Mason County upset by LexCath 79 - 69 in OT

Royal's lead slips away in 4th Quarter

Mason County suffered only their second loss of the season in the Championship Game of the Holiday Classic on Sunday Evening against the tournament host Lexington Catholic.





The Royals got off to a quick start and led by as many as 13 in the 2nd quarter but slowly watched the lead shrink going into the final minutes of play managing only 7 points in the crucial 4th quarter.

Top-Rated Mason County led the entire game until #3 Lexington Catholic tied the score at 61 on a three pointer with 15 seconds left in regulation.

The Knights pulled away in Overtime to win by 10.


Russ Middleton scored 19 points


Russ Middleton led Mason County in Scoring with 19 points including 4 consecutive 3 pointers in the first half.

Darius Miller had 17 points and 11 rebounds.Trevor Setty added 15 points for the Royals and Ethan King had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Miller, Middleton, and Setty were name to the All-Tournament Team.

Mason County (11-2) faces Lexington Catholic (11 - 2) again on January 18th at Memorial Coliseum.

MC FG 45.1% 3PT FG 35.3% FT 73.9% REB 31 TO 13
LC FG 54.7% 3 PT FG 46.7% FT 63.6% REB 28 TO 6

MC (11-2) Middleton 19, Downing 1, Miller 17, Setty 15, King 14, Hamm 3

LC (11-2) Sanford 19, Stewart 18, Botkin 14, Smart 12, Tribble 3

MC 24 18 12 07-69
LC 13 19 16 13-79

Next Up : MCIT Starts Wednesday Jan. 2nd at the Fieldhouse with Mason County playing Pendleton County at 6:30 pm.

Mason County Wins Over Cov Cath 60 - 42

Royals Advance to Championship Game of Holiday Classic




The #1 Ranked Mason County Royals outscored the Covington Catholic Colonels 40 -18 in the 2nd Half to win by 18 in the Semifinals of the Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic on Saturday.

In a reversal from the night before the #1 Ranked Mason County Royals got off to a slow start and only scored 20 points in the entire first half and were behind by 4 at halftime but surged after the break.

Cov Cath played stingy defense early and held down the high powered Royals offense for Half the game but when the bell rang for the Second Stanza it was lights out for the Colonels.

Mason County came alive with a 23 point 3rd Quarter outburst sparked by Darius Miller who put on a high flying show with 5 emphatic dunks on center stage as part of an entertaining 20 point, 7 Rebound performance.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Russ Middleton had 18 points, 6 rebounds.

masoncountybasketball

Trevor Setty added10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

masoncountybasketball

Ethan King Scored 8 Points.

Setty Shoots from Outside

With their victory over Cov Cath The Royals improve their record to 11 - 1 on the Season.

Jackson Tolle Goes Up Strong In Traffic

MC FG 48.1% 3 PT FG 30% FT 63.6% REB 37 TO 10

CC FG 36.6% 3 PT FG 23.5% FT 88.9% REB 18 TO 11

MC (11-1) Middleton 18, Downing 2, Miller 20, Setty 10, King 8, Tolle

CC (10-2) Shover 6, Bondick 2, Maile 5, Grimes 14, Roll 4, Schmerge 11

MC 08 12 23 17-60

CC 09 15 10 08-42

Next Up : #3 Lexington Catholic Sunday 7 pm

Mason County Freshman Team Wins Cov Cath Holiday Classic

The Mason County freshman boys basketball team defeated Ryle 47 - 35 on Friday in the Championship Game of the Covington Catholic Holiday Classic.

The Royals defeated Covington Catholic 54-40 in the opening round and followed that with a second round 55 -37 victory over Louisville St. Xavier.

Jordan Gilbert led Mason County in scoring in the tournament at 15 ppg . Treg Setty scored 14 ppg and Neal Pawsatt added 9 ppg.

The 10 - 1 Freshman Team hosts Fleming County Jan. 3 at 6 pm in the Lady Royals' gym.

