Certainly for small schools in Kentucky, the All “A” Classic has been a basketball God-send.
It lets the state’s smaller schools compete against each other in regional tournaments with the winner advancing to a state tourney against other schools the same size.
Normally the All “A” Region would be a huge deal for the Lyon County Lyons in western Kentucky. Lyon (14-4) plays University Heights (6-6) in the 2nd Region All “A” Classic Tuesday night and would face the Fort Campbell-Dawson Springs winner in the regional title game if it wins for a berth in the All “A” Classic in Richmond.
However, Lyon won its first overall 2nd Region title in 71 years last season. It has competed with and beat some of the state’s best teams this year, including North Laurel and Kentucky signee Reed Sheppard Saturday. It also has one of the state’s marquee players in Travis Perry, who is on pace to become the state’s all-time career scoring leader and had 45 points against North Laurel.
So does the All “A” mean as much to Lyon this year?
“It is still a huge deal. The goal is win the regional and try to make a run at the state tournament,” said Perry, who made an unofficial visit to Cincinnati Sunday. “We lost last year (at the All “A” state) to Breathitt County, a devastating loss. Probably our worst loss of our career. Just devastating how that went down.
“We are looking forward to getting another chance to go up there and compete for another one.”
So not winning the state title this year would be a disappointment?
“That is kind of what we are thinking. Not necessarily win but make a good showing and for us a good showing would be to win,” Perry laughed and said. “You know what I am thinking.”
Perry, who has a Kentucky offer, admitted beating North Laurel was a confidence boost for his team going into All “A” Classic play.
“We had a lot of guys step up and do what needed to do to win,” he said. “I feel like we are playing well right now. We are traveling everywhere and not playing at home much. It will be fun to compete against guys around us again. Last week we played four games in four days at the Lexington Catholic tournament and found a second gear. That is that the All ‘A’ is about if you want to win.”
Perry has two junior teammates who make his job easier. Brady Shoulders is averaging 18.3 points per game and just went over 1,000 career points. Jack Reddick is averaging 19.2 points per game. Freshman Bray Kirk adds 7.8 and hit double figures against North Laurel.
Bradin Nelson, a 6-2 guard, averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game at Webster County last year before transferring to Lyon. He’s not been ruled eligible yet but Perry is optimistic he will be soon.
“We are going to get Bradin back soon. We are missing one of our key guys who transferred in,” Perry said. “When we get him back along with how our freshmen are progressing we will really be good to go. That’s why I am so excited about what I still think we can do.”
