Bluegrasspreps.com Boys Basketball Top 20

BGP BOYS TOP 20

 

1. Eastern
2. Jeffersontown
3. Clark County
4. Christian County
5. Seneca
6. Tates Creek
7. Bowling Green
8. Warren Central
9. Pleasure Ridge Park
10. Trinity
11. Paducah Tilghman
12. Iroquois
13. Ballard
14. Lafayette
15. Male
16. Moore
17. Lexington Catholic
18. Mason County
19. Scott County
20. Muhlenberg County

 

 

Katelyn Smith scores a career-high 25 points to lead the Lady Royals to season-opening win

Katelyn Smith scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Mason County Lady Royals to a 71-59 season-opening victory over the Bracken County Lady Bears tonight. Bailey Menke and Courtney Moran scored 11 points apiece. Justin Justice Morton had a career-high nine-points and 10 rebounds. The Lady Royals host Calvary Christian Thursday night.

MC (1-0) Moran 11, Menke 11, Smith 25, Moore 8, Morton 9, Butler 4, Bierley 1, Henry 2
BC (0-1) Conley 18, Cummins 5, Wills 8, Sticklen 17, Ahrens 4, Jefferson 6, Bell 1

MC FG 45.3% 3 PT FG 25.0% FT 80.8% REB 44 TO 14
BC FG 34.3% 3 PT FG 26.3% FT 35.3% REB 41 TO 14

MC 14 20 19 18-71
BC 17 09 15 18-59

Points of Emphasis for high school basketball

The National Federation of State High School Associations has listed five Points of Emphasis for the 2010-11 high school basketball season. Here are the comments from the NFHS:

