KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Preview: Grayson Co. vs. Adair Co.

Game 2: Grayson County (25-6) vs. Adair County (26-7) 1:30 p.m.

In the second game of the Sweet Sixteen, Grayson County from the 3rd Region will do battle with Adair County from the 5th. Adair County should create problems down low with their nice size advantage. The Indians have three starters averaging in double figures and another that averages 9.0 points per game. They are led by future Morehead State Eagle Darren Ballou. The 6'7" Ballou leads the team with 19.1 points a game. He is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, as well. The guard tandem of seniors Corey Helm and Nick Fudge add 10.6 and 10.8 points per game, respectively.

Grayson County is known for playing smart fundamental basketball. They excel in taking care of the ball and making good decisions throughout the course of a game. The Cougars are led junior guard Travis Johnston, who averages 16.8 points and 6.0 assists a game.

My Thoughts: This will be an intriguing first-round matchup. On paper, it would seem that Adair County should advance, but Grayson County does many things correctly that do not show up on stat sheets. The Cougars come into this game as winners of nine in a row and are playing good basketball at the right time. Still, I expect Ballou to take the game over in crunch time and lead Adair County to the second round.

Prediction: I think it will be a great game, but Ballou will be too much of a force down low. I'm taking Adair County in this one.