Completing what is likely the most dominating fifth- and sixth-grade basketball campaign in county history, Rosspoint finished a perfect season against county competition with a 49-15 win over James A. Cawood on Thursday in the county championship game at Harlan County High School.
Hudson Faulkner led a balanced attack for the 25-0 Wildcats with 17 points. Blake Johnson and Trey Creech added 10 and nine points, respectively.
Taylor Daniels paced the Trojans with five points.
“I’m very proud of these young men. This group has been a family all year that hasn’t been selfish or worried about how much they’re scoring. They play for each other, have great attitudes, and are very respectful to the teams they go against,” Rosspoint coach Scotty Bailey said. “They’ve worked their butts off for this opportunity, and I’m very proud of them. This is a special group. We are led by some great sixth graders, and I couldn’t be more proud of their leadership and how they play the game. They make this coach very happy watching them.”
James A. Cawood stayed within striking distance for a quarter, trailing 15-3, which forced the Rosspoint starters to play two quarters instead of their usual one.
“Championship games always brings out the nerves. We played really good defense tonight. Sometimes our shots don’t fall, but the boys work hard to make up for it on defense,” Bailey said. “JACES came out and played hard from the first tip. I’ve watched them get better and better each game, and I knew earlier in the season it could be a rematch of last year’s championship game. It’s always a fun environment when we play each other. There’s a lot of talent in this county and a lot of young talent as well, so I’m excited to see what the future holds for all these young men.”
Rosspoint returns to action Saturday in the 13th Region Tournament at North Laurel where the Wildcats will take on many of the top fifth- and sixth-grade teams in southeastern Kentucky.
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Caysen Farley scored 19 points as Evarts won the third-place game with a 39-36 victory over Wallins.
Sam Carmical led the Purple Devils with 17 points.
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Rosspoint (49) — Hudson Faulker 17, Blake Johnson 10, Trey Creech 9, Carson Sanders 5, Lakyn Smith 3, Kolbi Green 2, Eli Davis 2, Parker Long 1.
James A. Cawood (15) — Taylor Daniels 5, Adrian Fields 4, Brylee Southerland 4, Seth Johnson 2.
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Evarts (39) — Rayce Bryant 6, Aiden Napier 2, Salem Smith 5, Caysen Farley 17, Jacob Wright 3, Jesse Pendergrass 4, Brady White 2.
Wallins (36) — Leyland Cope 9, Landon Blackwelder 6, Sam Carmical 17, Nick Colinger 4.