The Oldham County boys basketball team kicked off its Eighth Region Tournament run in emphatic fashion.
The Colonels (23-8) routed tournament host Henry County, 90-45, with six Colonels scoring in double figures. Brandon Johnson led the Colonels with 14 points, as Jacob Bates added 12. Ismail Jones and Caleb Strunk each chipped in 11 points. Griffin McLarty and Clayton Wirth both finished with 10.
The Colonels move on to face Anderson County in the semifinals on Monday.
“We came out really focused and we kind of took control defensively and let our defense turn into offense,” Oldham County head coach Coy Zerhusen said. “We were led by our seniors starting off. Bates and Johnson played really well. We really did a good job of being balanced, executing our game plan and sharing the ball. It was just a really solid team win.”
For the Wildcats (15-16), it’s the second time in three years that they’ve been knocked out of the postseason by the Colonels.
Zerhusen believes his team, which defeated South Oldham in the District 29 final, is hitting its stride late in the season.
“We have played well the last couple of games, and we really battled through a tough schedule this year, and we hope it has battle tested us,” Zerhusen said. “When we focus and we’re tuned in, we’re a pretty tough team. We just have to make sure the guys keep our focus.”
Anderson County 68, Walton-Verona 53: The Anderson Co. Bearcats (17-13) advance to face Oldham County with a resounding win over the Walton-Verona Bearcats (18-11).