Golden Eagles knock off Hawks

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Johnson Central knocked off Pike County Central in the opening round of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament, winning 87-79 at Appalachian Wireless Arena on Thursday, March 7.

Turning in a strong offensive performance, Johnson Central shot 64.6 percent (31-of-48) from the field. The Golden Eagles shot 41.7 percent (five-of-12) from three-point range.

Johnson Central shot 80 percent (20-of-25) from the free throw line.

Barely missing a double-double, Austin Slone poured in a game-high 38 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead Johnson Central to the win. Slone connected on 13 of 18 two-point field goal attempts.

Joining Slone in double figures for Johnson Central, Brayden Shepherd netted 19 points. Shepherd connected on four of eight three-point field goal attempts.

Finishing near double figures for Johnson Central, Dawson Montgomery, Andrew Meeks and Kyle Rose posted nine points apiece.

Rounding out Johnson Central’s scoring, Jaidon Daniel added two points and Mason McKenzie chipped in one point.

Jaden Stewart scored 24 points to lead the Hawks. In addition to Stewart reaching double figures for Pike County Central, Jaylan Rigdon netted 21 points and Jacob Slone posted 17 points.

Nearly reaching double figures for Pike County Central, Grant Hall added nine points.

Chipping in offensively, Blake Adams (five points), Peyton Owens (four points) and Colton Young (one point) provided the rest of Pike County Central’s scoring.