INEZ – Turn the clock back to the 2010 district tournament. That was the last time Johnson Central failed to qualify for the 15th Region tournament.
Paintsville took the lead against their cross-town rivals at the outset and never let go in rolling to an 82-69 victory over the Golden Eagles in the 57th District matchup played at Martin County High School on Wednesday night.
The Tigers, now 15-12, move into Friday night’s title game against the host Cardinals at 7 p.m. Johnson Central’s season ends at 17-12.
Colby Fugate poured in 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead a balanced attack. Nick Keeton followed with 21 points and 16 boards while Baron Ratliff tossed in 19 points.
Cory VanHoose paced the Golden Eagles with 27 points and Isaiah May followed with 19. John King finished with 12.
The difference in the outcome was Paintsville’s second-chance points, outscoring Johnson Central 27-6.
At Inez
(57th District Tournament)
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
JC (17-12)…13 16 17 23 – 69
PV (15-12)…21 16 16 29 – 82
Scoring:
Johnson Central (69) – Isaiah May 5(2) 3-3 19; Grant Rice 2 0-0 4; Cory VanHoose 7(3) 4-4 27; John King 5 2-3 12; Ryleh McKenzie 1 2-2 4; and Connor Lemaster 0(1) 0-0 3. Totals: 20(6) 11-14 69.
Paintsville (82) – Nick Keeton 8 5-8 21; Braxton Tharp 2 1-2 5; Colby Fugate 9(3) 4-6 31; Baron Ratliff 2(5) 0-0 19; Ryan Gibson 2 0-1 4; and Rex Castle 1 0-0 2. Totals: 24(8) 10-17 82.