2010-11 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. RULES ENFORCEMENT. There appears to be continued movement away from consistent enforcement of NFHS playing rules. Personal interpretations of the rules by individual officials have a negative impact on the game. The rules are written to provide a balance between offense and defense, minimize risk to participants, promote the sound tradition of the game and promote fair play. Individual philosophies and deviations from the rules as they are written and interpreted by the NFHS, negatively impact the basic tenets and fundamentals of the game. Illegal tactics that are permitted – are promoted. When officials allow players to use illegal tactics without penalty, the behavior is condoned and consequently encouraged. When officials consistently enforce the playing rules as intended, players and coaches are able to make the proper adjustments – promoting skill development and a level playing field.
2. SPORTING BEHAVIOR. Teams entering the gymnasium prior to the contest should not run through the area occupied by the opposing team or under the basket where opponents are warming up. Teams should only enter, jog and warm up on their half of the court. Gatherings intended to motivate a team after the warm-up period, during or following player introductions and post-game celebrations should be performed in the area directly in front of the team bench. If during the pre-game or half-time warm-up period one team leaves the floor, the other team may not use the entire court; teams may only warm up on their half of the court. Only authorized personnel (cheerleaders, athletic trainers, managers, administrators, etc.) should be permitted on the floor; all spectators should be in designated areas.
3. PERIMETER PLAY. Two illegal actions are taking place on the perimeter of the court that are particularly problematic. First, defensive players are illegally using their hands to “check” the ball handler/dribbler. Secondly, offensive players are palming the ball to elude the defender. Both of these illegal tactics are going uncalled, which in turn, promotes further illegal actions (see Point of Emphasis #1).
A. Hand checking.
1) Hand checking is any tactic using the hands or arms that allows a player, on offense or defense, to control (hold, impede, push, divert, slow or prevent) the movement of an opposing player.
2) Hand checking is a foul and is not incidental contact.
3) Defensive players shall not have hand(s) on the offensive player. When a player has a hand on, two hands on or jabs a hand or forearm on an opponent, it is a foul.
4) When a player contacts an opponent with his or her hands as an aid in starting, stopping, driving around, defending a screen, controlling or anticipating the
opponent’s next move, it is a foul. Players may not place their hands on an opponent with or without the ball.
5) Much of the roughness in the interscholastic game today is a direct result of not assessing the proper penalty when illegal contact with the hand(s) occurs.
B. Palming.
1) When the hand is in contact with the ball and the palm of the hand is beyond the perpendicular position (more than a handshake), tilted in a skyward position so the ball has come to rest on the hand, the dribble has ended.
2) When the player then pushes the ball to the floor, he or she is starting another dribble (illegal dribble), which is a violation.
4. CLOSELY-GUARDED SITUATIONS. Well officiated closely-guarded situations provide for better balance between offense and defense. When closely-guarded rules are not followed, there is a significant advantage for the offense. The following areas are to be emphasized:
A. Rule basics. A closely-guarded situation occurs when a player in control of the ball in his or her team’s frontcourt, is guarded by an opponent who is within 6 feet of the player who is holding or dribbling the ball; the defensive player must obtain a legal guarding position. A player shall not hold the ball for five seconds or dribble the ball for five seconds while closely guarded in his or her frontcourt. A player can legally hold the ball while closely guarded for four seconds, dribble the ball for four seconds and hold the ball again for four seconds before violating.
B. Measuring 6 feet. Officials must define and have a clear image of the 6-foot guarding distance necessary. Too frequently, officials require the defensive player to be within 3 to 4 feet prior to the count being initiated. Good visual examples of this distance can be found on the court as: the distance between the free-throw line and the top of the semi-circle; from the division line to the jump circle; two adjacent marked lane spaces. Failure to properly judge the 6-foot distance and require the defender to be within 3 or 4 feet of the dribbler before beginning the count puts the defensive player in an unfair position.
C. Ending the count. A closely-guarded count ends when no defensive player is within 6 feet. The count also stops when a closely-guarded player: completes a dribble anywhere in the team’s own frontcourt; starts a dribble in the team’s own frontcourt and ends it anywhere in the frontcourt (a new five-second count will start if the player holds the ball); loses possession of the ball for any reason in the team’s own frontcourt; or has his or her dribble interrupted. If a closely-guarded player beats the defender(s) by getting head and shoulders past the defensive player, the count has ended.
D. Multiple defenders. The count should continue even if there is a defensive switch, provided the 6-foot distance is maintained. There is no requirement for the defensive player to remain the same during the count as long as the offensive player is closely guarded throughout.
E. Counting mechanics. The official begins a visible count when the 6-foot distance is established and must switch arms when going directly from one counting situation to another.
5. PRINCIPLE OF VERTICALITY. The committee is concerned that the principle of verticality is not being applied consistently, especially in situations that involve blocked shots. Verticality applies to a legal position. The following are the basic components of the principle of verticality:
A. Legal guarding must be obtained initially and movement thereafter must be legal.
B. For this position, the defender may rise or jump vertically and occupy the space within his or her vertical plane.
C. The hands and arms of the defender may be raised within his/her vertical plane while on the floor or in the air.
D. The defender should not be penalized for leaving the floor vertically or having his/her hands and arms extended within his or her vertical plane.
E. The offensive player, whether on the floor or airborne, may not “clear out” or cause contact within the defender’s vertical plane; this is a foul.
F. The defender may not “belly up” or use the lower part of the body or arms to cause contact outside his or her vertical plane; this is a foul.
G. The player with the ball is to be given no more protection or consideration than the defender in judging which player has violated the rules.
H. Misunderstanding of this rule generally results in the defensive player being charged with a foul when actually his or her vertical plane has likely been violated.

High school basketball season begins Monday night

The high school basketball season begins Monday night as the Mason County Lady Royals host the Bracken County Lady Bears. The St. Patrick Saints open up on the road Tuesday night against the Greenup County Musketeers. The St. Patrick Lady Saints play their season opener Friday night at home against the Bourbon County Lady Colonels. The Mason County Royals don't play their first game until Dec. 8 when they travel to Falmouth to play the Pendleton County Wildcats.

Lofton scores a season-high 28 points

Chris Lofton scored a season-high 28 points and the Iowa Energy ran its record to 4-0 with a 123-111 victory over the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA Development League Friday night. Lofton hit five three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds. The Energy play the 66ers again tonight in Tulsa.

