TSI Select 9th Grade Boys Show Out in Bluegrass March Madness

TSI Select 9th grade boys’ made a statement in one of the largest youth basketball tournaments in Bowling Green history. Competing in the WK 8th Annual Bluegrass March Madness Tournament on March 29-30, the team faced off against top competition in a 12-team field—and passed their first test with flying colors.

They opened with a commanding 69-22 victory over RugGD Run & Gun, followed by another lopsided win, 74-29, against SOKY Hustle.

On Sunday, TSI Select continued their impressive run. In the quarterfinals, they took down an undefeated BAB Elite Nance team, 67-53. Facing another unbeaten squad in the semifinals, BAB Elite Rutledge, they secured a hard-fought 75-64 victory. The championship game loomed, and with severe weather approaching, the team was eager to wrap up their title quest.

In the finals, TSI Select squared off against the undefeated WKY Club Puma NXTPRO. Once again, they proved their dominance, pulling away in the second half for a 68-48 championship victory.

What sets this team apart is their commitment to substance over show. Despite their immense talent, arrogance is nowhere to be found. Their selfless style of play was evident as they racked up 100 assists over five games—an impressive average of 20 assists per game.

While the entire team shined, one player had a weekend to remember. Eli Gilpin from South Ripley was simply unstoppable on Sunday. Every shooter dreams of those rare games where the rim looks like an ocean, and for Gilpin, this was that moment. He scored 25 points in the quarterfinals, 38 in the semifinals, and 30 in the championship game, shooting a blistering 71% from the field and sinking 12 three-pointers across the three contests. Mr. Gilpin is BACK!

This TSI Select squad is shaping up to be something special. With their unselfish play, relentless defense, and unwavering team-first mentality, they are a force to be reckoned with. The future is bright for this talented group! They have players from Floyd Central, South Central, South Ripley, Salem, Scottsburg, Crothersville, Henryville, & Southwestern Hanover.