Bobby Keith Classic Saturday

(MANCHESTER, Ky.) – Riding a four-game winning streak, the Clay County Tigers (11-4) seemingly hit their stride as they hit the season's midpoint. Winners of nine of their last 11, a huge matchup in the Bobby Keith Classic against South Laurel is Saturday and Pulaski County for this week of coverage. 

South Laurel – One of the top teams in the 13th region will make their way into Manchester for the Bobby Keith Classic on January 18th. The Cardinals (9-4) previously defeated the Tigers 70-47 in the second game of the season in the Ted Cook Classic at South Laurel and looked the part of a region champion while doing so. If Clay County wants to exact its revenge on the Cards’, it must find a way to overcome South Laurel’s defense.

Defense is the Cards’ staple, and they only allow opponents 48ppg. If the Tigers can push past the 60-point mark, their chances at victory increase exponentially. 

South is led by star forward Jordan Mabe and his 20.2 ppg. Mabe is one of the most versatile players in the region and will be the Tigers' most significant challenge to defend. They also must slow down Colton Rawlings, Josh Steele, and Kaiden McQueen. This game will tip at 7:00 PM on January 18th at Clay County High School. The Bobby Keith Classic at CCHS will begin that day at 11:30 AM. 

Pulaski County—A powerhouse 14th region program will host the Tigers, and Clay County will look to start next week strong with a Tuesday matchup against the Maroons. Coached by John Fraley, this will be a dogfight from start to finish. 

A roster laden with upper-level students, the Maroons feature a balanced scoring attack led by Gavin Cook (13.1ppg) and Carson Fraley (12.7ppg). Former Clay County Tiger Seth Farmer (9.2ppg) anchors the post for Pulaski, while Ethan Idlewine (8.3ppg) rounds out the scoring for the Maroons. Clay County could come home with a win if the Tigers can match their physicality in what’s sure to be a hostile environment. This game is set for tip-off at 8:00 PM, January 21st, at Pulaski County High School.