Elementary basketball returned with plenty of fireworks last week as Warren County’s 3-5 grade boys league tipped off with two nights that offered a little bit of everything.
There were blowouts, an overtime thriller, big individual scoring performances and even an unexpected gym evacuation. More importantly, the opening week provided the first glimpse at the players and teams that could make plenty of noise over the next several weeks.
Centertown and Irving College were the only boys teams to make it through Week 1 with perfect 2-0 records, but there were statements being made all over the county. West had to wait until Thursday to make its debut, then immediately announced its arrival by knocking off Hickory Creek 27-13. Dibrell showed how quickly fortunes can change, bouncing back from an opening-night loss to Centertown by exploding for 48 points in a road win over Boyd.
The individual performances were just as impressive, as were the clutch moments. Those performances are exactly what The Warren County Way wants to celebrate throughout the elementary season.
Each week, The Warren County Way will recognize a Player of the Week from every team, highlighting the young athletes making an impact with their scoring, defense, hustle and leadership. We want to thank the sponsors of these honors - and there are opportunities to get your business partnered with this feature in the future as well. Reach out to Jeff Simmons at wcsportsauthority@gmail.com for more details!
BOBBY RAY STARS – Jayden Terry
Terry was Bobby Ray’s most consistent offensive weapon during the opening week. He scored a team-high six points in the Stars’ 12-11 overtime battle with Boyd, including a big jumper during Bobby Ray’s fourth-quarter comeback. Terry followed with four points against Centertown, giving him 10 for the week.
BOYD BRONCOS – Heath Judkins
Judkins made some of the biggest plays of opening night as Boyd battled Bobby Ray into overtime. The big man scored inside to help the Broncos build a fourth-quarter lead, then went back to work on the glass in OT. His offensive rebound led to a trip to the line, where Judkins sank the deciding free throw in Boyd’s 12-11 victory. He also added two points against Dibrell Thursday.
CENTERTOWN WARRIORS – Greyson Eubanks
Eubanks helped power Centertown to a perfect 2-0 start. He scored 10 points in the Warriors’ 34-22 opening-night victory over Dibrell, then led the way with eight more against Bobby Ray Thursday. His 18 points paced Centertown during an opening week where the Warriors found two different ways to win.
DIBRELL WILDCATS – Jeb Culwell
Culwell entered the year as one of the league’s proven scorers and immediately showed he’s ready for another big season. After scoring six points against Centertown, Culwell erupted for 14 as Dibrell bounced back in a major way Thursday, routing Boyd 48-10. His 20 points led the Wildcats during Week 1.
EASTSIDE BULLDOGS – Matthias Wilcher
Wilcher provided consistent offense for Eastside during the opening week, getting on the board in both games for the Bulldogs. He scored two points against Hickory Creek on opening night, then followed with four against Irving College Thursday. His six points over the first two games helped earn Wilcher Eastside’s first Player of the Week honor of the season.
HICKORY CREEK HAWKS – Asher Mathis
Mathis wasted little time making one of the biggest individual statements of opening night. He poured in 16 points in Hickory Creek’s 46-8 victory over Eastside, scoring 12 in the first quarter as the Hawks raced away early. Mathis was also at the forefront of Hickory Creek’s pressure defense, turning steals into easy opportunities as the Hawks rolled in their season debut.
IRVING COLLEGE TIGERS – Ryan Yates
Yates helped Irving College start the season on the right foot with a big performance against Morrison. He poured in 10 points as the Tigers fought off the Eagles for a 28-23 victory. Irving College followed with a 33-10 win over Eastside Thursday to complete a perfect 2-0 opening week.
MORRISON EAGLES – Sawyer McCormick
McCormick took on plenty of responsibility in Morrison’s opener against Irving College. Handling point guard duties for the Eagles, McCormick scored six points and helped Morrison stay within striking distance throughout a competitive 28-23 loss. His ability to run the offense while providing scoring made him a Week 1 standout for the Eagles.
WEST WIZARDS – Cam Chadwell
West had to wait until Thursday to make its season debut, but Chadwell and the Wizards made sure it was worth the wait. The point guard controlled the action against Hickory Creek, using his strength and speed to attack the Hawks while helping West’s pressure defense dictate the game. Chadwell scored a team-high seven points, including an impressive and-1, as West made an immediate statement with a 27-13 victory.
Boys standings
Centertown 2-0
Irving College 2-0
West 1-0
Dibrell 1-1
Boyd 1-1
Hickory Creek 1-1
Morrison 0-1
Bobby Ray 0-2
Eastside 0-2
Next up
Monday, Sept. 28
Dibrell at Bobby Ray, 6 p.m.
Boyd at Centertown, 6 p.m.
West at Eastside, 6 p.m.
Hickory Creek at Morrison, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1
Morrison at Boyd, 6 p.m.
Centertown at Irving College, 6 p.m.
Dibrell at West, 6 p.m.
