McCracken County's girls won three games at the state tournament. Now the McCracken boys get a chance to show what they can do at the state tourney. (Les Nicholson Photo)
McCracken County coach Dustin Roberts was happy to see the McCracken girls reach the state tournament championship game last weekend before losing to Sacred Heart. However, he admits that does put a little “pressure” on his team in this week’s boys tourney.
“First of all it was a remarkable run by our girls. They have been good all year,” Roberts said Monday. “I have a great relationship with their coach but I would be lying if I said it did not add a little pressure trying to match what those girls did. That’s tough because they have a really good bunch of girls and they had a really good run.”
Roberts said the two teams support each other and he’s hoping what the girls did will motivate his team.
“It gives our guys the thought process that we can go up there and do something special. It can do nothing but give you a little more hope,” Burns said about the McCracken girls’ success.
“Our team has talked all year about getting to Saturday here (for the championship game). Our guys have been to the state tournament a couple of times. The seniors know what to expect. They are not just content to be here but are looking to make some noise.”
McCracken opens tourney play Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. against Elizabethtown. If it advances, it would play the Woodford County-Jefferstown winner Friday at 11 a.m.
Elizabethtown is led by 6-8 junior center Ayden Evans. He’s ranked as a four-star recruit and No. 121 player in the 2024 recruiting class by 247 Sports Composite. His scholarship offers include Texas A&M, West Virginia and Seton Hall.
“He is a big-time talent, good shot blocker, good around the basket,” Burns said.
