Travis Perry shines as Lyon County knocks off John Hardin

Reed Sheppard gets all of the buzz and everyone knows about Kaleb Glenn. However, Lyon County’s class of 2024 star Travis Perry might be the fastest rising prospect in the state. The sophomore did not disappoint in his school’s first Sweet 16 game since 1951.

John Hardin had a difficult time slowing down Lyon County’s spread offense and the sophomore guard who averages 27.7 points per game was a major reason why. Perry went for 26 points on 19 shots in the 82-65 win to move Lyon County into the quarterfinals at the Sweet 16. The lead guard also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five steals, and collected two assists in 31 minutes.

Pretty good postseason debut.

Travis Perry warming up. Lyon County up 43-38 in 3Q. pic.twitter.com/nBDkJ8qzKY

— Joshua Moore (@JoshMooreHL) March 17, 2022

No. 22 Lyon County finally has its first-ever win at the Sweet 16, and Perry is a big reason why. The 6-foot-2 guard can get buckets in bunches, and some power conferences are beginning to take notice. Both Creighton and Ole Miss issued offers to the sophomore this season, and some more should be on the way.

Perry could be on his way to becoming a household name in this tournament, but he has some help. Senior big Jackson Shoulders is averaging a double-double (19.6 points, 10.4 rebounds) and the senior went toe-to-toe with a good John Hardin frontcourt in the historic victory for the Lyons. Shoulders finished the game with 22 points and eight rebounds which gave Lyon County some great scoring balance in the 17-point win.

No. 25 John Hardin saw their season come to an end when faced against a very hot Lyon County squad. The Bulldogs were led by senior Jalen Tyus who finished with 18 points but the three-point specialist was only 2 of 11 from downtown in Rupp Arena. Austin Jones’ ballclub had 13 turnovers and allowed Lyon County to score 23 second chance points on 17 offensive rebounds. A disappointing result for a team that appeared to have the size and athleticism advantage in the contest.

The Travis Perry show will get to continue at the Sweet 16 as the Lyons will be back in action on Friday night. Lyon County will have to go up against a perennial powerhouse as the winner of Ashland Blazer and Covington Catholic will face the Lyons. Each team is currently ranked inside the top-10. That will be a tall task for a school that has an enrollment of under 300 students, but Lyon County has a fighting chance with Perry running the attack.

The Sweet 16 has found its Cinderella in 2022. Lyon County will look to shock the state as the Western Kentucky school and community has a bonafide superstar.