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Only once since 2000 has a team other than University Heights Academy or Lyon County won the 2nd Region Boys’ All A Classic. That came back in 2012 when the Webster County Trojans won the title and then lost in the opening round of the state tournament.
Before that, it was Crittenden County in 2000. The Rockets also lost in the opening round of the state tournament.
Since it began in 1990, UHA has dominated the 2nd Region All A, winning 26 regional championships. Lyon County is next in line with six regional titles and three of the last four.
Those two teams, along with a couple of others, figure to have the best chance to cut down the nets Saturday night as the boys’ 2nd Region All A Classic, weather permitting, is set to begin Tuesday night at school sites before heading to Dawson Springs for the semifinals and finals.
Lyon County, who reached the final four last season, figures to be the favorites coming into the week, but the Lyons are on a four-game skid at the moment, albeit against some elite competition.
UHA has had its troubles early in the season. But, if there is one thing you have learned about the 2nd Region All A Classic, it’s that you never count the Blazers out of a tournament they look at as their own and focus on picking up that championship.
Caldwell County has the best big man in the region in JayDarius Wilson and could be the dark horse team to win the title.
Then there is the matter of the Dawson Springs Panthers. Dawson has some special talent in the starting five and the semifinals and finals are in their gym, where many a very good team has gone in and struggled to get out with a win.
Tuesday night’s first round has Lyon County going to Crittenden County. The Rockets are struggling and have yet to win a game. The Lyons will be hungry and have not lost to the Rockets in five years.
Heritage Christian Academy hosts UHA on Tuesday night. The Warriors have arguably one of the best scorers in the region in Jason Leek. But, the Blazers have two of those with Tylin George and Elijah Walton.
Caldwell County goes to Fort Campbell. The Falcons have a nice player in Tyreek Anthony but they will more than have their hands full with JayDarius Wilson.
The other first-round game will have Dawson Springs hosting Livingston Central. The Panthers have won four of their last five games with the Cardinals. Livingston comes into the week having lost five straight.
Semifinals are set for Friday night at Dawson Springs with the title game on Saturday night. If Friday night’s semifinals end up with UHA vs Lyon County and Caldwell County vs Dawson Springs, you may want to get there early as it would likely be at capacity plus for those two games.
The winner of the 2nd Region All A Classic will not have as far to travel this year as the All A Classic state tournament will be held at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
