Trigg County's sixth annual Christmas tournament gets underway today at Wildcat Gym. There will be 12 games played over three days.
The tournament is one of the better small-school tournaments in this end of the state, with TCHS athletic director Taylor Sparks saying there is a waiting list for teams to get into the tourney.
Of the eight teams in the tournament, six have appeared before, including three teams that either won or shared a 12 Games championship.
Here's a look at the 12 Games of Christmas field:
Trigg County (2-4) vs. Fulton County (2-5), 4:15pm - Trigg County has never lost a first round game (5-0) in their own tournament, but will be facing their toughest test today. Fulton County has wins over Murray and Fulton City but enter the game on a two-game losing streak. The Lady Pilots average 41.1 points on offense and give up 47.8. Fulton County is led by junior forward Ellie Goodman and junior guard Sharika Smith, a multiple state champion in track. Like Trigg County, Fulton has been starting a freshman (Alex Barnett) at point guard. The Lady Pilots are making their first-ever trip to the 12 Games of Christmas and their first trip to Cadiz. It will be the first meeting between the two teams.
Trigg County has dropped two straight games since beating Crittenden County Dec. 8. The Lady Wildcats are led senior Laquisha Boyd (14.8 ppg., 10.5 rpg.) and sophomore Janada Acree (9.0 ppg., 13.7 rpg.). Trigg is averaging 46.8 points on offense and giving up 56.7 on defense. The key will be how well Trigg (35.7 turnovers per game) handles Fulton County's press. Trigg County is 9-5 all-time in their tournament and have never finished lower than third. They have also never won their own tourney, finishing second twice (2003, 2005).
Fulton County schedule/results
Murray (1-4) vs. University Heights (3-2), 5:45pm - Both teams are making their third appearance in the 12 Games of Christmas. Murray won the title in 2003 and finished fifth last year. They have a 5-1 record in those two years. UHA has won just once in six games, finishing eighth in 2003 and seventh last year. Murray is rebuilding with just two starters returning from last year. One of those is 5-9 sophomore Stacey McClure, who averaged eight rebounds a game in their three games here last year. UHA is led by junior forward Jasmine Coleman, who averaged 14.3 points and was the tournament's top rebounder last year with 11.7 a game.
University Heights schedule/results
Heath (5-1) vs. McLean County (0-6), 7:15pm - This was supposed to be the championship game two years ago but was never played. Bad weather after the second day caused the final day of the tournament to be cancelled and both teams to be awarded a share of the title. These teams are going in opposite directions this year. Heath is off to a 5-1 start with just one senior on the roster -- guard Daria Kingsley. Their only loss was to a 4-2 Mayfield team. This will be Heath's second appearance in the 12 Games of Christmas.
McLean County is rebuilding after losing five starters from last year's 14-12 team. Senior guard Emily Shocklee was usually the first player off the bench last year and was a part-time starter, while junior Cinnamon Ashby and senior Lindsey Slinker also saw plenty of court time last year. McLean's roster has two seniors, a junior, and seven freshmen on it. McLean is making their fourth straight appearance in the 12 Games of Christmas and have a 5-3 record. They finished third last year, tied for the title in 2004, and were fourth in 2003.
McLean County schedule/results
Metcalfe County (5-2) vs. Logan County (3-2), 8:45pm - Metcalfe County won the 12 Games of Christmas last year with no seniors on the roster. The Lady Hornets were led last year by senior guard Natalie Bunch, who averaged 18.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 steals in the tournament last year. Senior Brandy Lee, and juniors April McCoy and Megan Stephens also return for Metcalfe, who hit 21 three-pointers in the three games last year. Metcalfe will be trying to become the first team to win a second 12 Games of Christmas title.
Logan County makes their first appearance in the 12 Games of Christmas and feature a nice inside-out attack led by senior guard Whitney Bell and sophomore center Brooke Dowlen. Logan owns a pair of wins over Second Region teams Trigg County and Hopkinsville this year. Metcalfe County beat Logan County 64-45 last year.
Metcalfe County schedule/results
A link to the tournament bracket is in the post below.
Admission to the tournament is $4, which gets you into all games. Be sure to come out and support these teams and the Lady Wildcats.
Also be sure to check the blog for game-by-game recaps!
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