end of the second overtime, Brock Cassin hit the front end of a one-and-one to put the Crimsons lead at four points and all but seal the win. Pierce Kiesler led all scorers with 16 points for St. X.

ST. X (11-7)

James Taylor 11p; Cameron McDonogh 5p; Tyler Barnes 3p; Paul Oberst 6p; Samuel Boarman 5p; Pierce Kiesler 16p.

MANUAL (4-13)

Willam Britt 8p; Jonah Gelhaus 2p; Jordan McClendon 5p; Kenyan Jacob 13p; Brock Cassin 4p; Terrance Ballard 5p; Noah Hawkins 11p.

DOSS 66, J’TOWN 56

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Terez Traynor tallied 21 points to lead the Dragons (13-7) over the Chargers (7-11), 66-56. Jaylon Hall finished with 14 points and had four 3-pointers for the Dragons as well. The Chargers’ Chris Trigg finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

DOSS (13-7)

Jaylon Hall 14p; Stephon Franklin 3p; Terez Traynor 21p; Shawnkel Knight-Goff 2p; Cameron Maddox 11p; Zha Cobi Stokes 2p; DaRon Washington 8p; Tyione Downs 3p; Michael Weaver 2p.

J’TOWN (7-11)

Dakota White 10p, 1r, 1a; Chris Trigg 14p, 5r, 1a; Delvonte McCloud 4p, 8r, 2a; Jalen Davis 8p, 1r, 2a; Jalen Garnett 5p, 3r; Jaden Rogers 3p, 2a; Jordan Lyons 12p, 1r, 1a.

BULLITT EAST 77, MEADE CO. 57

BRANDENBURG, Ky. – The Chargers (14-6 ) defeated the Green Wave (8-11) behind Luke Ezell’s 13 points and 10 assists. Connor Green led Bullitt East with 21 points. Bullitt East was able to build the lead and maintain it. The Green Wave were led by Noah Schwartz’s 15 points and 10 rebounds. Dakota Clayton chipped in 12 points as well.

BULLITT EAST (14-6)

Luke Ezell 13p, 10a, 5r, 7s; Connor Green 21p, 3r; Sean Johnson 3p; Jared Osborne 13p; Konnor Polson 11p; Grant Skaggs 6p; Derrick Donigan 8p; Michael Tandy 2p.

MEADE CO. (8-11)

Dawson Gagel 4p, 1a; Aiden Mathews 8p; Steven Benock 3p; Kobe Nikalio 5p; Noah Schwartz 15p, 10r; Dakota Clayton 12p, 4r; Chesney Weick 10p, 7r, 4a.

PRP 80, FAIRDALE 45

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Panthers (10-8) got red hot in the third. In a closely contest game between the Panthers and the Bulldogs (8-9) Malik Bunzy caught a red-hot hand in the third quarter to build an insurmountable lead for the Panthers. Bunzy connected from behind the arc five times. The Bulldogs were led by Gleen Queen’s 20 points. Queen led all scorers in the contest.

PRP (10-8)

B.J. Robinson 9p, 7r; Micah Kinnebrew 10p, 6r; Malik Bunzy 17p; Gerald Gray Jr. 5p, 5r; Trey Hill 14p, 7r; Cyncer Wilson 6p; Cashawn Beasley 10p; Tyler Redmon 5p; Tyler Anderson 4p.

FAIRDALE (8-9)

Glenn Queen 20p; Jaxon Gaddie 8p; Isaiah Roby 8p; Stephen Moore 1p; Craig Ash 8p.

IROQUOIS 73, MOORE 65

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Raiders (11-9) were able to squeeze out an overtime win against the Mustangs (12-6). The Raiders were able to build an early first half lead. However, the Mustangs were able to stay composed and chip away at the lead in the second half. With less than thirty seconds in regulation the Mustangs were able to tie the game and force overtime. The Raiders pushed the tempo to go on a 11-point run to close the Mustangs out.

IROQUOIS (11-9)

T.C. Wright 2p; Damon Richardson 7p; TreSaun Edwards 19p; Davario Martin 12p; Rickey Holt 11p; Demetris Booth 8p; Markelle McDaniel 1p; Keelan Kennedy 13p

MOORE (12-6)

Raevon Vaden 9p; Russell Vaden 14p; Antwan Hurt 6p; Shamar Overstreet 9p; Keagan Gentry 4p; Ramon Collins 12p; J.J. Weaver 11p.

Here are some scores from around the state: 

Adair Co. 92, Nelson Co. 64

Allen Central 63, South Floyd 61

Anderson Co. 58, Central Hardin 55

Augusta 64, Robertson County 53

Bardstown 69, North Bullitt 66

Barren Co. 48, Allen Co.-Scottsville 41

Bath Co. 53, East Carter 47

Bowling Green 88, Warren East 66

Boyd Co. 85, Ashland Blazer 68

Boyle Co. 72, Garrard Co. 66, 2OT

Bracken Co. 71, Nicholas Co. 70

Bullitt East 77, Meade Co. 57

Burgin 67, Riverside Christian 39

Butler Co. 58, Grayson Co. 56

Calvary Christian 55, Christian Fellowship 29

Campbell Co. 57, Scott 55

Cooper 55, Boone Co. 43

Daviess Co. 75, Owensboro 61

Dixie Heights 60, Highlands 41

Elizabethtown 83, Hart Co. 43

Eminence 70, Carroll Co. 68, OT

Estill Co. 69, Lee Co. 64, OT

Fairview 77, Rose Hill Christian 27

Fleming Co. 65, Menifee Co. 50

Gallatin Co. 64, Owen Co. 45

George Rogers Clark 61, Lex. Tates Creek 47

Greenwood 58, Warren Central 45

Harlan Co. 42, Bell Co. 37

Henderson Co. 63, Ev. North, Ind. 53

Henry Co. 72, Trimble Co. 42

Holmes 58, Bellevue 54

Knox Central 93, Corbin 80

Leslie Co. 76, Jenkins 42

Lewis Co. 75, Raceland 55

Lex. Bryan Station 55, Woodford Co. 43

Lou. Ballard 61, Lou. Waggener 59

Lou. DuPont Manual 48, Lou. St. Xavier 46, 2OT

Lou. Eastern 57, Lou. Seneca 46

Lou. Iroquois 73, Lou. Moore 65, OT

Lou. Jeffersontown 66, Lou. Doss 56

Lou. Valley 83, Lou. Western 59

Lyon Co. 73, Arnold, Fla. 57

Madison Central 66, Lincoln Co. 41

McCracken County 43, Marshall Co. 39

Mercer Co. 74, West Jessamine 64

Montgomery Co. 66, Bourbon Co. 54

North Hardin 59, John Hardin 57

North Laurel 75, Jackson Co. 50

North Oldham 67, Shelby Co. 48

Ohio Co. 66, Muhlenberg County 61, OT

Ohio Deaf, Ohio 55, Ky. School for the Deaf 24

Oldham Co. 71, Collins 47

Paris 89, Harrison Co. 58

Pendleton Co. 111, Mason Co. 91

Perry Co. Central 84, Wolfe Co. 64

Pikeville 56, East Ridge 46

Prestonsburg 64, Betsy Layne 60

Shelby Valley 98, Piarist 17

South Laurel 70, Whitley Co. 64, OT

South Warren 54, Russell Co. 50

Taylor Co. 64, Marion Co. 53

Trigg Co. 86, Community Christian (Paducah) 61

Washington Co. 70, Dayton 58

Western Hills 83, Bullitt Central 71

1st Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Mayfield 58, Carlisle Co. 24

Murray 68, St. Mary 50

2nd Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Caldwell Co. 83, Dawson Springs 43

3rd Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Owensboro Catholic 53, Edmonson Co. 45

4th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Russellville 79, Todd Co. Central 62

5th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Fort Knox 58, Campbellsville 50

6th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lou. Holy Cross 67, Beth Haven 45

7th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lou. Ky. Country Day 76, Lou. Collegiate 53

9th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lloyd Memorial 60, Ludlow 43

Newport Central Catholic 59, Newport 45

12th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Danville 65, Somerset 50

Hatfield-McCoy Shootout

Christian Co. 82, Tug Valley, W.Va. 75, OT

Johnson Central 71, Mingo Central, W.Va. 64

Scott, W.Va. 75, Sheldon Clark 73

Tolsia, W.Va. 66, Wesley Christian 63

Massac County Superman Classic

Graves Co. 68, Charleston, Mo. 54

Paducah Tilghman 68, Carbondale, Ill. 58

Toyota Classic

Lex. Lafayette 57, Scott Co. 55

Wayne Co. 52, LaRue Co. 42

Stock photo

Butler guard Jaelynn Penn comes between Mercer County forward Faith Lake, left, and Mercer County forward Lyric Houston on the way to the basket. 07 January 2017

After a triple-overtime victory over Manual on Friday, the Butler High School girls basketball team got the defensive effort it needed Saturday to knock off one of the top teams in the nation.

Jaelynn Penn posted a double-double and the Bearettes’ defense smothered the 3-point line to defeat Lombard (Ill.) Montini Catholic 43-31 in the Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Basketball Classic at Mercy.

Montini Catholic (21-1) entered the game ranked No. 10 in the nation by USA Today.

“We came into it like we were the underdogs,” said Penn, an Indiana University signee who finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. “We didn’t think we were expected to win because they’re so highly ranked and undefeated. I think we play well when we have that mind-set.”

Molly Lockhart added 11 points and six rebounds for Butler (19-1), which is No. 1 in the state in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings and ran its winning streak to 19.

Lindsey Jarosinski scored 12 points to lead the Broncos, who shot just 21.6 percent (11 of 51) overall and were 3 of 26 from 3-point range.

Bearettes coach Larry Just said his team’s defensive effort was much better after Friday’s 72-71 win over Manual.

”I thought we did a great job on their shooters in terms of getting out on them,” Just said. “We knew they would shoot 3s if given opportunities.”

The teams were tied at 25 after three quarters before Butler outscored Montini Catholic 18-6 in the fourth. Penn scored eight points in the period.

Butler senior Janna Lewis made her season debut and played six minutes. The Tennessee State University signee averaged 9.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season but hasn’t played this season for what Just called “a coach’s decision.”

“If she continues to work and do what she needs to do, that’s another piece of the depth chart I’ve been hoping can come along,” Just said.

* Male 58, St. Louis Incarnate Word 55: The No. 2 Bulldogs (17-1) blew a 20-point lead and then hit three big free throws in the final seconds to beat the Red Knights (15-3), who are ranked No. 1 in Missouri’s Class 4.

Down 43-23 late in the third quarter, Incarnate Word tied the score at 55 on Marissa Warren’s 3-point play with 32 seconds left.

Cameron Browning hit 1 of 2 free throws for a 56-55 Male lead with 14.7 seconds left, and Emilia Sexton got the offensive rebound on the miss. After Ciaja Harbison hit two free throws for a 58-55 lead, Incarnate Word’s Sonya Morris missed a 3-point try at the buzzer.

“Sometimes you get a big lead and relax, and (Incarnate Word) is a great team,” Male coach Champ Ligon Jr. said. “We pretty much stopped playing on both ends. … To our girls’ credit, they made the plays at the end when they needed to.”

Harbison, who has committed to Saint Louis University, led Male with 18 points, seven assists, five steals and four rebounds.

Kiki Britzmann paced the Red Knights with 14 points and added nine rebounds and four assists.

