Roaring start for Roundball: Lions win double header to begin Boyd County Roundball Classic

William Adams, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
Updated ·5 min read

Dec. 8—SUMMIT — Boyd County kicked off the Roundball Classic on a high note Friday night with an 83-58 win over Morgan County.

"I thought defensively we were solid," Boyd County coach Randy Anderson said. "We gave up some bumbled balls or whatever in the first half, but I thought we were solid. In the second half, once we started moving it instead of trying to dribble it, we got them in space and made some runs."

The Lions' defense gave the Cougars' usually potent offense a lot of problems all night.

"We were stale offensively," Morgan County coach Reece Griffith said. "In key moments of the game, we gave them straight-line drives to the rim or a kick out for 3. You can't have that against a real solid ball team."

It, along with the typical shooting prowess of Boyd County, proved to be the difference maker.

The Lions created separation from the start, jumping out to a 12-7 lead halfway through the opening frame.

Morgan County got a pair of 3-pointers from Cameron Adams and Logan Spencer in the opening quarter which kept the team afloat early.

Boyd County's first made 3 came from Jacob Spurlock near the end of the quarter.

The Lions led 21-12 going into the second frame.

Rhett Holbrook hit a 3-pointer to start the quarter for Boyd County.

Morgan County was stuck on 16 points, until a 7-0 run trimmed the Lions' lead from 30-16 to 30-23, causing Boyd County to call its first timeout.

Out of that break, the Lions made a pair of treys and took a 36-25 advantage into halftime.

"In the first half we tried to get as many stops as we could," Anderson said. "We wanted to see if we could get runs out of that. I think in both halves we had four or five times where we had three or four stops in a row. When that happens, we have a chance."

The Lions ballooned its lead to 46-31 midway through the third quarter, leading to a Morgan County timeout.

Out of the break, Boyd County's Drew Smith and the Cougars' Preston Hoskins traded a pair of 3-pointers each.

"You can tell he didn't sit at home and play PlayStation, he got in the gym and he worked this summer," Anderson said of Smith with a laugh. "Because of that, he's starting to get some good results from it."

Hoskins had 11 points in the third quarter, including a trio of 3s.

"There's a lot of good things we can build on," Griffith said. "This will be the most important film we'll watch up until this point. We'll learn a lot about what we need to focus on going forward."

Despite Hoskins' efforts, the Lions built on its lead to go up 61-44 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was more of the same. The Cougars were unable to overcome such a large deficit and Boyd County secured the victory.

"I think our assistants do a really good job scouting," Anderson said of his team's ability to play such solid defense. "From that, our players are really starting to mature and understand. There was a lot more talking tonight. Especially when guys like Hoskins could get up and take space."

Smith led all scorers with 23 points.

Morgan County was led by Spencer with 15.

Boyd County plays again tonight against East Carter as the Roundball Classic continues with a full slate of games.

"We don't have a whole lot of home games," Anderson said. "So to see people come out and support the kids here is awesome."

MORGAN CO. 12 13 19 14 — 58

BOYD CO. 21 15 25 22 — 83

Morgan County (58) — Spencer 15, Hoskins 13, Adams 10, E. Griffith 9, G. Griffith 4, Allen Justice 4, Hampton 3. 3-Pt. FG: 7 (Hoskins 3, Adams 2, Hampton 1, Spencer 1). FT: 5-8. Fouls:11.

Boyd County (83) — Smith 23, Spurlock 17, Ellis 15, Holbrook 11, Hicks 8, Martin 5, Huff 2, Taylor 2. 3-Pt. FG: 11 (Smith 6, Holbrook 2, Spurlock 2, Martin 1). FT: 8-13. Fouls: 10.

GIRLS

Boyd County 68

Morgan County 58

It was a good night for Boyd County, as the girls team picked up a win over George Washington, 68-58.

The Lions led what was a close contest for most of the night.

The Lions turned a 16-12 lead at the end of the first quarter into a 37-29 at the half.

The Lions kept George Washington at arm's length throughout the third quarter and led 52-44 heading into the fourth quarter.

George Washington tried to come back, pulling within four points late in the final frame, but the Lions were able to lock down on defense and extend the lead back out thanks to some key field goals from Jasmine Jordan, who made four shots down the stretch to help Boyd County secure the win.

Biggs was the leading scorer on the night with 23, while Zellous led George Washington with 18.

G. WASHINGTON 12 17 14 15 — 58

BOYD CO. 16 21 15 16 — 68

George Washington (58) — Zellous 18, Lohan 13, Pryor 11, Adkins 6, Breckenridge 5, Smith 5. 3-Pt. FG: 6 (Lohan 2, Adkins 1, Breckenridge 1, Smith 1, Zellous 1). FT: 9-15. Fouls:19.

Boyd County (68) — Biggs 23, Jordan 22, Ray 8, Bartrum 5, Opell 7, Stevens 2, Moore 1. 3-Pt. FG: 5 (Biggs 2, Ray 2, Bartrum 1). FT: 15-18. Fouls: 12.