By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov

The KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen is one of my favorite annual events and I know I’m not alone. It’s as high of an energy atmosphere as you can get. From a photographer’s standpoint, it’s a golden opportunity filled with great action, and tons of emotion. It’s also a good chance to see a variety of schools all in one place.  The basketball is great, but I prefer to focus on the students, teachers and bands that come to support their classmates.

This year I photographed two games during the quarterfinal rounds at Rupp Arena in Lexington; Madison Central High School against Holmes High School (Covington Independent) and Graves County High School against Hopkinsville High School (Christian County).

Beth Nowlin, a secretary at Madison Central High School, and her husband Phillip Nowlin cheer on the Braves against Holmes High School during the KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 quarterfinals at Rupp Arena. Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Beth Nowlin, a secretary at Madison Central High School, and her husband Phillip Nowlin cheer on the Braves against Holmes High School during the KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 quarterfinals at Rupp Arena.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Madison Central High School senior Dominique Hawkins celebrates a dunk against Holmes High School (Covington Independent) during Madison Central's 65-61 win in overtime. Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Madison Central High School senior Dominique Hawkins celebrates a dunk against Holmes High School (Covington Independent) during Madison Central’s 65-61 win in overtime.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Holmes High School (Covington Independent) junior Chris Bishop and senior Trevor Rhodes perform with the band under the direction of Jared Murray . Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Holmes High School (Covington Independent) junior Chris Bishop and senior Trevor Rhodes perform with the band under the direction of Jared Murray.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School's (Christian County) Jordan Majors fouls Graves County High School's Zach Kimbler . Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School’s (Christian County) Jordan Majors fouls Graves County High School’s Zach Kimbler .
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) senior Morgan Eli reacts to game play against Central High School. Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) senior Morgan Eli reacts to game play against Central High School.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) band performs under the direction of John Lovell, left. Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) band performs under the direction of John Lovell, left.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

A Graves County High School player reacts to losing to Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) 50-34. Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013

A Graves County High School player reacts to losing to Hopkinsville High School (Christian County) 50-34.
Photo by Amy Wallot, March 8, 2013