By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
The Walton-Verona boys’ basketball team routed Eminence, 67-30, in the 8th Region All “A” Classic semifinals on Thursday and will take a five-game winning streak into the championship game of the small-school tournament.
The Bearcats have won three of their last five games by double-digit margins, but they expect a much closer battle against Gallatin County in the regional final at 7 p.m. Saturday on their home court. When the two teams faced each other in December, Walton-Verona edged Gallatin County, 55-53, in overtime.
In their semifinal game, the Bearcats jumped out to a 39-10 halftime lead against Eminence and extended the margin in the second half with reserve players seeing a lot of action.
Junior forward Zach Clinkenbeard scored all 12 of his points in the first half to pace Walton-Verona’s fast start. Three of his teammates — senior Evan Anderson and sophomores Garrett Jones and Kam Pardee — finished with nine points each.
The Bearcats also did a good job on defense, holding Eminence senior guard Kemryn Jenkins to 11 points, 16 below his season average. They’ll face another high-scoring player in the regional final. Gallatin County senior Mason Wilson scored 25 points in his team’s 74-70 semifinal win over Williamstown on Thursday and has a 20.8 season average.
The Walton-Verona girls’ team also made it to the 8th Region final and plays Trimble County at 7 p.m. Friday at Gallatin County. The regional champions advance to the Kentucky All “A” Classic boys’ and girls’ state tournaments Jan. 25-29 at Frankfort Civic Center.
8TH REGION BOYS AT WALTON-VERONA
Saturday
Championship: Walton-Verona vs. Gallatin County, 7 p.m.
8TH REGION GIRLS AT GALLATIN COUNTY
Friday
Championship: Walton-Verona vs. Trimble County, 7 p.m.
9TH REGION GIRLS AT BELLEVUE
Friday
Semifinal: Holy Cross vs. St. Henry, 6 p.m.
Semifinal: Beechwood vs. Newport Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 7 p.m.
10TH REGION GIRLS AT PARIS
Saturday
Championship: Brossart vs. Nicholas County, 6 p.m.