The championship game of the Pikeville Invitational Tournament featured a classic showdown between two perennial regional powerhouses, as the 16th Region’s Ashland Tomcats squared off against the host Pikeville Panthers of the 15th Region. Both teams entered the contest undefeated, with Ashland carrying momentum and statewide recognition after being ranked inside Kentucky’s Top 25 by multiple outlets.
The opening quarter set the tone for a tightly contested battle, as both teams traded baskets throughout. Ashland held a slim 19–16 advantage after one, fueled by Caleb Clarke, who poured in eight points in the opening frame. Pikeville answered behind senior guard Jackson Keene, who kept the Panthers within striking distance with seven first-quarter points.
Pikeville’s defense took center stage in the second quarter, continuing the suffocating pressure that had defined its tournament run. The Panthers limited Ashland to just 10 points in the period, flipping the game’s momentum and taking a 33–29 lead into halftime.
Both offenses found a rhythm in the third quarter. Pikeville edged the Tomcats 20–18 in the frame to slightly extend its lead. Ashland was paced by Drew Smith, who scored 11 of the Tomcats’ 18 points in the quarter. Pikeville countered with another strong stretch from Co-Player of the Game Jackson Keene, who added 10 points—including two timely three-pointers—to push the Panthers’ advantage to six, 53–46, heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Pikeville delivered the knockout punch at the free-throw line. The Panthers went an impressive 10-of-12 from the stripe to keep Ashland at bay and put the game out of reach. Tournament Most Valuable Player Carter Parsons took over down the stretch, scoring eight of his 21 points in the final quarter. Pikeville closed out the contest with a convincing 77–65 victory to secure the tournament championship.
Keene finished with a game-high 25 points, while Parsons’ all-around performance earned him MVP honors. Pikeville’s balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and late-game execution proved too much for the Tomcats.
Pikeville Invitational Championship
Ashland Tomcats vs. Pikeville Panthers
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland Tomcats | 19 | 10 | 18 | 18 | 65 |
| Pikeville Panthers | 16 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 77 |
Individual Scoring
Ashland – Drew Smith (24), Caleb Clarke (24), Justin Hughes (7), Elijah Neel (3), River Lynch (3), Alijah Owens (2), Jaylen Strader (2)
Pikeville – Jackson Keene (25), Carter Parsons (21), Cole Slone (17), Mark Bowling (7), Grant Hall (7)
The win moves Pikeville to 7-0 on the season. Next up for the Panthers will be the All A Tournament held at the Appalachian Wireless Arena on January 3rd as the Panthers take on 59th District rivals the Warriors of East Ridge.
The loss drops the Tomcats to 6-1 on the season. The Tomcats will be back in action on December 27th as they will host St. Mary in the Ashland Invitational Tournament.
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