Mason County Invitational Tournament is Tuesday through Thursday

The Mason County Invitational Tournament, presented by US Bank, begins on Tuesday at The Fieldhouse. Here is a thumbnail sketch of each of the teams:

Highlands (8-0)

The Bluebirds are averaging 87.9 points per game and have topped the century mark twice (102-75 over Scott and 101-85 against Campbell County). Four players average double figure scoring: William Herald (22.0) Nathan Vinson (18.5), Brayden Moeves (13.9) and Seth Ryan (10.5). Highlands won the 2021 state championship.

Henry Clay (4-2)

The Blue Devils, coached by former Nicholas County star Daniel Brown, are the defending 11th Region champions. Henry Clay has suffered two straight losses. Mason Hawkins is the Blue Devils' leading scorer with an average 17 points per game. Coach Brown's son, Konlin Brown, averages 14.8 points per game. Coach Brown has another son on the team, Kayson Brown, who averages 5.4 per game. 

Augusta (4-2)

Coach Jason Hinson's Panthers are playing in the MCIT for the second straight year. Augusta is coming off a 96-70 loss to Bracken County on Saturday night. LJ Conner leads the Panthers in scoring with an average of 18.4 per points per game followed by Coach Hinson's son, Kylan Hinson, (13.0) and Conner Snapp (11.6). 

McCracken County (7-0)

The Mustangs are making the long trip from Paducah. McCracken County is allowing an average of only 47.4 points per game. The Mustangs leading scorer is 6-4 senior Jack McCune, a former resident of Maysville who is averaging 18.9 points per game. Ian Hart averages 15 points per game. McCracken County won the 1st Region championship in 2021 and lost to Highlands in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

Fleming County (6-3)

The Panthers, coached by Buddy Biggs, are also in the MCIT for the second year in a row. Fleming County started the season 5-0, but has lost three of its last four games. The Panthers have a balanced scoring attack with four players averaging in double figures: Seth Hickerson (18.7), Lucas Jolly (17.1) Adam Hargett (15.8) and Isaac Frye (10.7).

Butler (7-1)

The Bears have made high school basketball fans take notice with marquee wins over Male and Ballard. Butler's only loss was to Seneca, 68-65, on December 10. Dayton Williams is averaging 15.2 points per game to lead the Butler scoring attack. Terry Walker averages 13.5 points per game followed by Dontre Russell at 10 points per game.

Mason County (6-0)

The Royals, off to their best start since the 2014-15 season, have only had one close game so far: a 75-72 win over Lyon County.  Four players are averaging double figure scoring: Riley Mastin (18.0), Terrell Henry (15.3), Philip Bierley (11.5) and Braylon Hamilton (10.7). Mastin is shooting 69.5 percent from field while Henry is making 57.6 percent of his field goal attempts.

Greenwood (1-7)

The Gators have lost six straight. Their lone win was over Russell County. Luke Stansbury, the son of Western Kentucky University coach Rick Stansbury, is Greenwood's leading scorer (10.0 ppg). Greenwood's best ever player is SEC Network commentator Dameon Fishback who was Mr. Basketball in 1996. Fishback would go on to play for Auburn University.