News and notes

It's time to catch up on some of news and notes:

• Three Mason County cross country athletes have received all-state recognition. Julia Woods, Valerie Rice and Nick Robinson were named all-state honorable mention in Class 2A by the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association. Woods is Mason County's Female Runner of the Year. Robinson is Mason County's Male Runner of the Year. The awards were presented at the team banquet Tuesday night;
• The Wendy's High School Heisman Award School Winners have been announced. Daniel Yeary is the winner at St. Patrick, and Faith Weddle is the winner at Mason County. The Wendy's High School Heisman Program recognizes high school seniors for excellence in academics, athletics and community/school leadership;
• Shawnee State University freshman guard Justin Lang scored four points and had four rebounds and two steals as the Bears' won their home opener 100-64 over UC-Clermont Tuesday night; 
• Former Mason County Royal Chris Stapleton is coaching basketball at Pendleton County Middle School. His team picked up its first tournament championship last weekend in the 3rd Annual Erv Whitford Memorial Tournament at Silver Grove. Stapleton guided his team to wins over Ludlow, Newport Central Catholic and R.A. Jones of Boone County;

Mason County Royals Varsity and JV Rosters

St. Patrick Saints Roster

Mason County Lady Royals Roster

St. Patrick Lady Saints Roster

Setty, Jones and Lofton have big games

Trevor Setty, Wesley Jones and Chris Lofton has big games Saturday. Here's a rundown:

• Setty hit five three-pointers and equaled his season-high of 19 points as Pikeville College beat Bluefield College 92-62. Setty also had seven rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals;
• Jones scored a team-high 19 points, but Central State University lost to Elizabeth City University 80-72. Jones hit four three-pointers and had six rebounds and one assist;
• Lofton scored 12 points as the Iowa Energy improved to 2-0 with a 99-90 victory over the Dakota Wizards. Lofton also had four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. You watch Lofton's games online on NBA D-League Futurecast. Go to www.nba.com/dleague.

The latest on the local pro and college basketball and football players

Here is the latest on the local professional and college basketball and football players:

• Chris Lofton scored nine points in his first regular season game in the NBA D-League. Lofton also had five rebounds and four steals as the Iowa Energy defeated the Dakota Wizards 113-92 Friday night in Bismark. The same two teams play tonight in Des Moines;
• Darius Miller had a big game in Kentucky's 79-48 rout of Portland Friday night. Miller scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists. He also had a career high five steals and four blocks. Miller was 6-of-7 from the field including 3-of-4 on three pointers;
• Trevor Setty hit three three-pointers and scored 16 points as Pikeville College improved to 4-1 with an 87-61 victory over Alice Lloyd College Friday night;
• Central State University senior guard Wesley Jones scored 14 points in the Marauders' 76-72 season-opening win over Lincoln University Nov. 13. Jones scored four points and had five rebounds, one assist and one steal in CSU's 70-53 loss to Wayne State University Tuesday night;
• Stephen Howell had one carry for five yards in his Senior Day game and Centre College beat defeated LaGrange College 48-7 Nov. 13. Howell was injured most of his senior season;
• Chris Marshall played in nine games for Ohio Wesleyan this season. He rushed for 100 yards on 36 carries. He also had six receptions for 38 yards.

Mason County girls' soccer awards

The Mason County Lady Royals soccer team held its awards banquet Thursday night at the Maysville Conference Center, Here is a list of the award winners:

JV Award

Renee Stewart

110% Award

Alivia Bierley

Most Improved Player

Faith Weddle

Most Assists

Amrita Srinivasan

Best Defensive Player

Mariah Scilley

Best Offensive Player

Jessica Shotwell

Lady Royal Award

Leah Tucker

Team Player

Taylor Dudley

Coach's Award

Whitney Allen

St. Patrick Green-White basektball games tonight

The St. Patrick Green-White basketball games are tonight. The girls' and boys' basketball teams will be introduced and the annual intrasquad scrimmage games will be played. The games begin at 6 p.m. There is a tailgate party before the games.

Lady Royals Picture Day

Photos by Whitney Allen

Royals Picture Day

Photos by Whitney Allen

KHSAA adds track events for wheelchair bound athletes

Here is the press release from the KHSAA:

Beginning in 2011, Kentucky’s wheelchair bound student-athletes will have an opportunity to test their skills at KHSAA track and field events. The KHSAA Board of Control has given approval for the addition of two events, the 400 meter race and the shot put, to KHSAA sanctioned track and field meets for the 2010-11 spring track and field

season.

The KHSAA and the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) will work together to implement the new events. The AAASP works in partnership with education agencies in the U.S. to establish policies, and procedures in interscholastic adapted sports for students with physical disabilities to enhance educational

outcomes. The activities used by the AAASP have a foundation in Paralympic sports, and have been developed for student-athletes based on their functional ability.