Mason County Surges Past June Buchanan

Royals start fast, Win Quarter Finals of Holiday Classic





Mason County got up early on a hopeful #12 ranked June Buchanan with a flurry of scoring at the start of the game and looked impressive in a 68 - 58 Victory in front of a lively crowd at Lex Cath High School.

The Royals started the game on a 9 - 0 run sparked by game opening 3s from Darius Miller and Trevor Setty and led by as much as 20 in the 2nd Quarter.

# 24 Trevor Setty Hits From the Line


Setty led the Royals in Scoring with a game high 20 points, including a sizzling start that set the tone for the game. Trevor scored inside and out and played tough defense.

#33 Russ Middleton Advances the ball Under Pressure
Russ Middleton was stellar, pouring in 19 points while leading the team from the point. Middleton continued his high percentage shooting and has been unstoppable recently.

UK Signee Darius Miller had 14 points in the contest including an instrumental game opening perfect 3 pointer from the corner that started the offensive onslaught.

# 21 Darius Miller

Miller made several exceptional passes and involved his teammates early and often with 6 assists in the game-deciding first quarter. Darius finished with a near triple double 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The 6'7" Senior also guarded June Buchanan's high scoring guard Clark Stepp and held him to 12 points consistently staying in front of him and denying or altering his shots.

6'5" Senior Ethan King for 2 of His 10 points

MC FG 48.7% 3PT FG 46.2% FT 54.5% REB 36 TO 10
JB FG 51.4% 3 PT FG 22.2% FT 57.1% REB 31 TO 12

MC (10-1) Middleton 19, Downing 2, Miller 14, Setty 20, King 10, Barner 3
JB (7-3) Clark Stepp 12, Clint Stepp 11, Cox 12, Collins 16, Hall 3, Short 4

MC 23 15 19 11-68
JB 06 18 10 18-58

next up : Covington Catholic Saturday December 29 @ 6pm

Royals Cruise in First Round of LCHC

Mason County rolled over Lexington Christian Academy 71 - 38 on Thursday in the first round of the Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic.

The Royal's Darius Miller and Russ Middleton each scored 12 points. Trevor Setty had 11 and Jackson Tolle scored in double figures with 10.

next up : june buchanan friday 8:30 pm

MC FG 55.8% 3PT FG 36.8% FT 42.9% REB 37 TO 15
LCA FG 31.8% 3 PT 29.4% FT 50% REB 21 TO 18

MC (9-1) Middleton 12, Downing 6, Miller 12, Setty 11, King 6, Tolle 10, Barner 6, Stahl 2, Rice 6
LCA (6-3) Helton 8, Townsend 9, Marshall 3, Sparks 4, Evans 10, Langley 2, Sotwell 2

MC 16 14 17 24-71
LCA 08 10 08 12-38

Mason County to play LCA Thursday

Lexington Christian Academy passed and shot the ball well on Wednesday in the opening round of the Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic and defeated Louisville Central 69 - 53.

LCA improved their record to 6 -2 and will face the Royals in the tournament's second round on Thursday Dec. 27th at 7:30 pm at Lexington Catholic High School.

Preview : Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic

Coming off a successful 3-1 trip to Hawaii where they played against some of the best teams in the Nation, The 8-1 Mason County Royals will be defending their #1 State Ranking in the prestigious Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic this weekend.

The Royals open play Thursday Night at 7:30 pm against the winner of the Central Louisville - Lexington Christian Academy game to be played on Wednesday.

In its 12th year, The well attended and widely publicized 24 team tournament runs Dec. 26 - 30 and showcases some of kentucky's finest teams including 4 of the top 10 in the latest bluegrasspreps.com rankings :

(as of 12/17)

1. Mason County
2. Ballard
3. Lexington Catholic
4. Scott County
5. Jeffersontown
6. Bryan Station
7. Covington Catholic
8. Elliott County
9. Adair County
10. Paducah Tilghman

Several teams from Tennessee will also compete.


