Final: Elliott County 68, Shelby Valley 55
By Mike Fields
- Elliott County cashed in big at the foul line — hitting 32 of 44 free throws — to beat Shelby Valley, which had four starters foul out. Jonathan Ferguson’s 28 points (including 16 of 18 free throws) led the winners. Ethan Faulkner had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Timmy Knipp was 7-for-7 on free throws. Shelby Valley, which was 5-for-9 on foul shots, was led by Jacob Bryant’s 18 points, and Elisha Justice’s 12 points and 8 rebounds.
- Jonathan Ferguson has 21 points — 16 in the second half — and Elliott County is trying to close out its first
Sweet Sixteen appearance with a victory. Ferguson is 11 of 12 from the foul line, and the Lions are 24 of 29 as a team. They lead 56-43 with 3:15 left.
- Photo at right: Evan Faulkner, left, helps Timmy Knipp off the court after Knipp injured his ankle.
- Shelby Valley starter Ashley Hatfield has fouled out with 7:18 left. He had 2 points. Elliott County has opened a 45-34 lead.
- At the end of the third quarter Elliott County is ahead 41-34. The Lions have hit 13 of 15 free throws. Shelby Valley is 3-for-7 from the line. Jonathan Ferguson has 15 points. Eighth-grader Timmy Knipp had 9 points and 7 rebounds before hurting his ankle late in the quarter. He’s on the bench with a bag of ice on the injury.
- Two fans sitting in the second row are holding up signs — “Thanks Tubby” and “263-83″, Smith’s 10-year record at UK.
- Jonathan Ferguson has 7 points in the third quarter (and 12 for the game) as Elliott County leads 37-32 with 4 minutes left. Jacob Bryant’s 14 lead Shelby Valley.
- UMass Coach (and former UK Wildcat) Travis Ford has arrived in Rupp. He’s sitting with his dad Eddie. Travis declined to comment to reporters on Tubby Smith’s departure.
- Halftime score: Elliott County 29, Shelby Valley 26. The Lions closed the first half with a roar and took a 29-26 lead into the locker room. Sophomore Evan Faulkner and 8th-grader Timmy Knipp have 7 points each. Shelby Valley was shooting well early but has cooled off. The Wildcats are led by Jacob Bryant’s 10 points.
- Shelby Valley leads 18-10 after the first quarter. The Wildcats have hit 8 of 10 shots, led by Jacob Bryant’s 3-for-3 and 6 points. Elliott County is only 4-for-15, including 2-for-8 on threes. Evan Faulkner’s 7 points lead the Lions.
- Shelby Valley assistant coach Brian Hundley is the older brother of Scott County assistant (and 2000 Mr. Basketball) Scott Hundley.
- As expected, it’s an up-tempo game . . . Shelby Valley leads 14-10 with 2:56 left in the first quarter. Jacob Bryant has 6 points to pace the Wildcats. Evan Faulkner has 7 for Elliott County.
- Elliott County fans have turned out in a big way. The maroon-clad faithful outnumber the blue-clad supporters of Shelby Valley. Less than 90 seconds into the game, Shelby Valley leads 6-0.
This entry was posted on March 22, 2007 at 5:35 pm and is filed under Basketball. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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March 22, 2007 at 6:47 pm |
I know you have to comment on the “Tubby” talk as it is big news. Shame that we can’t even have a high school state tournament without being upstaged by Tubby!
March 22, 2007 at 7:02 pm |
Thanks for the blog. I’m following the Sweet Sixteen from Beverly Hills, CA. Awesome! I could picture my friends from Winchester and Sandy Hook going crazy in the stands today. Go Cards! Go Lions!
March 22, 2007 at 7:08 pm |
Big Moma is right! Let’s let these young men know they are the most important thing happening at Rupp tonight!!! Go Elliott County!
March 22, 2007 at 7:12 pm |
I graduated from Elliott County in 1978 and went to school with these players fathers and mothers. I’m watching from Murray (Western Kentucky). I’m so excited for these boys! A lot of my family are in the stands! I know the people in Sandy Hook are going crazy!!! Go Lions
March 22, 2007 at 7:25 pm |
Following the Elliott Co. game from San Francisco. Thanks a lot Mike for doing this. Way to go, Lions.
March 22, 2007 at 7:27 pm |
Although, we ARE glad to hear Travis, Kentucky’s fav son, is there. Maybe uh, “recruiting”.
March 22, 2007 at 7:53 pm |
Elliott County has fans from all over! I’m following from Panama City, FL, and am so proud of the team and happy for the fans that can be there!
March 22, 2007 at 8:07 pm |
This blog rocks! I graduated from the tiny little school of June Buchanan in 1992 and I am sooo excited they are playing tonight in the Sweet Sixteen. Thanks for letting me track this game from Richmond, Virginia. Go Crusaders!!
March 22, 2007 at 8:25 pm |
I am so excited for my boys and the awesome round they played, i have known these guys for years and i am so happy for all of the team. we have fought it out till the end and i hope our train keeps on a rollin right on to the final whistle. We are a small town but we can kicks some major Butt. Your hearing this from Alexandra Conley 7th Grade.
March 22, 2007 at 8:25 pm |
I was scorekeeper for The Elliott County basketball teams for 35 years. Unfortunately, the years have caught up with me and I could not be with them tonight. But I am just as thrilled as anyone could be.
March 22, 2007 at 8:32 pm |
Way to go, Lions! I did my student teaching and spent one year as an English teacher at Sandy Hook High. What a great day for the great people of Elliott County!
March 23, 2007 at 6:39 am |
I graduated from elliott co. in 2003, i am so thrilled that the boys won tonight way to represent the small town of sandy hook! I can’t help but to think if the boys can pull an upset against warren central could there be a HOOSIER! story taking place. But no matter what happens the rest of the way you boys have made us all proud to be elliott county fans!GO ELLIOTT!!!!