Tigers knock off Golden Eagles 48-31

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville knocked off crosstown rival Johnson Central 48-31 in the semifinals of the 57th District Boys' Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

The win allowed Paintsville to advance to the 57th District Boys' Basketball Tournament title game.

With the loss, Johnson Central was eliminated from the boys' high school basketball postseason.

Braxton Tharp scored 15 points to lead Paintsville to the win.

Paintsville carried a lead out of each quarter, outscoring Johnson Central 12-8 in the opening period. The Tigers led 22-15 at halftime and pulled away for the win in the second half. Dominant in the fourth quarter, Paintsville outscored Johnson Central 19-10.

Accompanying Tharp in double figures for the Tigers, Connor Fugate scored 12 points and Colby Fugate netted 11 points.

Ryleh McKenzie scored 17 points to lead the Golden Eagles. McKenzie was the only Johnson Central player to reach double figures for the Golden Eagles. Following McKenzie in double figures for Johnson Central, Grant Rice contributed seven points.

Paintsville and Johnson Central met after splitting a two-game 57th District boys' basketball regular season series.

The Tigers moved on to meet Martin County in the 57th District Boys' Basketball Tournament title game.