Kentucky.com / Lexington Herald-Leader, which has a different top 25 ranking than bluegrasspreps.com, says in a preview article :

" (In Addition to Mason County and Lexington Catholic) Five other top-25 teams are in the field, including No. 14 Elliott County, which is 8-0 and averaging 96.5 points; No. 18 June Buchanan, led by senior star Clark Stepp; No. 19 Christian County; No. 21 Covington Catholic; and No. 24 Paintsville. "



If the Royals win their opener on thursday, staying in the winner's bracket, they could potentially face these top seeds :

* JuneBuchanan 6-2 #18 in Herald-Leader Rankings

+ only losses this year are to Top 25 teams Tates Creek and Lexington Catholic

+ Small Private School at Alice Lloyd College in Southeast Kentucky ( 74 students, grades 9-12)

+ Went to Sweet Sixteen Last Year for the first time in school history after winning the 14th Regional Tournament

then ...

* Covington Catholic 7 - 1

+ Ranked #1 in Northern Kentucky by Enquirer.com

+ Covcath's only loss was to Mason County by 10 points at The Fieldhouse earlier this year

+ Opened the season with a win at home over then #2 Lexington Catholic

+ Recent dramatic overtime victory against Lexington Lafayette on 12/21 with junior Luke Maile hitting a three at the end of regulation to send the game to OT.

... or ...

* Grace Christian Academy TN 6 - 1

+ Private School near Knoxville, TN

+ 28-3 record last season.


in the other bracket the favorite is ...

* Lexington Catholicc 7 - 2

+ Ranked # 3 in the State w/ Home Court Advantage

+ Recently returned from trip to Florida where they were 1-1 in the Rock Holiday Classic losing to Boyd Anderson, FL in the second round 66-68

+ Only other loss was away at Covington Catholic on Dec. 1st.

+ Beat Top 25 Tates Creek by 21 points at Tates Creek High School on Dec. 13th.

+ Will host the Royals on Friday January 18, 2008.

Mason County Goes 3 and 1 in Hawaii

Darius Miller and Russ Middleton named to All Tournament Team

Mason County finished 3 and 1 in Iolani Prep Classic in Hawaii and placed two players on the All-Tournament team :

Darius Miller ... especially instrumental in the Royal's big win against Mount Vernon.

Russ Middleton ... continued his excellent play with superb ballhandling and consistent scoring.

UConn bound Kemba Walker of Rice was the Tournament MVP.


Royals win over Iolani 55 - 41, 8 - 1 Overall

Mason County, on a 21 point outburst in the 4th quarter, defeated the host team Iolani in their 4th and final game in the Iolani Prep Classic in Honolulu.

The venue was loud and The game was close throughout with several lead changes and dramatic moments but the Royals, led by Darius Miller with 22 points, finished strong for a 14 point victory.

Russ Middleton scored 13 points for the Royals. Trevor Setty had 12 points and Ethan King finished with 8.

Iolani 11 10 9 11 - 41

Mason County 12 10 12 21 - 55

IHS - Marciel 2, Tulonghari 10, Wong 4, Ball 1, Warner 10, Mounts 11, Arakawa 3.

MCHS - Miller 22, King 8, Setty 12, Middleton 13.Three-pointers: Iolani 4 (Tulonghari 2, Mounts, Arakawa). Mason County 4 (Setty 2, Miller, Middleton).



Note : Team Photo Above : Royals at Pearl Harbor. Image Courtesy of Courtside with Danny Weddle blog.

Mason County suffers first defeat, 7-1 Overall

Royals Fall to Rice High School NYC 59 - 48

The Mason County Royals led by 7 points early in the fourth quarter but the Rice Raiders, led by UConn Signee Kemba Walker, went on a 26 - 8 run to end the game and give the Royals their first loss of the season.

Rice High School is #10 in the USA Today National High School Rankings / Super 25.

