For only the third time in 36 years, the Second Region has drawn the 12th Region in the first round of the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 that will be played in March at Rupp Arena.
The 2/12 matchup in is the bottom bracket paired with a showdown between the First and Fourth Regions. The game involving the Second Region will be played on Thursday at a time to be determined.
In 2016, the KHSAA began assigning start times for first round games based on what they thought were the best matchups in an attempt to boost attendance. The result has been the lowest three-year attendance total since the late 1970s.
Hopkinsville lost to Southwestern 52-41 in 2012 in the last 2/12 matchup in the first round. The last matchup before that was a 64-58 Christian County win over McCreary Central in 1983.
University Heights Academy (21-3), fresh off their first All-A Classic state title in 11 years, is the defending region champion and the slight favorite to repeat.
Madisonville (15-5), who lost at UHA 80-79 on Dec. 13, is the team expected to give the Blazers their biggest challenge. The Maroons have not won a region title since 2001 and is the last non-Eighth District school to win the Second Region title.
Danville (19-2) has the best record in the 12th Region. They have not been to the Sweet 16 since 1990. Two other region contenders are Wayne County (16-6) and Pulaski County (14-7).
A dark horse in the 12th Region is Lincoln County (14-9), coached by Jeff Jackson who led UHA to the 1992 state title. They could meet in the first round of the Sweet 16 in March.
HERE is a look at the complete Boys’ Sweet 16 Basketball Bracket.
