Kentucky Sweet Sixteen Preview: Elliott County vs. Collins (3/16)
Prep Hoops Kentucky previews Thursday’s Kentucky Sweet Sixteen State Tournament match-up between Elliott County and Collins. Thursday will complete ‘sweet sixteen’ play. The Elite Eight will feature those first round winners playing on Friday. Saturday will wrap-up the event with both the Final Four and championship game played on that day.
ELLIOTT COUNTY VS. COLLINS
Elliott County (16th Region, 26-3) and Collins (8th Region, 23-12) square off in Kentucky’s Sweet Sixteen Thursday (March 16th, 6:30 pm) in Lexington. This will be the first time the teams have met each other this season.
HOW THEY GOT HERE:
This is Elliott County‘s third straight trip to the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen. They are currently riding an 11 winning streak going into today’s competition with Collins. The Lions defeated West Carter in the 62nd District championship, led by sophomore guard Korbin Spencer’s 27 point showing. In that game senior guard Chase Porter also dropped 23 points. They would meet West Carter again in the 16th region final, winning 77-71, punching their ticket to play at Rupp Arena.
Collins is back at the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2015. The Titans sought out redemption against Anderson County, who defeated Collins in the district tournament. In the regional final the two teams would meet again, this time the outcome favoring Collins. The Titans would move on to Rupp Arena with a 1-point victory over the Bearcats.
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Korbin Spencer (2019), Elliott County
Spencer has visited Wisconsin and has interest from a handful of other really good Division 1 programs. The sophomore guard is leading the Lions in scoring, averaging 22.3 points per game.
Chase Porter (2017), Elliott County
The senior guard should find a home with a small college basketball program after the season. Porter is averaging 15 points per game and has been a catalyst to the three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances under Elliott County’s belt.
Dominique Turner (2017), Collins
Turner is another small college basketball prospect that is sure to make an impact. The athletic, versatile forward is averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds per game.
Charlie Cochran (2017), Collins
The senior forward/wing can shoot it, drive it, and block shots at the rim with his 6’5 lanky frame. Cochran is averaging 15.5 points per game and 7 rebounds.