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The Matchups
(Underlined teams will be the home team.
All games are EST)
|
Official Hotel of the "Blue-Chip" Shootout
is the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, KY.
Call 1-800-626-2708 and mention the
"Blue-Chip" Shootout for special room rates. ($55-tax not included)
Ticket prices will be $8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door.
Tickets are sold in Louisville, KY at Manual H.S., Jeffersontown H.S., Holy Cross H.S., and at all Louisville L&N Credit Union branches
$1 for every ticket sold will be donated to Kentucky Harvest.
This is the fourth year for this event and the first three years featured some excellent basketball. Rick Bolus, one of the top talent evaluators and camp directors in the business, along with legendary high school coach Stan Hardin, decided to attempt this venture and hopefully it will remain an annual event. The 2001 feature game was a match-up between Indiana power New Albany and Glasgow Kentucky. New Albany won this battle 76-68 and was led by 6-2 Sr. guard Marcus Flynn with 24 points. 5-11 Sr. Brandon Stockton, who was named Kentucky’s “Mr. Basketball” for the 2001-2002 season, led Glasgow with 31 points. Other results from the 2001 inaugural event were: North Hardin 56 Louisville Seneca 43, Elizabeth South Central (Indiana) 81 Meade County 38, and Russellville 58 Louisville Holy Cross 52.
The 2002 event featured a shootout between Highlands and Louisville Eastern, a game in which Highlands won 82-79. 6-8 Sr. Ross Neltner, who was named Kentucky’s “Mr. Basketball” for the 2002-2003 season, led Highlands with 34 points and seven rebounds. 6-1 Jr. Rajon Rondo led Eastern with 32 points, nine assists, and four steals. Warren Central defeated Scott County 80-77 in overtime in another marquee match-up. Warren Central was led by 6-5 Sr. Leroy Wilson with 27 points and nine rebounds. 6-1 Jr. Tyler Hicks and 6-10 Sr. Justin Lee led Scott County with 18 and 17 points respectively. Other results from the 2002 event were: Louisville Holy Cross 76 Clarksville (IN) 64, and Louisville DeSales 76 West Jessamine 65.
The 2003 event featured a n 83-55 victory by Lexington Catholic over the eventual 2003-2004 state champion Warren Central. The victors were led by 6-3 Sr. Demetrius Green with 15 points. Another marquee match-up featured Scott County defeating North Hardin 71-52. 6-0 Sr. Tyler Hicks led Scott County with 20 points. Other results from the 2003 event were: Louisville Holy Cross 80 Beth Haven Christian 47, and Caverna defeated Trinity 49-43.
The Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader released their pre-season high school basketball previews on November 21st and 26th respectively. Three of the teams entered in this year’s event are listed in the top 25 teams in the state by both newspapers. Scott County (C-J #2, H-L #1), Jeffersontown (C-J #9, H-L #6), and Warren Central (C-J #17, H-L #20) are all entered in the event. This event also includes perennial national power Oak Hill Academy and Tennessee power Brentwood Academy.
Four players scheduled to perform in the event are listed in either the Courier-Journal’s or Herald-Leader’s top 25 players in the state. Domonic Tilford (Jeffersontown, C-J #5, H-L #5), Troy McFarland (Warren Central C-J #17, H-L #20), Jared Carter (Scott County H-L #22), and Michael Spann (West Jessamine H-L #25) are all scheduled to perform. Oak Hill Academy has several nationally ranked players, including Kevin Durant, Eric Devendorf, Jamont Gordon, Tywon Lawson, K.C. Rivers, Bamba Fall, David Palmer, Anthony Wright, and Alex Smith. Brentwood Academy features Brandon Wright. Portsmouth (OH) features an excellent junior in Cam Thoroughman.
2004 Participating Teams
Portsmouth Clay (OH) – Clay is coached by Randy Ward and finished 15-7 last season. Key contributors are expected to 6-7 Jr. Cam Thoroughman, 6-5 So. Justin Craft, 6-1 Jr. Mike Thacker, 6-3 So. Kent Robinson, and 6-5 So. Derrick Webb. Clay plays an aggressive man-to-man defense. They run a lot of half court sets on offense and will play up-tempo when the opportunity presents itself.
