[Stardust]

Shelby Valley, rated No. 1 in the Sweet Sixteen, beat No. 2 Mason County 51-44 in the first round of the state tournament Thursday night in Rupp Arena.

It was Shelby Valley’s first win in the state tournament in five appearances.

The Wildcats won despite hitting only 15 of 31 free throws. They made enough from the foul line in the fourth quarter to survive, however.

Elisha Justice led the winners with 22 points and 4 assists. He made 8 of 11 free throws. Taylor Newsome had 5 points and 11 rebounds. Logan Bryant and Ashley Hatfield combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Shelby Valley shot only 37%, but that was better than Mason County’s 28%.

Mason County was led by Russ Middleton, who hit 7 threes and had 24 points and 7 rebounds. Keith Downing had 6 points for the Royals.

kentucky.com