10th Region semis: Campbell, Scott can’t keep up with MoCo, GRC

MAYSVILLE, Ky. – Montgomery County and George Rogers Clark turned the Mason County Fieldhouse into their personal showcase Monday, blasting past Campbell County and Scott respectively to set up a fourth meeting this season for the 10th Region crown.

The nightcap belonged to Montgomery County, which scorched the nets in the second half to eliminate Campbell County 91-71 and avenge an earlier loss to the Camels. After trailing 32-31 at intermission, the Indians opened the third quarter with an 8-0 burst and never looked back. They finished the final two quarters a blistering 18-of-21 from the floor, 7-of-8 beyond the arc and 15-of-16 at the stripe.

“They got hotter than a firecracker,” Campbell coach Brent Sowder said. “Off rhythm, on rhythm, reverse layups with no time left—they all went in.”

Braden Elam’s put-back gave the Camels a brief 38-35 edge early in the third, but Andrew Terry answered with nine of his game-high 27 during a 17-4 run that closed the half and swung momentum for good. Austin Sears buried three triples in a two-minute third-quarter flurry, part of a five-three barrage that stretched the lead to 62-45. Campbell clawed within seven late, but a 22-9 closing kick sealed it.

Austin Davie poured in 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Camels, while Elam added 20 and nine. The rest of the roster combined for 21 on 9-of-25 shooting as Campbell closed a 22-10 campaign.

“We have a chance for a special future,” Sowder said of a lineup that returns four starters. “We’re thankful for our three seniors, but this one stings.”

In the opener, George Rogers Clark’s length and relentless pressure overwhelmed Scott 81-53, ending the Eagles’ deepest postseason run since 2019. The Cardinals’ starting five, averaging 6-3 and anchored by 6-8 Amari Bartelson and 6-6 Montez Gay, dominated the glass 40-17 and turned 18 second-chance points into a 24-0 edge in the paint.

Gay scored 24, Bartelson posted 12 points and 11 boards, and Malachi Ashford and Ryder Akins chipped in 12 and 11 respectively. Scott stayed within six in the second quarter behind freshman Ben Brown’s 14 first-half points, but the Eagles finished 10-of-34 from deep and were outscored 41-16 the rest of the way. Brown led Scott with 18; Jordan Clemons added 16.

Senior Aaron Hampton, sidelined all winter after a football injury, checked in late and scored the final basket of his career on a layup. Scott ends 16-15.

Tuesday’s title game will be the fourth between GRC and Montgomery County this season, with the Cardinals holding a 2-1 edge. The winner heads to Rupp Arena.

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