[Lawrence]

First of all I would like to say congrats to the Magoffin County Hornets on their first district title since 2001. This also marks the first time in the school's history that the boy's and girl's team both shared the championship. As for the game itself, all I can say is wow. This is by far the best high school game I have ever attended. I think Paintsville did not perceive Magoffin as a legit threat which ended up costing them the title. Throughout the entire year, Paintsville has been ranked at the top of the region but I did not see that during this game. Magoffin outplayed them all four quarters and ot (which should have never started to begin with). IMO the Hornets played like they wanted it more and they proved to me that they were the better team on this night. Does this necessiarly mean that Magoffin is the better overall team? Probably not. But that's why they play the game. The environment of this game was absolutely the best you could ask for. I admit that I have criticized the size of Paintsville's gym several times but it was great last night. I don't think anyone in that gym cared how hot it was or how closely packed everyone was. I believe this game will only add to the great games that have been played in that gym. The only fault to this great game was the officiating. It was HORRIBLE, plain and simple. I think it's sad that the 15th region actually allows these guys to referee. There is no consistency on either end of the floor. In the end, it almost cost Magoffin the game. Clay Fletcher's final foul was probably one of the worst calls I have ever seen as a fan. It amazes me how they can call a touch foul on one end and then call nothing when someone gets hacked on the other end. I don't see how it's so hard to call the same thing on both ends of the floor. I think Paintsville fans would also admit that as well. The other night during the Paintsville and Johnson Central girl's game an over and back call was assesed against the Lady Tigers when the girl caught the ball on the half court line from an in bound play. IMO the 15th region has a serious problem on their hands when it comes to officiating. I think they also need to look into the actual definition of a jump ball. But despite the poor judgment of the refs, this was still an amazing game to watch. I give full credit to the Paintsville Tigers. They probably didn't bring their A game but they sure didn't give this one away. I wish both of these teams much luck next week in the 15th regional tournament. I'm sure both of them will represent the 57th district with a lot of class. Once again, congratulations to the Magoffin County Hornets, 2007 57th District Champions.