The Royals played well against the incredibly fast and talented team from Harlem, New York but in the end the Raiders were quick to the ball, shot excellent from the free throw line, and pulled away in the closing minutes.

Russ Middleton led the Royals with 18 points. Trevor Setty had 12 points and Ethan King added 10.

Next up: Iolani Ranked #2 in Hawaii

MC (7-1) Middleton 18, Miller 8, Setty 12, King 10

Rice(6-0) Carter 4, Fouch 15, Walker 21, Scott 12, Stukes 7

MC 09 15 14 10-48
R 15 10 08 26-59

Mason County Stuns Mount Vernon

Royals 7 - 0 on the Season, 2-0 in Iolani Classic

In a packed house in Hawaii, The Mason County Royals, Ranked #1 in the state of Kentucky, were playing the highly touted Knights of Mount Vernon High School winners of back to back New York State Basketball Championships.

The confident Royals, led by 6'7" Senior G/F Darius Miller's bigtime effort and 23 point game , stayed close the entire way, played tough defense when it counted most, and made 13 of 16 free throws in the fourth quarter with the game on the line to seal the victory.

Miller and Mason County simply would not be denied in the fourth quarter and, in a total team effort, rallied in the closing minutes to remain undefeated at 7 and 0 on the year.

Mount Vernon is a basketball powerhouse ranked 15th in the nation by USA Today and were 4 and 0 on the season with an average margin of victory around 50 points.

The talented senior led Royals were up to the test and played confident under pressure.

Unphased by the national stature of their opponent, the Royals stayed close and withstood the game high 36 point scoring onslaught of Mount Vernon's WVU Signee 6'7" Forward Kevin Jones, never trailing by more than 7 in a game that saw 9 lead changes.

Darius Miller's primetime 23 point performance wreaked havoc on Mount Vernon, who had not been in a close game all season, and the talent laden Knights watched the more aggressive Royals turn up the intensity and make the Big Plays in the end to win.

Russ Middleton continued to shine offensively scoring 19 clutch points and advancing the ball extremely well in traffic all night.

Trevor Setty added 13 points for the Royals, including an heroic late fourth quarter stretch where he scored on two put backs, and on defense took a timely charge and had 2 consecutive steals that were instrumental in the victory.

Ethan King had 6 points. Jackson Tolle scored 4 points, including 2 crucial free throws in the fourth with the clock winding down and the game in the balance.




MC FG 47.2% 3 PT FG 22.2% FT 79.2% REB 31 TO 9
MT V FG 52.1% 3 PT FG 38.5% FT 66.7% REB 31 TO 12


MC (7-0) Middleton 19, Downing 4, Miller 23, Setty 13, King 6, Tolle 4, Barner 4
Mt V (4-1) Wright 20, Lassane 2, Jones 36, Clark 4, Hinds 5
MC 14 18 16 25-73
Mt V 18 15 16 25-69




Next Up : Rice High School, NYC (#10 in USA Today Top 25 in Nation) in Iolani Classic Honolulu 1 am Friday Maysville time.




Mason County Wins First Game in Hawaii

The Mason County Royals Routed the Leilahua Mules 76 - 41 in the opening game of the Iolani Classic in Honolulu Hawaii. Russ Middleton led Mason County in scoring with 19 points. Darius Miller scored 15. Trevor Setty had 14 and Ethan King added 12.

MC FG 47.6% 3 PT FG 38.5% FT 46.2% REB 29 TO 19
L FG 43.2% 3 PT FG 25% FT 61.5% REB 35 TO 36
MC (5-0) Middleton 19, Miller 15, Setty 14, King 12, Barner 7, Stahl 6, Rice 3
L (1-2) Kama 4, Laurel 16, Dixon 6, Manley 1, Pau'u 8, Samuel 2, Pausa 5
MC 26 21 19 10-76
L 08 11 03 19-41

Nest Up : Mount Vernon High School (#15 in USA Today Super 25 Rankings ) from Yonkers, New York 8:30 pm Maysville time.

