This past weekend, from February 23rd to 25th, the 2024 Kentucky Basketball Commission (KBC) Grade 8 State Championships provided another display of talent and competition at its finest. The event was held at two magnificent locations: the KBC's home venue of the Sports Center in Lexington, KY, and selected games at the STEAM Academy.
The Road to the Final Four
The journey to the final four was nothing short of remarkable. Browing Springs showcased their determination and skill by knocking out teams such as CAL SW, Stanton, McCreary County, and Garrard County. Their efforts paid off, earning them a spot against Northern Pulaski in the semifinals.
Northern Pulaski carved their path with hard-fought victories over Clinton County, May Valley, and Millard, setting the scene for what would become a nail-biter of a game. A last-minute 3-pointer by Browing Springs sealed their fate with a win of 43-40.
On the other half of the bracket, JCTMS showcased their talents through the competition, defeating Royal Springs, Mullins, Knox County, and Grayson County. East Perry was no less impressive, securing their place after triumphing over Lex Catholic, Jackson County, South Oldham, and Blessed Sacrament. However, it was JCTMS who emerged victorious in this clash, dismantling East Perry with a decisive 46-26 victory to meet Browing Springs in the championship game.
The Grand Finale
The final matchup was intense, with JCTMS asserting dominance and securing the championship with a 44-26 win over Browing Springs.
The star of the show throughout the tournament was none other than Jordan Mitchell of JCTMS, whose exceptional performance earned him the well-deserved MVP title and all-tournament team honour alongside teammate Trey Hilerich.
All-Star Showcase: The Ball Star Scouting All-Tournament Team
Jordan Mitchell heads the elite Ball Star Scouting All-tournament Team, comprising
outstanding talents hailed from various parts of Kentucky:
Trey Hilerich - JCTMS - Louisville, KY
AJ Slaughter - Southern MS - Lexington, KY
Cutter Browning - Leslie County - Hyden, KY
Tristan Lowery - W.E.B Dubois - Louisville, KY
Samari Pettus - Browing Springs - Madisonville, KY
Conner Morguson - Powell County - Stanton, KY
Grayson Burton - Knox County, Barbourville, KY
Nick Prater - East Perry - Hazard, KY
Jordan Jackson - Evangel Christian - Louisville, KY
Each member of this illustrious group is set to graduate in the year 2028, marking them as players to watch in the future.
Elsewhere in KBC this weekend
In other brackets this weekend, we have more players and teams to celebrate. Stanton defeated Jackson County to claim the 8th Grade Gold Bracket portion of the tournament. Meanwhile, St. Pius X defeated Henderson North to take home the 8th Grade Silver Bracket portion of the tournament.
The Journey 2024
As we sweep away the last bits of confetti, our eyes turn towards the horizon, to "The Journey" tournament, happening March 1st to March 3rd, back at the Sports Center in Lexington, KY. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action! Follow along on social media for live updates and register for upcoming tournaments via our portal at kbchoops.com/tournaments.
For those who witnessed the spectacle of this year's state championships, the memories will not soon fade. For the athletes, they head home champions or with the invaluable experience gained under the bright lights. Until next time, here's to basketball and enjoying the journey. By Brett Farrelly, KBC Insider