KHSAA State Sweet 16 ~ Thursday Session, Pt. 2

Jeremy Hobbs

March 25, 2022 @ 08:58 PM

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 1 Champion Murray Tigers (1A) Regular & postseason record: 25-6 vs Region 11 Champion Henry Clay Blue Devils (6A) Regular & postseason record: 26-8   Murray - Junior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="932780" first="Grant" last="Whitaker"] (PH Ranking #18) Whitaker is a seasoned, lead guard that faced all kinds of defensive pressure throughout the game. However, he continued to make plays and set up teammates. His offensive caught fire late in the 3rd quarter and found an unstoppable rhythm that ultimately led his team to victory. Whitaker finished with 20 points. Murray - Senior Forward, Trey Boggess (Unranked on PH) Boggess was locked in and played some of his best basketball against a physical back line of the Blue Devils. He connected on a transition dunk, open 3-pointer, tough finishes in the paint, and was almost perfect from the free-throw line. He was dynamic in the first half and become a facilitator in the second half. Boggess finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Henry Clay - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="1326306" first="Aziel" last="Blackwell"] (PH Ranking #44) Blackwell thrives in isolation and finds the most success by driving to the left side of the court. He has a deliberate approach and can score in a variety of ways. He had several clutch baskets starting with a sweeping transition layup and free throw to tie the game in the 3rd quarter. Blackwell finished with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Henry Clay - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="801604" first="Kanye" last="Henderson"] (PH Ranking #25) Henderson exploded out of the gate netting 11 points early. He has a lethal mid-game pull-up jump shot that is virtually impossible to defend. His consistent commitment to drive the paint gets gives him more opportunities for points at the free-throw line. Henderson hustled until he fouled out and ended with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.   Region 9 Champion Covington Catholic Colonels (5A) Regular & postseason record: 27-4 vs Region 16 Champion Ashland Blazer Tomcats (3A) Regular & postseason record: 25-5   Covington Catholic Colonels - Junior Forward, [player_tooltip player_id="932777" first="Chandler" last="Starks"] (PH Ranking #27) Starks had a clear size and physicality advantage and dominated in the paint all game. The Tomcats did everything they could to challenge Starks, but he routinely beat them with his shot creation. He posts up with a wide base, has great hands, catches the ball cleanly, and has tremendous feel around the paint to score. Starks finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ashland Blazer - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="926924" first="Ethan" last="Sellars"] (PH Ranking #57) Rose was one of the surprises of the 11th region this year. He definitely helped validate his place among the All-Region team with his strong postseason play. Rose is a scoring guard that fights for his points. Ashland Blazer - Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id="932768" first="Colin" last="Porter"] (PH Ranking #3) Hudson is another sophomore that showcased his playmaking acumen in this game. He led the Eagles with a strong first half and carried that into the rest of the game. Hudson was impressive off the ball and constantly moving around.   Make sure you are following<a href="https://twitter.com/prephoopsky"> @PrepHoopsKY</a> on Twitter for weekly top games & top performers!