[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...902010437/


RICHMOND - The lower half of this year's Touchstone Energy All "A" Classic bracket featured a possible dream matchup. From the start of the event, Elliott County and Shelby Valley - both in the state computer rankings' top 10 - seemed to be on a collision course.


As it turns out, Newport Central Catholic was a mere speed bump on the road to that matchup.

The Thoroughbreds slowed Shelby Valley slightly but never came close to stopping the Wildcats in a 55-36 quarterfinal loss Saturday at McBrayer Arena.

Shelby Valley, eighth in the state, and top-ranked Elliott County will play in today's semifinals.

NewCath coach Grant Brannen, an All "A" veteran, said the event is experiencing a banner year.

"There are a lot of teams down here who are going to be playing in the (Sweet Sixteen) this year," he said. "That's good for us. We like playing against good competition."

NewCath had its hands full from the start Saturday. The Thoroughbreds never led and trailed 29-19 at halftime.

The Wildcats, who have held teams to 37 points or fewer in four of their past five games, came up with 17 steals and caused 20 turnovers. Their full-court trap, led by Elisha Justice and Logan Bryant, repeatedly led to easy baskets.

"It was different than up in the Ninth Region. They had guys flying every which way," said NewCath guard Jeramie Connor. "Most teams in our region don't come up and press you as hard as they did."

Connor, who scored a game-high 27 points in the Thoroughbreds' opening-round victory over Danville, led NewCath with nine points on 3-of-7 shooting.

Shelby Valley coach Jason Booher said his team's half-court defensive plan focused on limiting Connor's open looks.

"Our guards did a great job of getting up there and pressuring, poking the ball and tipping it," Booher said.