Students are encouraged to participate in the regular season with scores reported to the AAASP where they are tracked and compiled. Students could then qualify for the two events at the state level. Both adaptive events will be featured as exhibitions at the 2011 KHSAA State Track and Field Meet at Owsley Frazier Park in Louisville and, if successful, could be a permanent addition to the games. The AAASP will conduct the events and deliver medals to the winners but team points will not be scored for any school through those events.

If there is sufficient interest in the program more events could be added in the future, with the ultimate hope of a team championship for adapted teams. A benefit of the partnership with the AAASP is training assistance for coaches and officials, as well as information on how to implement and grow the sport for a new segment of student-athletes.

“We utilize a lot of resources in support of our position that participation in sports is a tremendous asset to the high school aged student. I am glad we will be able to start offering opportunities for those students with physical disabilities and evaluate it for future expansion,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Other states with much larger population bases have been able to successfully add programs and with the help of AAASP, we hope to be able to gauge the level of interest in more opportunities and our ability to accommodate that interest, both from a financial and operational standpoint. We are excited about the chance to partner to help more of Kentucky's youth.”

News and notes

Here are some news and notes to catch up on some local sports:

• Former Mason County football players Jackson Tolle and Colt Fearis will receive Mid-South Conference Championship rings. Georgetown College won its 17th conference title. The Tigers play MidAmerica Nazarene Saturday in the first round of the NAIA playoffs;
• Mason County offensive tackle Alex Newton has been invited to playin the Kentucky All-Star football game. A team of Louisville all-stars will play a team of all-stars from the rest of the state;
• The Mason County Royals will host the Highland Bluebirds in the 2011 football season. Highlands has won 19 state championships. The Bluebirds have won three consecutive Class 5A state titles. Highlands will drop down to Class 4A next season;
• Trevor Setty scored a season-high 19 points for Pikeville College in the Tigers' 108-71 victory over Glenville State on Nov. 10

Josh Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Year at MCHS

Josh Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Year at Mason County High School. Harris rushed for 1,126 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He also led the Royals' defense with 98 tackles. Harris is now eligible to be named one of 50 national Players of the Year. The Old Spice Player of the Year program is nationally sponsored by Procter and Gamble, the makers of Old Spice Deodorant. The program is created and managed by 360 Youth, LLC, an Alloy company.

Three locals in Thomas More vs. Transy game, Owens scores a game-high 19 points

Three local players were on the court in Monday night's Thomas More at Transylvania basketball game. Former St. Patrick standout Chris Owens scored a game-high 19 points for Transy, but Thomas More pulled out a 71-69 victory. Former Mason County teammates Keith Downing and Ryan Hamm are now members of the Thomas More team. Downing scored three points. Hamm played, but did not score. Owens was 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Week at Mason County

For the second straight week, junior tailback/linebacker Josh Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Week at Mason County High School. Harris rushed 17 times for 117 yards and a touchdown, and led the Royals' defense with 13 tackles in Mason County's 27-14 loss to Belfry Friday night.

Batey twins named to All-KIAC Team

Asbury College soccer players Jessica Batey and Rebecca Batey, sophomores and twins from Maysville were named to the All-KIAC Team. Here is a link to press release on the Asbury College website.

(Jessica is on the left and Rebecca is on the right in the photos)

Lady Royals 6th, Royals 23rd at state meet

The Mason County Lady Royals finished in sixth place and the Royals took 23rd place at the KHSAA Class 2A cross country meet today at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Sophomore Julia Woods led the Lady Royals with a 26th place finish (21:16.75). Freshman Nick Robinson was the Royals' top runner in 29th place (17:42.74). Here are links to the complete results:

Girls

Boys

Royals lose to Belfry 27-14, Pawsat injured

The Mason County Royals lost to the Belfry Pirates 27-14 tonight in the second round of the Class 3A football playoffs. Mason County quarterback Neal Pawsat left the game with a knee injury with 24 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Belfry took a 7-0 lead with a 14-play, 74 yard drive. Mason County answered when Pawsat threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Gilbert.

On Belfry's ensuing drive, Pawsat was injured on a defensive play. Belfry finished the drive with a one-yard run by fullback Trey Willis to go up 14-7. The Pirates took a 21-7 lead early in the third quarter. Josh Harris scored on a one-yard run to cut the deficit to seven. The Royals were stopped on fourth down at the Belfry 34 yard line with 10:36 left in the game, and the Pirates scored a 44-yard run by Willis.

