The Kentucky high school basketball world is buzzing as the 2025 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament is set to take over Rupp Arena. From small towns to powerhouse programs, the best teams in the state are ready to put on a show.
With the official bracket now set, let’s dive into the highlights, the must-watch teams, and the high-intensity tournament.
2025 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 Bracket and Matchups
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) has officially released the bracket for this year’s Boys’ Sweet 16. Well, the competition looks fiercer than ever.
The tournament kicks off Today (Wednesday), March 26, and runs through Saturday, March 29, with all games taking place at the iconic Rupp Arena in Lexington. Here’s how the first round shakes out:
UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® starts Wednesday. Check out the bracket, make your picks and purchase tickets to be in attendance for all the excitement – https://t.co/L47hx53DRM#khssweet16 pic.twitter.com/oXuW8Wy0ge
— KHSAA Main (@KHSAA) March 24, 2025
First-Round Matchups
All times Eastern.
Wednesday, March 26
- 11:00 a.m.: Bowling Green vs. Adair County
- 1:30 p.m.: Jeffersontown vs. St. Xavier
- 6:00 p.m.: South Oldham vs. Danville Christian Academy
- 8:30 p.m.: Ashland Blazer vs. Calloway County
Thursday, March 27
- 11:00 a.m.: North Laurel vs. Breathitt County
- 1:30 p.m.: Lawrence County vs. Montgomery County
- 6:00 p.m.: Daviess County vs. Great Crossing
- 8:30 p.m.: Henderson County vs. Cooper
The quarterfinals will take place on Friday, March 28, followed by the semifinals and championship game on Saturday, March 29.
Let’s Break Down the Key Matchups
Each game brings its own set of intriguing storylines, but a few first-round matchups stand out:
- Jeffersontown vs. St. Xavier: St. Xavier, the No. 1-ranked team in Kentucky, is the favorite to win it all. Jeffersontown, though, is a battle-tested squad known for pulling off big upsets. Can they shock the state and send the top team home early?
- Bowling Green vs. Adair County: Bowling Green enters the tournament with a deep and well-rounded team, but Adair County has a scrappy defense that could make life difficult for the Purples. Expect a hard-fought battle in this one.
- North Laurel vs. Breathitt County: This game is a must-watch simply because of the talent involved. North Laurel’s high-powered offense faces off against Breathitt County’s methodical style. Whoever controls the pace will likely come out on top.
- Daviess County vs. Great Crossing: Great Crossing, ranked No. 2 in the state, has been dominant all season. However, Daviess County is no pushover, and if they get hot from beyond the arc, they could make things interesting.
Players To Watch
The Sweet 16 is where stars are born, and this year’s tournament is packed with future college hoopers. Here are some of the standout players to keep an eye on:
- St. Xavier’s Leading Scorer: St. X is the top seed for a reason, and their leading scorer has been lighting it up all season. If he gets going early, it could be a long night for Jeffersontown.
- Great Crossing’s Defensive Anchor: This shot-blocking machine has been altering games all season long. Opponents have to think twice before driving into the paint.
- Calloway County’s Sharpshooter: With a shooting percentage that would make Steph Curry proud, this guard can swing a game in a matter of minutes with his three-point accuracy.
Tournament Schedule and How To Watch
For those planning to attend or follow along from home, here’s the full schedule:
- First Round: March 26-27
- Quarterfinals: March 28
- Semifinals: March 29 (11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m)
- Championship Game: March 29 (7:30 p.m)
All games will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Tickets can be purchased through the KHSAA website or at the Rupp Arena box office. If you can’t attend in person, coverage will be available on KHSAA.tv and the NFHS Network.
KEEP READING: Kentucky Freshman Clara Silva Enters Transfer Portal with ‘Do Not Contact’ Tag
The 2025 Boys’ Sweet 16 is set to be one of the most thrilling editions in recent memory.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan in the stands at Rupp Arena or watching from home, expect edge-of-your-seat action and the kind of intensity that only the Sweet 16 can bring. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their names in Kentucky basketball history? We’re about to find out.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