Royals Win Impessively in Farm Bureau Classic

Mason County 68 Christ Presbyterian Academy 54

Highlights :




(click on arrow above for video highlights)

The Mason County Royals, led by 19 points each from Russ Middleton and Trevor Setty, played stellar at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center on Saturday in Pikeville.

The Royals handed Christ Presbyterian Academy of Nashville, Tn their first loss of the season.



Mason County got up early and never looked back. The Royals were dominant offensively and benefitted from the hot shooting of Middleton and Setty who went a combined 16 of 27 (60%) from the field.

The Royals' Darius Miller and Ethan King both added 12 points. Jackson Tolle was 2 of 3 from the field and finished with 4 points.

Darius Miller led the team with 7 rebounds.

Russ Middleton earned the Player of the Game award and was given a plaque in a post game ceremony.

next up : hawaii

Mason County Rolls over Scott High

Mason County 80 Scott High 40

Highlights :




The Mason County Royals went to 5 and 0 on the season with a victory against overmatched Scott High at the fieldhouse.

Russ Middleton led all Scorers with 25 points. Trevor Setty added 20 points to the winning cause. Darius Miller had 10 points. Keith Downing led the team in rebounds with 10.

Royals and Miller #1 @ Bluegrasspreps.com

+ The Mason County Royals are the #1 Team in Kentucky according to the latest Bluegrasspreps.com Rankings.

Top Twenty :

1. Mason County
2. Ballard
3. Lexington Catholic
4. Scott County
5. Madison Central
6. Jeffersontown
7. Bryan Station
8. Covington Catholic
9. University Heights
10. Henry Clay
11. Adair County
12. Elliott County
13. Paducah Tilghman
14. Pleasure Ridge Park
15. Trinity
16. Male
17. Hazard
18. Holmes
19. North Hardin
20. Tates Creek



+ Darius Miller is #1 in Top Players List :

Top Ten :

1. Darius Miller, Mason Co. (84) 6-7 Sr.
2. Scotty Hopson, University Hts. (12) 6-6 Sr.
3. Shelvin Mack, Bryan Station (2) 6-2 Sr.
4. Victor Moses, Henry Clay (1) 6-6 Sr.
5. Clark Stepp, June Buchanan (1) 6-4 Sr.
6. Dakotah Euton, Rose Hill 6-8 So.
7. Jonathan Hood, Madisonville-N. Hopkins (1) 6-7 Jr.
8. Aaron Morris, Madison Central 6-6 Sr.
9. Adam Delph, Pleasure Ridge Park (1) 6-2 Sr.
10. Nick Gagel, Jeffersontown 5-11 Sr.


Bluegrasspreps.com, a popular website for kentucky high school sports fans, has forums for discussing sports topics, especially basketball, and the Mason County Royals are often mentioned and Maysville has alot of fans onboard in the threads.

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/php/boysbasketball.php

by terry wayne setty ... setty photography ... mount orab, oh ... (937) 444.2008

Upcoming Games

Big hoops Weekend


Friday Dec. 14th

The undefeated and #1 Ranked Mason County Royals host 10th Region Rival Scott High at 7:30 Friday at the Fieldhouse (JV 6pm).

Scott is struggling this year at 2 - 3 having lost back to back games this past weekend against Bourbon County and Harrison County.


Saturday Dec. 15th

On Saturday the Royals play in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Classic against Christ Presbyterian Academy at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.

Christ Presbyterian Academy is a private Double A High School in Nashville, Tennessee and is undefeated so far this year with an impressive 6 - 0 Record.

According to maxpreps.com The Christ Presbyterian Lions were 27 - 8 last year in a tough conference and did well in the post season tournament.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau Classic is a showcase of major teams with back to back games in multi -session format.

According to Ticketmaster.com the Royals play the Lions in the Second Session of the Classic Saturday evening.


