SALYERSVILLE — Magoffin County is the 2A, Section 8 boys’ basketball champion.
The Hornets held on to defeat Pike County Central 56-54 in the 2A, Section 8 Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game at Floyd Central High School on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Magoffin County led at the end of each quarter, outscoring Pike County Central 17-13 in the opening period.
Stretching its lead, Magoffin County entered halftime out in front 30-22.
The Hornets clung to a 39-38 lead at the end of the third quarter and finished strong.
Aden Barnett scored 17 points to lead Magoffin County to the championship-clinching win.
Accompanying Barnett in double figures for the Hornets, Grayson Whitaker scored 14 points and Zane Whitaker netted 13 points.
Finishing near double figures for Magoffin County, Ben Lafferty added eight points.
Chipping in offensively for the Hornets, Walker Russell, Ethan Salyer and Reed Meadows contributed two points apiece.
Magoffin County shot 73.6 percent (14-of-19) from the free throw line. The Hornets connected on six of seven free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
Jaylan Rigdon scored 18 points to lead Pike County Central in the 2A, Section 8 title game.
Joining Rigdon in double figures for the Hawks, Blake Adams scored 15 points and Jaden Stewart netted 10 points.
Narrowly missing double figures for Pike County Central, Peyton Compton added nine points.
Rounding out Pike County Central’s individual scoring, Brad Biliter chipped in two points.
Head coach Scott Castle guided Magoffin County to the 2A, Section 8 boys’ basketball title.
After the sectional championship-clinching win, Magoffin County advances to the 2A Boys’ Basketball State Tournament.
