Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Game One: Bowling 49 - Russellville 47
Fire up the cement mixer. Prime the paver. Check the ballast of the road and make sure the guardrails are sturdy and straight. Wednesday night in the Fourth Region Tournament, the Bowling Green Purples tossed some of the key ingredients into the equipment needed to pave the Road to Rupp Arena. They grabbed the hearts of the Russellville Panthers and threw them into the paving machine.
In the first quarter, it looked like Bowling Green was going to ride the momentum of their district championship right past Russellville. Their defense frustrated the Panthers, and Russellville could not find any way of rebounding out of their 2-3 zone. The Purples doubled them up in the first, 12-6.
The Purples opened the second quarter in the same fashion, expanding their lead to 10 points. However, Russellville exploded on an 18-1 run that left the Purples stunned. Coach D.G. Sherrill tried everything to snap his team out of their funk, even benching his starters. Donnie Bigbee and Justin Bollenbecker hit some big baskets while the Panthers mauled the Purples. Russellville took a 25-19 lead to the locker room after outscoring Bowling Green 19 to 7 in the second frame.
In the third quarter Russellville wanted the game more than Bowling Green. They crashed the boards and fought for every possession. Their zone neutralized the Purples' leading scorer, D.L. Moore, who picked up his third foul with 4:28 left in the quarter and having only scored five points. Plus, the Panthers were not fazed by Bowling Green's pressure defense. Damien Elam did a superb job of finding his way through their press and their traps.
Russellville played a lot better than what their 16-12 record would indicate. They seemed bound to win the game, closing the third frame with a 37-29 lead.
Tournaments always seem to produce unlikely heroes. If Pick and Roll readers went back and read my synopses of Bowling Green's games this season, I'd bet they'd be hard pressed to find the name Charlie Williams. He's a lanky kid about 6'2" tall and plays sparingly. Wednesday night, Charlie saved Bowling Green's bacon in the fourth quarter. He scored seven points in the game, all of which were in the final quarter. He hit two huge baskets off of rebounds that pulled his team within four of Russellville. He later hit a three that narrowed the score again.
Bowling Green was doing everything needed to lose the ballgame: sloppy play, missed free throws, and turnovers. They only had 10 turnovers for the game, but most were on critical possessions.
Around the 4:00 mark I noticed something about Russellville. They looked tired, grabbing the hems of their shorts and leaning forward a lot. They started missing free throws, including the front end of a one-and-one.
With under a minute to play, Bowling Green pulled tied the ballgame. Damien Elam made one of two free throws that gave the Panthers a one point lead. They fouled D.L. Moore, who stepped to the free throw line with a one-and-one looming. He hit the front end but missed the second.
I'm going to be completely honest. I cannot remember what Russellville did with their possession, but I know they did not score.
Bowling Green came back down the court for the win. They got several offensive rebound but could not put the ball in the basket. Russellville fouled Billy Williams (no relation to Charlie), and he went to the line for another 1+1 with 2.2 seconds left in the game.
He missed the free throw and the ball bounced out long. Williams grabbed the rebound and tossed the ball toward the basket. It went in as the horn sounded. Bowling Green, to use an old time sports cliche, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Final 49-47.
Russellville's Donnie Bigbee, who left everything he had on the court, fell down near the lane while the Bowling Green fans and players and coaches erupted. It's one of those heart wrenching moments that all of us basketball fans see throughout the month of March. So, that's how Bigbee's high school career ends -- heartbreak.
Meanwhile, Billy Williams went from a zero to a hero in 2.2 seconds. He was Player of the Game. He probably deserved it, but I'm willing to bet that the Bowling Green coaching staff knows that a Williams of a different first name got their beans out of the fire.
When I looked at the stats of Wednesday's game, I saw a lot of similarities between the two teams. Russellville edged Bowling Green on the boards 31-30. Bowling Green shot a terrible 36.5% from the field, but hit 19 field goals. Russellville hit 18. They both had four three pointers, and both shot poorly from the field.
The difference, in my humble opinion, was that Bowling Green had 14 offensive rebounds while the Panthers only had five. In a tight game, it makes all the difference in the world. Russellville played very good zone defense but could not keep the Purps off the offensive glass.
Game Two: Russell County 62 - Glasgow 50
Any day now, I'm expecting to receive notice from the Glasgow Independent School System that I'm not welcome at any of their basketball games for eternity. I've seen the Scotties play three time this season, and they've lost all three times. Somehow, I've become bad medicine for them.
In my Fourth Region Preview, I confessed that I knew nothing about the Russell County Lakers. I'd forgotten about seeing them play in last year's Fourth Region tournament, when -- if my memory serves me right -- they beat a very good Allen County-Scottsville team in the first round and then lost to Warren Central.
Mostly, I remember that the Lakers are a team that does everything thing right all the way down to how they maintain their spacing as they move the ball around on the offense. They do everything that drives an opponent crazy. They set great picks. They shoot well. The rebound very well for their size. They play tough defense and always slap at the ball. I don't know what Coach Willie Feldhaus does, but he has his 13-13 squad playing like they are ready to stroll out on the court with the Bryan Stations, Holmeses, and University Heights of the world. I think they had a similar record last season and made the regional semifinals.
On Wednesday night, they used their precise game to beat the Scottie dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will be searching for the Lakers after the way they treated the Scotties at Diddle Arena. When Russell County went on a 19-6 run in the second quarter, Glasgow seemed to roll over and play dead. They had a 28-16 lead at the half.
