[-STAT-]

Two teams actually played twice last season; Pike Central won both games.

Paintsville basically has the same team as last, but this year has been completely different compared to last year. Well coached, disciplined on both ends and they utilize their strengths as good as any team in the region. Pike Central has also had a great season, I've always said that no one player is more important to their team than Stewart, he has been a great joy to watch the last 4 years, he is so smooth, doesn't get in any sort of hurry, loves to do his damage down low and on the baselines as well. Cole is the same way for Paintsville, for his size, he is very elusive and shifty. It will be interesting to see who Paintsville puts on Stewart if they matchup, but I can see them going zone and trying to make PC shoot em out of it, but their zone tendencies have been pretty affective all season long.

Even tho this is a "neutral court" tournament, home court advantage will be a big play for Pike Central here, but I think Paintsville has too much size and will own the paint. I will take Paintsville in a hard fought, close battle.

Paintsville-75
Pike Central-69