Warren Central blows out Pulaski County in first round of Sweet 16

The state-leading Warren Central Dragons simply dominated Pulaski County in the first round of the 2023 UK Healthcare Boys’ Sweet 16 Tournament on Wednesday night.

The “Road to Rupp” was clearly a priority for Warren Central all season, but now that they’re here once again, they’re far from satisfied. The Dragons seemed extremely comfortable playing in the historic arena; which isn’t new for the reigning state championship runner-ups.

“We came out aggressive,” junior Kade Unseld said. “We’ve been here before, and there were no nerves, so we just went and played for each other.”

Warren Central routed Pulaski County 80-55 in a game that was never truly close.

The first-round game featured elite play by elite players. Unseld finished the first half with 19 points and went on to score seven more in the second half to total 26 points, eight boards and four assists. Chappelle Whitney flirted with a triple-double, totaling 16 points, 11 boards and six assists.

“I think I had a good first half,” Whitney said. “I was rebounding, playing defense, scoring, getting my teammates involved. That’s really it.”

The stats speak for themselves, Chappelle. But you know that already.

Typical Start for WC

The Dragons came out swingin’ in the first quarter. With early scores from Kade Unseld and company, Warren Central was able to close out the first quarter leading the Maroons 17-3.

It was more of the same for the Dragons come the second quarter. The typical guys like Izayiah Villafuerte, Chappelle Whitney and Omari Glover all had their foot on the gas to contribute to the Dragons’ lead. When you’re up by so much on your competition, there isn’t much of anything up for elaboration. The Dragons ended the first half up 45-19 on the Maroons.

The Maroons had a little bit of momentum to end the first half after a three by Pulaski County’s Berek Williams. When the third quarter opened, Cayden Lancaster hit two three-pointers back-to-back to give the Maroons a quick six. Still, this 6-0 run left Pulaski trailing by 20 at 45-25, which would be the closest they got for the remainder of the night.

Nail in the Coffin

By mid-way through the fourth, head coach William Unseld was able to switch out his starters and put some fresh legs in the game. All players on the roster got minutes Wednesday night, contributing to the 25-point win.

Overall, Warren Central shot 56.9% overall, 52.9% from the three, 83.3% from the line, and had 36 total rebounds.

“We had a great start, and I think the experience of being on the floor helped us be more relaxed,” coach Unseld said. “It’s always good when you make shots, it don’t take much after that.”

The Warren Central Dragons have advanced to the Elite 8 where they will play Ashland Blazer, which is fresh off of a win against Owensboro in the final first-round matchup of Wednesday night. That game will be in Rupp Arena on Friday at 1:30 p.m.