Bulldogs fall to Paintsville in region tournament's first round

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Lawrence County fell behind early and were limited offensively in each quarter as Paintsville pulled away to win 84-54 in the opening round of the 15th Region Boys' Basketball Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena on Tuesday, March 23.

Following the loss, Lawrence County ended its season 11-11.

Paintsville improved to 13-8 after notching the win.

Setting the tone early, Paintsville outscored Lawrence County 23-13 in the opening quarter.

The Tigers used a dominant 22-4 run in the second quarter to lead 45-17 at halftime.

Colby Fugate poured in a game-high 35 points to lead Paintsville to the win in the region tournament's opening round. Joining Fugate in double figures for the Tigers, Braxton Tharp netted 14 points and Baron Ratliff added 11 points.

Paintsville finished 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

Trenton Adkins led Lawrence County, scoring a team-high 22 points for the Bulldogs in the season-ending setback.

In addition to Adkins reaching double figures for the Bulldogs, Cody Maynard netted 12 points.

Lawrence County finished 14-of-19 from the free throw line.

The Bulldogs and Tigers met for the first time in the 2020-21 boys' high school basketball season.

Paintsville advanced to meet Belfry in the 15th Region Boys' Basketball Tournament Semifinals.