[-STAT-]

No love lost between these two rivals.

Multitude of things will determine the outcome of this game. Paintsville is more disciplined in their half court sets offensively, they had their way with Valley especially in the paint, got whatever they wanted around the basket & mid range, didn't have to settle for long contested 3's. Valley doesn't have the size Martin Co has so it will be a tougher task for Paintsville to get those opportunities again, not saying they won't get them but it'll be a challenge. With that being said, Paintsville plays a more conservative style, but they can run & gun if need be, they don't necessarily rely on that style of play, but if it turns into a track meet, they can adapt to it. Rebounding will be huge also, Paintsville had some problems early on against Valley getting good box out position, and not coming down 2 hands with the rebound, with the size Martin Co has compared to Valley, Paintsville can't afford to give MC too many 2nd chances, those lost possessions will kill a team.

A lot on the line here so everyone knows emotions are going to be high, liable to get chippy. Seems like that's the way Martin Co likes it, so it'll be important for Paintsville to keep their heads about them, especially if it's a close game down the stretch.

Just wish this was in a high school so the atmosphere would be electric, having the ALL A at the expo is a complete joke, that place is so outdated. Countless dead spots on the floor, outrageous prices to get in and prices at the concession are ridiculous. To a very small extent, I can understand the 15th Region Tournament being at the expo, not by much tho, but the ALL A Tournament needs the hell out of there.

As for a prediction, just with how disciplined Paintsville plays compared to the style of Martin Co, I think that will be the difference in this one. Should be a great game.

Paintsville-73
Martin Co-68