EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Floyd Central Jaguars and Lady Jaguars both occupy the top spot in the 58th District standings, each at 4-0 with two district games remaining in the regular season.

Both teams are set to host Lawrence County Friday, January 30th in a doubleheader with major postseason implications on the line.

Floyd Central swept Lawrence County in Louisa back on January 16th, with the boys winning 71-63 and the girls winning 52-46.

The 58th District standings are as follows entering Friday night’s games:
GIRLS
1. Floyd Central (4-0)
2. Prestonsburg (2-2)
3. Betsy Layne (1-3)
4. Lawrence County (1-3)
BOYS
1. Floyd Central (4-0)
2. Lawrence County (3-1)
3. Betsy Layne (1-3)
4. Prestonsburg (0-4)

The girls' game is scheduled for a 6:00pm start with the boys' matchup following at approximately 7:30pm. Tune in for the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show to get set for all the action at 5:40pm.

You can watch all the action on WMDJ's Facebook page as well as on our YouTube channel, and listen live at WMDJ 100.1 FM, online at WMDJFM.com, and on the WMDJ FM 100 mobile app.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, and Sims Furniture.

*This game is weather-permitting and the schedule is subject to change*

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) — After playing 10 consecutive games away from home, the Floyd Central Jaguars will be back in action in Eastern on Wednesday, January 21st when they welcome in the Paintsville Tigers.

The Jaguars (12-4) are coming off a road loss at Perry County Central on Saturday, while the Tigers (10-7) have reeled off three straight wins since their All ‘A’ loss to Martin County.

Game time is set for 7:30pm. You can catch the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off at approximately 6:40pm.

You can watch all the action on WMDJ's Facebook page as well as on our YouTube channel, and listen live at WMDJ 100.1 FM, online at WMDJFM.com, and on the WMDJ FM 100 mobile app, powered by Appalachian Wireless.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, and Sims Furniture.

Photo courtesy of: Jeremiah Gillenwater / A&J’s Photography

CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds offered star shortstop Elly De La Cruz a long-term contract extension last spring that would have been the largest deal in franchise history.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall confirmed the offer on Friday. Krall said the team presented the offer during Spring Training in 2025, but there were no further talks after that.

De La Cruz declined the extension and chose to continue playing under his current contract. He is not eligible for arbitration until the 2027 season. Arbitration allows a player with several years of service time to negotiate a higher salary based on performance, with a third party deciding the salary if the player and team cannot agree.

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The largest contract in Reds history remains Joey Votto’s 10-year, $225 million deal signed in 2012.

De La Cruz is considered one of the most dynamic young players in Major League Baseball. In 2024, he became just the fifth player in league history to record at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. He finished that year with 25 home runs and 67 stolen bases, becoming the youngest player to reach those marks.

The 24-year-old has been Cincinnati’s everyday shortstop since making his major league debut in 2023.

De La Cruz’s 2025 season was uneven at times, as he dealt with a left quad injury during the second half of the year. The Reds have said they still view him as a key part of the team’s long-term plans.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WMDJ) — Kentucky pulled off a dramatic road win Tuesday night, defeating LSU 75–74 in its fourth SEC game of the season.

The Wildcats faced a steep uphill battle early. Kentucky trailed 38–22 at halftime and fell behind by as many as 18 points early in the second half when LSU extended its lead to 42–25 with just over 18 minutes remaining.

That’s when Kentucky began to turn the game around. An 8–0 run cut the deficit to 11, and the Wildcats continued to chip away over the next several minutes. Kentucky finally took the lead with 3:55 left, following a steal and dunk by Kam Williams.

LSU briefly regained the advantage when Max Mackinnon hit two free throws with 17 seconds remaining. Otega Oweh was fouled on a layup attempt, making one of two free throws before immediately fouling the Tigers.

With 1.6 seconds left, Kentucky inbounded the ball following a timeout. Collin Chandler found Malachi Moreno, who knocked down an 18-foot shot at the buzzer to seal the comeback win.

Kentucky improves in SEC play and will stay on the road, facing rival Tennessee at noon on January 17. The game will be aired on ESPN. 

LOUISA, Ky. (WMDJ) — Johnson Central shot nearly 60 from the field Thursday night, including seven made three-pointers, and ran away from Floyd Central 81-59 in the semifinals of the Kentucky 2A Championships Sectional at Lawrence County High School.

Sophomore Brayden Turner was named Floyd County Player of the Game. Turner led the Jaguars with 12 points and pulled down three rebounds in the loss.

Next up for the Jags they'll be on the road

traveling to face Rowan County tomorrow night at 7:30 PM.

???? Jeremiah Gillenwater / A&J’s Photography

LOUISA, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd Central had its six-game winning streak snapped Thursday night, losing 58-47 to Johnson Central in the semifinals of the Kentucky 2A Championships Sectional semifinals at Lawrence County.

Sophomore Maddy Engle was named Floyd County Player of the Game. Engle finished with 21 points and tied for a team-high eight rebounds. Engle also connected on 11 of 17 free throw attempts.

Next up for the Lady Jags will be hosting Belfry on Saturday, January 10th at 7 PM. 

LOUISA, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd Central won its seventh consecutive game Monday night, defeating Pike County Central 61-56 in the Kentucky 2A Championships Sectional tournament at Lawrence County High School.

The win was Floyd Central’s first-ever over the Hawks, and their first-ever victory in the 2A event.

The Jaguars were previously 0-6 versus the Hawks and 0-5 in the Kentucky 2A Sectional.

Senior Dylan Boyd was named WMDJ Floyd County Player of the Game. Boyd scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. He also connected on six three-point attempts.

With the win, Floyd Central (11-2) advances to the semifinals on Thursday, January 8th, where they will meet Johnson Central (9-2) at 7:30pm.