The County Lyons will travel to Lexington for the third consecutive year in an attempt to win the coveted KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 State Championship trophy. Even though their two prior journeys were cut short, their exposure to the large stage during those excursions is encouraging for this one, which should be more successful.
“Our guys were heartbroken in the locker room as soon as we lost to GRC in the final eight last year,” Lyon County head coach Ryan Perry remarked. “I believe they have been incredibly hungry for the chance to get up there and advance throughout the entire year.”
They immediately set about preparing for this trip, booking some of the most difficult opponents they could find this season to put themselves to the test in anticipation of a deep tournament run. The County Lyons, who have a 32-3 record going into Rupp, have overcome some of the most formidable teams in the state as well as those from their district and region.
Three of those former rivals—Warren Central, Adair County, and Newport—will be in Lexington vying for a chance to win a championship. In two of those three encounters, County Lyons prevailed.
They defeated Warren Central 87-74 in the beginning of January, Newport 50-48 in the close of January, and Adair County 98-48 in the middle of February.
Coach Perry stated, “We played a really tough schedule that has probably prepared us even more than years past for what we are going to see in the Sweet 16.” We’ve won some close games in our regional competition, I believe, thanks to the leadership of three of our five important seniors who have been there and may be a little more resilient.
Three DI athletes who are prepared to cap off their high school careers with distinction—Travis Perry, Jack Reddick, and Brady Shoulders—represent that senior leadership.
“We find resonance in performing for a nearly full gym on a nightly basis,” stated Travis Perry. “It demonstrates that we have succeeded thus far and that we wish to keep doing that.”
This week, a crowded gym is almost a given, especially when the Lyons are on the floor.
They play Ashland Blazer (23-10) on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. EST to begin their tournament journey.
Every squad has its standout players who have carried them through the entire campaign. The explosive three of Reddick, Shoulders, and Perry is leading the Lyons, averaging double figures (29.5, 17.7, and 14.8 points per game, respectively). Zander Carter (22.7 ppg) and Braxton Jennings (10.1 ppg) top the Tomcats in scoring.
Coach Perry remarked, “Ashland Blazer is a very good, very physical team.” “They have a lot of talented basketball players, and Zander Carter is a great player. I’ve been watching a lot of film on them.” Like us, they enjoy running up and down the court frequently. It has the makings of a really excellent basketball game because they like to shoot the three and do it rather successfully.
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