LOUISA – Magoffin County was forced to play from behind as host Lawrence County gradually pulled away to win 84-64 in the Kentucky 2A, Section 8 Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game on Sunday, Jan. 9.
As a result of the loss, Magoffin County dropped to 7-6.
Lawrence County improved to 13-2 after recording the win.
The Hornets faced a deficit at the conclusion of each quarter. Lawrence County edged Magoffin County 22-20 in the opening period. Then, following a 24-15 scoring advantage in the second quarter, Lawrence County led 46-35 at halftime.
Stretching its lead shortly after the intermission period, Lawrence County outscored the Hornets 21-16 in the third quarter.
Cody Maynard poured in a game-high 30 points to lead the Bulldogs to the championship-clinching victory.
Finishing directly behind Maynard in scoring for Lawrence County, Anthony Johnson netted 29 points.
Former 15th Region champion Lawrence County shot 54.9 percent (28-of-51) from the field. The Bulldogs shot 52.9 percent (nine-of-17) from three-point range.
Lawrence County shot 79.2 percent (19-of-24) from the free throw line in the title game.
Joining Maynard and Johnson in double figures for the Bulldogs, Will Lafferty scored 10 points.
Chipping in offensively, Trenton Adkins (seven points), Andrew Bloomfield (four points) and Kaden Gillispie (four points) accounted for the rest of Lawrence County’s scoring.
Ben Lafferty led Magoffin County, scoring a team-high 19 points for the Hornets.
Accompanying Lafferty in double figures for the Hornets, Barnett scored 17 points and Zane Whitaker netted 11 points.
Near double figures for Magoffin County, Grant Whitaker tossed in eight points.
The additional scorers for Magoffin County included Brennan Hansen (three points), Ethan Salyer (two points), Spencer Howard (two points) and Walker Russell (two points).
The Hornets are scheduled to host Lawrence County on Monday, Jan. 24.
