FREDERICKTOWN — The race for the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference boys basketball championship has reached its midway point — and the Freddies are in the driver’s seat.
Fredericktown concluded the first round of KMAC play Friday with a 65-57 win at Centerburg. The Freddies have won nine straight overall and are 7-0 in the conference, a game ahead of Cardington.
The Pirates (10-2, 6-1) host Fredericktown on Tuesday night in a game that could go a long way in determining the KMAC championship. The Freddies won the first meeting 70-61 on Dec. 11.
Fredericktown’s fortunes are largely the result of a high-powered offense fueled by a wealth of talented underclassmen. With only one senior on the roster, the Freddies average 70.7 points a game.
Forward Gavin Toombs leads the charge at 16.4 points a game. The 6-foot-5 junior and major- college football prospect had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Centerburg. Sophomore Carson Rinehart (16.2 ppg), junior Blake Sipes (11.3 ppg) and sophomore Zane Luckmeier (9.2 ppg) give coach Derek Dibling a wealth of scoring options.
Fredericktown has won at least a share of three of the past four KMAC titles. The Freddies split the crown with Northmor last season.
Whereas Fredericktown relies almost exclusively on juniors and sophomores, Cardington’s 11-man varsity roster is comprised entirely of seniors.
A.J. Brehm averages a team-best 16.8 points a game, while Warren Garrison is good for 15.4 points a night. Journey Williamson checks in at 10 points a game, while Brayden Lackey averages 9.3 points and a team-leading 6.3 rebounds per game.
Individually, Judah Layton of KMAC newcomer Loudonville leads the conference in scoring at 21.4 points a game and ranks third with 7.9 rebounds a night.
The Redbirds, under former Clear Fork coach Tim Brafford, were winless during the first round of KMAC play.
Licking County League
Meanwhile, Mount Vernon finds itself in the middle of a muddled chase for the Licking County League’s Buckeye Division crown.
The Yellow Jackets are 1-2 in the Buckeye going into Tuesday’s game at Zanesville (2-1). Licking Heights is atop the Buckeye standings at 3-0. Granville is tied with Zanesville at 2-1, while Licking Valley is 1-2.
Mount Vernon can get into the thick of the chase with a win Tuesday at Zanesville.