"I'm very, very proud of our players," Mason County Coach David Buchanan said. "They played extremely hard. I hate it for Neal, I hate it for him. Such a good person. He does everything the way it needs to be done and all those things are going to serve him well down the road, but I hate that he's dealing with what he's dealing with. (I) hate it for all the kids, they've got so much invested, and you just hate to see it come to an end."

Pawsat suffered a season-ending knee injury in the final game of the regular season last year.

He completed 5-of-6 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown tonight.

The Mason County defense took it to another level and kept the Royals in the game after Pawsat went out.

"They played really, really hard," Buchanan said. "(Defensive coordinator Larry) Harris did a great job getting our guys ready to play, and our kids gave a great effort."

Mason County alternated using sophomore Tyler Baxter at quarterback and Harris in the "Hog" format, the Royals' version of the "Wildcat."

Harris rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Gilbert had seven receptions for 89 yards.

Willis rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries for the Pirates.

The loss snapped Mason County's 10-game winning streak. The Royals end the year at 10-2.

Belfry improves to 8-4 and will host the Russell Red Devils in the region finals. Russell beat

Sheldon Clark 15-12.

B 1st Q 3:45 Jeffree Pruitt 6 yard pass from Tyler Williams (Austin Childers kick) B 7, MC 0

MC 1st Q 2:30 Jordan Gilbert 52 yard pass from Neal Pawsat (Jordan Gilbert kick) B 7, MC 7

B 2nd Q 8:13 Trey Willis 1 yard run (Austin Childers kick) B 14, MC 7

B 3rd Q 10:31 Jeffree Pruitt 69 yard pass from Trey Williams (Austin Childers kick) B 21, MC 7

MC 3rd Q 5:33 Josh Harris 1 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) B 21, MC 14

B 4th Q 7:28 Trey Willis 44 yard run (kick failed) B 27, MC 14

State cross country meet is Saturday

The KHSAA state cross country meet is Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The Mason County girls' and boys' teams will be competing in the Class 2A races. The Lady Royals won their third straight region championship last week. The Royals were the runners-up in the region meet. Both teams are coached by Mark Kachler. The Class 2A girls' race begins at 11:30 a.m. The Class 2A boys' race starts at 12:15 p.m. Admission is $10. Children six and under will be admitted free.

Mason County hosts Belfry in second round game

The 10-1 Mason County Royals host the 7-4 Belfry Pirates tonight in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. Mason County is riding a 10-game winning streak. Belfry is 2-2 in their last four games. Belfry Coach Phillip Haywood says his team is "a work in progress."

"We've got some seniors on our team, we've also got a lot of young players too," Haywood said. "So, we feel like we're still improving here at the end of the year which is a good thing for us, but it also shows we've been a little youthful and inexperienced over the course of the year."

Belfry is primarily a running team led by senior halfback Jeffree Pruitt, junior fullback Trey Willis and junior halfback Gary Runyon. Pruitt rushed for 184 yards against Whitley County and 182 yards vs. Pikeville.

The Pirates' four losses have been to good teams- Prestonsburg (21-6), Ashland (36-22), Sheldon Clark (22-6) and Johnson Central (42-7).

"Our opponents have been pretty good," Haywood said. "We've taken a couple on the chin. Other than maybe one game, we've competed in every game, and had our ups and downs, had a few injuries along the way, and we've had a lot of kids play this year."

Mason County Coach David Buchanan says he's impressed with Belfry.

"We're excited about the challenge," Buchanan said. "We're excited about an opponent of this ability."

The winner of tonight's game will advance to the region championship game against the winner of the Russell at Sheldon Clark game. Kickoff is at 7:30.

• This is the first meeting between Mason County and Belfry;
• Mason County is 4-4 in second round games. The Royals have not advanced past the second round since 2003;
• Coach Haywood is third on the Kentucky coaching wins list with 334 career victories;
• Haywood guided the Pirates to back-to-back Class 2A state titles in 2003 and 2004. Belfry was the Class 3A state runner-up under Haywood in 1985, 1986 and 2007. The Pirates were also the Class 3A state runner-up in 1979. Dick Roddy was the coach of the 1979 team;
• The tailgate party is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes bean soup, cornbread, country ham sandwiches, dessert and drink for $5.

