The Russellville Panthers have reached another state Final Four. Coach Phil Todd’s 2000 and 2001 teams both made the semifinals of the Sweet Sixteen, a tournament that begins with every school in the state eligible. Saturday RHS will meet multi-year champion Newport Central Catholic in the All A Classic at Frankfort, a tournament for which all the smallest schools in the state are eligible.
The Panthers advanced to the third round with a convincing rout of Mayfield 81-59 in Friday’s semifinals. All-state candidate Pedro Bradshaw scoring 10 points to help Russellville go ahead 21-17 after the first quarter. By halftime, they had expanded the margin to 13 at 38-2.
Behind the long-range shooting of Connor Guthrie, who finished with 20 points, the Cardinals cut the lead to seven midway through third quarter. But by the end of the period, Russellville led 57-42, Then Todd’s team won going away, somewhat avenging multiple key football losses to Mayfield over the years.
Sophomore Jacob Naylor scored 10 of his 23 points in the fourth period. He had hit three 3-pointers in the second quarter to help build the lead.
Bradshaw tied Naylor with 23 points. He also added 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots.
Jaylyn McMurry had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Most impressive were his 8 assists. He added 3 steals.
Point guard Micah Naylor, a senior like Bradshaw and McMurry, added 13 points and 3 assists.
As a team, Russellville totaled 64 points in the paint, 33 points off turnovers, and 18 second-effort points.
The Thoroughbreds of Newport Central Catholic have a 13-7 record, but Friday they were impressive in beaingt a tough University Heights team which beat RHS early this season. Coach Ken Collopy’s team has won six straight games.
Today’s game game will be aired on the All A Classic Network. It can be accessed on the internet at www.allaclassic.org, http://www.koolhits1057.com/ .