Louisville Holy Cross – The Cougars finished 14-15 last season but Coach Jody Thornsberry graduated five seniors off last year’s team. Although the team is relatively young and inexperienced they have some talent returning this season. 6-3 Sr. Aaron Troutman (14 ppg) is the top returnee. Other players expected to contribute include 6-6 Sr. Kyle Killebrew, 6-3 So. Dante Francis, 6-3 Jr. Steve Wright, 5-10 Sr. Kyle Dohn, and 6-3 Sr. Jake Nail. Holy Cross also expects to get help from two transfers from Pleasure Ridge Park, 5-10 So. Brent Thompson and 5-11 Jr. Jeff Kasey plus one from Atherton, 6-0 Jr. Zach Coater.
Nicholasville West Jessamine – The Colts finished 12-19 last season and former Lexington Catholic coach Bart Flener takes over at the helm this season. 5-11 Sr. Michael Spann (18 ppg) and 6-1 Sr. Trevor Gray (10 ppg) are expected to form one of the region’s best backcourts. Other players expected to contribute include 6-0 Sr. Danny Brown (11 ppg), 6-3 So. Zach Fain, and 6-3 Jr. Brian Johnson, 6-2 Jr. Eric Coker, 6-0 Sr. John Searle, and 6-6 Jr. Jason Crist.
Louisville Western – The Warriors finished 7-18 last season but Coach Paul Handley only returns two starters. Western will probably benefit from a foreign exchange student, as they have in the past. 6-0 Jr. Andre Barnes (18 ppg) utilizes his quickness and athleticism on both ends of the floor. Other players expected to help include 6-4 Sr. Corey Goodson, 5-10 Sr. Brandon Anderson, and 6-4 Jr. Jimorris Johnson.
Georgetown Scott County – Scott County finished 28-7 last season, graduated five starters including point guard Tyler Hicks, but are expected to be a strong challenger for state honors again this year. Coach Billy Hicks Cardinals have a good blend of size and talent. 7-1 Sr. Jared Carter has improved offensively and is an intimidating shot blocker in the paint. 6-6 Sr. Anthony Coote is capable of having a breakout year. 5-9 Jr. Jesse Thompson and 5-8 Jr. Joe Siler are experienced guards and Coach Hicks has a lot of talented underclassmen. 6-3 So. Rodney Haddix and 6-3 So. Matt Walls are destined for stardom and the Cardinal’s strong freshmen class includes 6-6 Jordan Lee, 6-3 Bud Mackey, 6-4 Tyler Portwood, and 6-2 Cam Hundley.
Bowling Green Warren Central – The Dragons finished 29-7 last season and captured the state championship at Rupp Arena. Coach Tim Riley’s team lost four starters from that squad but will still challenge for the 4th Region title. The lone returning starter is 5-11 Sr. Troy McFarland (11 ppg), who will be asked to score more this season. The Dragons have two very talented sophs returning in 6-2 Jeremy Anderson and 5-11 Nick Britt. 6-2 Sr. P. J. Smith and 6-1 Sr. Bryson Hall are returnees who are expected to help in the paint.
Brentwood Academy (TN) – The Brentwood Academy squad is coached by George Pitts. This team features 6-9 Jr. Brandon Wright, who has scored over 1200 points in his first two seasons. 6-1 Jr. Joshua Bone and 6-4 Sr. Barry Turner are other key returnees. Brentwood Academy has some promising young talent including 6-5 So. Brandon Brown.
Jeffersontown – The Chargers finished 21-9 last season and Coach Jeff Morrow returns four starters. J-Town will be led by one of the top players in the state in 6-0 Sr. Domonic Tilford. He averaged 18.3 ppg last season and is extremely difficult to defend one-on-one. Other returning starters include 6-3 Sr. Jeremy Hackley, 6-4 Jr. Jeff Hughes, and 6-2 Sr. Corey Clark. 6-0 Jr. Dale Easley is expected to start this season. Coach Morrow also expects contributions from 6-1 Jr. Ceedrick Ware (who sat out last season after transferring from Pleasure Ridge Park) and 6-7 So. Thomas Coleman. Jeffersontown has a high octane offense and Tilford thrives in the open court.
