OWENSBORO — Magoffin County junior guard Aden Barnett scored 34 points, but Mason County still managed to defeat the Hornets 72-62 in the opening round of the 2A Boys’ Basketball State Tournament at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Friday, Jan. 13.
Barnett set a new single-game scoring record for the 2A Boys’ Basketball State Tournament.
The Hornets excelled early, outscoring Mason County 16-12 in the first quarter.
But the Royals shook off their slow start, outscoring the Hornets 23-18 in the second quarter to lead 35-34 at halftime.
Mason County led 50-46 at the end of the third quarter.
Finishing strong, Mason County outscored the Hornets 22-16 in the final period to pull away for the win.
Mason County shot 49.1 percent (26-of-53) from the field in its win over the Hornets. The Royals shot 38.5 percent (five-of-13) from three-point range.
Mason County, which featured five scorers in double figures as part of a balanced offensive attack, shot 65.2 percent (15-of-23) from the free throw line.
Terrell Henry scored 25 points to lead the Royals. In addition to Henry, Khristian Walton (14 points), Philip Bierley (11 points), Carter McClanahan (10 points) and Riley Mastin (10 points) reached double figures for Mason County in the state tournament game.
Chipping in offensively, Braylon Hamilton (two points) was Mason County’s additional scorer in the tournament game.
Magoffin County shot 41 percent (25-of-61) from the field. The Hornets connected on three of 11 three-point field goal attempts.
Magoffin County shot 69.2 percent (nine-of-13) from the free throw line.
Productive inside, Magoffin County outrebounded Mason County 31-25.
Accompanying Barnett in double figures for the Hornets, Zane Whitaker and Grayson Whitaker netted 12 points apiece.
Rounding out Magoffin County’s scoring, Ben Lafferty added four points.
Barnett and Grayson Whitaker paced Magoffin County inside, claiming seven rebounds each.
Following its opening round victory over the Hornets, Mason County went on to win the 2A boys’ basketball state title.