Schedule

Saturday December 15th Session

5:15 PM #1 Maysville Mason County vs. Christ Presbyterian Academy Nashville, TN

7:00 PM Shelby Valley vs. Louisville Male

8:45 PM #2 Georgetown Scott County vs. Cincinnati Withrow, OH


for more info or select tickets ... http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/16003F39C5C171F6?artistid=1163098&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=30



Who to Watch

This session is loaded with talented teams ...

In addition to Mason County's Darius Miller (6'7" Senior) , Trevor Setty (6'7" Senior), and Russ Middleton (6' 31/2" Junior) also look for these Top Players/Teams to entertain as well :

Withrow is loaded with big time players and is one of the top teams in Cincinnati (#3 in Cincinnati Coach's Poll). The Tigers are led 6'9" Senior Center Yancy Gates, a University of Cincinnati Signee, and are a powerhouse offensively.

Scott County, defending State Champions and Ranked #2 in the Coach's Preseason Top 25, lost Bud Mackey in the preseason but still boasts some potent players including Seniors Jordan Lee (6'7" Center) and Cameron Hundley (6'3" Forward) and highly touted Junior Richie Phares (6"7" Center/Forward).


Other Games

2007 Farm Bureau Classic

Friday, December 14th
6:00 p.m. Pike County Central vs. Jenkins
7:30 p.m. Pikeville (Girls) vs. Boyd County (Girls)
9:00 p.m. Pikeville vs. Belfry

Saturday, December 15th

Session 1
10:00 a.m. Cumberland vs. Johnson Central
11:45 a.m. Pikeville College vs. Kentucky Christian University
1:45 p.m. Paintsville vs. South Charleston, WV
3:30 p.m. Pikeville vs. Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett, TN



The Venue

Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
126 Main Street
Pikeville, KY 41501

by terry wayne setty ... setty photography ... mount orab, oh

Mason County Plays Loud against Cov Cath

Mason County Royals 66 +++ Covington Catholic 56

Mason County H.S. +Maysville, Ky+ December 7, 2007


In an exciting home opener at the fieldhouse, enlivened by the rowdy raucus visiting Covington Catholic student section, The Mason County Royals Seniors answered the taunting orchestrated chanting with some loud hoops messaging of their own.

On the Side the CovCath Crazies made the crowd smile but on the Court it was The Royals who upstaged the Colonels in a scintillating performance that was entertaining and impressive.

In the end it was Mason County's own Fieldhouse Krazies who got what they wanted. The Royals cheering section brought their own holiday high energy and provided great atmosphere.




The #1 Ranked Royals are smooth, highly skilled, and fun to watch. They are loaded with talent, size, and experience and face a tough schedule against Top Teams in the State.

The Royals first home opponent fit the description.

The Covington Catholic Colonels came into the game at 2- 0 , favorites to win their conference, and had disposed of ranked and perennial powerhouse Lexington Catholic last weekend but on this friday night they were no match for Mason County.

#21 Darius Miller scored 24 and #24 Trevor Setty scored 21 for the Royals. On the way The Mason County Seniors hit back to back three pointers during a 19-2 Mason County scoring frenzy that buried the Colonels in the third quarter.

To complete the Senior scoring ensemble for the Royals Ethan King scored in double figures with 12 and Jackson Tolle added 7 points.

Daruis Miller added 12 rebounds and 5 assists on a night that also showcased his defensive skills as he held Cov Cath's much publicized offensive threat Luke Maile to 7 points.

Trevor Setty played stellar also and was too much for the Colonels. The Royals 6'7" Forward had a dominant offensive game, scoring inside and out, including 3 three pointers.

Mason County improves to 3-0 on the season.

Covington Catholic suffered their first loss and are 2-1 on the season.

The Mason County Fans honored the family of the Late long time statistician Danny Boyd in a Ceremony before the game. Danny passed away unexpectedly in the spring and will be missed by the basketball team and community.

