Ashland Claims Governor's Cup Title; Russell Finishes Strong As Runner-Up

Ashland Claims Governor's Cup Title;

Russell Finishes Strong As Runner-Up

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

For the third straight year, Ashland Middle School has claimed the regional crown, dominating the Governor’s Cup Region 18 and proving once again that it is the team to beat in an academic competition.

The 2026 regional championship brought together some of the brightest middle school minds in the area — but when the dust settled, Ashland stood alone at the top, earning first place overall and extending its remarkable three-year winning streak.

Quick Recall Champions

Ashland set the tone early by capturing 1st place in Quick Recall. Boyd County Middle School finished 2nd, followed by Russell Middle School in 3rd and The Millard School (MG) in 4th. A four-way tie for 5th included West Carter Middle School, Louisa Middle School, McKell Middle School, and East Carter Middle School.

Future Problem-Solving Victory

Ashland also took 1st place in Future Problem Solving, outpacing Russell Middle School (2nd), Louisa Middle School (3rd), and Blaine Elementary School (MG) (4th). West Carter Middle School finished 5th, and Boyd County Middle School placed 6th.

Mathematics

Adrian Mattingly led the way with 1st place, followed closely by teammate Tristan Barnett in 2nd. Cameron Malone of Boyd County placed 3rd, while Ashland’s Colin Clark earned 4th. Paxton Hilal of Boyd County finished 5th, and Heinrick Bentz of McKell Middle School advanced with a 6th-place finish.

Science

Adrian Mattingly struck gold again with a 1st-place finish. Alex Price secured 2nd for Ashland, while Russell Middle School’s Gage Darnell and Sebastian Grandison tied for 3rd. Ashland’s Aiden Flynn finished 5th, and Natalee Chapman of Louisa Middle School advanced in 6th.

Social Studies

Kendan Palmer brought home 1st place for Ashland. Sean White of Boyd County finished 2nd, followed by Ashland’s Edwin Lowman in 3rd and John Fox McCloud in 4th. James Whitaker of McKell Middle School took 5th, and Russell’s Will Adams advanced in 6th.

Language Arts

Tristan Barnett added another title with a 1st-place finish. Sean White (Boyd County) earned 2nd, and Isaac Calhoun (Boyd County) placed 3rd. Kyla Setser of Ashland finished 4th, while Russell’s AnnReed Stone and Ellie Johnson tied for 5th.

Arts and Humanities

Landon Serat captured 1st place for Ashland. Chloe Warnock of Russell placed 2nd, and Isaac Calhoun of Boyd County finished 3rd. Jordan Gibbons of Louisa took 4th, and Ashland’s Isabella Revely earned 5th. AnnReed Stone of Russell advanced with a 6th-place finish.

Composition

Piper Darnell of Russell Middle School claimed 1st place. Alyssa Johnson of West Carter finished 2nd, Khloe Cooper of East Carter placed 3rd, and Lizzy King of The Millard School (MG) earned 4th. Lily Dillon of Rose Hill Christian School finished 5th, and Macey Everman of East Carter advanced in 6th.

Final Overall Standings

When all scores were tallied, the overall team standings were:

1st – Ashland Middle School

2nd – Russell Middle School

3rd – Boyd County Middle School

4th – Louisa Middle School

5th – West Carter Middle School

6th (tie) – East Carter Middle School

6th (tie) – The Millard School (MG)

8th (tie) – Blaine Elementary School (MG)

8th (tie) – McKell Middle School

8th (tie) – Rose Hill Christian School

Also competing were Elliott County Middle School, Fallsburg Elementary School (MG), Greenup County School of Innovation, Morgan County Middle School, and Raceland Worthington Middle School.

With first-place finishes in Quick Recall, Future Problem Solving, and multiple individual subject championships, Ashland Middle School’s continued excellence cements its legacy as a regional academic powerhouse. Three years in a row — and counting — the championship trophy belongs in Ashland.