[15thregionwatcher]

All teams are in action Friday night, figured it would be easy just to create one thread for both games, have some discussion and make some predictions for both. 

Lawrence vs. Prestonsburg
Lawrence has had a Jekyll & Hyde type of week. Hung 101 on FC last Friday, then turn right around and give up 101 in a loss to Paintsville last night. LC took the first meeting back in December 83-66. Few things I've said about this team before, they have great guard play, kind of like Valley, what they lack in size they make up for in how hard they play, especially on the defensive end, they've proven they can run better than anyone in the region (outside Martin Co) but they can also slow it down, play a more conservative style. 

Still trying to figure out what to make of Prestonsburg. The wheels where just about ready to come off to begin the season, they turned things around winning 5 in a row including an upset W over Pikeville in the ALL A, then showed minimal to no effort in the ALL A Semis against Martin Co, then got beat pretty handily by Phelps. They got an easy homecoming win last night against Mingo Central. Obviously Keathley is going to get his 30-35 a game, but they really need more help from the supporting cast, mainly Napier & Allen. Great potential with their younger guys, especially the Shutts kid, only an 8th grader but if he continues to grow and get stronger, he will be a solid player in the future. 

Think this one will be closer than the 17-point game back in December, think it could potentially be very high scoring as well. Prestonsburg will make it competitive, but the experience of Lawrence Co will prevail in this one. 

LC- 88
Prestonsburg-83

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Besty Layne vs. Floyd Central

Both of these teams were pointing in the right direction early on this season, their first matchup proved that to be right as BL took down FC in OT. Pente went off in that one for 33 I believe, and he has been on an absolute tear since then, one of the top scorers in the state. BL has continued to play well, but they've treaded water at the same time, still think it'll come down between them & Lawrence for the district. They've got great guard play, some of the best in the region with Pente & Parsons, and great role players around them with some good size. 

It sure has been a real struggle for FC since that first meeting against BL. Injuries to Spriggs has really hindered them offensively, Jags don't have a primary ballhandler outside of him, so it's basically whoever gets the ball is just trying to make something happen on their own, and they  have too many young guys who are talented, but try and force the issue too much. Buck is going to be an outstanding player as he gets older. Seen in the FC-SV thread that Howard didn't play, don't know if it was due to injury or not, I have heard he has had some problems with his knees in the past already, but being that tall at such a young age, that's going to happen. He makes a huge difference especially rebounding. This team is lost without Spriggs tho, if he doesn't come back anytime soon, things could get worse for FC. I am going to take BL on the road in this one. 

BL-80
FC-64

What's everyone else's thoughts & predictions?

Betsy Layne will easily win this second game by 10-15 points. Floyd central is going to have to have more than 5 players and depend less on a 8th grader to win.

What to you mean have more than 5 players and depend less on a 8th grader to win?

Well he only uses 5 players most of the time and the 8th grader is exactly that  an 8th grader who probably been playing middle school ball until now. A good program would have him play freshman ball or the most coming off bench for jv.

What school even has a freshman team anymore….  I’ll wait. 

Look at that region and top teams.  All of them had eighth graders playing significant minutes in the last three years.   JC made a run once McKenzie was put in rotation,   Dials at Martin played a ton last season.    
Howard is very talented and with their roster is a top five kid on that team and gives you more than a lot of veterans with Spriggs  out.