Kentucky Sweet Sixteen Preview: Pikeville vs. Perry County Central (3/15)
It’s the best time of the year on any level of basketball. March Madness spans the realm of the college game, all the way down to high school hoops. Especially in Kentucky – where we crown one champion to cut down the nets at Rupp Arena. It’s a dream that nests in every single Kentucky high school basketball player’s head at night. PHKY takes a look into the madness and previews the match-ups of each opening round game.
PIKEVILLE VS. PERRY COUNTY CENTRAL
Pikeville (15th Region, 23-8) and Perry County Central (14th Region, 27-7) square off in the second game of the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen tomorrow (March 15th, 1:30 pm) in Lexington. This will be the first time they’ve met this season.
EQUIVALENT REGULAR SEASON OPPONENTS PLAYED:
Although Pikeville and Perry County Central did not play each other during the regular season, they have played three of the same teams on their regular season schedules, with each having the same end result in all but one.
Both teams lost handily to South Laurel early in the year. Pikeville lost 30-58, while Perry County Central lost 55-72.
Both teams would defeat Magoffin County handily, with Pikeville winning 73-56. Perry County Central defeated Magoffin by 30, 69-39.
The only outcome between the two where the result was different came against Harlan County, and it took Perry County Central having an opportunity at a second chance for the outcome to change. Pikeville played Harlan County once, losing 62-67. Perry County Central lost to Harlan County early in the year 75-82. Later in the season they knocked off the Black Bears 68-52.
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Wyatt Battaile (2018), Pikeville
Battaile is averaging 20.6 points per game and shooting over 50% from the field. The junior is recieving some Division 1 interest and has been offered by Mercer.
Damon Tobler (2017), Perry County Central
Tobler is also a Division 1 prospect. With offers from Samford, Winthrop, Nicholls State, and Tennessee Tech – the 6’6 forward is averaging 16.6 points per game and 4 rebounds this season.