* Mercer County 80, Manual 55: The No. 3 Titans (15-5) hit nine 3-pointers in the first quarter – taking a 27-14 lead – and never looked back in their victory over the No. 4 Crimsons (15-5).

Seygan Robins, a University of Louisville commit, and Emma Souder both scored 21 points to lead Mercer County, which finished 14 of 33 from 3-point range (42.4 percent).

Tonysha Curry had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead Manual.

* Bullitt East 50, Mason County 47: Down 43-34 midway through the fourth quarter, the No. 13 Chargers (18-4) closed the game with a 16-4 run to beat the No. 8 Royals (13-4).

U of L signee Lindsey Duvall scored 30 points to lead Bullitt East, including two free throws that gave Bullitt East a 48-47 lead with 29 seconds left. Kirstie Henn sank a pair of free throws with 4 seconds left for the final margin.

Briana McNutt led Mason County with 21 points and seven rebounds.

* Mercy 61, Columbus (Ind.) North 47: T.T. Jenks and Josie Woods scored 12 points apiece and Danielle Feldkamp added 10 points and eight rebounds to lead the No. 9 Jaguars (11-10) over the Bulldogs (15-6). Imani Guy led Columbus North with 13 points.

* Sacred Heart 66, Huntington (W.Va.) St. Joseph Central Catholic 53: Kiki Samsel hit 4 of 6 3-point tries and scored 19 points and Grace Berger added 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the No. 6 Valkyries (15-4) over the Irish (7-7).

* Eastern 57, Toledo (Ohio) Rogers 52: Bri Mishler scored 19 points and Natalie Collins added 13 points and 11 rebounds to lead the No. 18 Eagles (14-6) over the Rams (8-7). Sophomore guard Zia Cooke had 32 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and four steals to lead Rogers.

* Christian Academy 94, Cincinnati Princeton 65: Sarah McDonald (28 points), Shelby Calhoun (20 points, 15 rebounds) and Summer Conti (18 points, five steals, four assists) had big games to lead the Centurions (14-6) over the Vikings (11-5). CAL shot 54.2 percent (32 of 59).

Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.

BUTLER 43, LOMBARD (ILL.) MONTINI CATHOLIC 31

MONTINI CATHOLIC (21-1) – Frankie Kokkines 2p; Illysse Pitts 7p, 6r; Kaylee Bambule 5p; Aaliyah Patty 5p, 9r, 4s; Lindsey Jarosinski 12p.

BUTLER (19-1) – Bre Torrens 6p, 6r; Tasia Jeffries 4p; Jaelynn Penn 14p, 10r, 3s; Teri Goodlett 8p, 4a; Molly Lockhart 11p, 6r.

MALE 58, ST. LOUIS INCARNATE WORD 55

MALE (17-1) – Ciaja Harbison 18p, 7a, 5s, 4r; Emilia Sexton 6p; Alana Striverson 2p; Jada Owens 6p, 4r; India Green 8p; Kyra Hogan 2p, 4r; Cameron Browning 10p; Logan Calvert 6p.

INCARNATE WORD (15-3) – Gracie Fortmann 2p; Naomi Johnson 4p, 6r; Sonya Morris 13p; Kiki Britzmann 14p, 9r, 4a, 3b; Marissa Warren 12p, 9r; Kay Jackson-Morris 4p, 10r; Rickie Woltman 6p.

MERCER COUNTY 80, MANUAL 55

Mercer County (15-5) – Emma Davis 6p, 4a; Seygan Robins 21p, 5a; Alie Burke 3p; Faith Lake 7p, 8r; Lexy Lake 12p, 4a; Emma Souder 21p; Lyric Houston 10p, 9r.

Manual (15-5) – Jaela Johnson 6p; Tyonne Howard 3p, 4a, 3s; Jeanay Riley 3p; Aniah Griffin 6p; Tonysha Curry 14p, 11r; Deja Chatman 6p; Anna Littlefield 3p; Nila Blackford 9p, 6r; Olivia Evans 5p.

MERCY 61, COLUMBUS (IND.) NORTH 47

COLUMBUS NORTH (15-6) – Ashlynn Huffman 2p; Jahna Smiley 2p; Imani Guy 13p, 4b; Jenna Borger 6p, 6r, 4a; Sierra Norman 3p; Maliah Howard-Bass 9p, 5s; Nadia Lomax 10p; Kenzie Patberg 2p.

MERCY (11-10) – T.T. Jenks 12p; Hope Sivori 4p, 5r, 4a; Sadie Zeisloft 2p; Regan Berger 9p; Josie Woods 12p, 3s; Camryn Muss 6p; Raquael Reese 5p; Sydney Rivette 1p; Danielle Feldkamp 10p, 8r.

BULLITT EAST 50, MASON COUNTY 47

MASON COUNTY (13-4) – Whitney O’Mara 12p, 3s; A.J. Reed 2p; Briana McNutt 21p, 7r; Jordan Frodge 6p, 7r; Maddie Boone 6p, 5a.

BULLITT EAST (18-4) – Lauren Masden 2p; Amber Higdon 4p; Lindsey Duvall 30p, 5r, 3s; Alyssa Peak 5p; Kirstie Henn 4p, 3s; Kathleen Scott 5p.

SACRED HEART 66, HUNTINGTON (W.VA.) ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC 53

ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-7) – Tyesha Taylor 6p, 6r; Dena Jarrells 22p, 5a; Alexis Hall 5p, 4a, 3s; Errin Kay 2p; Paige Shy 18p.

SACRED HEART (15-4) – Destinee Marshall 5p; Cierra Scott 1p; Ashlee Harris 3p; Kiki Samsel 19p; Caroline Flaherty 3p; Erin Toller 7p; Kia Sivils 1p, 7r, 4a; Kristen Clemons 2p, 7r; Grace Berger 16p, 10r; Natalie Fichter 9p, 8r.

EASTERN 57, TOLEDO (OHIO) ROGERS 52

TOLEDO ROGERS (8-7) – Zia Cooke 32p, 12r, 4b, 4s; Ariss Amison 1p, 3a; Geionna Hollingsworth 7p; Keyaira Burroughs 8p; Tasya Gant 2p, 8r; Tanaziah Hines 2p.

EASTERN (14-6) – Bri Mishler 19p, 5s, 3a; Breanna Anthony 3p; Mikayla Kinnard 10p; Natalie Collins 13p, 11r; Kiara Pearl 9p; Devin Beach 3p, 12r.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 94, CINCINNATI PRINCETON 65

CINCINNATI PRINCETON (11-5) – Malika Wildon 11p; Trinity Morris 6p; Nadia Seye 10p; Ashley Thomas 2p; Willow White 2p; Jacquelyn Hinesman 4p, 3a; Jimeisha Smith 12p, 8r, 3s; DeAsia Reed 18p, 10r.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (14-6) – Hayley Ice 6p; Emma Wesley 7p; Summer Conti 18p, 5s, 4a; Emma Frank 2p; Shelby Calhoun 20p, 15r; Sarah McDonald 28p; Mia Beam 10p; Abigail Embry 3p.

DeSales’ Jaxon Burgess, #4, beats the defense for a layup against Western during their game at Western High School. Feb. 24, 2015

Jaxon Burgess, the leading scorer for DeSales High School’s boys basketball team, achieved a personal milestone on Saturday evening.

The senior guard scored his 1,000th career point as DeSales improved to 12-6 with an 82-63 win over Fairdale on the road. Burgess, who is committed to NAIA power Rio Grande, scored 16 points in the win.

Congrats to Jaxon Burgess, the newest member of the DeSales Colts 1,000 point club. Way to go Jaxon. #Coltpride

—
DeSales Athletics (@DeSalesDCP) January 22, 2017

The Colts were led in the scoring column on the evening by Austin Black, who scored 20 points, and Sam Weining finished close behind with 18 points. According to the KHSAA, which does not have statistics from every DeSales game, Burgess is averaging 17.8 points per game this season.

Fairdale’s Ike Roby scored a game-high 23 points in the defeat.

Here’s a look at stories, scores and stats from boys and girls high school basketball games in Louisville and across the Commonwealth on Jan. 21, 2017.

STORIES

GIRLS

Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Basketball Classic at Mercy Academy Roundup

Gallery | Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Basketball Classic

SCORES

BOYS

DESALES 82, FAIRDALE 63

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jaxon Burgess reached 1,000 career points in the Colts (12-6) win over the Bulldogs.  pulled ahead in the third quarter against the Bulldogs (8-11). The game was played fairly even until the third quarter. The Colts gained enough momentum in the third quarter to build a lead and maintain it throughout the second half. The Colts were led by Austin Black who recorded 20 points. Sam Weining added another 18 points and Burgess finished with 16 points.

DESALES (12-6)

Austin Black 20p; Dalton Kelly 6p; Keegan Brewer 2p; Jaxon Burgess 16p; Andrew Diersing 11p; Sam Weining 18p, 8r; Luke Askin 2p; Travis Seibert 7p, 6r.

FAIRDALE (8-11)

Gleen Queen 4p; Jaxon Gaddie 17p, 5a; Markelo Sullivan 10p; Ike Roby 23p, 6r; Seth Dewboys 2p; Treziaun Allen 4p; Craig Ash 3p, 5a.

ST. XAVIER 65, SHELBY CO. 51

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Tigers (11-7) eased past the Rockets (5-13) in Saturday’s contest. James Taylor controlled the tempo for the Tigers tallying six assist to go along with 10 points and three steals. Sam Boarman led the Tigers in scoring with 12 points. The Rockets senior Jordan Armstrong led all scorers with 15 points and four rebounds.

ST. XAVIER (11-7)

James Taylor 10p, 6a, 3s; Cameron McDonogh 5p, 2a, 2s; Sam Boarman 12p, 3s; Pierce Kiesler 9p, 5r; Chase Westenhofer 9p, 2a, 2b; Tyler Barnes 6p; Paul Oberst 8p, 2a, 1s, 4r; Jack Koch 2p; Evan Walker 4p, 5r.

SHELBY CO. (5-13)

Richard Beckley 2p; TJ Robinson 13p, 5r; Tyler Drane 4p; Jordan Armstrong 15p, 4r; Trey Stainaken 7p; Cameron Armstrong 4p; Manny White 2p, 5r; Kyion Stone 4p.

TRINITY 85, MOORE 49

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Shamrocks (19-3) pressured the Mustangs (12-7) and capitalized. The Shamrocks were able to cruise to victory behind non-stop pressure defense. David Johnson and Lukas Burkman combined for six 3-pointers. Johnson ended the night with 18 points. Burkman finished with 17 points. The Shamrocks scored most of their field-goals in transition. The Mustangs were led by Justin Weaver who scored a game-high 22 points.

TRINITY (19-3)

Jacob King 8p, 2r, 1s, 5a; Damon McClain 3p, 3a; David Burton 5p, 2r, 1s, 2a; David Johnson 18p, 4r, 3s, 1a; Kolton Rice 2p; Justin Powell 2p, 3r, 5s, 5a; Brendan King 2p, 1r, 3s, 2a; Jay Scrubb 19p, 4r, 1s, 2a; Stan Turnier 7p, 3r, 1s, 1a; Lukas Burkman 17p, 4r, 1a; Logan Rose 2p, 2r.

MOORE (12-7)

RaeVon Vaden 3p; Shamar Overstreet 5p; Russell Vaden 2p; Justin Weaver 22p; Ramon Colins 3p;  Keagan Gentry 2p; Malik Anderson 12p.

