[-STAT-]

The first meeting against Paintsville, was when Slone really started showing his real style on offense, driving to the basket, absorbing contact and living at the free throw line, sounds like he is back into his regular form now which has gone along with how well Central has played lately. Other than Slone, Central struggled in the first matchup, Mckenzie played a solid game, but didn't get much contribution from Shepherd, and Rose had some early foul trouble which took him out of the game. They still kept hanging around trying to make a game of it but kept trading baskets with Paintsville.

Have to wonder what the mood is for Paintsville after losing 2 nights ago in a game they practically won. Just a day turnaround to prep and scout for Central. These teams matchup against each other very evenly, 2 legit go to guys in Slone & Cole, great surrounding casts for both teams also. They both play with a very disciplined style offensively, Paintsville really had them all out of sorts defensively the first meeting, I'm sure coach Slone will go in with the same gameplan and will have something different dialed up if coach Mckenzie has figured things out since then. Despite the Tuesday loss, Paintsville is still playing great basketball at the right time, so is Central. This one is always drama filled & emotional, greatest rivalry in the state in my opinion.

I think Paintsville bounces back in a big way and takes this one on the road.

Paintsville- 76
Central-71