In a thrilling and suspenseful Boys Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament game, the Ashland Blazer team pulled off a narrow victory against Owensboro, winning 66-65. The game was filled with impressive performances, tight finishes, and numerous lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Owensboro started the game strong, leading Ashland Blazer 20-14 in the first period. However, Ashland Blazer managed to close the gap, eventually taking the lead in the third period, which saw their largest lead of 4 points (41-37).
Ashland Blazer’s Carter Zander was the standout player of the game, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. His teammate, Rheyce Deboard, contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. In a crucial moment, Ashland Blazer’s Braden Jennings hit a 3-pointer with only 18 seconds left, giving the team a one-point lead (66-65).
On the other hand, Owensboro’s Kenyat Carbon scored a game-high 22 points, while also contributing 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Jaiarius Webb secured 9 rebounds for his team, in addition to his 8 points.
Owensboro had a chance to take the game in the final seconds, but Ashland Blazer’s defense held strong. Ashland’s Nathan Frieze made a crucial block on Owensboro’s Terrance Taylor’s jumper, with only 3 seconds left. Despite securing an offensive rebound, Owensboro’s Jaiarius Webb missed a tip-in attempt, and Ashland Blazer’s Frieze grabbed the defensive rebound to secure the win.
In terms of team stats, Ashland Blazer shot 42.4% from the field, while Owensboro shot 40%. From beyond the arc, Ashland Blazer hit 32% of their 3-point attempts, while Owensboro connected on 36.4%. The free-throw line proved to be a relatively weak spot for both teams, with Ashland Blazer making 61.5% and Owensboro making 69.2% of their attempts.
A critical factor in the game was the difference in rebounding, as Ashland Blazer outrebounded Owensboro 45-33. Additionally, Ashland Blazer managed 21 second-chance points, while Owensboro scored only 10. Owensboro did excel in points off turnovers, scoring 22 points compared to Ashland Blazer’s 2 points.
The Ashland Blazer’s narrow win over Owensboro in the Boys Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament highlights the importance of resilience and determination in high-stakes games. As the team moves forward in the tournament, their thrilling victory will serve as a testament to their ability to thrive under pressure. Ashland Blazer will now face Warren Central after their win over Pulaski County. | PREVIEW
