Sweet 16 | 10 Best: Scott County (83) vs. Pulaski County (54) – 3/15/17
LEXINGTON, Ky. – In the first round of the 100th annual Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen Tournament at Rupp Arena, Scott County defeated Pulaski County, 83-54, to advance to the quarterfinal round.
Here’s a look at the ten key categories from Wednesday’s contest:
- Most Valuable Player: Cooper Robb, Scott County – The junior guard had himself a game, as he scored 19 points on an impressive 9-of-12 shooting from the field while also pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out six assists. Robb took control of the game early and was one of the main leaders for the Cardinals, who recorded another postseason victory to extend their season.
- Best Offensive Performance: Steven Fitzgerald, Pulaski County – Fitzgerald, a junior guard, finished with 19 points and five rebounds. Of his 19 points, 12 came off of three-pointers, as he went 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Fitzgerald’s scoring came in a variety of ways, including layups, free-throws, mid-range jumpers and threes.
- Best Defensive Performance: Cooper Watts, Scott County – Watts made his defensive presence felt all throughout the contest, as he finished with two blocks and altered many other shots in the process. Along with his tenacious defensive outing, Watts scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds.
- Best Rebounder: Michael Moreno, Scott County – Moreno pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds while also scoring 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting for the Cardinals. Moreno grabbed defensive rebounds that set up opportunities for his teammates on the opposite end of the court while also grabbing a couple that gave he and his team second chances.
- Best Intangibles: Bryce Long, Scott County – Long’s toughness and competitiveness stood out all throughout the game. He possessed a high basketball IQ and made the right basketball plays throughout the game. Long set excellent screens and found himself scoring at ease under the basket and grabbing rebounds.
- Best Guy off the Bench: Danny Butt, Pulaski County – Butt came off the bench and contributed in a big way. He may of not filled the stat sheet, but he played tenacious defense, knocked down a couple of big shots and set up opportunities for his teammates and followed head coach John Fraley’s play calls.
- Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Lorenzo Williams, Scott County – Although he only had 2 points at halftime, Williams came alive in the second half and added six more points to his stat sheet. Williams hustled, played tenacious defense and helped get his teammates involved, while also contributing points wise.
- Best Underclassman: Michael Moreno, Scott County – Moreno is a 6-foot-6 sophomore and is the backbone of the Cardinals’ club. Each game, he plays like an upperclassmen by knocking down big shots and controlling the tempo of the contest.
- Best Fan Support: Scott County’s fans – Many people filled Rupp Arena to watch their beloved Cardinals play in the Sweet Sixteen, “the greatest show in hoops,” says the KHSAA. Scott County’s fans were on their feet and cheering as loud as they could from tipoff all the way to the final buzzer.
- Best Coaching Decision/Strategy: Hicks’ playcalling, Scott County – The best coaching decision or strategy of the game was Coach Billy Hicks’ playcalling all throughout the game. From the time the ball was thrown up to the final buzzer, Hicks used his jam-packed basketball mind and guided the Cardinals to the Sweet 16 Elite Eight.