11th Region Tournament Final Recap and Top Performers
They’ve done it again. After defeating Lexington Catholic, Scott County has secured it’s bid to play in the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen state tournament.
Since leaving the 8th Region and joining the 11th, Scott County has won five regional tournaments. Scott County will go into the state tournament labeled the favorite, and is familiar to the Rupp Arena scenery. In 2014 the Cardinals advanced to the championship game, losing out to Covington Catholic in overtime. Same story in 2012, losing to Louisville Trinity. In 2007, Scott County hoisted the state tournament trophy with a win against Louisville Ballard, and prior to that in 1998 against Paintsville. They hope to add a third state tournament title to the trophy case in 2017.
Scott County defeated Lexington Catholic with their transition offense and stern half-court defense. As they’ve done all tournament, The Cardinals forced opponent’s turnovers into touchdown passes in transition for easy layups. Lexington Catholic had no answers for most of the game, until about 3 minutes remaining. Catholic was able to pull within 8 just under the two minute mark. But it was not enough. Scott County held Lexington Catholic to below 30% shooting from the field, winning 56-44.
Scott County Cardinals Top Performers
- Michael Moreno (2019, F) – As he’s done all year, Moreno showed why he’s one of the top 2019 prospects in the state. He’s quickly becoming one that is sure to make some noise on the national level during the summer. Moreno finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks.
- Copper Robb (2018, PG) – The Cardinals floor-general came to play. Robb finished the game with 17 points, 4 assists, and 7 steals – and was the catalyst in moving Scott County up the floor in a lightning quick fashion. Credit Robb with being able to push the ball up the court and not allowing Lexington Catholic to get settled in their defensive attack.
Lexington Catholic Knights Top Performers
- Luke Johnson (2017, G) – The future Loyola Maryland Greyhound scored a game high 20 points for the Knights, doing everything he could late to wield his team back within a chance of cutting it close. A bloody mouth in the first quarter forced Johnson to have to sit while the Lexington Catholic staff found him another jersey to wear. Sitting didn’t allow Johnson the rhythm the Knights would have liked to have early in the game. Johnson ends his high school career averaging 21 points per game this season.