Monday’s Top Regional Matchups

<p>Hard as it is to imagine, we have already started regional tournament play and cruising towards next week’s state tournament. Let’s take a look at top matchups for tonight across Kentucky.</p> <p><strong>Hopkinsville vs Lyon County - </strong>This is an exciting matchup between a Hoptown team that has underachieved and a Lyon County team that has overachieved this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="939117" first="Travis" last="Perry"] </strong>and the Lyons are going to have to overcome an athletic Tigers squad led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1078958" first="Alijah" last="Watts"].</strong></p> <p><strong>Western vs Bullitt Central - </strong>The Warriors are probably the youngest team in the Commonwealth but appear to be ahead of schedule. Bullitt Central’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1133841" first="Hunter" last="Coleman"]</strong> is a do-it-all player for the Cougars. He’ll have his hands full with a deep and talented Western backcourt.</p> <p><strong>Evangel Christian vs Bullitt East - </strong>The Evangel situation is certainly unique. According to social media, the head coach and possibly AD were fired after the district title game. Meanwhile, Bullitt East rolled over Fern Creek and could be a sneaky pick to win the 6th region. The post matchup of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1022269" first="Cyr" last="Malonga"] and [player_tooltip player_id="926920" first="Tucker" last="Blanford"] </strong>is going to be fun if the refs let them play.</p> <p><strong>Fern Creek vs PRP - </strong>Likely the best game in the state in any regional opener, the loaded Creek roster is on the brink of finishing their season before Rupp Arena after many had them as a favorite to win it all going into the season. The Panthers are deep and talented with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932774" first="Zamareon" last="McCown"]</strong> leading the way. Should be a great game.</p> <p><strong>St. Xavier vs Trinity - </strong>The Holy War happens for the third time this season. The Tigers have won both the first two meetings. <strong>Ben Varga</strong> is on a mission after not being named region player of the year while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923056" first="Zach" last="Stahlman"]</strong> is going to hope to lead the Rocks back to Rupp Arena.</p> <p><strong>Collins vs Walton-Verona - </strong>The Titans are looking to defend their region title behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932782" first="Kenyon" last="Goodin"] and Quentin Simmons</strong> while Walton’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1009764" first="Brant" last="Smithers"]</strong> is going to have to put the team on his back as he looks to get into the second round.</p> <p><strong>Covington Catholic vs St. Henry - </strong>Cov Cath is looking for revenge after an earlier loss to St. Henry. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="793770" first="Wyatt" last="Vieth"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1022252" first="Jude" last="Bessler"]</strong> will look to upset <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926898" first="Mitchell" last="Rylee"] and [player_tooltip player_id="932777" first="Chandler" last="Starks"] </strong>again and end their season.</p> <p><strong>Robertson County vs. Montgomery County - </strong>The matchup to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="801588" first="Justin" last="Becker"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="1027678" first="Rickey" last="Lovette"]</strong> but the difference maker could be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="801605" first="Hagan" last="Harrison"]</strong> and how well he can shoot from outside and open up the offense for the rest of the MoCo roster.</p> <p><strong>Harlan vs Corbin - </strong>If you’re betting on this game, take the over. Look for lots of points and highlights with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926884" first="Jordan" last="Akal"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1022272" first="Hayden" last="Llewellyn"]</strong> sharing the court. The pace should make this one a fun watch.</p> <p><strong>Wolfe County vs Hazard - </strong>The Wolves are on a mission to get to Rupp but Hazard has won 12 of 13 coming into tonight and this game could be an absolute war. Watch <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923014" first="Jaz" last="Johnson"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923020" first="Wade" last="Pelfrey"] </strong>go head to head one last time.</p>