The Allen County-Scottsville Patriots capped off a four-game week over the weekend with a pair of District 15 wins---90-75 win over Glasgow and a 56-50 victory against Barren County. The finals from last Friday and Saturday nights extended the AC-S win streak to five games---the longest win streak since the 2018-19 team won six games during the midpoint of their season.
The Patriots’ fantastic weekend started on Friday as senior Kyler Pedigo matched a career-high with a 40-point night. Pedigo went 12 of 21 from the floor, including four of eight from 3-point range. Pedigo also downed 12 of 17 free throws to pace the Patriots to the victory over District 15 top-seed Glasgow. His 40-point game was two points shy of Allen County-Scottsville’s single game record of 42 held by Phillip Hayes.
In addition to Pedigo, teammates De’Ante Grainger, Tyler Turner, and Braden Spears contributed with strong nights. Grainger recorded his second double-double, adding 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Grainger also led the team with five steals. Turner notched his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.. Spears scored 11 points and yanked down seven rebounds.
AC-S used a 21-12 third period to seize control of a close game. The Patriots led 20-19 after the first quarter and held a 43-37 lead at the break. Making 14 of their final 26 shots from the floor and 19 of 27 free throws over the last 16 minutes, AC-S put 90 points on the board for the third time this season--helping push their season points-per-game average to 69.2.
Overall, from the floor, AC-S made 28 of their 61 attempts (45.9%) while sinking 29 of 39 free throws (74.4%). Glasgow was 29 of 62 from the floor (46.85) but only 12 of 26 at the foul stripe. AC-S won the boards 42 to 37. The Patriots committed 11 turnovers and forced 16 Glasgow miscues.
Saturday night, AC-S closed the Barren County game on a 16-5 run to upend the Trojans by six. Pedigo again shined on the court. The senior scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds. Ay’Den Grainger added 13 points and six rebounds to help AC-S defeat Barren and capture the second-seed for the District tournament later this month.
Unlike the fast-pace of the Glasgow game, Saturday’s contest was slower---perhaps a reflection of both teams having played Friday night. Barren County led 17-16 after the first quarter. Warren Cunningham’s Trojans outscored the Patriots 16-10 in the second quarter to own a 33-26 lead at halftime. The third frame was virtually even (14-12 in favor of the hosts) before AC-S exploded in the final eight minutes to capture their 11th win of the season.
Two stats stand out for AC-S. First, the Patriots went 21 of 30 from the free throw line. Attacking the rim and drawing fouls supported the game plan for Jeremy Garrett’s team. A second key stat was turnovers as AC-S only gave the ball away seven times. Shooting wise, the Patriots made 16 of their 38 attempts for a 42.1% clip.
For Barren County, a stat to note was 3-point shooting. Known for their ability to knock down the outside shot, the Trojans went five of 24 from beyond the arch. Overall, Barren was 18 of 51 from the floor (35.3%). At the line, the Trojans were nine of 13. Barren County had 14 turnovers that led to 18 AC-S points.
AC-S (11-10) heads into the second to last week of the regular season as the hottest team in Region 4. However, the Patriots may have the hardest remaining schedule of any team in the region. This week’s games have the Patriots facing Region 4 number one Warren Central (17-2), an away game at Russellville (15-8), and Senior Night against Greenwood (18-6) on Friday. Next week, the Patriots welcome Bowling Green (15-10), play at South Warren (13-7), and close the regular season hosting Clinton County (18-3). With the exception of Russellville, all of the AC-S opponents are among the region’s top five teams.
The weekend results set the District 15 match-ups. Glasgow (11-11) is the top seed and will play Warren East (1-22) to open the boys District 15 tournament on February 24. On Wednesday, February 25, AC-S (11-10) faces Barren County (14-10). The championship game will be Friday, February 27. All games are at Glasgow High School.