HOLY CROSS 67, BETH HAVEN 45

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Cougars (10-8) defeated the Bearcats (10-7). Chase Phillips led the Cougars with 18 points. Ethan Driskell added 16 points and four rebounds. The Bearcats were led by Cody Mikel’s 15 points.

HOLY CROSS (10-8)

Cade Crawley 13p; De’Shawn Ellis 3p; Sam Bearden 2p; Jaren McDonald 1p; Chase Phillips 18p; Cooper Scott 7p; Ethan Short 4p, 10r; Max Bearden 3p; Ethan Driskell 16p, 4r.

BETH HAVEN (10-7)

Isiah Mahoney 11p; Aaron Rice 3p; Dylan Kerr 2p; Austin Streble 14p; Cody Mikel 15p.

COLLINS 77, SIMON KENTON 76

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Titans (16-5) pulled out a win despite a late rally by the Pioneers (8-9). The Titans scored the go ahead bucket with 20 seconds left on the clock. The Titans were led by Eric Mowder and Charlie Cochran who both recorded 19 points. Cochran tallied a double-double with 12 rebounds.

COLLINS (16-5)

Eric Mowder 19p; Dayvion McKnight 8p, 7a, 3r, 4s; Charlie Cochran 19p, 12r, 2b; Kyle Perdue 10p, 4a, 2r; Nick Eades 8p, 3r; Tyson Turner 11p; Dane Kidwell 2p.

SIMON KENTON (9-10)

Andrew Robinson 11p, 4r; Caleb Sergent 17p, 2r, 2a, 2b; Chazz Kitchens 11p, 5a. 4r; Zach Kelch 12p, 4r; JC Hawkins 11p, 4r, 5a; Robby Krohman 3p; Connor Perry 3p; Kelly Niece 8p.

ST. FRANCIS 81, BURGIN 74

ST. FRANCIS (8-6)

Connor Gorman 7p; T.J. Richardson 5p; Jonah Lestrange 8p; Noah Sparks 8p; Ahmad Moore 12p, Jomar Sullivan 20p; James Risley 21p.

BURGIN (7-10)

Seth Martin 1p; Micah Dunn 5p, Cameron Hurst 14p, Jordan Hurst 26p; Wesley Tyler 11p; Caleb Barnes 8p, Phillip Hockensmith 9p.

Scores from around the state: 

Allen Central 66, Riverside Christian 27

Augusta 69, Fleming Co. 64

Berea 78, St. Patrick 58

Bullitt Central 79, Thomas Nelson 74, OT

Cordia 61, Jenkins 27

Ev. Central, Ind. 57, Apollo 51

Franklin-Simpson 48, Barren Co. 42

Frederick Fraize 64, Dawson Springs 58

Greenwood 71, Glasgow 57

Hargrave Military, Va. 98, Lex. Lafayette 88

Harrison Co. 55, Bracken Co. 52

Jackson Co. 76, Red Bird 44

Knox Central 76, Oneida Baptist 44

Lawrence Co. 96, South Floyd 70

Leslie Co. 51, Buckhorn 47

Letcher County Central 71, Estill Co. 48

Mason Co. 78, Lewis Co. 61

Perry Co. Central 67, Casey Co. 50

Silver Grove 72, Cov. Latin 50

Spencer Co. 72, Gallatin Co. 66

Trigg Co. 61, Fulton Co. 45

Williamstown 80, Trimble Co. 49

Wolfe Co. 76, Owsley Co. 35

2nd Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

University Heights 87, Caldwell Co. 64

9th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Newport Central Catholic 55, Lloyd Memorial 52

Gunner Shootout

Marshall Co. 65, McKenzie, Tenn. 50

Hatfield-McCoy Shootout

East Ridge 66, Tolsia, W.Va. 54

Shelby Valley 89, Covenant Christian, W.Va. 52

Sheldon Clark 80, Ambassador Christian Academy, W.Va. 55

South Charleston, W.Va. 68, Christian Co. 66

Massac County Superman Classic

Seventh Place

Vienna, Ill. 77, Fort Campbell 57

Mid-American Classic

Ky. School for the Deaf 47, West Virginia School for the Deaf, W.Va. 27

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Pa. 61, Ky. School for the Deaf 32

Polaris Shootout

LEAD Academy, Tenn. 96, Butler Co. 59

Riverdale, Tenn. 52, Webster Co. 50

West Creek, Tenn. 71, Calloway Co. 61

Remy Grace Classic

Boyle Co. 62, Franklin Co. 40

Dixie Heights 60, West Jessamine 46

East Jessamine 80, McCreary Central 72

Toyota Classic

Madison Southern 93, Wayne Co. 89, 2OT

Rockcastle Co. 71, LaRue Co. 63

GIRLS

Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Classic

MERCER COUNTY 80, MANUAL 55

MERCER COUNTY (15-5)

Emma Davis 6p, 4a; Seygan Robins 21p, 5a; Alie Burke 3p; Faith Lake 7p, 8r; Lexy Lake 12p, 4a; Emma Souder 21p; Lyric Houston 10p, 9r.

MANUAL (15-5)

Jaela Johnson 6p; Tyonne Howard 3p, 4a, 3s; Jeanay Riley 3p; Aniah Griffin 6p; Tonysha Curry 14p, 11r; Deja Chatman 6p; Anna Littlefield 3p; Nila Blackford 9p, 6r; Olivia Evans 5p.

BULLITT EAST 50, MASON COUNTY 47

MASON COUNTY (13-4)

Whitney O’Mara 12p, 3s; A.J. Reed 2p; Briana McNutt 21p, 7r; Jordan Frodge 6p, 7r; Maddie Boone 6p, 5a.

BULLITT EAST (18-4)

Lauren Masden 2p; Amber Higdon 4p; Lindsey Duvall 30p, 5r, 3s; Alyssa Peak 5p; Kirstie Henn 4p, 3s; Kathleen Scott 5p.

SACRED HEART 66, HUNTINGTON (W.VA.) ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC 53

ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-7)

Tyesha Taylor 6p, 6r; Dena Jarrells 22p, 5a; Alexis Hall 5p, 4a, 3s; Errin Kay 2p; Paige Shy 18p.

SACRED HEART (15-4)

Destinee Marshall 5p; Cierra Scott 1p; Ashlee Harris 3p; Kiki Samsel 19p; Caroline Flaherty 3p; Erin Toller 7p; Kia Sivils 1p, 7r, 4a; Kristen Clemons 2p, 7r; Grace Berger 16p, 10r; Natalie Fichter 9p, 8r.

CAL 94, CINCINNATI PRINCETON (OH) 65

CINCINNATI PRINCETON (11-5)

Malika Wildon 11p; Trinity Morris 6p; Nadia Seye 10p; Ashley Thomas 2p; Willow White 2p; Jacquelyn Hinesman 4p, 3a; Jimeisha Smith 12p, 8r, 3s; DeAsia Reed 18p, 10r.

CAL (14-6)

Hayley Ice 6p; Emma Wesley 7p; Summer Conti 18p, 5s, 4a; Emma Frank 2p; Shelby Calhoun 20p, 15r; Sarah McDonald 28p; Mia Beam 10p; Abigail Embry 3p.

ASSUMPTION 48, ST. HENRY 38

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Rockets (9-12) defeated the Crusaders (8-8). The Rockets Samantha Babey led all scorers in the contest with 13 points. Taylor Allen added 12 points for the Rockets. The Crusaders were led by Paife Nobel.

ASSUMPTION (9-12)

Abby McQueary 8p; Samantha Babey 13p; Jenna Calhoun 3p; Maggie Metzger 2p; Jacqueline Raque 4p; Kristen Olinick 6p; Taylor Allen 12p.

ST. HENRY (8-8)

Katie Evans 3p; Sydney Millay 3p; Anna Voskuhl 2p; Alexa Beetmem 1p; Marlena Kellam 9p; Chisori Iloegbuanam 8p; Paige Nobel 12p.

BUTLER 43, MONTINI CATHOLIC (IL) 31

BUTLER (19-1)

Briea Torrens 6p; Fontasia Jeffries 4p; Jaelynn Penn 14p; Teri Goodlett 8p; Molly Lockhart 11p.

MONTINI CATHOLIC (IL) (22-1)

Frankie Kokkines 2p; Illysse Pitts 7p; Kaylee Bambule 5p; Aaliyah Patty 5p, 5r; Lindsey Jarosinski 12p.

ST. FRANCIS 74, BURGIN 55

BURGIN, Ky. — Junior Alexis Nelson led the Wyverns (8-6) with 40 points as they defeated the Bulldogs (1-14).  Wyverns freshman Jamani Reed added 22 points and six rebounds. Summer Mullins had 19 points and Miranda Hungate added 14 points for the Bulldogs.

ST FRANCIS (8-6)

Alexis Nelson 40p; Jamani Reed 22p; Destiny Otto 1p; Caroline Pepa 9p; Adelaide Lenihan 2p.

BURGIN (1-14)

Miranda Hungate 14p; Summer Mullins 19p; Destiny Thompkins 4p; Hannah Stewart 3p; Alex Naylor 6p; Autumn  Ransdell 5p; Julia Hilton 4p.

Scores from around the state: 

Allen Central 54, Riverside Christian 34

Apollo 77, Warren East 36

Barbourville 54, Red Bird 16

Barren Co. 60, Franklin-Simpson 36

Boone Co. 63, Newport Central Catholic 59, 2OT

Breckinridge Co. 63, Meade Co. 53

Carroll Co. 39, Frankfort 25

Central Hardin 60, Adair Co. 48

Clay Co. 63, Fleming Co. 38

Cooper 65, Conner 62

Cooper 65, Walton-Verona 62

East Carter 70, West Carter 36

Edmonson Co. 56, Cumberland Co. 37

Elizabethtown 86, Fort Knox 7

Estill Co. 70, Cordia 9

Frederick Fraize 69, Dawson Springs 44

Fulton City 49, Fort Campbell 29

Gallatin Co. 44, Owen Co. 42

Garrard Co. 46, Clinton Co. 35

Hazard 70, Buckhorn 28

Henderson Co. 61, Christian Co. 50

Highlands 55, Campbell Co. 46

Holmes 61, Southwestern 39

Hopkinsville 71, Bowling Green 65

Huntington, W.Va. 52, Boyd Co. 50

Knott Co. Central 61, Breathitt Co. 52

Ky. School for the Deaf 32, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Pa. 21

Lex. Paul Dunbar 72, Lex. Bryan Station 65

Lexington Catholic 53, Montgomery Co. 38

Lloyd Memorial 48, Eminence 39

Logan Co. 57, Clarksville NE, Tenn. 34

Ludlow 59, Calvary Christian 25

Lynn Camp 47, Oneida Baptist 31

Madison Central 64, East Jessamine 30

North Laurel 77, Corbin 75

North Oldham 52, Lou. Iroquois 10

Paintsville 68, Morgan Co. 42

Pike Co. Central 70, Magoffin Co. 61

Pineville 51, Williamsburg 41

Rowan Co. 66, Lewis Co. 55

Sheldon Clark 52, Phelps 32

South Laurel 81, Harlan 67

Thomas Nelson 54, Bullitt Central 37

Whitesville Trinity 70, Portland Christian 29

Wolfe Co. 61, Jenkins 42

Woodford Co. 60, Model 46

11th Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Lex. Sayre 60, Berea 55

1st Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Murray 67, Mayfield 22

2nd Region All ‘‘A’’ Classic

Crittenden Co. 42, Lyon Co. 37

Gunner’s Magic Train Shootout

Marshall Co. 59, Hopkins Co. Central 25

Lady Hawk 1-day Showcase

Johnson Central 76, Perry Co. Central 62

Leslie Co. 81, Prestonsburg 39

Shelby Valley 70, Ridgeview, Va. 49

Toyota Classic

Simon Kenton 68, Ryle 41

Tri State Hoops Throwdown

Nelsonville-York, Ohio 49, Ashland Blazer 43

Wrestling

St. Xavier High School placed nine wrestlers in finals, winning four of them, and cruised to the team title Saturday in the 22nd annual Dragon Invitational at South Oldham.

The Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the state by KentuckyWrestling.com, finished with 300.5 points. Woodford County (171) was second, followed by Scott (146.5), Oldham County (139.5) and Moore (118).

St. X got individual titles from Joshua Schmidt (113 pounds), Nate Wheeler (120), Konner Kraeszig (138) and Dallas Miles (152).

Runner-up Woodford County got victories from Joey Roberts (145) and Max Andreoni (182).

Here are the complete results:

* Team scores: 1. St. Xavier 300.5; 2. Woodford County 171; 3. Scott 146.5; 4. Oldham County 139.5; 5. Moore 118; 6. Fern Creek 94.5; 7. (tie) Hopkinsville, North Oldham 93.5; 9. Christian County 89; 10. Trinity 85.5; 11. Calloway County 75; 12. Tates Creek 47; 13. South Oldham 45; 14. Ryle 42.5; 15. Lafayette 42; 16. Conner 28.5; 17. Jeffersontown 24; 18. Southern 19.5.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS (final listed first, then third-place match):

* 106 pounds: Carson Deckard (Oldham County) def. Chris Dues (Moore), fall; Bryce Moberly (North Oldham) def. Nathan Ohlmann (St. Xavier), fall.

* 113: Joshua Schmidt (St. Xavier) def. Shay Horton (Ryle), fall; Brendan Pye (Scott) def. Brett Shea (Oldham County), fall.

* 120: Nate Wheeler (St. Xavier) def. Chase Yost (Woodford County), 4-2; Seth Lutes (Scott) def. Jakerion Merritt (Christian County), 6-5.

* 126: Colton Lampe (Fern Creek) def. Austin Cook (St. Xavier), 5-3; Layne Seibert (Scott) def. C.J. Cardwell (Woodford County), 19-4.

* 132: Alex Rivera (Moore) def. Wyatt Andreoni (Woodford County), 6-3; Kaden Darbro (St. Xavier) def. Anthony Pierce (South Oldham), 3-2.

* 138: Konner Kraeszig (St. Xavier) def. Jacob Henley (Oldham County), 9-3; Ronan Wyatt (Woodford County) def. Isaiah Newberry (Moore), forfeit.

* 145: Joey Roberts (Woodford County) def. Clayton Hanson (St. Xavier), 19-4; Cody Roland (Scott) def. Kevin Vasquez (Lafayette), fall.

* 152: Dallas Miles (St. Xavier) def. Jack Hanes (Calloway County), 4-1; Myles Harris (Tates Creek) def. Jordan Hopson (Hopkinsville), 8-3.

* 160: Jared Branch (Fern Creek) def. Cameron Ward (St. Xavier), 9-5; Lucas Carrillo (Oldham County) def. Antonio Abren (Christian County), 15-6.

* 170: Diion Leavell (Christian County) def. Sam Jenkins (North Oldham), 24-11; Austin Towles (St. Xavier) def. Jackson Deckard (Oldham County), fall.

* 182: Max Andreoni (Woodford County) def. Katayvon Anthony (Hopkinsville, fall; Zach Cumella (St. Xavier) def. Niko Bussell (Christian County), 10-6.

* 195: Kadin Kulmer (Trinity) def. Andrew Varble (Woodford County), 7-5; Damoreon Travis (Jeffersontown) def. Nick Owens (Hopkinsvlle), 10-8.

* 220: Colby Culver (Calloway County) def. Benjamin Deprest (St. Xavier), 9-7; Darian Story (Trinity) def. Tyler Kassinger (South Oldham), 23-11.

* 285: Landin Jones (North Oldham) def. Isaac Marret (St. Xavier), fall; Zeph Ragsdale (Fern Creek) def. Cody Melton (Moore), fall.

On January 16 and 17, a handful of local football players got to do something they had only dreamed of to that point: Play football in an NFL stadium.

Through USA Football’s International Bowl held at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, 15 Kentuckiana football players ranging from 13-17-years old got to meet and play against other players in their age group from across the United States, Canada and even Japan.

The International Bowl was a training camp that brought in players and their families to Texas from Jan. 12-17, with the trip culminating in games played at AT&T Stadium and broadcasted on ESPN3, ESPN’s digital broadcasting service.

The players included; DeSales sophomore defensive end Cameron Perry and Kentucky Country Day junior linebacker Christopher Scott (both U.S. U-17 Select Team), West Washington freshman offensive lineman Caleb Murphy (U.S. U-16 National Team), West Washington freshman defensive back Chase Farmer and Trimble Co. defensive end Ryker Matthews (U.S. U-16 Select Team), Ryley Gunther of Sellersburg, Ind. (U-15 Pride Team), Caleb Winnebrunner of Louisville and Gunner Flanagan of Borden, Ind., (both U-14 Stars Team), and Ike Baker of Mitchell, Ind. and Kody Walsh of Columbus, Ind., (both U-14 Stripes Team).

Participants were notified via e-mail in October of their inclusion in the event, after having been scouted first at a regional development camp and then a national camp held at the home of the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Most of the players found out themselves, but one family surprised their son with the news.

“Actually I didn’t receive the e-mail so my dad surprised me with a cake,” Murphy said. “It was really crazy, super exciting and I was ready to go to the camp and see what they had. It was a really exciting time.”

Once at the International Bowl on Jan. 12, the players were roomed together with teammates from across the country, giving them a chance to learn about life outside of the Kentuckiana region.

“It was awesome because you got to meet people from different backgrounds and find out what it’s like where they’re from, stuff like that,” Perry said. “We talked about the people that they’ve played against, or that they go to school with people going to Alabama who are five-star players.”

Due to rain in the area, a jamboree between teams within each age group was canceled, but players still got to take part in two practices a day and team meetings, learning from coaches from across the country.

“It was an extremely high level, nothing like high school practices,” Perry said, “because you’ve got starters and second stringers who are all the same level. There’s no dropoff in talent.”

After four days of practices, it was gameday. USA Football organized the games similarly to the way it would be for Dallas Cowboys opponents on Sundays, busing the team into the stadium and having them use the home and away locker rooms.

From there, players took part in warmups on the field in front of their families and friends before the game got underway.

Many of the players interviews admitted they were impressed with and at times couldn’t take their eyes off of the mammoth size of the stadium and its jumbotron, which is 60-yards long and extends from one 20-yard line to the 20-yard line on the other side of the field.

“It was amazing,” Matthews said. “Just stepping out onto the field is something else.”

Added Murphy, “I kind of found myself drifting off (when on the sidelines) and following the game on the jumbotron saying ‘Am I where I am right now’.”

Most of the local players didn’t make huge contributions in the games, but enjoyed the experience of taking part in the International Bowl.

“Getting to step out on to the AT&T Stadium field with the whole team, and just the rush of playing on the field against the different countries and people,” Matthews said of what he’ll take with him. “The whole thing was pretty much a blast.”

For Scott, the week in Texas was about improving his technique and getting to practice at a higher level.

“I really think it’s a huge learning experience for anybody,” Scott said. “When I came back to school everyone was asking me about it, and I was telling them I think everybody who wants to play college at the next level, that’s a good place to go to be able to play with talented kids. It’s a lot of fun.”

Trinity guard Justin Powell puts a shot up as Covington Catholic forward C.J. Fredrick defends the basket. 19 December 2016

The Covington Catholic High School boys basketball team kept the No. 1 spot in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings released Monday.

The Colonels are 17-4 and will carry a five-game winning streak into Monday’s home game against No. 13 Campbell County (18-1).

Scott County (15-5) is No. 2 in the Litratings, followed by Bowling Green (17-2), Trinity (19-3), Fern Creek (19-2) and Ballard (15-4).

The Litratings are a computerized ranking of every team in the state based on strength of schedule, margin of victory and other factors. Games against out-of-state opponents are not factored.

Here are the complete ratings:

Male’s Ciaja Harbinson (2) shoots against Incarnate Word on Saturday during the Raatz Fence/O’shea’s Classic at Mercy Academy. (Photo by David Lee Hartlage, Special to The Courier-Journal) Jan. 21, 2017

Here’s a look at how I voted today in The Associated Press high school basketball polls. The official polls will be released Monday afternoon:

BOYS

1. Fern Creek (19-2)

2. Bowling Green (17-2)

3. Scott County (15-5)

4. Trinity (19-3)

5. Covington Catholic (17-4)

6. Ballard (15-4)

7. Christian County (14-4)

8. Cooper (15-4)

9. Campbell County (18-1)

10. Lexington Catholic (15-6)

Five more to watch: Hopkinsville (16-4), Paul Dunbar (13-6), Lexington Christian (16-4), Oldham County (16-4), Apollo (15-2)

GIRLS

1. Male (17-1)

2. Butler (19-1)

3. Simon Kenton (16-3)

4. Mercer County (15-5)

5. Sacred Heart (15-4)

6. Manual (15-5)

7. Murray (16-3)

8. Elizabethtown (16-2)

9. Henderson County (15-2)

10. Bullitt East (18-4)

Five more to watch: Mason County (13-4), Franklin County (15-5), Holmes (15-3), Eastern (14-6), Clark County (17-2)

Butler head basketball coach Larry Just talks to his players during a time-out. 07 January 2017

With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the favorite for the girls basketball state championship likely will be decided in Louisville this week.

The state’s top six teams in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings are entered in the Republic Bank/Coca-Cola Consolidated Louisville Invitational Tournament, and it would be a big surprise if one of them doesn’t capture the title.

Four of the top six hail from Louisville – No. 1 Butler, No. 2 Male, No. 4 Manual and No. 6 Sacred Heart – and No. 3 Mercer County and No. 5 Simon Kenton represent the best from the rest of the state.

“(Mercer County and Simon Kenton) are both very good teams,” Butler coach Larry Just said. “But when you look at the strength of what we have now in the city of Louisville, somebody is typically going to step up and make some noise. You take us, you take Male, you take Manual and you take Sacred Heart, right now that’s four pretty good teams that are going to be pushing at the end.”

The LIT will tip off at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when North Bullitt faces Christian Academy at Bellarmine University’s Knights Hall. Wednesday’s second-round games and Friday’s quarterfinals also will be played at Bellarmine, with Saturday’s semifinals (10 and 11:30 a.m.) and final (8 p.m.) being held at Assumption High School.

Bracket set for girls LIT. Fern Creek just edged out PRP for final spot. https://t.co/qGWSoaB3tB

—
Jason Frakes (@kyhighs) January 05, 2017

No. 9 Mercy, No. 13 Bullitt East, No. 15 Henderson County and No. 18 Eastern also are capable of making tournament runs, but the top six have separated themselves this season.