Mouth of Wilson Oak Hill Academy (VA) – Coach Steve Smith always has one of the most talented squads in the nation, and this season should be no exception. Some of the talented players expected to perform for Oak Hill Academy this season include 6-9 Jr. Kevin Durant, 6-3 Sr. Eric Devendorf, 6-4 Sr. Jamont Gordon, 6-0 Jr. Tywon Lawson, 6-5 Sr. K.C. Rivers, 6-8 Sr. David Palmer, 7-1 Sr. Bamba Fall, 6-6 Jr. Anthony Wright, and 6-6 Sr. Alex Smith
Louisville Manual – The Crimsons finished 12-18 last season, but if Justin Royles remains eligible this season, Coach David Zuberer’s team could surprise some people. 6-1 Sr. Justin Royles was only eligible for the first four games last season and averaged 19 ppg during that stretch. Royles is an excellent athlete with explosive strength and leaping ability. 6-3 Sr. Tra’h Moore is an excellent all-around player who gives a good effort every game. 5-10 Sr. Chartrael Hall is a good outside shooter with a good understanding of the game. 5-10 Sr. Andrew Robinson and 6-1 Jr. Parnell Minter are also expected to contribute. Coach Zuberer’s team lacks size among his experienced players and must find some size among his freshmen and sophomore classes.
The Fourth Annual L&N Credit Union “Blue-Chip” Basketball Shootout Results
Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY
December 10, 2004
© 2004 Ron Harrison
Game No. 1 Portsmouth Clay (2-1) vs. Louisville Holy Cross (1-1)
Clay coach Randy Ward started the following lineup: 6-7 Jr. Cam Thoroughman, 6-5 So. Justin Craft, 6-3 Sr. Chris Bihl, 6-0 Jr. Mike Thacker, and 6-3 So. Kent Robinson. Holy Cross coach Jody Thornsberry countered with 6-3 Sr. Jake Nail, 6-1 Jr. Eric Floyd, 6-7 Sr. Kyle Killebrew, 5-10 Sr. Kyle Dohn, and 6-3 Sr. Aaron Troutman.
Holy Cross overcame a 32-25 deficit at the end of three quarters to take a 43-39 victory over Clay. Neither team shot well today as both shot 31.1% from the field. However, Holy Cross was six of 16 from the three point line. Holy Cross was nine of 21 from the free throw line while Clay was nine of 16 from the charity stripe.
Aaron Troutman was named team MVP for Holy Cross and led his team with 23 points including four three point baskets. 5-10 So. Brent Thompson came off the bench to score six points, all in the final quarter, and was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award”. Clay was led by Cam Thoroughman with 27 points and 11 rebounds, and was named team MVP. 6-3 So. Ryan Cucore came off the bench to play excellent defense and was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award”.
|
Portsmouth Clay |
10 |
13 |
9 |
7 |
- |
39 |
|
Louisville Holy Cross |
11 |
10 |
4 |
18 |
- |
43 |
|
Portsmouth Clay |
(39) |
- |
Thoroughman 27, J. Craft 4, C. Bihl 3, Thacker 0, Robinson 0, Cucore 2, Webb 3. |
|
Louisville Holy Cross |
(43) |
- |
Nail 2, Floyd 2, Killebrew 3, Dohn 1, Troutman 23, Wright 5, Thompson 6, Francis 1. |
Game No. 2 West Jessamine (1-1) vs. Louisville Western (1-2);
West Jessamine coach Bart Flener started the following lineup: 6-4 Sr. Cody Schuler, 6-0 Sr. Danny Brown, 6-3 Jr. Brian Johnson, 5-11 Sr. Michael Spann, and 6-1 Sr. Trevor Gray. Western coach Paul Handley countered with 6-4 Jr. Kendell Holley, 6-5 Jr. Jimorris Johnson, 6-9 Jr. A’Daius Pegues, 6-0 Sr. Robert Ray, and 6-0 Jr. Andre Barnes.
West Jessamine’s Michael Spann scored 11 points in the final quarter to lead the Colts to a 60-56 victory over Louisville Western. West Jessamine shot 36.2% from the field, was 13 of 20 from the free throw line, and pulled down 34 rebounds. West Jessamine also scored 22 points off 26 Western turnovers. Western shot 44.2% from the field, was five of 10 from the free throw stripe, and pulled down 36 rebounds.
