Elizabethtown uses vicious defense to rout Knott Central in opening game of Sweet 16
The 5th Region champs clearly came to Lexington prepared to make a statement.
Elizabethtown unleashed a vicious full-court press and transition game, routing Knott County Central 87-59 in the opening contest of the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 presented by UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine in Rupp Arena on Wednesday.
Elizabethtown forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 34 points. Bolstered by their keen ability to create and convert a fast break, the Panthers scored 58 points in the paint and shot 54 percent from the field.
“That’s what we do,” Elizabethtown Coach James Haire said when asked about the Panthers’ pressure defense. “We are very guard-oriented so we have to utilize the whole floor. It does pay off sometimes.”
With Knott County Central (18-8) leading the first contest of the tournament 8-6 early in the first quarter, Elizabethtown (20-2) unloaded a 17-0 run to seize control and never looked back. Twin brothers Kam and Khia Sherrard made back-to-back steals and baskets off inbounds plays to cap the run, prompting a Knott County Central timeout.
Elizabethtown built a 49-28 halftime lead and never let Knott Central get closer than 15 in the second half.
Because of Elizabethtown’s constant pressure defense, the Patriots faced a gamelong struggle getting the ball into the front court. When Knott Central was actually able to set up a half-court offense, the Panthers played relentless man-to-man defense and routinely jumped passing lanes to create steals and transition buckets.
“The quickness and the athleticism was just too much for us to handle,” Knott County Central Coach BB King said. “That’s the best team we’ve played all year on the defensive end, and my hat’s off to them.”
King believes Elizabethtown is destined for a spot in the championship game.
“To be honest, I think they’ll be playing (Saturday),” he said.
Jaquias Franklin dominated the game, scoring 25 points on 9-for-11 shooting. The Panthers’ leading scorer and rebounder this season, Franklin added seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Sherrard brothers — who also play football for Elizabethtown — feasted on the Patriots. Kam Sherrard had 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting and added six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Khia Sherrard hit five of 10 shots for 13 points and dished out seven dimes. Kam made a steal and found Khia for a run-out layup to cap a 14-0 Panthers run halfway through the third quarter.
Elizabethtown had 23 assists on 35 made baskets. All five Panthers starters scored in double figures, with Alandre Murphy chipping in 15 points and Camden Williams 11.
Josh McGuire’s final game for Knott County Central was a memorable one. The senior big man was tough in the post, leading the Patriots with 21 points and 10 rebounds. McGuire found joy in the experience of playing in Rupp Arena, despite the disappointing outcome.
“Many people don’t get the chance to come down here and play, so I’ll take that. I would have liked to have won the game, but, like Coach said, (Elizabethtown is) really quick and athletic and they’re a real good team,” McGuire said. “But I’m just glad I got down here. It took us four years to get down here.”
Boys’ Sweet 16
What: Sixteen-team tournament to decide Kentucky’s high school basketball state champion
When: Wednesday through Saturday
Where: Rupp Arena
Tickets: Seating is limited because of COVID-19. Tickets available for purchase at KHSAA.org.
Boys’ Sweet 16 schedule
At Rupp Arena
Wednesday
Elizabethtown 87, Knott Co. Central 59
Bowling Green 85, University Heights 57
Madison Central vs. Ballard, (n)
Clark Co. vs. Oldham Co., (n)
Thursday
11 a.m.: Muhlenberg Co. vs. Highlands
2 p.m.: Bullitt East vs. McCracken Co.
5 p.m.: Boyle Co. vs. Paintsville
8 p.m.: Knox Central vs. Ashland Blazer
Friday
11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.: Quarterfinal games
Saturday
11 a.m., 2 p.m.: Semifinal games
8 p.m.: Championship game
This story was originally published March 31, 2021 at 2:30 PM.
