State Tournament Preview: Thursday Games

The last week of the season is upon us. The KHSAA State tournament tips off at noon on Wednesday and continues until a champion is crowned on Sunday afternoon. For the first time, the Sweet 16 is happening at Rupp Arena. The field for this year's tournament is loaded. Let's take a look at Thursday's contests! Noon Game: Pikeville vs Barren County The Lady Panthers are 17-2 since the calendar turned to 2019 and have won their last 5 games by double figures. Pikeville is balanced with 5 players averaging 5 points or more but their weakness could be perimeter shooting as they are only 27% from behind the three point line as a team. Barren County has gone 21-2 since New Years and are 31-4 overall. Bailey Pedigo and Elizabeth Bertram both score over 13 points per game for the Trojanettes. The noon contest should be a good one. 1:30 Game: Male vs Boyd County - Boyd County is one of the favorites to win it all this season and feature Ms. Basketball Savannah Wheeler. The Lady Lions were dominant over region foes with a 19-1 region record and Harley Paynter is a tremendous second option beside Wheeler. Male was a bit of a surprise to come out of the 7th region but they are a formidable group. Cameron Browning is a huge presence in the middle for the Lady Bulldogs while Alana Striverson, Joelle Johnson and Destiny Combs all score in double figures for Coach Ligon's group. This game should be a dandy. 6:30 Game: Collins vs Southwestern Collins dropped their district championship game by 15 points but rallied to win the regional tournament. Sean Pigman was a part of the Mercer County program that had a long run on top of the 12th region and now he brings his own team to Rupp Arena. Olivia Federle and Jeian Hayes are double figure scorers and Mary-Clare Megibben is a tremendous rebounder and post presence. After upsetting Lincoln County and Casey County to win the 12th region. The Warriors have 3 ladies averaging double figures with Regi Cundiff, Kennedy Harris and Kallie Sheron and are going to be a tough out for anyone this week. 8:00 Game: North Laurel vs Henderson County The Lady Jaguars of North Laurel are one of the few teams who have already won 30 games this season. They have incredible balance on the offensive end with Gracie Jervis, Hailee Valentine, Raegan Hubbard, Emily Sizemore and Isabel Gray all averaging 8 points or more per game. Henderson rolls into Rupp Arena with an 18-8 record and lost their district title to Webster County. Emilee Hope and Alyssa Dickson are double figure scorers for the Lady Colonels. As a team, Henderson shoots 38% from three and will need to make several threes to knock off North Laurel on Thursday night.