When the game between Lyon County and defending state champion Warren Central in Eddyville was announced for the 2023-2024 schedule, the anticipation began to build almost immediately. Even though the Dragons had struggled to open the season, none of that anticipation had waned by tipoff time Tuesday night.
In front of a capacity crowd in Jason White Gymnasium, the Lyons opened fast and never trailed on their way to an 87-74 win over the Dragons. On a night of milestones, the top-ranked Lyons did what a state contender should do in dispatching the team that cut down the nets at Rupp Arena back in March.
In addition to Lyon County’s 10th straight win, Travis Perry moved to the top of the list in made free throws in Kentucky boys’ basketball history and Brady Shoulders snagged his 1,000th career rebound.
The game opened with Travis Perry knocking down the first of his six threes. Kade Unseld, who was seeing his first action of the season for the Dragons, tied the game at 3-3 shortly after. That would be the only tie of the game.
Lyon County ran off 10 straight to go up 13-3. Warren Central cut the lead back to just four at 15-11 and then the Lyons effectively knocked the Dragons down for the count. Led by the ‘Three Amigos’ of Travis Perry, Brady Shoulders, and Jack Reddick, the Lyons finished the opening quarter with an 11-4 spurt to take a 26-15 lead.
Warren Central would get no closer than 11 points the rest of the half and no closer than 10 points for the rest of the game as the Lyons kept on keeping on.
Lyon County led 50-36 at the half. Travis Perry was the one ‘breathing fire’ this night against the Dragons. Perry hit for 23 in the half, including five made three-pointers.
Warren Central cut the lead to 10 at 50-40 early in the second half, but there would be no comeback as Lyon County responded with a 10-3 run to go back up 60-43. The third quarter ended with the Lyons up 68-54.
Other than the final margin, the only question in the final quarter would be whether or not Perry would get the free throw record during the game, which he would do during the final quarter.
Travis Perry finished the game with 37 points. In addition to getting his 1,000th rebound, Brady Shoulders ended up with 21 points. Jack Reddick hit four threes and had 16 points for the Lyons.
Warren Central was led by Elijah Starks with 24 points. Drevin Bratton added 20 for the Dragons. Cadin Hammer hit four threes for his 12 points. In his first game of the season, Kade Unseld scored 10 points.
With its 10th straight win, Lyon County improves to 13-1 on the season. The Lyons host Livingston Central Thursday night in a 5th District contest.
WCHS — 15 21 18 20 – 74
LCHS — 26 24 18 19 – 87
Warren Central – E. Starks 24, Bratton 20, Hammer 12, Unseld 10, B. Starks 5, Kirk 3
Lyon County – Perry 37, Shoulders 21, Reddick 16, Kirk 11, Defew 2
