Published: March 19, 2008 02:54 pm            

Raiders in first final since 1991

But Elliott Lions jump up early on Raiders, defend championship with 53-32 victory

MOREHEAD - Elliott County forced East Carter into 25 turnovers and converted those spills into 26 points on its way to defending its 16th Region Tournament crown. The Lions worked their way in front of head coach Brandon Baker’s club early on then cruised to the 53-32 net-clipping win last Wednesday night in the Ellis T. Johnson Arena at Morehead State.

Tyler Maynard connected on a trio of three-point baskets for Rick May’s bunch from Sandy Hook as they went up by double digits in the early part of the second quarter. For the night, Elliott County shot 36-percent (19-53) from the field and nailed 8-18 from outside the arc for 45-percent.

The Raiders from Grayson, playing in their first regional championship game since 1991, dropped their fourth contest this season to district-foe Elliott County. Colt Barhnill grabbed a game-best 13 rebounds as East did win the battle of the boards, 34-27. Tyler Jackson led Brandon Baker’s team with eight points and Barnhill and Drew Johnson each had seven. Kyle Bair scored six points.

Johnson, Bair and Barnhill were all named to the All-Tournament team. Look for more Carter County postseason basketball honors (including Coach Baker’s awards) in next week’s sports section.

Elliott County takes on 10th region champ, and state No. 1 Mason County in Thursday’s opening round of the Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

Ethan Faulkner, named the tournament MVP for the second straight year, finished with 12 points, seven assists, four steals and four assists for the Lions. Jonathan Ferguson aldo had a dozen and Maynard finished with a game-best 13 points. Evan Faulkner had 10 points to go along with a team-high seven rebounds.

        

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