Colton Ralston (12) got congratulated by teammates after Lincoln County beat Jeffersontown Wednesday to open the state tourney. (Les Nicholson Photo)
It took a buzzer-beating shot in overtime by Colton Ralston for Lincoln County to beat Pulaski County 42-40 in the 12th Region Tournament championship game to get the Patriots to the state tournament. However, the shot the Lincoln junior hit Wednesday in the opening game of the state tournament was even more special.
Ralston buried a deep 3-pointer with 49.4 seconds to play to put Lincoln on top of Jeffersontown in what turned out to be a 45-41 win — Lincoln’s second time to win a state tourney game and first since 1975).
“To hit that one felt good,” said Ralston, who had 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting along with four rebounds and three assists.
So how did it compare to the regional shot?
“This one is on Kentucky’s floor. I rank this one (first). That (regional shot) was last week and this is this week,” he smiled and said.
Lincoln coach Jeff Jackson said it was a called play to get the ball to Ralston coming out of a timeout and didn’t mind how far out he was when he shot it.
“Against a team that good defensively you have got to be ready (to shoot) but he has the green light to shoot it from out there,” Jackson said. “He read the defense well and hit a big shot. It’s one of his favorite players because he gets to shoot the ball.”
Jackson said Ralston is in the gym shooting daily and normally shoots 400 to 500 shots a day and that’s why he gets the green light.
Lincoln also got clutch play from senior guard Jaxon Smith, a five-year starter who had 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He hit two free throws with 4.4 seconds left to secure the win but also took a charge from J-town’s Lavonte Harris with 23.2 seconds left that wiped out a basket.
The Patriots missed the front end of the bonus three times late in the fourth quarter but Jackson was confident he could put the game away.
“When I went to the line I was happy. I knew I was going to make them,” he said. “When I go to the line I am pretty confident I am going to make those free throws.”
Smith has played in the state tourney before. He was happy just to be in Rupp Arena then. This year it was different.
“The feeling of going to the Elite Eight is totally different. It’s very exciting,” he said. “This time I came with a real purpose.”
Jackson said his senior guard does more than just score.
“He does a great job leading the team. He’s very encouraging and positive for everybody,” the Lincoln coach said.