(Edited to add the 2007 state runner-up.)

St. Patrick basketball Media Day

(Boys' team photo credit: Jonathan Fraysure)

Setty signs with Southern Illinois

Mason County senior Treg Setty signed today to play basketball at Southern Illinois University. Setty, a 6-8 forward, verbally committed to the Salukis in March. He says Southern Illinois Coach Chris Lowery offered him a scholarship the first time he called in the summer of 2009. Setty says he and his older brother Trevor, have been fans of Southern Illinois since they were little. Setty averaged 13.9 points and 7 rebounds a game last season. Southern Illinois, located in Carbondale, is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Salukis made six straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament from 2002 to 2007. Push play on the media player below to hear comments by Setty and Mason County Coach Chris O'Hearn.

Menke scores 14 points, St. Catherine wins home opener

Freshman Keller Menke made two three-pointers and scored 14 points to help St. Catharine win its home opener over Midway 86-70 Tuesday night. Menke scored eight points in the Patriots' season opener- a 75-64 victory over Mid-Continent University on Nov. 1. St. Catharine is back in action tonight against IU-Southeast in New Albany, Indiana.

Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Week at Mason County

Junior tailback/linebacker Josh Harris is the Old Spice Player of the Week at Mason County High School. Harris ran for 93 yards and a touchdown in the Royals 41-20 win over East Ridge last week. He also had nine tackles and blocked an extra point.

Mason County girls 6th grade team win St.Patrick tourney

The Mason County Middle School girls' 6th grade basketball team won the St. Patrick tournament over the weekend. The Lady Royals defeated two teams from Nicholas County and an AAU squad from Campbell County. Mason County has played in three tournaments this season and won all three. The Lady Royals' record is 12-1.

Class 3A football playoffs 2nd round schedule

Here is the schedule of games for the second round of the Class 3A football playoffs:

Region 1

Edmonson County (7-4) at (9-2) Paducah Tilghman

Union County (9-2) at Russellville (8-3)

Region 2

Moore (4-7) at Central (5-6)

Elizabethtown (4-7) at North Oldham (7-4)

Region 3

Garrard County (5-6) at Somerset (11-0)

Casey County (8-3) at Breathitt County (7-4)

Region 4

Belfry (7-4) at Mason County (10-1)

Russell (6-5) at Sheldon Clark (6-5)

Three St. Patrick athletes compete in Class A cross country regional

The Class A Region 5 Championship was held Saturday at Trimble County. St. Patrick sophomore Sarah Todd finished in 23rd place (24:36.) and St. Patrick eighth grader Emily Todd was 36th (30:56.3) in the girls' race. St. Patrick junior Payne Stanfield was 37th (22:58.1) in the boys' race.

Lady Royals three-peat as XC Region champions

The Mason County Lady Royals are cross country region champions for the third straight year. The Lady Royals won the Class 2A Region 6 Championship today at the Mason County course. Mason County sophomore Julia Woods was the runner-up in a time of 20:23.99. Three other Lady Royals also medalled- sophomore Valerie Rice (6th place, 21:23.71), eighth grader Cara Woods (7th place, 21:32.83) and eighth grader Sierra Anderson (10th place 22:02.94). Fleming County finished second, East Carter third and Russell fourth. The top four teams advance to the state meet next week. East Carter freshman Macy Dyer was the individual region champion in a time of 20:03.59.

Mason County boys 2nd in XC region

The Mason County Royals finished second in the Class 2A Region 6 Championship today at Mason County and qualified for the state meet. Freshman Nick Robinson led the Royals with a third place finish in a time of 16:54.79. Mason County senior Nathan Woods also won a medal with a seventh place finish with a career-best time of 17:42.42. Ashland won the region. Ashland senior Jon Renneker won the individual title (16:34.98). Rowan County took third place and Rowan County was fourth. The top four teams qualified for the state meet.

Photos of XC All-Region teams and medal winners

Class 2A Region 6 XC All-Region teams

The Class 2A Region 6 Cross Country All-Region teams were announced today during the awards ceremony following the region championship at Mason County.

