SALYERSVILLE — Magoffin County made a strong first impression in the 57th District.
The Hornets, under the direction of Coach Scott Castle, rolled past visiting Johnson Central 72-32 in a 57th District boys’ basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Magoffin County won convincingly in its 2023-24 57th District debut.
The Hornets set the tone early, forcing Johnson Central to play from behind throughout the 57th District boys’ basketball matchup.
Magoffin County shot 56.2 percent (27-of-48) from the field. The Hornets made six of 18 three-point field goal attempts, shooting 33.3 percent from three-point range.
Magoffin County shot 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line in the convincing victory.
Aden Barnett poured in a game-high 32 points to lead Magoffin County to the win. Barnett, who scored his 3,000th career point, connected on 10 of 12 shots from inside the arc.
Among the most underrated boys’ high school basketball players in the state, Barnett made all six of his free throw attempts.
Joining Barnett in double figures for Magoffin County, Grayson Whitaker netted 17 points.
Eight different players provided scoring for Magoffin County in its win. The additional scorers for Magoffin County were Zane Whitaker (eight points), Walker Russell (four points), Ethan Salyer (four points), Ian McCarty (three points), Tayte Hall (two points) and Reed Meadows (two points).
Following the win over Johnson Central, Magoffin County improved to 8-7 overall and opened 1-0 in the 57th District.
Magoffin County, Johnson Central, Martin County and Paintsville comprise the 57th District.
Magoffin County is scheduled to host defending champion Martin County for its next 57th District game on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
Magoffin County will enter the boys’ high school basketball postseason in February.