Michael Spann was named team MVP and led West Jessamine with 19 points Trevor Gray added 15 points and was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award”. Andre Barnes was named the team MVP for Western and led his team with 23 points including five three point baskets. Jimorris Johnson received the team’s “Best Hustler Award” and added nine points and seven rebounds.
|
West Jessamine |
10 |
18 |
17 |
15 |
- |
60 |
|
Louisville Western |
11 |
17 |
14 |
14 |
- |
56 |
|
West Jessamine |
(60) |
- |
Schuler 0, Brown 4, Johnson 6, Spann 19, Gray 15, Brooks 8, Crist 2, Coker 2, Fain 4. |
|
Louisville Western |
(56) |
- |
Holley 6, Johnson 9, Pegues 6, Ray 3, Barnes 23, Anderson 2, Thornton 7. |
Game No. 3 Scott County (2-0) vs. Warren Central (1-1)
Scott County coach Billy Hicks started the following lineup: 6-6 Sr. Anthony Coote, 6-3 Fr. Bud Mackey, 7-1 Sr. Jared Carter, 5-8 Jr. Joe Siler, and 6-3 So. Matt Walls. Warren Central coach Tim Riley countered with 6-1 Sr. Bryson Hall, 6-3 So. Jeremy Anderson, 6-2 Sr. P. J. Smith, 5-11 So. Nick Britt, and 5-10 Sr. Troy McFarland.
Scott County led 38-27 at halftime and pulled away in the second half to defeat Warren Central 90-59. Scott County held a 53.7%-37.5% advantage in field goal shooting. The Cardinals scored 30 points off 30 Warren Central turnovers.
The victors were led by their team MVP Jared Carter with 15 points, seven rebounds, and 10 blocked shots. Carter controlled the game with his indimidating defensive presence in the paint. Anthony Coote was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award” and led the Cardinals in scoring with 23 points. Matt Walls, Joe Siler, and 6-3 So. Rodney Haddix added 17, 13, and 13 points respectively. Walls also dished out eight assists and recorded five steals.
Nick Britt was named team MVP for Warren Central and scored 12 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and blocked three shots. Bryson Hall was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award” and scored six points and pulled down six rebounds. Jeremy Anderson added 11 points.
|
Scott County |
18 |
20 |
20 |
32 |
- |
90 |
|
Warren Central |
10 |
17 |
15 |
17 |
- |
59 |
|
Scott County |
(90) |
- |
Coote 23, Mackey 0, Carter 15, Siler 13, Walls 17, Thompson 5, Haddix 13, Hundley 2, Warren 2. |
|
Warren Central |
(59) |
- |
Hall 6, Anderson 11, Smith 4, Britt 12, McFarland 7, Driver 2, Woodard 4, Hudson 8, Curry 5. |
Game No. 4 Brentwood Academy (TN) (4-0) vs. Jeffersontown (2-1)
Brentwood Academy coach George Pitts started the following lineup: 6-4 Sr. Barry Turner, 6-1 So. John Garrett, 6-9 Jr. Brandan Wright, 6-1 Jr. Joshua Bone, and 5-9 Sr. Mason Revelette. Jeffersontown coach Jeff Morrow countered with 6-2 Sr. Corey Clark, 6-3 Sr. Jeremy Hackley, 6-4 Sr. Jeff Hughes, 6-0 Jr. Dale Easley, and 6-0 Sr. Domonic Tilford.
Jeffersontown scored 26 points off 29 Brentwood Academy turnovers on their way to a 68-59 victory. Brentwood Academy held a narrow 40.4%-38.5% advantage in field goal shooting and outrebounded the smaller Jeffersontown squad by a margin of 45-28. Brentwood Academy was 18 of 27 from the free throw line while Jeffersontown was 15 of 22 from the charity stripe.
