PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – For the first time in five seasons the Floyd Central Jaguars are returning to the finals of the Boys' 58th District Tournament behind a 71-65 win over Betsy Layne Tuesday night at Prestonsburg Fieldhouse.
The win gave the Jaguars a 3-game sweep over the Bobcats this season.
Betsy Layne didn’t show much of an offensive attack, shooting 41% from the floor mostly on layups or settling for outside looks. The Bobcats shot (9-30) from 3-point range, while only attempting 28 field goals inside the arch.
Floyd Central improved their shooting in the second half to finish at 54% from the field and (6-15) from 3-point range.
The Bobcats owned a 29-25 lead at the half after Floyd Central appeared to be pressing a bit on the court after starters Brody Buck and Chris Spriggs picked up two fouls each and failed to score.
By the third quarter, Braden Moore caught fire chalking up 10 points giving the Jaguars a slim 4-point lead, 48-44 heading to the fourth quarter.
Betsy Layne tied the game 54-54 at the 5:28 mark on a 3-pointer in the left corner by Carter Parsons, yet the Jags answered immediately with a bucket plus one from Spriggs, putting Floyd Central ahead 57-54. Spriggs would extend the lead 59-54 after a steal and layup giving the Jaguars the lead for good.
Braden Moore had an impressive night for Floyd Central as he led all scorers with 24 points while grabbing five rebounds, dishing out four assists and blocked two shots. Ronnie Samons tallied 16 points and Chris Spriggs finished with 11.
Betsy Layne was led by Andrew Kidd with 21 points. Cameron Pente and Carter Parsons each connected on four 3-point baskets and finished with 16 points and 15 points respectfully.
Floyd Central (15-13) moves on to Thursday’s championship game where they’ll face Lawrence County. The Bulldogs have dominated the Jaguars over the past five seasons, winning 13 of their 14 matchups. Lawrence County swept Floyd Central in their two prior matchups during the regular season.
Betsy Layne (16-15) was able to draw a BYE in the new super regional format and will face the winner of a district tournament runner-up from the 57th, 59th or 60th district on the road Saturday.
FLOYD CENTRAL (71) – B. Moore 8 (3) 1-2 24. Spriggs 3 (1) 4-5 11. Boyd 3 (1) 2-2 9. Samons 8 0-1 16. Buck 2 4. D. Moore 3 (1) 7. Meade 0.
BETSY LAYNE (65) – Parsons 5 (4) 1-1 15. T. Hall 2 1-1 5. Pente 6 (4) 16. T. Martin 2 (1) 1-3 6. Kidd 8 5-6 21. G. Hall 1 2. B. Hall 0.
BETSY LAYNE 11 18 15 21 - 65
FLOYD CENTRAL 14 11 23 23 - 71