Girls 1st Team

Katie Coldiron, Greenup County

Macy Dyer, East Carter

Abby Fearin, Fleming County

Jennifer Miller, Russell

Valerie Rice, Mason County

Cara Woods, Mason County

Julia Woods, Mason County

Girls 2nd Team

Sierra Anderson, Mason County

Olivia Ball, Greenup County

Kelsey Dillon, Fleming County

Emily Hanson, Russell

Kirstain Jordan, East Carter

Raylee Kirkland, Mason County

Julie Perkins, Fleming County

Boys 1st Team

Taylor Bradley, Ashland

Brennan Kizziare, Ashland

Daulton Leet, Fleming County

Zachery Martin, Fleming County

Jon Renneker, Ashland

Nick Robinson, Mason County

Nathan Woods, Mason County

Girls 2nd Team

Jacob Adams, Ashland

Clady Adkins, Rowan County

Austin Craft, Ashland

Shelly Dehart, Rowan County

Jacob Heyerly, Russell

Rakesh Iyer, Ashland

Brandon Yates, Russell

Mason County beats East Ridge 41-20

Jordan Gilbert scored three touchdowns and Josh Harris rushed for two touchdowns to lead the Mason County Royals to a 41-20 victory over the East Ridge Warriors tonight in the rain and snow in the first round of the Class 3A football playoffs. Gilbert returned a kickoff for a touchdown, had a TD reception, ran for a touchdown. It was the Royals' 10th straight win. Mason County (10-1) will host Belfry in the second round next week.

MC 1st Q 00:47 Josh Harris 7 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) MC 7, ER 0

MC 2nd Q 10:48 Josh Harris 12 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) MC 14, ER 0

ER 2nd Q 5:51 Patrick Casey 11 yard pass from Bryan Casey (kick blocked) MC 14, ER 6

MC 2nd Q 5:38 Jordan Gilbert 75 yard field goal (run failed) MC 20, ER 6

MC 2nd Q 2:11 Jordan Gilbert 4 yard pass from Neal Pawsat (Josh Harris run) MC 28, ER 6

MC 3rd Q 6:13 Jordan Gilbert 8 yard run (kick failed) MC 34, ER 6

MC 3rd Q 00:31 Troy Chenault 1 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) MC 41, ER 6

ER 4th Q 4:59 Patrick Casey 1 yard run (pass failed) MC 41, ER 12

ER 4th Q 00:04 Austin Adkins 29 yard pass from Bryan Casey (Daulton Lewis run) MC 41, ER 20

Miller scores 12 points in UK win over Dillard

Darius Miller scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Kentucky's 122-54 exhibition win over Dillard. Miller also had five assists, four steals and two blocks. Freshman Terrance Jones led the Wildcats with 23 points and rebounds. Kentucky opens the season at home against East Tennessee State on Nov. 12

Cross country region championships Saturday

The cross country region championships will be held Saturday. Mason County will host the Class 2A Region Six meet. The girls' race begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by the boys' at 12:15 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held in the US Bank/Mason County Schools Indoor Athletic Complex. Admission is $5.00 St. Patrick will compete in the Class A Region Five meet at Trimble County.

Mason County hosts East Ridge tonight in playoff opener

The Mason County Royals (9-1) host the East Ridge Warriors (5-5) tonight in the first round of the Class3A football playoffs. Mason County is riding a nine-game winning streak. East Ridge went 0-3 in the district play but qualified for the playoffs because there are only four teams in District 8. The Royals defeated the Warriors 62-6 in the first round last year.

East Ridge Coach Brad Allen says his team has come a long way since last year. "We got in the weight room and got a lot stronger and (we've) got some confidence behind us now," Allen said.

East Ridge is averaging 311 rushing yards a game- second best in Class 3A.

The Warriors 5-5 record is the best in the nine-year history of the school.

"We've lost five games to five tough teams," Allen said. "We've had some good wins this year, we had some bad losses."

Allen said hopefully his team "will come out and have a good show (tonight)."