Domonic Tilford was named team MVP for Jeffersontown scored 21 points while playing an excellent floor game. Corey Clark was given the team’s Clark added eight rebounds and recorded three steals. Brandan Wright was named Brentwood Academy team MVP as he recorded 22 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocked shots. Barry Turner added 14 points and eight rebounds and was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award”.
|
Brentwood Academy |
16 |
16 |
10 |
17 |
- |
59 |
|
Jeffersontown |
22 |
17 |
14 |
15 |
- |
68 |
|
Brentwood Academy |
(59) |
- |
Turner 14, Garrett 3, Brandan Wright 22, Bone 11, Revelette 3, Beasley 1, Kottas 2, Brown 3. |
|
Jeffersontown |
(68) |
- |
Clark 22, Hackley 10, Hughes 2, Easley 5, Tilford 21, Ware 8. |
Game No. 5 Oak Hill Academy (VA) (7-1) vs. Manual (3-0)
Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith started the following lineup: 6-9 Jr. Kevin Durant, 6-4 Sr. Jamont Gordon, 7-1 Sr. Bamba Fall, 6-0 Jr. Tywon Lawson, and 6-4 Sr. Eric Devendorf. Manual coach David Zuberer countered with 5-10 Sr. Andrew Robinson, 6-1 Jr. Parnell Minter, 6-3 Jr. Tra’h Moore, 5-10 Jr. Marcellus Hargrove, and 5-10 Sr. Chartrael Hall.
Oak Hill Academy led 29-21 at halftime but pulled away in the second half to defeat Manual 69-43. Oak Hill Academy shot 60.5% from the field, connected on 21 of 32 free throws, and pulled down 26 rebounds. Manual shot 42.9% from the field, connected on two of three free throws, and pulled down 16 rebounds.
Oak Hill was led by team MVP Jamont Gordon with 18 points. Kevin Durant added 16 points, and seven rebounds and was given the team’s “Best Hustler Award”. 6-1 Sr. Justin Royles scored 12 points and was named team MVP for Manual. Chartrael Hall scored 12 points on four three point baskets and was given his team’s “Best Hustler Award”.
|
Oak Hill Academy |
15 |
14 |
15 |
25 |
- |
69 |
|
Manual |
5 |
16 |
5 |
17 |
- |
43 |
|
Oak Hill Academy |
(69) |
- |
Durant 16, Gordon 18, Fall 3, Lawson 10, Devendorf 4, Wright 8, Palmer 5, Smith 5. |
|
Manual |
(43) |
- |
Robinson 9, Minter 0, Moore 2, Hargrove 6, Hall 12, Bailey 2, Royles 12. |
Conclusion
Congratulations to the sponsors and organizers for putting on this event. Stan Hardin and Rick Bolus know high school basketball from A to Z. Bolus, one of the top talent evaluators in the business, decided to try this event four years ago and hopefully it will enjoy a long run as a prestigious event. 6-7 Jr. Cam Thoroughman (Clay) played well today as he scored 27 points including two three point baskets and pulled down 11 rebounds. 6-3 Sr. Aaron Troutman (Holy Cross) led his team to victory as he tallied 23 points including four three point baskets. West Jessamine has an excellent guard combination in 5-11 Sr. Michael Spann, and 6-1 Sr. Trevor Gray. 6-0 Jr. Andre Barnes (Western) scored 23 points including five baskets from beyond the arc.
Scott County was very impressive tonight and appears to have all the ingredients for a championship season. 7-1 Sr. Jared Carter is a defensive stopper in the paint and Scott County has the talent and depth to play Coach Hicks’ uptempo style. Warren Central will improve over the season as they have some solid senior leadership and some talented underclassmen. Jeffersontown was very impressive tonight with 6-2 Sr. Corey Clark and 6-0 Sr. Domonic Tilford turning in excellent performances. 6-9 Jr. Brandan Wright (Brentwood Academy) lived up to his lofty reputation with 22 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocked shots. Wright also entertained the crowd with some high-flying dunks.
Oak Hill Academy’s roster as usual is packed with D-1 caliber prospects, with 6-4 Sr. Jamont Gordon, 6-9 Jr. Kevin Durant, and 6-0 Jr. Tywon Lawson all turning in excellent performances tonight. 5-10 Sr. Chartrael Hall and 6-1 Sr. Justin Royles played well for Manual tonight against a much larger Oak Hill Academy squad.
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to WL Stats for providing the statistics for tonight’s games.
Please note that player heights vary from source to source.
Please direct your comments to Ron Harrison at prephoops@yahoo.com.
Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on https://www.angelfire.com/ky/prephoops.