Early Regional Tournament Standouts
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Region tournaments have tipped off throughout the state with most regions finishing the first rounds. Below are some standouts from round one. Malachi Moreno KY #1 C #1 HEIGHT 6'11" POS C CLASS 2025 View Profile Malachi Moreno Twitter State:…
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Continue ReadingRegion tournaments have tipped off throughout the state with most regions finishing the first rounds. Below are some standouts from round one.
Moreno was virtually unstoppable against Bryan Station when he was able to get deep post position. Although he put up his typical scoring numbers of 21 points, he did most of his damage on the defensive end. He was one block away from a triple double and made it extremely hard for the Bryan Station team to score in and around the paint. He will need to produce this kind of effort the rest of the season if Great Crossing wants to get to Rupp.
Dawson was terrific vs Bryan Station. He has gotten so much better throughout the season as it looks like he’s grown a few inches and has gotten exceptionally stronger. He poured in 22 points with most coming from distance. It seemed like every time Station went on a run, Dawson got the ball and made something happen. Big time performance as he proved why he is one of the best players in the state.
Highlights
Owens was the best player on the floor against Great Crossing. He has a fearless approach about him that as a coach you look for in your best player. He absolutely took over the game in the first half as Crossing had no answer. He controlled tempo, got guys involved and was scoring every way possible. He was extremely crafty around the rim scoring around the length of Moreno and sprayed a deep 3 to open up the game for himself. He had a game high 31 points and will undoubtedly be a top Junior in the state next year. Just an absolute gutsy performance.
Highlights
Adams had an extremely efficient game for Bryan Station going 7 for 12 from the field with 14 points. He was super effective driving the basketball, especially from the top of the key when Great Crossing went zone. What won’t show up in the box score was he did a great job guarding Vince Dawson all game making it hard. Dawson hit some tough shots down the stretch but he made it as difficult as possible for him. Adams is another Sophomore that will have a breakout year next season.
Highlights
Braylon Hamilton
Braylon Hamilton
Hamilton picked the perfect time to have one of his best performances of his high school career. He was an absolute force driving the ball, playing thru contact and knocking down free throws. He was consistent all game and there is no surprise he is their Senior leader. When things started to not go not in the Royals favor, he stepped up and took over. He needs to play this aggressive the rest of the way as this team is completely different when he plays like he did.
Kade Hilander
Kade Hilander
Hilander left it all on the floor vs Mason County. He was a bit of a matchup problem for the Royals as his size and speed allowed him to get to the rim and finish thru contact. He was great when the game got physical and up tempo. He also has a great looking shot as he knocked down 2 from 3pt range. He is an ultra competitor that was in attack mode all night both with the ball and on the glass.
Fitzer was a force down low for Pikeville as Lawrence County didn’t have much of an answer guarding him all night. He plays so composed, never really got sped up and nothing fazed him. When he saw bodies he made quick moves or got rid of it to get teammates shots. Lawrence County did a good job keeping him off the boards but he did most of his damage in the post.
Highlights
Johnson was an absolute flame thrower from 3pt range against Lawrence Central knocking down 5 threes that were deep. He opened up the floor for everyone as they couldn’t help off of him. He is a bucket and can score both off the catch and dribble which makes him an attractive player at the next level. Pikeville has all the pieces to make a run.