Price, McAfee finalists for Mr. Basketball; Cawthorn Miss Basketball finalist
Published 10:00 am Friday, February 21, 2025
Butler County’s Ty Price (22) shoots a layup after moving past Warren Central seniors Robert McAfee (1) and Isaac Strow (10) in the Bears’ 60-47 win over the Dragons at Butler County High School on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. The win marks Butler County’s first win over Warren Central since 1987. GRACE MCDOWELL / DAILY NEWS
Warren Central senior Robert McAfee (1) is defended by Warren East junior Kaleb Prince (3) during Central’s 53-47 win over East on Feb. 10.
Franklin-Simpson senior LaReesha Cawthorn (4) drives to the basket while Barren County freshman Mahalia Burton (3) defends during a double header between Barren County and Franklin-Simpson on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at Barren County High School. Franklin-Simpson won 55-49 over the Lady Trojanettes, while the Trojans’ won 61-54 over Franklin-Simpson.
Butler County’s Ty Price and Warren Central’s Robert McAfee were named finalists for Mr. Basketball and Franklin-Simpson’s LaReesha Cawthorn was named a finalist for Miss Basketball by the Kentucky Basketball Coaches Association on Friday.
Price was named the Region 3 player of the year, leading Butler County with 27.8 points per game – sixth best in the state – with 120 made 3-pointers, leading the state with 4.6 made 3s per game. He is shooting 91% from the free-throw line, which is third best in the state. The Bears are the defending Region 3 champion and are 15-13 heading into next week’s District 12 Tournament.
McAfee earned Region 4 player of the year honors, leading the Dragons to a 22-4 record, including a perfect 14-0 against Region 4 opponents. Entering Friday’s regular-season finale at North Hardin, McAfee is averaging 21.1 points a game and 6.6 rebounds. He is shooting 45% from 3-point range, with 106 made 3s and is fifth in the state averaging 4.1 made 3s per game.
Cawthorn has led the Lady Wildcats to a 22-2 record, including a perfect 13-0 against Region 4 opponents. She is averaging 21 points a game, top 15 in the state, and 10.9 rebounds per game. The Lady Wildcats open play in the District 13 Tournament on Monday.
Edmonson County’s Jody Booth was named Region 3 girls’ coach of the year. The Lady Cats are on a 12 game win streak, 17-8 overall.
Clinton County’s Nick Irwin was named the Region 4 boys’ coach of the year, with Cumberland County’s Kristen Anderson named the girls’ Region 4 coach of the year.
Mr. and Miss Basketball winners will be announced on March 16 at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington.
