We are back for 2025! I hope everyone enjoyed the "off-season" but we are back in the full swing of things for another exciting Kentucky Basketball Commission season. Our year always begins with a bang, shoutout to Mike Breen, with the State Championships.
Lexington, Kentucky, served as the battleground for the Kentucky State Championships, where the best 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade teams from across the state converged at the Sports Center. Over the course of three weekends, more than 230 teams competed for the title, leaving behind a series of intense matchups, dramatic finishes, and breakout performances.
With future stars taking center stage, each division delivered its own brand of excitement, proving once again that Kentucky basketball remains a proving ground for young talent. Here’s how the action unfolded.
6th Grade Championship (Jan. 3-5) – CAL Edges Hayes in a Thriller
With over 64 teams competing, the 6th-grade tournament was packed with talent, but four teams—CAL, Hayes, Rockcastle County, and Pikeville—separated themselves from the pack.
Semifinals
CAL 58, Pikeville 52 – CAL’s offense proved too much to handle as they outlasted a tough Pikeville squad. A fast-paced game with relentless scoring saw CAL maintain composure in the final minutes, securing their spot in the championship game.
Hayes 47, Rockcastle County 27 – Hayes dictated the tempo early and never looked back. A suffocating defensive effort limited Rockcastle County’s opportunities, while Hayes capitalized on transition opportunities to dominate the second half.
Championship Game
CAL 42, Hayes 41 – In one of the most dramatic finishes of the weekend, CAL survived a tense battle against Hayes to claim the title. Both teams traded leads throughout the game, but CAL’s late-game execution proved to be the difference. With defensive pressure ramping up in the final moments, CAL managed to hold off Hayes for a one-point victory.
MVP: Cruz Morgan – Morgan was the steady force for CAL throughout the tournament, stepping up in crucial moments and delivering when it mattered most. A congrats to Cruz and the entire CAL team for a great tournament and an amazing final.
7th Grade Championship (Jan. 24-26) – Bell County’s Defense Leads to a Title
The 7th-grade championship featured 74 teams, each bringing a mix of skill and physicality. After a grueling weekend, Bell County, Boyd County, North Laurel, and Owensboro Catholic emerged as the final four in the Grade 7 bracket.
Semifinals
Bell County 46, Boyd County 42 – A back-and-forth battle saw Bell County grind out a tough win over Boyd County. Defensive intensity and key late-game rebounds helped Bell County hold off a last-minute push.
North Laurel 36, Owensboro Catholic 33 – In a defensive showdown, North Laurel found just enough offensive rhythm to secure the win. A well-timed defensive stand in the closing minutes sealed their spot in the championship game.
Championship Game
Bell County 35, North Laurel 28 – In a game defined by defensive toughness, Bell County controlled the pace and capitalized on key opportunities. Their disciplined approach on both ends of the floor helped them create just enough separation to take home the championship. Scoring and points were at a premium all weekend, and the finals were no different. Credit to Bell County for making buckets when it counted, securing the title.
MVP: Bentley Buell – Buell’s leadership and ability to impact both ends of the court were critical to Bell County’s success. The big man's poise under pressure helped secure the title.
8th Grade Championship (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) – Bengals (Newburg) Dominate the Field
The 8th-grade championship featured a deep field of 96 teams, with powerhouse programs battling for the ultimate prize. Woodford County, Lexington Catholic, Bengals (Newburg), and WEB Dubois rose above the rest to reach the semifinals.
Semifinals
Woodford County 44, Lexington Catholic 21 – Woodford County’s defensive pressure set the tone early, suffocating Lexington Catholic’s offense. A commanding second half turned the game into a rout.
Bengals (Newburg) 53, WEB Dubois 50 – The most intense semifinal of the weekend saw Bengals (Newburg) outlast WEB Dubois in a high-energy battle. Both teams had opportunities in the final minutes, but the Bengals found a way to escape with the win.
Championship Game
Bengals (Newburg) 57, Woodford County 36 – The Bengals imposed their will from the opening tip, dominating in transition and controlling the boards. Woodford County struggled to match their physicality, and the Bengals pulled away in the second half to secure the championship over the other 95 schools.
MVP: Jeremiah Queen – Queen was dominant throughout the tournament, using his size and skill to control the paint on both ends of the floor. His performance in the championship game left little doubt about his impact.
Final Thoughts: A Showcase of Kentucky’s Next Wave of Talent
It is a cliche, but the future of basketball is in great hands. A credit to all the players, teams, coaches and KBC Staff who put on a clinic to put on these events and deliver entertainment for everyone. It always blows my mind seeing a standing room only gym for middle school basketball - but that is just how we do it in the Bluegrass State.
The Kentucky State Championships once again delivered high-level competition and unforgettable moments. From down-to-the-wire finishes to statement performances, the weekend provided a glimpse into the future of Kentucky basketball.
Congratulations to CAL (6th grade), Bell County (7th grade), and Bengals (Newburg) (8th grade) for their championship victories, and to Cruz Morgan, Bentley Buell, and Jeremiah Queen for earning MVP honors. I encourage you to checkout @KBCHOOPS Instagram where we have the all tournament team's listed as well. Until next time, see you at the next stage of the Journey.
By: Brett Farrelly, KBC Insider
Comentarios