Kentucky Sweet Sixteen Preview: Bowling Green vs. Graves County (3/15)
(Photo Courtesy of the Lexington Herald-Leader)
Prep Hoops Kentucky previews Wednesday’s Kentucky Sweet Sixteen State Tournament match-up between Bowling Green and Graves County. Wednesday tips off the tournament, and Thursday will wrap up ‘sweet sixteen’ competition. The Elite Eight will feature the first round winners all playing on Friday. Saturday will wrap up the event with both the Final Four and championship game being played on the same day.
Bowling Green vs. Graves County
Bowling Green (4th Region, 32-2) and Graves County (1st Region, 27-7) square off in the first game of the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen tomorrow (March 15th, 12:00 ET) in Lexington. This will be the first time they’ve met this season.
EQUIVALENT REGULAR SEASON OPPONENTS PLAYED:
Bowling Green and Graves County have each played the same four teams at least once. Those teams included Murray High School, Christian County, Warren East, and McCracken County.
Against Murray High School, Bowling Green defeated the Tigers in what was undoubtedly the most lopsided win by any team in the state this season – winning 67-15. Graves County recorded a 9 point victory over Murray, winning 68-59.
Bowling Green defeated Christian County 74-59 at Christian County, while Graves County lost to the Colonels at a neutral site while playing at the Marshall County Hoopfest. Final score was 57-68.
Bowling Green and Warren East share the same region, and played each other twice with both games a lopsided victory for the Purples of Bowling Green. In their lone match-up against East, Graves County lost another game on a neutral site – falling 65-72 at Murray High School.
McCracken County finished second in the 1st region just behind Graves County. In their first game against each other, McCracken came away victorious. Graves County would win the next two, included a blow out win in the first round of the regional tournament. Bowling Green’s first game of the season was against McCracken, winning 99-67.
Look for Bowling Green to out match Graves with their depth. Graves will have an opportunity if they can keep Bowling Green from creating a large gap early.
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Terry Taylor (2017), Bowling Green
The Austin Peay commit and Mr. Basketball candidate has led Bowling Green all season, helping them to 32 wins and only 2 loses. Taylor is averaging 17.4 points per game and 12 rebounds. In their regional final win against Russellville, Taylor tallied 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Zion Harmon (2021), Bowling Green
One of the top 8th graders IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. Averaging 18 points per game, Harmon is also shooting over 50% from the field. Harmon seems to live for the big games, dropping 25 points in Bowling Green’s regional final game to earn a spot in the ‘sweet sixteen’.
Kyran Jones (2017), Bowling Green
Jones has gotten some looks from NAIA, D2, and JUCO’s. The senior is currently averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Chris Vogt (2017), Graves County
Vogt, a Northern Kentucky University commit, will go down as one of Kentucky’s all-time greatest shot blockers. This season he is leading his team in both points and rebounds, averaging 17 and 9 on the year.