By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Simon Kenton advanced to the semifinals of the 8th Region boys basketball tournament for the first time since 2014 by defeating Anderson County, 58-45, in a first-round game on Tuesday at Henry County High School.
The Pioneers (16-8) will play North Oldham (6-10) at 8:15 p.m. Friday with the winner moving on to Saturday’s 7 p.m. championship game.
Simon Kenton will take a six-game win streak into its rematch with North Oldham, the only team that beat the Pioneers on their home court during the regular season. North Oldham won that game, 82-70, on Feb. 26.
Simon Kenton led from start to finish in the win over Anderson County even though senior guard Kelly Niece, the state’s leading scorer with a 30.8 average, was limited to 18 points.
Anderson County had a player closely guarding Niece whenever the Pioneers had the ball. He still managed to score 10 points in the first half that ended with his team ahead, 31-19.
Simon Kenton had a double-digit lead for much of the second half. With less than two minutes left, Anderson County pulled to within 52-43, but the Pioneers prevailed.
Simon Kenton’s other double-figure scorer was junior guard Isaac Miller with 16 points. Junior forward Hayden Carson had nine. The Pioneers ended up shooting 48.8 percent from the field (20 of 41) with seven 3-point goals.
MASON COUNTY 75, SCOTT 58
Mason County ended the first half with a 14-0 run to take a 43-26 lead and maintained a double-digit margin the rest of the way in the 10th Region first-round game at Mason County Fieldhouse.
Scott shot 36 percent (18 of 50) from the field compared to Mason County’s 52 percent (27 of 52). The Royals won the rebounding battle, 36-30, and scored 21 points off turnovers to post their 14 consecutive victory.
Mason County sophomore forward Terrell Henry scored 18 of his game-high 28 points in the first half. Scott senior guard Grant Profitt ended his high school career with a 19-point effort.
Scott ends the season with a 15-10 record. Mason County (19-3) will play George Rogers Clark (17-4) in a regional semifinal game at 8 p.m. Friday.