District Showdown Friday with North Laurel

(MANCHESTER, Ky.) – Winners of seven straight, Clay County (13-4) has a monster week ahead if the weather permits, featuring matchups against 49th District rival North Laurel and Rockcastle County, both on the road, followed by a home visit by Middlesboro next Tuesday night. Can the Tiger’s win streak and stellar play continue during this brief road trip? Let’s dive into the matchups. 

North Laurel – Clay County sent the Jaguars back down the parkway with a 70-63 loss following their visit to Manchester. If the Tigers can do the same thing in the Jaguar’s jungle. On Friday night, it could be a considerable tone-setter for the Tigers season the rest of the way. Securing a massive district win like that can propel a team to greater heights if they allow it. 

However, stopping Ryan Davidson and the Jags on their turf is a different story. It’s a difficult place to leave with a win, and Davidson and Co. will ensure nothing comes easy. This storied rivalry is set for another chapter Friday night, 7:30 PM, at North Laurel High School. Whoever wants it more wins!

Rockcastle County – Clay County will visit Mt. Vernon for the Rocket Classic on Saturday night, squaring off with the 5-13 Rockets. Coached by Andrew Cash, the Rockets are led in scoring by Connor Hunt (15.2ppg) and Jace Rogers (13.3ppg). The Tigers will focus on that duo above all else, and the rest should fall into place. This game is set to tip at 6:45 PM, Saturday, at Rockcastle County High School. 

Middlesboro – The Yellowjackets (4-8) come to Manchester on Tuesday night, having played only two games since this was published. They’re set to have played four more before the Tigers so that things could change with this group from now until then. In the meantime, they’re led by Joseph Killion’s 15.9ppg. He and Jacob Tinnell (10.2ppg) are the lone double-digit scorers for Middlesboro and should be the ones on whom the Tiger defense keys. This game is set to tip at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, at Clay County High School.