Kentucky Straight Apparel Classic features some of the contending teams and favorites who have a chance to get to Rupp Arena in March. Bardstown legendary head coach, Boo Brewer does a great job assembling the teams, giving me an opportunity to assess where they are going into conference play.
Lexington Catholic vs Elizabethtown
This game pitted two teams that have a great chance of winning their regional’s. The game was dominated by Catholic, who seemed to come in more prepared and focused. Catholic was led by Bellarmine signee, 2024 point guard Tyler Doyle, who controlled the game while scoring 24 points and a number of assists. Elizabethtown 2024 C 6’9 Ayden Evans (Miami of Ohio) was held to 10 points in Catholics 79-50 blowout win.
Male vs Taylor County
Perennial state powerhouse Male High matched up a talented Taylor County team in game two. What was a competitive game, turned in the third quarter with Male’s D1 prospect, 2026 G Cole Edelen, dropping 12 of his game high 35 points. Taylor County was led by their junior guard and team’s leading scorer Layken Lyons with scored 16 points in the 76-54 loss to Male.
Bardstown vs Evangel Christian
This was a tough ask for Bardstown, matched with one of the state’s top teams with eyes on a state championship, Evangel Christian going against one the favorite teams to win state this year Evangel Christian. This game was put away in the first quarter with Christian jumping out to a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The length of Christian gave Bardstown problems all night, creating turnovers and rushed decisions. Christian was led 2024 G Isaiah Chitapa with 19 points. Bardstown senior Brenton Moore tallied 17 points in their 75-47 loss.
Butler vs Warren Central
This was a highly anticipated game when scheduled, but the reigning state champions were hit with injuries and were playing without four starters with one being senior guard and last year’s all-state selection, Western Kentucky signee Kade Unseld.
Butler is a veteran group led by athletic senior 6’4” guard Dayton Williams who led Butler with 22 points. He has some D1 schools sniffing around and I see why. Warren Central tried to keep its close with team newcomer, senior wing Drevin Bratton, who showed flashes of being player that could help Warren Central get back to Rupp when they’re at full strength. Bratton scored 15 points with most of them being aggressive moves to the basket.
Washington County vs Bowling Green
A game of contrast, this was the game everybody attending the classic was waiting on. Bowling Green, a state title favorite, takes advantage of their athletic, quick guards by playing at a fast pace, while Washington likes a half-court game, only running at opportune times. Bowling Green started off fast and you could see the tempo bothered Washington. Things changed when senior Mason Ritter (Columbia University), Bowling Green’s 6’8” big, picked up his second personal with a technical foul, sending him to the bench. Washington took out their big man, moving 2026 6’6 W Gabe Weiss to the five to space the floor and control the tempo of the game. Bowling Green’s senior combo Makayelus ‘MJ’ Wardlow kept them close, scoring 16 points through the 1st three quarters but went scoreless in the 4th, creating a lull in Bowling Green’s offense. After a quiet first quarter, Weiss became more active on both ends, controlling the paint while knocking down timely jumpers, being patient and playing off his teammates. The game came down to the wire with Washington 6’7” football star Beau Baker making his presences felt, making big plays in the paint to close-out the game. This 57-54 outcome was a big statement win for Washington and put the state on notice.