[Fanman]

Two top EKY teams going at it in Hazard Friday night. Thoughts?

[EKY Hoops]

I think Hazard keeps it competitive, but Ashland ends up winning by 10ish.

[-STAT-]

Think this game will be close, haven't seen Hazard play even tho that needs to change soon, so not familiar with their playing style, but know they're usually very physical, which could benefit them.

Should be an interesting game between 2 of the more tradition rich programs here in the area.

Hazard will be competitive, but Zander Carter is a handful and will be too much in the end.

Ashland-79
Hazard-67

[Bluecat]

Looking forward to this matchup. Ashland is very good and this one will give us a better outlook on Hazard early on. They beat Breathitt Monday and now they test themselves agains Ashland.

[i82much]

If you’re going to beat Ashland now is the time. When the returning football players get healed up and in basketball shape the Tomcats will be a tough out. I’m hearing good things about Hazard…but…this depleted group of Tomcats took the number one team in the state to overtime so you have to favor them in this one. Ashland wins by single digits.

[Tailback44]

Hazards style will keep it close but Ashland is a top 5 team in the state. Tom cats win by 8-10 points.

[Basketballguru1]

It’s according who is the officials for this game. I smell a lot of home cooking

[15thregionwatcher]

hazard needs to keep this game in fifties to low sixties. It gets over that Ashland wins going away

Hazard not going to beat Ashland in a shootout.

[Lcontop]

It’s according who is the officials for this game.  I smell a lot of home cooking

Home cookin is the only way to keep this one close. Ashland is the real deal and could compete at the sweet 16. Ashland wins by 15+

[EKY Hoops]

Is anybody streaming this one or the entire D.J. Begley? I haven’t seen it advertised anywhere.

[LOOKAYANNER]

Hazard is catching Ashland at a good time due to several key players out with injuries. I think another is awaiting an eligibility ruling. However, even with a depleted roster the Tomcats are still very good. But coach Al Holland’s teams are alway competitive and play tough at old Memorial Gym.
I think it will be a score of around 75-67 in Ashland’s favor in the end. It’s a very interesting early season mountain matchup. I’d like to see more of these. And kudos to Ashland for going out of their region to play games like this one and Great Crossing.

[Gridiron_Raid]

The only way Hazard keeps it in the ball park is when they get their help from the 14th region officials at home. I truthfully believe that on a neutral floor this is 20+ margin of not more. Where does Hazard have the advantage other than the 3 in stripes tonight?

[zaga_fan]

Is anybody streaming this one or the entire D.J. Begley? I haven’t seen it advertised anywhere.

WSGS is covering the 54th District games.
Perry vs Belfry and Hazard vs Ashland tonight on WSGS Facebook and YouTube

Tomorrow they have Hazard vs Buckhorn, Perry vs Martin and Leslie vs Shelby Valley

[zaga_fan]

I don't see many teams just absolutely running away with a game against Hazard and ... it's tough on the road.

I expect this one to be close.

[Fanman]

Hazard 38 Ashland 32
Halftime

The Bulldogs come out early with a 3 point assault on the Tomcats. The cold shooting Tomcats clawed back to make it a 6 point lead, after being down a lot early.

[zaga_fan]

38-32 Hazard at the half.

Ashland came out in a zone and Hazard shot them out of it quickly.

[zaga_fan]

Service not hot here lol

[Fanman]

Eversole is a beast for Hazard, and the Combs kid has shot the lights out

[zaga_fan]

58-49 Hazard after 3

[i82much]

Hazard shooting lights out. Very impressive.

[Fanman]

Hazard shooting lights out. Very impressive.

They are physical too, they look like a serious team tonight.

---

Hazard 76 Ashland Blazer 69
Final