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Notes:

• In Class 3A, Mason County is third in scoring margin, (22.9 ppg), third in scoring defense (14.8 ppg), 4th in scoring (37.7 ppg), 5th in passing defense (65 ypg), 6th in passing (169 ypg) and 14th in rushing defense (212 ypg);
• Mason County's all-time playoff record is 14-13 including 8-5 in first round games;
• The tailgate party is from 5 p.m. to game time. The menu includes two chili dogs, baked beans, chips, dessert and drink for $5.00

(Edited to correct East Ridge's district)

The scoop on the East Ridge Warriors, Mason Co.'s first round opponent

The Mason County Royals will host the East Ridge Warriors in the first round of the Class 3A football playoffs for the second year in a row Friday night. The Royals routed the Warriors 62-6 last year. Here are some facts about the Pike County school:

• East Ridge is located in Lick Creek;
• This year's 5-5 record is the best in the nine-year history of the school;
• The Warriors won three games in a row against Hurley, Virginia, South Floyd and Allen Central, but then were outscored 175-49 in three straight losses to district foes Sheldon Clark, Pike County Central and Belfry;
• East Ridge snapped the three-game losing streak last week with a 44-28 win over Tug Valley, West Virginia;
• Senior running back Patrick Casey has rushed for 1,184 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has seven receptions for 143 yards and three more touchdowns;
• Another senior running back- Dalton Lewis- has rushed for 734 yards and eight touchdowns. He has one TD reception;
• Senior quarterback Bryan Casey has rushed for 693 yards and eight touchdowns. He has completed 24-of-53 passes for 408 yards and four more touchdowns. Casey has throw five interceptions. He suffered an injury in the final minute of the first half of last season's game against Mason County and did not play the rest of the game;
• East Ridge has only attempted 61 passes all season;
• Brad Allen is in his third season as the coach of the Warriors and has a record of 9-22

Links to coverage on Chris Lofton being 6th pick in NBA D-League draft

Here are links to coverage on Chris Lofton being the sixth pick in the NBA Development League draft:

Des Moines Register

FanHouse

The Iowa Sports Connections

Victory over Greenup County was Buchanan's 150th career win

Mason County's 55-27 victory over Greenup County last week was the 150th career win for Coach David Buchanan. In 15 seasons at Mason County, Buchanan has a record of 119-54. Buchanan was 31-15 in four seasons at Paris. Buchanan has guided the Royals to three consecutive district titles.

The Royals host the East Ridge Warriors Friday night in the first round of the Class 3A football playoffs. Here is Buchanan's season-by-season coaching record:

1992 Paris 7-4

1993 Paris 10-2

1994 Paris 10-3

1995 Paris 4-6

1996 Mason County 5-5

1997 Mason County 6-5

1998 Mason County 4-6

1999 Mason County 8-3

2000 Mason County 9-3

2001 Mason County 12-2

2002 Mason County 11-2

2003 Mason County 12-2

2004 Mason County 1-9

2005 Mason County 7-4

2006 Mason County 7-4

2007 Mason County 8-4

2008 Mason County 9-3

2009 Mason County 11-1

2010 Mason County 9-1

Career 150-69

Miller has double-double UK's win over Pikeville, Setty scores 7 for Bears

Darius Miller scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the University of Kentucky's 97-66 exhibition win over the Pikeville Bears at Rupp Arena tonight. Miller was 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also had three assists, two blocks and one steal. Trevor Setty scored seven points and had four rebounds and three steals for Pikeville. Setty fouled out with 5:51 left in the game.

Lofton 6th pick in NBA D-League draft

Chris Lofton was the sixth player selected in the first round of the NBA Development League draft tonight. Lofton was drafted by the Iowa Energy, an affiliate of the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls located in Des Moines. The Energy opens the season Nov. 19 at Dakota. This will be Lofton's third professional season. He played in Turkey his rookie season and in Spain last year.

Gilbert is the Old Spice Player of the Week

Jordan Gilbert is the Old Spice Player of the Week at Mason County High School. Gilbert had five receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown and returned the third quarter kickoff 79 yards for a touchdowns in the Royals' 55-27 victory over Greenup County Friday night.

Miller and Setty on opposing sides tonight

Darius Miller and Trevor Setty, teammates on Mason County's 2008 state championship team, will be on opposing sides tonight when the Kentucky Wildcats host the Pikeville College Bears in an exhibition game at Rupp Arena. Miller is a 6-7 junior at Kentucky. Setty is a 6-9 sophomore at Pikeville. Setty scored 10 points in the Bears' season-opening win over Temple Baptist College Friday night. Former Mason County Coach Kelly Wells is the head coach at Pikeville College. Miller was an eighth grader on Mason County's 2004 state runner-up team coached by Wells. Wells guided Mason County to its first state championship in 2003.