Boys Sweet 16 Stage Is Set

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Several VYPE schools are heading to Lexington, Kentucky, as a part of the 2013 Boys Sweet 16 Tournament.  Rupp Arena will host the action with first round games starting on Wednesday, March 6^th and running through the championship game set for 2:00pm on March 10^th.

5^th Region

Congratulations to John Hardin on their 5^th Region title. After wins over LaRue County and North Hardin in the region John Hardin now stands at 28-3. The success seen this year is not a total surprise as Coach Mark Wells had 3 of his top 4 scorers back. Seniors Brandon Price and Daveon Green have been clutch players all season. John Hardin drew Fleming County (28-6) the winners of Region 16.  They will tip off Thursday at 1:30pm.

6^th Region

Pleasure Ridge Park Coach Dale Mabrey has been at the helm for 32 years and this may be his finest hour. The Panthers, now (25-7) took some rough losses during the season but have put an impressive run together in the playoffs. Senior Taywon Taylor still has some hoops to play before heading off to WKU for football! Lamontry Harris has upped his game too. Magnificent defense took the Panthers past favorite Bullitt East in the semi-finals and a pinch of zone defense helped down Butler, 53-44, in the finals. This will be the 12^th Sweet 16 for Coach Mabrey and the Panthers first since 2006. PRP will tangle with the Ninth Region winner still to be determined (either Covington Catholic or Holmes).  1:30pm Wednesday will be PRP’s game time.

7^th Region

Revenge is a dish best served when the other team’s shooting is cold… or something like that. Ballard saw a huge lead disappear in last years 7^th Region final vs. eventual State Champion Trinity. This year the Bruins grabbed that lead and kept it as they won their trip to Lexington. A strong zone defense in the title game forced the Shamrocks into a cold shooting night and the Bruins prevailed 57-46. Ballard’s trio of Snider, Holland and Martin are each capable of beating you… together they are 28-4 and playing very well. They are likely the favorite now to cut the nets down in Rupp on March 10^th. Their road starts Thursday at 6:30pm vs. Johnson Central (21-10) who won the 15^th Region.

8^th Region

Welcome South Oldham to their first big dance! The Dragons, under Coach Steve Simpson have improved all season under the radar. Now at (23-7) they own wins over Collins and rival Oldham County (in the Region final 58-48). If senior Shae Goodlett can keep up the scoring (had 60 points in last 2 games) the Dragons will give Hopkinsville (30-4, Region 2 champions) all they can handle. They will tip off Wednesday at 8pm.

Good luck to all these schools from VYPE!