Butler, Male, Mercer County, Manual, Simon Kenton and Sacred Heart are a combined 78-10 against Kentucky competition this season, with nine of those losses coming against each other. Ryle is the only Kentucky squad outside of the Super Six to beat one of them, knocking off Sacred Heart 70-65 on Dec. 23 in the third-place game of the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic.

Here’s a closer look at each of the state’s top six teams:

No. 1 Butler (19-1): The defending state champion has won 17 straight games since a 68-62 loss to Male in the season opener and owns victories over Manual (two), Simon Kenton and Mercer County.

Indiana University signee Jaelynn Penn (15.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) leads a talented starting five that also includes Tasia Jeffries (11.4 ppg, Saint Louis signee), Molly Lockhart (10.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Bre Torrens (9.2 ppg, Bellarmine signee) and Teri Goodlett (8.7 ppg, Eastern Kentucky signee).

Senior post player Janna Lewis, a Tennessee State signee, made her season debut Saturday and could provide depth the rest of the season, Just said.

No. 2 Male (17-1): The Bulldogs are ranked No. 23 in the nation by USA Today, and their only loss came to No. 1 Fairfax (Virginia) Paul VI, 73-65, on Dec. 30 in the championship game of the Destin (Florida) Holiday Classic.

Junior guards Emilia Sexton (14.3 ppg, Butler commit) and Ciaja Harbison (13.3 ppg, Saint Louis commit) and 6-foot-1 sophomore Cameron Browning (12.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg) lead a Male squad that may be the deepest in the state.

No. 3 Mercer County (15-5): The Titans, who average 23 3-point attempts per game, have defeated Manual and lost to Butler by identical scores of 80-55.

“Mercer County throws in a clunker every once in a while, but they’re really, really good,” Male coach Champ Ligon Jr. said. “When they’re on with their 3s, they’re going to be tough to beat no matter who they’re playing.”

Junior guard Seygan Robins (15.5 ppg), a University of Louisville commit, leads the Titans. Junior Lexy Lake (11.6 ppg, 60 3-pointers made) and senior Lyric Houston (11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg) are other top scorers.

No. 4 Manual (15-5): The Crimsons dropped consecutive games to Butler (72-71 in triple overtime) and Mercer County (80-55) over the weekend but own wins over four top-20 teams (Sacred Heart, Eastern, Mercy and No. 12 Holmes).

Junior Jaela Johnson (19.4 ppg) and senior Tonysha Curry (11.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg) comprise a high-scoring backcourt, and sophomore Nila Blackford (11.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg) is one of the city’s most improved players.

No. 5 Simon Kenton (16-3): The Pioneers are the only members of the group who haven’t defeated one of the other members, but they do own victories over No. 10 Franklin County, No. 11 Murray and No. 16 Scott County.

Guard Ally Niece leads the team in scoring (17.8 ppg) and is ranked among the top juniors in the state. Junior Shelby Harmeyer (11.2 ppg) is shooting 40.2 percent (37 of 92) from 3-point range.

No. 6 Sacred Heart (15-4): The Valkyries enter with a seven-game winning streak and have split two meetings with Manual and also defeated Simon Kenton.

Junior Grace Berger leads Sacred Heart in scoring (14.7 ppg) and rebounding (8.3) and has committed to Indiana. Junior Kiki Samsel adds 12.6 points per game and is shooting 49.5 percent (51 of 103) from 3-point range.

Here is the LIT schedule:  

Tuesday (at Bellarmine): Christian Academy (9) vs. North Bullitt (8), 3:30; Fern Creek (12) vs. Mercy (5), 5; Central (11) vs. Bullitt East (6), 6:30; Assumption (10) vs. Eastern (7), 8

Wednesday (at Bellarmine): Central-Bullitt East winner vs. Manual (3), 3:30; Assumption-Eastern winner vs. Male (2), 5; Christian Academy-North Bullitt winner vs. Butler (1), 6:30; Fern Creek-Mercy winner vs. Sacred Heart (4), 8

Friday (at Bellarmine): Christian Academy-North Bullitt-Butler survivor vs. South Warren (State 4), 4; Fern Creek-Mercy-Sacred Heart survivor vs. Simon Kenton (State 2), 5:30; Central-Bullitt East-Manual survivor vs. Mercer County (State 1), 7; Assumption-Eastern-Male survivor vs. Henderson County (State 3), 8:30

Saturday (at Assumption): Semifinals at 10 and 11:30 a.m.; final at 8

Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.

Bowling Green guard Eli Thurman yells triumphantly as Bowling Green holds on to the state #1 spot by coming from behind to defeat Ballard 69-67 in the King of the Bluegrass quarterfinals. 18 December 2016

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The top teams in the Kentucky Associated Press high school basketball polls, with first-place votes, records, total points and previous rankings:

BOYS

RANK-SCHOOL (FPV)   RCD       TP          PVS

1. Bowling Green (10)        17-2       176        1

2. Fern Creek (7)                19-2       166        3

3. Covington Catholic (2)   17-4       131        4

4. Trinity                                19-3       120        2

5. Ballard                              15-4       110        6

6. Scott County                     15-5       100        5

7. Campbell County              18-1       54           8

8. Christian County                14-4       43           7

9. Cooper                                15-4       37           9

10. Hopkinsville                       16-4       24           NR

Others receiving votes: South Laurel 16. Lexington Catholic 10. Apollo 9. North Hardin 9. Paul Dunbar 7. Harlan County 7. Perry County Central 6. John Hardin 5. Adair County 5. Knox Central 2. Leslie County 2. Lexington Christian 2. Dixie Heights 2. Corbin 1. Bullitt East 1.

GIRLS

RANK-SCHOOL (FPV)   RCD       TP          PVS

1. Butler (13)                     19-1       184        1

2. Male (5)                         17-1       161        2

3. Mercer County              15-5       127        3

4. Simon Kenton               16-3       126        4

5. Elizabethtown (1)          16-2       97           6

6. Murray                             16-3       84           7

7. Manual                             15-5       75           5

8. Sacred Heart                   15-4       70           8

9. Henderson County          15-2       31           10

10. Harlan County                18-2       15           NR

Others receiving votes: Bullitt East 9. Monroe County 9. Franklin County 7. Leslie County 7. Nelson County 6. North Laurel 6. John Hardin 6. South Laurel 5. Scott County 4. Holmes 3. Mason County 3. Casey County 3. Clark County 2. Glasgow 2. Whitley County 2. Paintsville 1.

This week’s voters: The Daily Independent, Ashland; Daily News, Bowling Green; Kentucky Enquirer, Cincinnati; Times-Tribune, Corbin; East Kentucky Broadcasting, Pikeville; The News-Enterprise, Elizabethtown; Glasgow Daily Times, Glasgow; Daily Enterprise, Harlan; The Gleaner, Henderson; Kentucky New Era, Hopkinsville; Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington; The Courier-Journal, Louisville; The Ledger Independent, Maysville; Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro; The Paducah Sun, Paducah; Times Leader Princeton, Princeton; WDKY, Lexington; WKYX, Paducah; WSON, Henderson.

Christian Academy of Louisville basketball player Shelby Calhoun. Nov. 7, 2016.

Shelby Calhoun isn’t your average freshman.

The 5-foot-10 guard has already proven to be one of the best players in the state when the ball is in her hands.

Playing in her third season of varsity basketball for Christian Academy of Louisville, Calhoun has blossomed this season into an all-around threat who is constantly assaulting the stat sheet. She has recorded a double-double in points and rebounds 18 times this season and recorded a quadruple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 10 steals and 10 blocks in a defeat to Elizabethtown, a top-10 team.

Which all begs the question: How is she doing this?

As a seventh grader, CAL coach Perry White said, “she was a little bit nervous and didn’t want to do too much. She just played within herself. It was the same thing really last year. She started to come out of her shell a little bit, you’d see signs of it.

“This year, it’s a completely different player. She’s now fallen in love with the game.”

While most freshmen are caught up adjusting to a high school academic workload or fretting about fitting in amongst their classmates, Calhoun is laser-focused on basketball.

Instead of watching TV or meeting up with friends after school, Calhoun returns home from practice, completes her homework, and heads outside to her family’s basketball hoop to put up some more shots or practice her dribbling fundamentals.

It doesn’t leave much time for a social life, Calhoun said with a laugh.

Calhoun has had a basketball in her hands for as long as she can remember. She recalled  how she used to play with her Little Tikes hoop as well as at the Northeast Family YMCA in Middletown with her father, Doug Calhoun II, who played two years for Denny Crum while also playing on the track and field team and football team during different times of his four years at Louisville between the fall 1989 and spring 1994.

Calhoun’s aunt Brandi also played college basketball, playing for West Virginia from 1995-1999. The two have been important role models for Shelby Calhoun’s development both as a person and a player.

“My parents and Brandi, they’ve worked so hard in their lives and that’s definitely played a big role in my life,” Calhoun said. “They’re my role models, and whatever they do I see. They work so hard, whether it be in practice, school, and in their jobs too. That’s the kind of person I want to become.”

At her current rate, there’s a good chance Calhoun could be following in her father’s and aunt’s footsteps.

The CAL freshman, who is averaging 18.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.25 assists, 5.25 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, has already received scholarship offers from Xavier and Butler and is receiving interest from Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan. Though she was sidelined by an ankle injury last summer, Calhoun could pick up more offers this summer when she plays for the Indy Lady Gym Rats, which is affiliated with the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. If invited, Calhoun also plans on trying out for the USA Under-16 Girls National Team at its trials this May.

“If you look the last seven years, they’ve produced the seven or eight McDonald’s All Americans,” Doug Calhoun said of the Lady Gym Rats AAU program. “She’s going up against girls (in practice) with like 50 scholarships each.

“The cool thing is Shelby is a different breed, but she’s humble,” he added. “The thing is people don’t know behind the scenes is because she works so hard. I’m her biggest critic and biggest fan. I told Shelby once she was rushing her shot, and the next thing you know she’s scoring 20 points. … Me and my wife both, we’re proud of her and how hard she plays.”

How much better can Calhoun get? According to White, the sky’s the limit.

“She can be as good as she wants to be, White said. “Provided she doesn’t get injured, I really think she’ll be Miss Basketball. I’m biased but at this point I think she’s the best freshman in the state. There’s a couple out there that will give her a run, and there may be some that show up or develop in the future, but as long as she keeps working hard, I don’t see how she won’t be Miss basketball.”

Being touted for Miss Basketball? Calhoun’s definitely not your average freshman.

Holy Cross basketball player Ethan Driskell

The Holy Cross High School boys basketball team is back in the All “A” Classic state tournament for the first time in three years but will be greeted with a tough draw.

The Cougars (10-8) will face Lexington Christian (16-4) at 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the last of eight first-round games at the Frankfort Convention Center. Lexington Christian is the top-ranked team in the field and No. 12 in the state in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings.

The All “A” Classic will tip off Wednesday with first-round play in the girls tournament. Quarterfinals in both tournaments are set for Friday, with semifinals Saturday and finals on Sunday. All “A” events are limited to the smallest 120 high schools in the state, based on enrollment in grades 9-12.

On the boys side, Holy Cross beat Beth Haven 67-45 on Friday to capture the Sixth Region title for the first time since 2014. The Cougars have won four of their last five games under interim coach Kent Foushee, who took over on Dec. 27 when Mike Durham stepped down for personal reasons.

Junior forward Cooper Scott (10.6 ppg) and senior guard Chase Phillips (10.4 ppg) are Holy Cross’ top scorers, and 6-foot-9 junior center Ethan Driskell (6.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg) is beginning to emerge as a force in the middle.

