2026 Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16: Day 1 wrap-up from Rupp Arena
The 2026 UK Healthcare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16 state tournament tipped off with four first-round games Wednesday in Rupp Arena.
Four more first-round games are on tap for Thursday. Who will punch their tickets to Friday’s quarterfinals?
Follow along live this week as Herald-Leader sports writer Jared Peck (@HLpreps on X.com) and freelancer Josh Moore (@JoshMooreHL) provide live updates from courtside.
And check back here for links to stories, photo slideshows and stats from the action as the tournament progresses below.
2026 Boys’ Sweet 16 state tournament
CLICK: 2026 LIVE TOURNAMENT BRACKET
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Game 13 and 14: St. Xavier 67, Grayson County 37 | Live stats | Final box | George Rogers Clark 53, North Oldham 45 | Live stats | Final box | Recap.
Game 15: Championship: George Rogers Clark 58, St. Xavier 50, OT | Live stats | Recap | Celebration video | Slideshow | Final box.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Game 9: St. Xavier 46, North Laurel 44 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 10: Grayson County 58, Great Crossing 50 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 11: North Oldham 62, Butler 56 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 12: George Rogers Clark 63, Marshall County 59 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
Game 5: Butler 54, Hazard 39 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 6: Marshall County 67, Boyd County 63 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 7: North Oldham 74, Lyon County 61 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 8: George Rogers Clark 75, Johnson Central 60 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
Game 1: St. Xavier 75, Covington Catholic 61 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 2: North Laurel 52, Warren Central 38 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 3: Grayson County 73, Taylor County 64 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
Game 4: Great Crossing 57, Danville Christian 47 | Live stats | Recap | Slideshow | Final box.
This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
