McCreary Central’s Arby’s/KFC Classic Day One Review
(Photo Credit: Times Tribune)
The first day of the Arby’s/KFC Classic hosted by McCreary Central High School tipped off Wednesday. The event features East Jessamine, Lincoln County, McCreary Central, Somerset, and Wayne County. All represent Kentucky’s 12th Region, except for Russell county who represents the 4th Region.
Lincoln County Patriots vs. Wayne County Cardinals
Lincoln County squared off against Wayne County to start the classic, edging the Cardinals 61-57. Lincoln County was led by junior guard Blake Smith who poured in 18 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Smith also shot 58% from the field (40% from 3-point range). Also for the Patriots, senior guard Chase Phillips pitched in 12 points and 7 boards while freshman guard Spencer Baird also chipped in 12 points.
Wayne County’s senior forward Jackson Baker posted a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Cardinals were led in scoring by Kameron Gehring who tallied 15 points.
Russell County Lakers vs. McCreary Central Raiders
Russell County spoiled the host team’s opening to their event, upending McCreary Central 89-81. Russell County ended a two game losing streak, having also lost 6 of their last 7.
McCreary Central’s Hunter Jones continues to impress, averaging just under 20 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field. A pleasant surprise for the Raiders this season has been the play of Derrick Page, who is averaging 19 points while shooting a red hot 62% from the field. Page is also averaging 10 rebounds per game. Both Jones and Page are seniors. McCreary Central fall to 4-4 on the year.
Somerset Briar Jumpers vs. East Jessamine Jaguars
Somerset continues to look impressive, moving to 7-1 on the season after defeating East Jessamine on day one of the Arby’s/KFC Classic. The Briar Jumpers defeated the Jaguars 73-57. Senior guard Kross Grundy is leading Somerset, averaging just under 19 points per game. Senior big man Trae Harmon is averaging 15 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
East Jessamine’s struggles continue, falling to 1-7 on the year. A bright spot for the Jaguars has been the play of Jacob Bradshaw. Bradshaw is averaging 16.7 points per game and is shooting nearly 50% from 3-point range.
The Arby’s/KFC Classic continues tonight, with games kicking off at 6:00 PM ET.