Seventh Region champion Kentucky Country Day (7-8) will be Louisville’s other representative and will open the tournament at 8:30 a.m. Thursday against Mayfield (15-5). The Bearcats, who beat Collegiate 76-53 in Friday’s Seventh Region final, are led by senior guard and Navy commit J.R. Mathis (24.2 ppg).

Presentation and KCD will represent Louisville in the girls tournament.

Pres (12-6) beat Holy Cross 44-42 in Friday’s Sixth Region final and will face Trimble County (13-3) at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Senior guard Lilly Stephenson (16.6 ppg) leads the Toppers.

KCD (5-13) defeated Whitefield Academy 53-48 in Friday’s Seventh Region and will meet Leslie County (16-3) at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Senior forward Olyvia Green is the Bearcats’ top scorer (17.3 ppg) and rebounder (9.3 rpg).

Cordia (boys) and No. 11-ranked Murray (girls) are the defending All “A” champions.

ALL “A” CLASSIC BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENTS

At Frankfort Convention Center

GIRLS

* Wednesday – Murray (16-3) vs. Danville (12-6), 8:30 a.m.; Covington Holy Cross (13-6) v. Monroe County (19-2), 10; Presentation (12-6) vs. Trimble County (13-3), 11:30; West Carter (12-6) vs. Owensboro Catholic (14-9), 1 p.m.; Paintsville (19-1) vs. Harlan (15-5), 5; Crittenden County (16-3) vs. Sayre (12-4), 6:30; Kentucky Country Day (5-13) vs. Leslie County (16-3), 8; Nicholas County (11-8) vs. Green County (14-7), 9:30

* Friday – Quarterfinals at 8:30 a.m., 10, 11:30 and 1 p.m.

* Saturday – Semifinals at noon and 1:30 p.m.

* Sunday – Final at noon

BOYS

* Thursday – Kentucky Country Day (7-8) vs. Mayfield (15-5), 8:30 a.m.; East Ridge (13-7) vs. Russellville (13-6), 10; Newport Central Catholic (10-7) vs. Cordia (10-5), 11:30; Fort Knox (6-11) vs. University Heights (10-10), 1 p.m.; Pineville (14-4) vs. Owensboro Catholic (13-7), 5; Paris (14-6) vs. Elliott County (14-1), 6:30; Danville (7-12) vs. Walton-Verona (14-4), 8; Louisville Holy Cross (10-8) vs. Lexington Christian (16-4), 9:30

* Friday – Quarterfinals at 5 p.m., 6:30, 8 and 9:30

* Saturday – Semifinals at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

* Sunday – Final at 2 p.m.

CAL’s Emma Wesley drives past North Bullitt’s Hailey Free in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University.

Hobbled by an ankle injury for the majority of this season, Emma Wesley plans to play through the pain and make the most of the final weeks of her Christian Academy basketball career.

Wesley showed her value Tuesday, finishing with 10 points, four steals and three assists and hitting two key baskets in the fourth quarter as the Centurions beat North Bullitt 57-45 in the first round of the Republic Bank/Coca-Cola Consolidated Louisville Invitational Tournament at Bellarmine University’s Knights Hall.

Wesley was CAL’s top scorer last season (19.0 ppg) but has played in just seven games this season after suffering a severe ankle sprain Dec. 5 against Fern Creek.

“She’s so good, even when she’s on the floor injured,” said CAL coach Perry White, who also is nursing an injury after having Achilles surgery last month and is using a knee scooter for support.

Freshman Shelby Calhoun led CAL with 16 points – including the 1,000th of a career that began as a seventh-grader – nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Summer Conti and Sarah McDonald both added 12 points as CAL (15-6) advanced to face Butler at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in a second-round game.

Hailey Free scored 17 points to lead North Bullitt (13-6), and Bellarmine signee Lauren Deel added 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.

Down 35-20 in the third quarter, North Bullitt clawed within 41-40 on Caroline Janes’ basket with 6:15 left but then hit a scoring drought that lasted nearly five minutes.

“We knew we played more kids than they do, and we thought we could wear them down,” Eagles coach David Marion said. “It looked like the plan was working, and then I don’t know what happened. Maybe we hit a wall, but I don’t know why we would.”

Wesley scored four straight points to spark a 14-0 run that gave CAL a 55-40 lead with 2:38 left. Wesley said her ankle is only “about 60 percent.”

“It’s to the point where there’s a limited amount of games left, so I don’t care,” Wesley said. “It’s difficult, but this is my last season and I’m going to play through it.”

White was pleased with the way his team responded after North Bullitt pulled within one point.

“We were confident we could handle their run, and thank goodness we answered the call,” White said. “They’ve done that several times this year. There have been a couple of times as a coach that I start to panic a little bit, but all we have to do is take care of the ball.”

Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 57, NORTH BULLITT 45

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (15-6) – Emma Wesley 10p, 4s, 3a; Summer Conti 12p, 3a, 3s; Shelby Calhoun 16p, 9r, 3a, 3s; Sarah McDonald 12p, 8r; Mia Beam 7p, 3a.

NORTH BULLITT (13-6) – Lexi Mouser 3p; Hayley Free 17p; Lauren Deel 10p, 11r, 4a, 4b; Sarah Janes 2p, 6r; Caroline Janes 8p; Kayli Davis 5p.

North Bullitt’s Sarah Janes tries to save the ball from out-of-bounds during the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University Tuesday afternoon.

Christian Academie’s Shelby Calhoun shoots over two North Bullitt defenders during the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University Tuesday afternoon. Calhoun finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Christian Academy’s Shelby Calhoun hits her face into North Bullitt’s Emily Twyman’s arm in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

CAL’s Shelby Calhoun has 16 points, nine rebounds in the Lady Centurions’ 57-45 win over North Bullitt Tuesday in the first game of the Girls LIT at Bellarmine University.

CAL’s Shelby Calhoun has 16 points, nine rebounds in the Lady Centurions’ 57-45 win over North Bullitt Tuesday in the first game of the Girls LIT at Bellarmine University.

CAL’s Shelby Calhoun has 16 points, nine rebounds in the Lady Centurions’ 57-45 win over North Bullitt Tuesday in the first game of the Girls LIT at Bellarmine University.

CAL’s Mia Beam shoots past North Bullitt’s Sarah Janes in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

North Bullitt’s Lauren Deel was pressured by Christian Academy defenders in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. Deel finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

CAL’s Shelby Calhoun tussles with North Bullitt’s Caroline Janes in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

CAL’s Shelby Calhoun tussles with North Bullitt’s Caroline Janes in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

North Bullitt’s Lauren Deel is pressured by Christian Academy’s Emma Wesley in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. Deel finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

North Bullitt’s Lauren Deel was pressured by Christian Academy defenders in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. Deel finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

North Bullitt’s Lauren Deel was pressured by Christian Academy defenders in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University. Deel finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Lady Centurions beat the Lady Eagles 57-45.

Trinity sophomore wing David Johnson has been turning heads across Louisville all season, but on Tuesday evening he caught the eye of a national recruiting analyst.

Scout.com’s Director of Basketball Recruiting Evan Daniels was in to see Johnson and the Shamrocks take on Henry Clay in Lexington, and Johnson put on a show.

Very impressed with 2019 Louisville (KY.) Trinity wing David Johnson. 6-5, long & athletic. Was 6 of 8 from 3. Scored 24 points. High major

—
Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) January 25, 2017

Johnson scored a game-high 24-points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field including going 6 for 8 from behind the arc. He also grabbed four rebounds, had three assists, three steals and a block. Johnson was third on his team in scoring and tops in rebounding, averaging 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game entering Tuesday’s game, according to KHSAA stats. He was named the MVP of the King of the Bluegrass tournament as well as the Arby’s Classic, both of which Trinity won.

Johnson has yet to receive a scholarship offer but he’s been receiving the most interest from Louisville, Indiana and Xavier, according to a report by Daniels. Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati and Eastern Kentucky are all in the mix as well.

Trinity Shamrocks guard David Johnson (13) brings the ball up the court during the championship game of the Louisville Invitational Tournament between the Fern Creek Tigers and the Trinity Shamrocks.

Trinity wide receiver Noah Ellison breaks the grasp of Male free safety Robert Sheffield to score. 09 September 2016

One of the top receivers for the Class 6-A state champions could be staying in his hometown for his college career.

Trinity senior wide receiver/tight end Noah Ellison announced Tuesday evening on Twitter he had received a preferred walk-on offer from Louisville, continuing a strong Louisville-Trinity pipeline that includes outgoing Cardinals senior wide receiver James Quick and junior Reggie Bonnafon among others.

Ellison was Trinity quarterback Spencer Blackburn’s top target, as Ellison led the Shamrocks with 45 catches for 547 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 12.2 yards per catch.

Excited to say that I have received a preferred walk on offer from the University of Louisville🔴⚫️⚪️ #GoCards #L1C4🐔 https://t.co/yRwo4qAEGm

—
Noah Ellison (@EllisonNoah) January 25, 2017

According to his Twitter account, Ellison also has an offer from Kentucky Wesleyan and preferred walk-on offers from Marshall, Austin Peay and Toledo. Ellison and the Shamrocks won their second state title in three years with a 56-21 win over Lafayette.

Welcome to the Girls Louisville Invitational Tournament coverage central.

CAL’s Emma Wesley drives past North Bullitt’s Hailey Free in the first game of the Girls’ LIT at Bellarmine University.

Jason Frakes and the rest of the Courier-Journal high school sports crew are covering the exciting and action-packed tournament, so bookmark this page and visit often for scores, bracket updates and links to more in-depth coverage.

The tournament began Tuesday at Bellarmine’s Knight’s Hall, and will shift to Assumption High School for the semifinals and finals on Saturday.

MORE PREPS COVERAGE

►Girls LIT Day One Roundup

►“Super Six” lead way in Girls LIT

►Covington Catholic stays No. 1 in Litratings

►Jason Frakes’ ballot for AP basketball polls

► CAL’s Shelby Calhoun having breakout year

►Butler girls hand Montini Catholic first loss

Here is the LIT schedule:  

Tuesday (at Bellarmine)

G1: (9) Christian Academy 57, (8) North Bullitt 45

G2: (5) Mercy 70, (12) Fern Creek 48

G3: (6) Bullitt East 62, (11) Central 31

G4: (7) Eastern 56, (10) Assumption 42

Wednesday (at Bellarmine)

G5: (6) Bullitt East 63, (3) Manual 54

G6: (2) Male 70, (7) Eastern 49

G7: (1) Butler 74, (9) CAL 44

G8: (4) Sacred Heart 70, (5) Mercy 59

Friday (at Bellarmine):

G9: Butler vs. South Warren (State 4), 4 p.m.

G10: Sacred Heart vs. Simon Kenton (State 2), 5:30 p.m.

G11: (6) Bullitt East vs. Mercer County (State 1), 7 p.m.

G12: (2) Male vs. Henderson County (State 3), 8:30 p.m.

Saturday (at Assumption)

Semifinals at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Final at 8 p.m.

Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.

Trinity High School’s boys basketball team continues to prove its title credentials.

Trinity Shamrocks guard David Johnson (13) shoots the ball during the championship game of the Louisville Invitational Tournament between the Fern Creek Tigers and the Trinity Shamrocks.

