LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – One of eastern Kentucky’s best offensive squads struggled shooting the basketball on the state’s biggest stage as Lawrence County fell to 10th region champion Montgomery County 98-72 in the opening round of the Boys’ Sweet 16 Tournament at Rupp Arena on Thursday afternoon.
Lawrence County came into the game ranked fourth in the state in scoring, averaging 77.7 points per game this season, yet scuffled to shoot just 41-percent from the field and 2-for-20 from 3-point range in the loss.
The Bulldogs traded the lead with Montgomery County early in the first quarter before the Indians settled in on a 3-pointer from Tyce Jarvis with 5:01 to play, giving them an 8-7 advantage.
Lawrence County would never lead again.
Montgomery County closed out the first quarter on an 8-2 run, leading 25-15.
The Indians would extend the lead by 20 in the second quarter, thanks to 10 points from Luke Fawns including two made 3-pointers and five points each from Cayden Reed and Dane Klute. Montgomery County led 50-30 at the half.
The lead would stretch to 32 by the 3:31 mark of the third quarter for Montgomery County as the Indians shot 56-percent in the period.
Lawrence County fought back in the fourth quarter to outscore the Indians 23-22, but it wasn’t enough to over the deficit as Montgomery County moved on to the quarterfinals with a 98-72 victory.
Four players scored in double figures for Lawrence County led by Kaiden Harris’ 18 points. Kaden Johnson scored 16 points, Gunnar Woods finished with 15 points and Hayden Perry netted 10 for the Bulldogs. Lawrence County forced 20 turnovers, resulting in 27 points, yet Montgomery County connected on 16 3-pointers (16-32) and shot 53.5-percent from the field.
Montgomery County will face North Laurel in Friday’s quarterfinals at 6 p.m. The Jaguars held off Breathitt County 54-53 to advance in the tournament.
