Games to Watch in Region 11 This Week: Dec. 13-19

BarkleyTruax

There’s no shortage of great action throughout Region 11 and all four districts this week. Here are a few games to keep an eye on:

Lexington Catholic (6-0) at Tates Creek (3-1)

The make-or-break game for Tates Creek: are they legitimate or not?

The only thing standing in their way—Lexington Catholic’s resident seven-footer, Reece Potter. His 18 points and 10 rebounds per game are something no team has been able to stop this season; it’s a big reason why Catholic can call themselves 2A Section 6 Champions.

Jack Gohmann was named MVP of the sectional tournament—which gives LexCath another option on offense. That isn’t all for the Knights; Ben Goodwin, Hudson Sparks and Brody Turner all have the potential to light the opposing defense up any night.

For Tates Creek, they’ll need big nights shooting-wise from Eric Hackett and Cobi Commodore. Creek relies on their bench to provide key minutes throughout their games and the Commodores’ ability to rotate fresh bodies down the stretch will be key for an upset bid at home.

The game will tip-off at Tates Creek High School Monday night at 7:30 p.m. to kick off the Region 11 slate this week.

Madison Southern (4-1) vs. Madison Central (3-2)

The Indians’ two losses were both decided by five points—but to two very different opponents. First, to Pulaski County (6-0), who has put together an undefeated start to their season and then to No. 3 Clark County.

Now on a two-game winning streak, Madison Central will take on rival Madison Southern, who is having a great start to their 2021 season. The Eagles have yet to battle a Region 11 opponent—that’s set to change Tuesday night.

Their lone loss came on Dec. 4 against Woodford County 54-46. Otherwise, Madison Southern has outscored their opponents 276-196 in their four victories. They’re led by sophomore Jay Rose, who averages 15 points and six rebounds per game.

The game is set to take place at Berea College on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.

Franklin County (3-2) at Sayre (2-3)

The outcome of this game comes down to whether or not Sayre can slow down junior guard Zac Cox. Cox, who scored 40 points against Nelson County last weekend, is the Flyers’ leading scorer averaging 23 points per game.

To counter, Sayre features a dynamic trio in Zander Collett (21 ppg), Davis Miller (15 ppg) and quarterback-turned-forward, Cole Pennington (10 ppg, 8 rebounds).

Sayre, while under the .500 threshold record-wise, boasts one thing Franklin County doesn’t—a victory over a Region 11 opponent. The Spartans won a thriller against Western Hills on Dec. 6 where Collett and Grady Johnson combined for 47 points.

It’s safe to say if any of this week’s Region 11 matchups will be a shootout, it’ll be this one. Be sure to stop by Sayre High School on Thursday night to watch two of the most prolific scorers in the region do battle. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.