After winning the King of the Bluegrass and Arby’s Classic tournaments, the Shamrocks (20-3) walked into traditional 11th Region power Henry Clay’s court and froze the Blue Devils out, winning 80-59. Sophomore wing David Johnson led the team with 24 points as the Shamrocks shot 59.3 percent from the floor (32 of 54) and 56 percent from behind the arc (14 of 25).

As senior leader Jacob King continues to round into form after overcoming a hand injury suffered during preseason practice players like Johnson, Justin Powell (12 points) and Jay Scrubb (DNP) have helped keep Trinity in the win column and among the top teams in the state.

The road doesn’t get easier going forward. The Shamrocks on Friday welcome former state champion Allen Feldhous Jr. and Madison Central to Louisville with games ahead against Waggener, Taylor County, and DeSales to come.

Here’s a look at stories, stats and scores from boys and girls basketball games in Louisville and around the Commonwealth on Jan. 24, 2017:

STORIES

Roundup: Christian Academy, Bullitt East, Mercy, and Eastern all advance after opening day of Girls LIT

Gallery: Girls LIT Day 1

SCORES

BOYS

TRINITY 80, HENRY CLAY 59

TRINITY (20-3)

David Burton 8p, 6r, 3a; David Johnson 24p, 4r, 3a; Jacob King 10p, 8a; Justin Powell 12p, 3r; Lucas Burkman 8p, 4r; Brendan King 2p; Stan Turnier 4p; Walter Johnson 8p; Damon McClain 2p; Kammari Kennemore 2p.

HENRY CLAY (9-10)

Quentyn Jackson 11p; Andreus Green 20p, 7r; Justin Mitchell 10p, 10r; Jalen Williams 10p; Montaveon Bean 5p; Ramond Jackson 3p.

MALE 92, SOUTHERN 85, OT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bulldogs (8-9) knocked off Southern (8-12) in overtime. Hunter McCutcheon scored 32 points for Male, including going 4-of-8 from the 3-point line, and Charles Wilson scored 30 points for Southern. Dan Black added 20 points for the Trojans, including a 3-pointer at the end of regulation to tie the game. Male owned the extra frame, hitting on 15-of-16 free throws, to put the game on ice.

MALE (8-9)

Javon Davis 4p; Jeremiah Goldwair 2p; Jaeliln Ferrell 7p; Darian Clyburn 5p, 6r; Gene Brown 2p; Howard Flemming 4p; Hunter McCutcheon 32p; Shane Doughty 11p; Armani Rowan 2p; Todd Jackson 1p; Hogan Brownley 22p, 15r.

SOUTHERN (8-12)

Dan Black 20p, 7r, 7a; Charles Wilson 30p, 6a; Jevon Collier 9p, 6r; Olieng Kalakon 3p, 6r; Matthew Jones 17p; Hakeim Reedel 6p.

EASTERN 50, ST. XAVIER 45

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Eagles (12-7) won a tightly contested game against the Tigers (12-7) on a night when they honored their 1997 state championship team. The game saw eight lead changes and eight ties but the Eagles were able to find a way to get their third straight win. Sugar Wyche led the Eagles with 18 points and five assists and Javen Rushin tallied 15 points for the Eagles. The Tigers were led by freshmen James Taylor’s 13 points. Junior Pierce Kiesler added 11 points.

EASTERN (12-7)

Sugar Wyche 18p, 5a; Jacob Robinson 4p; Kahill Garmon 2p; Caleb Williams 7p; Javen Rushin 15p.

ST. XAVIER (12-7)

James Taylor 13p; Chase Westenhofer 8p; Tyler Barnes 4p; Paul Oberst 1p; Jack Koch 3p; Samuel Boarman 3p; Evan Walker 2p; Pierce Kiesler 11p.

MANUAL 56, CAI 52, 2OT

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – Manual (5-14) pushed past the Warriors (8-10) in double overtime. The Crimsons forced 15 turnovers in the contest, including several in the last two minutes of overtime leading to easy baskets. Stephen Cook led all scorers with 15 points for CAI, which missed a shot to win at the end of regulation.

MANUAL (5-14)

William Britt 11p; Jonah Gelhaus 6p; Jordan McClendon 4p; Kenyan Jacob 14p; Brock Cassin 2p; Eli Roberts 4p; Terrance Ballard 3p; Noah Hawkins 12p.

CAI (8-10)

Noah Williams 13p; Stephen Cook 15p; Matt Hamby 2p; Riley Linnehan 12p; Patrick Fitzgibbon 2p; Bailey Conrad 5p; Bradley Gay 3p.

VALLEY 81, MEADE CO. 60

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tre Anderson scored 23 points, including five 3-pointers, as Valley (15-4) rolled past visiting Meade Co. (8-12). Raekwon Evans posted a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. The win marks an 11th straight loss for the Green Wave after an 8-1 start.

MEADE CO. (8-12)

Cade Medley 8p; Dawson Gagel 2p; Matt Collard 6p; Aiden Matthews 6p; Carson Crump 3p; Steven Benock 12p; Noah Schwartz 16p; Dakota Clayton 3p; Will Crosier 2p; Chesney Weick 2p.

VALLEY (15-4)

Ty Walter 3p; Cam Wilson 17p; Raekwon Evans 19p, 11r; Curt Lewis 14p, 8a, 8r; Jaylen Smith 2p; Xavier Johnson 3p; Tre Anderson 23p, 7a.

ATHERTON 79, FAIRDALE 73

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Rebels (7-13) completed a comeback win over the Bulldogs (8-11). The Bulldogs had built a 12-point lead entering the fourth quarter but the Rebels caught fire and ripped off 33 fourth quarter points to win the game 79-73. Flynn Calnon was the top scorer for the Rebels. Calnon tallied 27 points and was assisted by Jordan Pulford who added 17 points. The Bulldogs were led by Ike Roby’s 24 points.

ATHERTON (7-13)

Noah Weber 5p; Flynn Calnon 27p; Keron Bentley 8p; Abe Barthelemy 3p; Ty Lauderdale 9p; Jordan Pulford 17p; Justin Lado 10p.

FAIRDALE 73 (8-11)

Glenn Queen 11p; Jaxon Gaddie 6p; Makelo Sullivan 2p; Ike Roby 24p; Seth Dewboys 5p; Treziaun Allen 2p; Mark Sullivan 2p; Jacobi Dixon 6p; Craig Ash 15p.

MOORE 53, DESALES 49

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the second consecutive night, Moore came out victorious. The Mustangs knocked off the Colts, 53-49, in a defensive battle that was close throughout. Ramon Collins scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Shamar Overstreet chipped in with 10 points. Austin Black scored a team-high 14 points for the Colts in the defeat.

MOORE (14-7)

Ramon Collins 19p, 8r; Shamar Overstreet 10p; Justin Weaver 8p, 5r; Malik Anderson 6p; Antwan Hurt 5p, Russel Vaden 5p, 6r

DESALES (12-7)

Austin Black 14p; Sam Weining 12p; Travis Seibert 12p; Jaxon Burgess 11

WAGGENER 60, CAL 48

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Wildcats (13-6) defeated the Centurions (15-5) behind Devon Cooper’s solid offensive performance. Cooper tallied 25 points in the win. Cooper, who just recently joined the lineup for the Wildcats, is proving to be a solid addition, as the Wildcats have defeated CAL and Waggener.

WAGGENER (13-6)

Ron Fell 6p; Ethan Taylor 6p; Kezion Hudson 4p; J.J. Kalakon 3p; Jacquess Hobbs 12p; Ben Sinic 2p; Cobe Montgomery 2p; Devon Cooper 25p.

CAL (15-5)

Milton Wright 11p; KC Purvis 9p; Parker Jones 9p; Wyatt Allison 6p; Austin Carr 5p; Michael Woodward 8p.

SOUTH OLDHAM 84, CARROLL CO. 55

SOUTH OLDHAM (17-3)

Jo Griffin 27p; Peyton Hicks 14p; Devin Young 13p; Luke Morrison 12p; Aaron Franklin 11p; Dyllon Hoover 3p; Devin Bishop 3p; Dustin Hubrich 1p

CARROLL CO. (4-15)

Evan McMahan 21p; Tyler Stewart 12p; Eli Yocum 10p; Wyatt Supplee 6p; Braedyn Cole 4p; David Duncan 2p

ST. FRANCIS 85, BROWN 62

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — St. Francis senior James Risley and sophomore Ahmad Moore carried the Wyverns (10-6) past the Bears. Moore scored 26 of his 32 points in the second half. Risely scored 15 of his 26 in the second half.

ST. FRANCIS (10-6)

TJ Richardson 2p; Caleb Mason 2p; Jonah LeStrange 5p; Noah Sparks 5p; Jomar Sullivan 13p; James Risley 26p; Ahmad Moore 32p.

BROWN (5-12)

LeAllen Halsell 2p; Ethan McComas 2p; Parker Hodge 2p; Evan Thompson 2p; Kobe Hess 2p; Montez Moore 2p; Collin Bynum 5p; Jairus Bibb 8p; Sanjay Sivils 17p; Jared Fife 20p.

J’TOWN 79, BULLITT CENTRAL 49

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Chargers (8-11) defeated the Cougars (7-12). The Chargers built their lead early and continued to push the pace against the Cougars. The Chargers were led by Jordan Lyons’ 16 points. Lyons helped the Chargers end a five-game skid. The Cougars look to bounce back from Tuesday night’s loss against Western H.S. on Friday night.

J’TOWN (8-11)

Dakota White 4p; Justin Baker 4p; Chris Trigg 2p; Delvonte McCloud 7p; Jalen Garnett 4p; Jaden Rogers 8p; Jordan Lyons 16p; Tayshon Candell 5p; Clifton Rutledge 9; William Brown 7p; Carlos Foster 5p.

BULLITT CENTRAL (7-12)

Jake Mann 9p; Tay Higdon 4p; Aiden Terry 4p; Seth Mitchell 4p; Danny Goldsmith 6p; Jax Lester 2p; Trey Kerney 9p; John Barnes 1p; Chander Ocasio 6p; Tyler Tatum 2p; Nolan Creason 3p; Tanner Hazlett 2p.

MANUAL 56, CAI 52, OT

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – Manual (5-14) pushed past the Warriors (8-10) in double overtime. The Crimsons forced 15 turnovers in the contest, including several in the last two minutes of overtime leading to easy buckets. Stephen Cook led all scorers with 15 points for CAI, which missed a shot to win at the end of regulation.

MANUAL (5-14)

William Britt 11p; Jonah Gelhaus 6p; Jordan McClendon 4p; Kenyan Jacob 14p; Brock Cassin 2p; Eli Roberts 4p; Terrance Ballard 3p; Noah Hawkins 12p.

CAI (8-10)

Noah Williams 13p; Stephen Cook 15p; Matt Hamby 2p; Riley Linnehan 12p; Patrick Fitzgibbon 2p; Bailey Conrad 5p; Bradley Gay 3p.

PORTLAND 62, BETH HAVEN 51

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Eagles (5-12) ended a five-game slide by toppling the Bearcats (10-7). The Eagles were led by sophomore Quincy Dye’s 28 points.

PORTLAND (5-12)

Isaiah Young 9p; Keller Mackey 4p; Quincy Dye 28p; Michael Meredith 10p; Jonah Trejo 11p.

BETH HAVEN (10-7)

Cody Mikel 13p; Austin Streble 13p; Aaron Rice 11p; Isaiah Mahoney 9p; Dylan Kerr 5p.

