Golden Eagles edge Tigers in overtime 54-53

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Johnson Central edged crosstown rival Paintsville 54-53 in overtime in a 57h District boys’ basketball game at Paul R. Setser Eagle Field House on Thursday, Feb. 2.

The Golden Eagles and Tigers were tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Out in front midway through the game, Paintsville led 19-17 at halftime.

The Tigers led 32-29 at the end of the third quarter but couldn’t fend off the Golden Eagles.

Johnson Central outscored Paintsville 18-15 in the fourth quarter to pull even and force the game into overtime.

The Golden Eagles outscored the Tigers 7-6 in the extra period to notch the district win.

Johnson Central shot 36.8 percent (21 of 57) from the field in the district game. The Golden Eagles made four of 16 three-point field goal attempts.

Johnson Central shot 72.7 percent (eight of 11) from the free-throw line.

Eighth grade guard Austin Slone scored 20 points to lead the Golden Eagles. Slone connected on three of six three-point field goal attempts. The eighth grader connected on a three-point field goal with 17 seconds remaining to allow Johnson Central to pull even with Paintsville.

Joining Slone in double figures for Johnson Central, Ryan Rose netted 13 points.

Pacing Johnson Central inside, Rose claimed six rebounds.

Following the two scorers in double figures, David Fink (six points), Connor Hopkins (five points), Mason Lawson (four points), Brayden Shepherd (four points) and Jacob Grimm (two points) chipped in the Golden Eagles’ additional scoring.

Connor Fugate scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to pace the Tigers. Fugate led all players in scoring and rebounding.

Ethan Cole (eight points), Jase Kinner (seven points), Anderson Lauffer (five points), AJ James (five points), Brock Woods (three points) and Ethan Ward (two points) followed Fugate in scoring for the Tigers.