KHSAA State Sweet 16 ~ Semi-Final, Pt. 1

Jeremy Hobbs

March 28, 2022 @ 11:06 AM

Prep Hoops Staff was in attendance for the Sweet 16 games hosted at Rupp Arena on the campus of the University of Kentucky. After two consecutive years of battling ongoing Covid challenges, the tournament was back in full force. We bring you coverage of the best players from each session.   Region 10 Champion George Rogers Clark Cardinals (6A) Regular & postseason record: 35-1 vs Region 12 Champion Lincoln County Patriots (4A) Regular & postseason record: 30-7   George Rogers Clark - Junior Forward, [player_tooltip player_id="1108411" first="Trent" last="Edwards"] (PH Ranking #19) Edwards used his size and length to set the tone early. He altered and blocked several shots around the paint and collected multiple rebounds. His defensive prowess forced the Patriots to extend their 5 out offense and that limited their confidence at the rim. Edwards did an outstanding job hunting for rebounds and was constantly a threat for offensive putbacks. Edwards finished the game with 7 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks. George Rogers Clark - Junior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="692930" first="Jerone" last="Morton"] (PH Ranking #7) Morton has proven he can score at all three levels throughout the season. His offensive consistency has been impressive to watch evolve. Playing against a tough defense, he demonstrated his skills as a true combo guard. Being a southpaw, he uses his long, strong strides to attack the left-hand side of the lane and finds himself on the left block multiple times throughout a game. Morton was able to keep the defense off balance by being patient with shot fakes in the paint to have a cleaner look at the rim. George Rogers Clark - Junior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="1033474" first="Sam" last="Parrish"] (PH Ranking #34) Throughout the tournament, Parrish consistently played within his means of success allowing the offense to come to him. In this tough, physical game against the stimy Patriot guards, he showcased his full skillset. Parrish showed his driving abilities with multiple strong takes in the paint. He is a willing rebounder that can grab ‘n go. And he buried a catch-and-shoot, go-ahead 3-pointer that advanced the Cardinals to the finals. Parrish led his team in scoring with 16 points. George Rogers Clark - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="926892" first="Aden" last="Slone"] (PH Ranking #27) Slone’s value to his team isn’t always documented in the box score. Winning teams need lead guards that have confidence at the charity stripe. Slone knocked down 8 clutch free throws over the course of both overtime periods. Lincoln County - Junior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="932784" first="Tramane" last="Alcorn"] (PH Ranking #50) Alcorn continued his offensive rhythm from Friday’s game. Playing on the college-sized court, Alcorn used his speed and agility to attack the paint throughout the game. He had a clutch free throw at the end of regulation to force overtime and he buried a deep 3-pointer in the final seconds in overtime to keep his team in the hunt. Alcorn finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Lincoln County - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="638866" first="Jaxon" last="Smith"] (PH Ranking #24) Smith had a relatively quiet performance against Jeffersontown and North Oldham. But he put on a show against GRC. Smith has been the main facilitator on offense and takes on the top assignment on defense. His contributions are not always tallied on the scoresheet. Smith produces a lot of hockey assists, he sets screens away from the ball, he digs in on rebounds and is consistently the outlet guard to reset the offense. Smith had multiple off-the-dribble jump shots in clutch minutes to keep his team fighting. His one-legged, 17 foot, bank-shot sent the game into double-overtime. Smith finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Lincoln County - Junior Guard, Colton Ralston (Unranked in PH) Ralston continued to impress with his smooth shooting. He has great balance in his dribble into pull-up jump shot. Defensively, Ralston is a willing rebounder and plays with active hands. There is plenty of upside to Ralston’s game and we’ll be interested to see how it evolves over the spring and summer. Make sure you are following<a href="https://twitter.com/prephoopsky"> @PrepHoopsKY</a> on Twitter for weekly top games & top performers!