CENTRAL 77, WESTERN 70

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yellow Jackets (11-8) held on to defeat the Warriors (7-11). The Yellow Jackets were up 20 points in the third quarter as the Warriors began to storm back into contention. The Warriors closed the gap to nine but solid free-throw shooting from Derron Douglas helped the Yellow Jackets to hold off the Warriors. The Yellow Jackets senior guard Devon Firman tallied 16 points in Tuesday’s win and has surpassed 1,000 career points. Douglas finished the night with 15 points. The Warriors were led by Juvon Thompson 24 points.

CENTRAL (11-8)

Korey Johnson 12p; Derron Douglas 15p; Dominique Knight 10p; Josh Watkins 7p; James Simpson 6p; Chris Rawlings 2p; Andrew Crittenden 9p; Devon Firman 16p.

WESTERN (7-11)

Mark Jones 3p; Dajour Cameron 13p; Oneal Swint 8p; James Wright 4p; Dazmen Lively 4p; Juvon Thompson 24p; Tyon Pearson 11p; Anthony Lewis 2p.

Scores around the state: 

Adair Co. 83, Taylor Co. 72

Allen Central 67, Jackson City 59

Ashland Blazer 59, East Carter 58, OT

Barren Co. 52, Logan Co. 50, OT

Beechwood 62, Holmes 50

Bell Co. 56, Leslie Co. 38

Bethlehem 84, Frederick Fraize 47

Betsy Layne 63, Phelps 61

Bishop Brossart 59, Calvary Christian 35

Bourbon Co. 64, Bracken Co. 61

Bowling Green 86, Muhlenberg County 59

Boyle Co. 78, Mercer Co. 76

Breathitt Co. 74, Buckhorn 60

Caldwell Co. 97, Trigg Co. 82

Campbell Co. 57, Montgomery Co. 32

Christian Co. 97, Russellville 83

Clinton Co. 60, Metcalfe Co. 37

Cooper 70, Conner 52

Dixie Heights 59, Lloyd Memorial 57

Edmonson Co. 56, Whitesville Trinity 49

Elliott Co. 62, Morgan Co. 49

Eminence 59, Owen Co. 56

Estill Co. 77, Wolfe Co. 75

Fairview 67, Lewis Co. 59

Felicity-Franklin, Ohio 85, St. Patrick 69

Frankfort 101, Nicholas Co. 71

Gallatin Co. 58, Henry Co. 50

Garrard Co. 68, Model 41

Grayson Co. 51, Breckinridge Co. 41

Henderson Co. 63, Daviess Co. 62

Hickman Co. 59, Ballard Memorial 54

Hopkins Co. Central 83, Dawson Springs 57

Hopkinsville 81, Graves Co. 70

Jackson Co. 89, Berea 67

Knott Co. Central 53, Letcher County Central 46

Knox Central 91, Wayne Co. 76

LaRue Co. 68, Glasgow 28

Lawrence Co. 80, Belfry 76

Lex. Paul Dunbar 83, Lex. Lafayette 65

Lex. Sayre 60, Lex. Bryan Station 44

Lexington Catholic 72, Perry Co. Central 66, 2OT

Lincoln Co. 76, McCreary Central 38

Madison Central 56, Lex. Tates Creek 55

Marshall Co. 77, Lyon Co. 44

McCracken County 67, Carlisle Co. 38

Nelson Co. 55, Hart Co. 47

Newport 72, Bellevue 50

Newport Central Catholic 62, Highlands 47

North Hardin 66, Elizabethtown 37

North Laurel 60, Clay Co. 50

Oldham Co. 67, Central Hardin 64

Owsley Co. 61, Lee Co. 58

Pikeville 56, Shelby Valley 42

Pulaski Co. 77, Russell Co. 42

Russell 86, Paintsville 74

Scott Co. 80, Franklin Co. 49

Sheldon Clark 58, Hazard 41

Simon Kenton 69, Boone Co. 50

South Floyd 79, Jenkins 54

South Laurel 80, Corbin 59

Southwestern 91, West Jessamine 78

Spencer Co. 71, Anderson Co. 64

St. Henry 71, Pendleton Co. 67

Villa Madonna 65, Silver Grove 40

Walton-Verona 60, Williamstown 59

Warren Central 52, South Warren 33

Webster Co. 74, Todd Co. Central 65

West Carter 64, Raceland 56

Western Hills 64, Shelby Co. 57

Williamsburg 51, Whitley Co. 47

Woodford Co. 51, Collins 50

GIRLS

Girls Louisville Invitational Tournament at Bellarmine

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 57, NORTH BULLITT 45

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (15-6)

Emma Wesley 10p, 4s, 3a; Summer Conti 12p, 3a, 3s; Shelby Calhoun 16p, 9r, 3a, 3s; Sarah McDonald 12p, 8r; Mia Beam 7p, 3a.

NORTH BULLITT (13-6)

Lexi Mouser 3p; Hayley Free 17p; Lauren Deel 10p, 11r, 4a, 4b; Sarah Janes 2p, 6r; Caroline Janes 8p; Kayli Davis 5p.

MERCY 70, FERN CREEK 48

FERN CREEK (13-9)

Nsasa Makando 16p, 6a; Maelyn Ridener 6p; Aliyah Stallard 8p; Alexis Smith 10p, 10r, 4s; Tiana Austin 8p, 6r.

MERCY (12-10)

Jaylyn Shorter 2p; T.T. Jenks 1p; Hope Sivori 4p, 7a; Regan Berger 8p; Josie Woods 9p, 7r; Camryn Muss 9p; Raquael Reese 17p, 7r; Grace Walsh 6p; Danielle Feldkamp 14p, 8r.

EASTERN 56, ASSUMPTION 42

ASSUMPTION (10-13)

McKenna Schelb 2p; Abby McQueary 10p, 7r; Samantha Babey 2p; Jenna Calhoun 7p; Maggie Metzger 2p; Piper Gray 1p; Kristin Olinick 4p; Taylor Allen 7p, 3a; Payton Cronen 7p.

EASTERN (15-6)

Bri Mishler 7p, 3a; Bre Anthony 15p; Mikayla Kinnard 11p, 10r, 3a; Natalie Collins 3p; Kiara Pearl 6p; Destiny Houseal 6p; Jayden Townsend 2p; Devin Beach 6p.

BULLITT EAST 62, CENTRAL 31

CENTRAL (8-8)

Thelisia Beasley-Guin 4p, 4s; Precious Hereford 8p, 8r; Darian Neal 8p; Stephonie Cole 8p, 8r; India New 3p.

BULLITT EAST (19-4)

Lauren Masden 3p; Amber Higdon 2p, 3s; Lindsey Duvall 10p, 8r, 3s; Cori Etherton 3p; Alexis Taylor 6p; Allie Rae Thompson 2p; Alyssa Peak 4p; Kirstie Henn 14p, 3s; Kathleen Scott 8p, 4a, 3s; Emmy Ralph 10p.

SOUTH OLDHAM 67, BALLARD 64

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Dragons (14-6) staved off the Bruins (6-10) by building an early first half lead. The Dragons were led by Sydney and Peyton Herold who recorded 20 points and 18 points, respectively. Maggie Smith tallied an additional 16 points for the Dragons. Kiarah Carney led the Bruins in scoring with 24 points. Camryn Austin added 19 additional points for the Bruins.

SOUTH OLDHAM (14-6)

Sydney Herold 20p; Skylar Sahatjian 3p; Maggie Smith 16p; Payton Herold 18p; Lexi Bowlden 3p; Abby Miles 5p; Brooke Short 2p.

BALLARD (6-10)

Camryn Austin 19p; Sadye Valentine 4p; Claire Simmons 4p; Jada Williams 6p; Kiarah Carney 24p; Naria Reed 7p.

OLDHAM CO. 55, THOMAS NELSON 45

BUCKNER, Ky. – Bethany Orr scored 25 points for Thomas Nelson (4-14), but Oldham Co. (11-9) grabbed the victory. The Colonels held a steady lead throughout and never trailed. Oldham Co. was led by Madison Clark, who scored 13 points.

THOMAS NELSON (4-14)

Riane Clark 2p; Marley Rogers 5p; Bethany Orr 25p; Kenleigh Fritz 9p; Haleigh Reiter 3p; Josie Reiter 1p.

OLDHAM CO. (11-9)

Madison Clark 13p; Lakynn Goldsmith 7p; Sophia Head 9p; Alexis Head 15p; Kylee Nuernberger 8p; Aliyah Swanson 1p; Ally Korzeniowski 2p.

BETH HAVEN 36, PORTLAND CHRISTIAN 18

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Beth Haven (5-9) doubled up visiting Portland Christian (1-14). No player scored in double figures in the game. The Bearcats raced out to a 14-2 advantage in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

PORTLAND CHRISTIAN (1-14)

Lydia Cyrus 6p; Adrianna Wilson 4p; Hannah Taylor 4p; Sarah Goul 2p; Emily Scott 2p.

BETH HAVEN (5-9)

Sarena Vaughn 9p, 3r; Kenzie Davis 9p; Gabby Ellis 7p, 5r, 4a; Delanie 4p, 7r; Leslie Pierre 3p, 3a; Becca Sharp 2p, 3a; Lexi Beard 2p.

Scores from around the state: 

Adair Co. 37, Taylor Co. 29

Augusta 48, Calvary Christian 38

Ballard Memorial 54, Hickman Co. 45

Barren Co. 55, Logan Co. 34

Bath Co. 53, Montgomery Co. 40

Belfry 59, Sheldon Clark 34

Bowling Green 75, Allen Co.-Scottsville 56

Boyd Co. 59, East Carter 45

Boyle Co. 90, Woodford Co. 52

Butler Co. 56, Russellville 23

Caldwell Co. 54, Trigg Co. 27

Dayton 45, Ludlow 44

Edmonson Co. 69, Whitesville Trinity 40

Fleming Co. 55, Rowan Co. 46

Frankfort 58, Henry Co. 40

Glasgow 39, LaRue Co. 33

Hancock Co. 46, Daviess Co. 44

Hart Co. 43, Campbellsville 36

Henderson Co. 57, Hopkinsville 49

Hopkins Co. Central 63, Dawson Springs 32

John Hardin 44, Fort Knox 6

June Buchanan 65, Piarist 39

Lee Co. 60, Wolfe Co. 43

Lex. Paul Dunbar 57, Lex. Lafayette 51

Livingston Central 68, Community Christian (Paducah) 24

Lloyd Memorial 61, Dixie Heights 51

Lynn Camp 53, Bell Co. 39

Lyon Co. 57, Ohio Co. 30

Madison Central 57, Lexington Catholic 33

Madisonville-North Hopkins 69, Owensboro 43

Marshall Co. 45, Christian Co. 42

Metcalfe Co. 55, Clinton Co. 39

Nicholas Co. 58, St. Patrick 17

North Oldham 38, Lou. Western 31

Oldham Co. 55, Thomas Nelson 45

Pulaski Co. 63, Russell Co. 52

Rockcastle Co. 59, Madison Southern 49

Russell 68, Menifee Co. 49

Shelby Co. 56, Western Hills 46

South Laurel 78, Wayne Co. 60

South Warren 55, Warren Central 31

Southwestern 73, Casey Co. 50

Villa Madonna 56, Silver Grove 19

Webster Co. 57, McCracken County 24

Whitley Co. 67, Williamsburg 47