Next : The Royals will host 10th region rival Scott High On Friday December 14th at The Fieldhouse.

Scoring

CC: Shover 13, Roll 3, Bondick 13, Maile 7, Grimes 11, Schmerge 5, Noll 4 (56)

MC : Miller 24, Setty 21, King 12, Tolle 7, Middleton 2 (66)

Posted by Terry Wayne Setty ... Setty Photography ... Mount Orab, Oh ... (937) 444.2008

Mason County holds off Tates Creek 85 -73

Mason County won their second game in as many nights in the Mr. Basketball Classic with the consensus favorite to win the award, the Royal's Darius Miller, scoring a career high 34 points in a spectacular effort that was answered by an equally incredible performance from Michael Sparks of Tates Creek who scored 44.

Miller and The Royals proved superior in the end but Sparks and the Commodores electified the home crowd early and often while shooting accurately from all over the court.

In the third quarter Sparks began an amazing scoring run nearly all his own as he poured in 23 of his team's 28 points in a late game stretch that lasted into the fourth quarter.

Behind Sparks hot shooting the Commodores led 65 -59 with 6 minutes remaining in the game.

That was the high water mark for Tates Creek and the storybook upset was rewritten by a pivotal 18-0 Mason County Scoring outburst including 9 points from Junior standout Russ Middleton and Darius Miller's shutdown Defense on Sparks who went scoreless in a 5 minute span and never regained his rhythym.

To complement Miller's team high 34, Russ Middleton finished with 20 points. Trevor Setty also scored in Double Figures for the Royals with 14. Ethan King had 8 points and Keith Downing added 7.

Next up : At home Friday Night vs. Covington Catholic


Posted by Terry Wayne Setty ... Setty Photography ... Mount Orab, OH ... (937) 444.2008

Royals Breakthrough Defenders

The house was packed on friday night at tates creek high school for the marquee matchup of the Mr. Basketball Classic between the #1 ranked Mason County Royals and the #5 Bryan Station Defenders.

In a hyped up rowdy atmosphere, Mason County's arsenal but proved too much for Bryan Station as Darius Miller, Trevor Setty and Russ Middleton dropped 4 threes pointers each on the Defenders and led the Royals to an 84 - 71 victory in the season opener for both teams.

The game was hotly contested before a large crowd and the locally favored Bryan Station put a charge in air by getting off to a fast start.

The defenders led early early by as much as nine but The Royals surged back and went on a 15-0 run to end the first half and went into the break leading 40 - 36.

Both teams traded baskets under pressure to start the second half and then, with the score tied at 49 - 49, Darius Miller hit a fadeaway three and was fouled.

After Miller sank the free throw the Royals were up by 4 and never looked back.

The UK bound Miller was stellar in the opener and led all scorers with 32 Points. He capped off his dominant performance with a high flying two handed slam off a well timed alley oop pass from Setty.




The High Flying Dunk gave Mason County a 70 - 58 lead in the final quarter and set the tone for a high scoring period to close the game. The royals went on to outduel the defenders 20 - 27 in the 4th quarter and finished them off at 84 - 71.

Junior Guard Russ Middleton looked sharp in the opener as he poured in 20 points and
Senior Forward Trevor Setty scored 18 for the winning Royals.

Senior Guard Shelvin Mack played incredible for the Defenders showing amazing quickness and the ability to score from anywhere under pressure. He finished with 29 points.

The Season Opening Showcase lived up to its name as Darius Miller and Shelvin Mack proved why they are on everyone's short list of competitor's to win the coveted Mr. Basketball Award.

Next up : Tates Creek Commodores

Royal Expectations !

Tip Off Notes

Royals Preseason #1 with Mr. Basketball Favorite

The #1 Ranked Royals are talented, experienced, and determined to succeed. With Three Returning Starters (Darius Miller, Trevor Setty, and Russ Middleton) from last year's 28-3 team Mason County is at the top of the prestigious Preseason Coach's Top 25 Poll.


