KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Preview: Lex. Catholic vs. Bowling Green

Game 5: Lexington Catholic (25-7) vs. Bowling Green (26-6) Noon

In the first game of Day 2, Lexington Catholic from the 11th Region will be taking on Bowling Green from the 4th Region. Catholic is making what many consider a surprise visit to the Sweet Sixteen after they upset top-ranked Scott County in the 11th Region championship game. The Knights are in a stretch of good basketball that has watched them win ten of their last eleven games. They are led by All-Stater Vee Sanford and his 22.3 points per game. Sanford has scholarship offers from UAB, Bradley, Charlotte, Indiana State, Nebraska, SMU, St. Louis, Toledo and Wyoming. He's also on the radar of UK, Georgetown University and Virginia.

The Purples will combat Sanford with a team effort. Bowling Green normally plays 10 or more players during the course of a game and rely on the contributions of many. The Purples are deadly from the outside as they shoot 40% as a team from the 3-point line. Tevin Barksdale leads Bowling Green with 14.2 points a game from his guard position.

My Thoughts: Drawing the 11th Region in the first round is always a daunting task this season is no exception. Most thought Scott County would be playing in this game, but don't discredit Lexington Catholic. The Knights are playing very good basketball right now and are going to be a tough out in the tournament. The key for Bowling Green will be containing Sanford and hoping that the other Knights can't beat them.

Prediction: I think Sanford is a player in his own league in this one and he will carry the Knights to victory. I'll take Catholic by 8 points.