Austin Slone fired in 32 points and pulled down 7 rebounds as the Johnson Central Golden Eagles picked up their first win of the season by beating the Prestonsburg Blackcats, 98-78, on Monday in Paintsville.
Johnson Central (1-2) jumped out of the gate early by scoring 26 points in the opening quarter to take a 26-18 lead. The Golden Eagles extended their lead to 44-33 at the half.
Prestonsburg (3-2) could not catch up in the second half as Johnson Central outscored them, 34-24, in the third frame. The Golden Eagles cruised from there.
Dawson Maynard followed Slone with 15 points for the Golden Eagles. Brayden Shepherd fired in 14 points. Kyle Rose and Andrew Meeks each fired in 11 points. Rose also pulled down 9 rebounds. Jacob Grimm had a greall all-around game with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Cooper Blair tossed in 3 points. Tanner Castle chipped in 2 points. Jacob Breeding finished with 1 point.
For the Blackcats, Braxton Keathley led the way with 18 points. Connor Napier had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Brian Halbert followed with 10 points. Ethan Ferrell added 9 points. Jaxon Estridge, Kaden Allen and Taegan Slone scored 8 points apiece. Mason Stidham chipped in 2 points.
Johnson Central will next play at East Ridge on Thursday at 7:30 pm.
Prestonsburg is set to play at Phelps on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Slone