Tonight they start on the difficult path that leads to Rupp led by one of the best high school players in the nation 6'7" Senior Darius Miller who is the leading contender for the coveted Kentucky Mr. Basketball Award.


The Mason County Royals begin their much anticipated 2007 - 2008 Basketball Season in the Mr. Basketball Classic hosted by Tates Creek High School. The Classic will showcase some of the Kentucky's top players including Miller, Bryan Station's Shelvin Mack, and Scotty Hopson of University Heights.


+ The Schedule +

Friday 6:00 pm Tates Creek v. University Heights



Friday 7:30 pm #1 Mason County v. # 5 Bryan Station



Saturday 5:30 pm June Buchanan v. Berkmar, Ga.



Saturday 8:30 pm Tates Creek v. Mason County


( Games played at Tates Creek High Schoo )





+ Who to Watch +

Mason County : Darius Miller 6"7" Senior


The highly skilled and talented Miller is back for his 4th Year of Varsity competition.

Darius is the complete player and led the Royals in scoring last year at 18 ppg.

He has the ability to shoot the jumper or score off the dribble. He can post up for the pass or rebound in traffic for the aggressive put back or soft touch lay in. He can play clear out one on one or find his points in the team flow.

He is very unselfish and elevates the level of his teammates.

A soft spoken team leader, He's a hard worker on the floor yet his offensive game is smooth and polished.

He's fun to watch - way beyond his years in entertainment value.

Darius is also a shut down defender.

He can and quite often does guard the opponent's best player regardless of position and they normally find it difficult to post their regular numbers.

He is long, quick to the spot with excellent hands, has impeccable timing and is very difficult to score on.

Miller's court savvy is widely recognized and much publicized. He was one of the most sought after recruits in the nation this past year before deciding recently to sign a letter of intent to play at UK .

Darius is the consensus preseason favorite to win the coveted Kentucky Mr. Basketball.


what to watch courtside notes : does it all so smooth ... the complete offensive game - could and does play all positions ... is all over the court ... but especially you notice the one on one (or two or three) on the wing or at the top of the key when Darius can go to the basket, shoot the midrange jumper or drop the three ... or in the open court he is a soaring spectacle ... he can fly... and finish with strength and style ... then the fans shout out loud ... a rare player who can change directions in a split second and almost always shoots uncontested on any one on one drive ... very quick and agile with the ball ... effortless ... a nearly impossible stop for the defense ...


++++

Mason County : Trevor Setty 6'7" Senior

Trevor returns for His Senior Year as one of the Royal's experienced leaders.

As a starter last year He finished second on the team in scoring (12.5 ppg) and was among the best in the area in three point and free throw shooting percentage.

Setty is a rangy shooter and three point threat who poses match up problems for defenders because of his height and ability to shoot over the top or take his man on the drive.

He has a knack for the big shot and looks for the ball in dramatic moments.

A total team player who sees the court well , Trevor entertains as passer.

To complement his offensive skills Setty brings a solid defensive game with good anticipation and he has the size, quickness, and hands to disrupt the opponent and mix in some steals.

what to watch courtside notes : can sink the deep three from anywhere on the court ... textbook shot ... thrives on the big shot as turning point or game winner ... an experienced winner and confident under pressure ...



+++++


Mason County : Russ Middleton 6" 3 1/2 " Junior


A returning starter and a very accurate shooter, Russ often leads the Royals from the point. He finished among the area's top players last year in 3 point shooting and free throw percentage while scoring 12 points per game.

A strong, tough competitor who can spot up and shoot, pass, or take his man off the dribble, Middleton is a true triple threat.

Russ has posted considerable varsity minutes for the last several years. His valuable experience, even he's though only a Junior, should pay off for the Royals.


Middleton recently signed a letter of intent to play at Georgetown College in 2009.

What to watch courtside note : Has all around skills beyond his years and is an excellent shooter from the foul line always but especially late in the game.


+++++