Glasgow tried to get back in the game, but they played sloppy. Jordan Johnson took several ill-advised shots after driving into the lane with no options on what to do with the ball. He was 4-12 from the field. Craig Mosier was 2-10 from the field and 0-8 from three point range.
I noticed that Russell County shot 42 free throws compared to Glasgow's 17. The Lakers shot 76.2% from the stripe (32-42).
For the Lakers Bryson McFall had 16 points to lead all scorers. Russell County also had very balanced scoring: Timmy Coffey, who was Player of the Game, had 14 points along with 13 rebounds. Bryon Ellis had 12 points and eight boards, while Adam Justice added nine points.
Lakers advance to meet Bowling Green on Monday night.
OBSERVATIONS
Hey Diddle Diddle: Everyone swoons about Rupp Arena. It's magnitude puts it on the basketball map. While Diddle Arena is much smaller, it is the best place I've ever been to watch a basketball game. If any Pick and Roll Readers haven't ever seen a game at this wonderful arena, I strongly suggest that they pick up and catch a Fourth Region tournament game or a Hilltopper game there. I've seen basketball in a lot of places, and Diddle is..."TOPS." The stands are very close to the floor and steep, so there's not a bad seat in the house.
Double Justice: The Russell County Lakers have Lucas and Adam Justice on their squad. They are twins and wear uniform numbers 21 and 22. Both are sophomores but get significant playing time and both are good. They will keep Fourth Region opponents seeing double for a couple of more years. Lucas Justice went to the floor hard in the first half and also busted his nose.
Life of Riley: I noticed Warren Central Coach Tim Riley doing color for one of the radio stations on Wednesday night. It was odd seeing him on the "other" side of the court at Diddle Arena.
A Glasgow Pup: Michael Bradley, who logged 22 minutes for the Scotties tonight, is just a freshman. He is athletic and can jump out of the gym. He had four points and nine rebounds on Wednesday night. When he learns that basketball is a contact sport, then he'll be an excellent ballplayer.
A New Doo: Bowling Green's D.L. Moore appears to be singlehandedly trying to bring back banana clips as hair accessories. I don't even know how to describe his styling, but it's definitely different. I guess the re-release of "Thriller" got Mr. Moore in an 80's kind of mood tonight. Now, he just needs Cheeno pants, a pink Polo shirt, a Members Only jacket, and penny loafers.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Fourth Region Tournament Preview
Pick and Roll has been working for some time to get an endorsement from Mr. Kurtis Blow. I finally got a statement from him through his "Basketball" video on YouTube. Pick and Roll himself makes a cameo at the 2:53 mark in the video. If Kurtis doesn't get Pick and Roll readers ready for regional tournament action, maybe Cheech and Chong and Tyrone Shoelaces' "Basketball Jones" will get them going. I'd include a link to the original animation, but I try to keep everything PG on here. I'll let readers search out the original if they are so motivated.
When I was at WKU, my friends and I listened to these two songs before we trek up The Hill to Diddle Arena to take on a Sun Belt foe back when the conference was a good basketball conference.
If Tyrone Shoelaces and Kurtis Blow don't get folks in the mood for some regional tournament action, then maybe Chocolate Thunder will get you rolling. Just think for a minute what Darryl Dawkins meant to backboards. We had to start importing them from the planet "Lovetron" and had to learn "interplanetary funkmanship." "Slam, bam, I am jam," Dawkins.
I'm just trying to get everyone going for the post season, so that people might turn-off reality television and drive to the nearest regional tournament and take a good dose of hoops. A Basketball Jones is not too unhealthy, and if you decide on a twelve step program to get rid of it, just be sure to dribble for the first ten and a half steps.
Around this time of year my family's "Hoosiers" DVD gets a lot of play. It's a wonder the pixels don't fade away by April. Two of my favorite scenes are Coach Norman Dale's speeches before the regional final and before the state championship. Click the links and watch for yourself. I know Kentuckians who won't watch it because of the name of the movie, but that's just nutty. I would like to see someone make a movie about the 1948 Brewers team or the 1956 Carr Creek team. Carr Creek would have a couple of great background stories. First of all, their team made it to the state championship game in 1928 after starting the season playing on a dirt court. Then, in the 1950s, people had started to leave the Kentucky mountains for jobs in northern cities in a migration not unlike the "Okies" heading west during the Great Depression.
So, at this point, readers are wondering, "is Pick and Roll ever going to preview the Fourth Region Tournament?" Yeah, I could've launched into some dry review of each team in the tournament, but I'll leave that for the print media. If anyone doesn't like my tournament preview, then I will refund your subscription money.
Franklin-Simpson Wildcat Coach David Clark must be thinking, "Man! My team is 24-6 with 20 wins in the region and a district championship, and we have to face Greenwood in the first round?" It's a tough draw for the Wildcats because Greenwood with their experienced guards was the hottest team coming down the stretch, but Franklin-Simpson was steady for the entire season. I told someone a few weeks ago that I thought Greenwood and Franklin-Simpson would meet in the regional championship. That's not going to happen, and I'm going to backpedal and say that the championship will be decided in the first round.
I do know that nothing could keep me away from this first round match up, though. They play the early game at Diddle on Thursday night.
The Bowling Green Purples dropped the last game of their regular season to Russellville, 55-50. They played the Panthers in Russellville after playing a make-up game in Albany the previous night. I have a feeling that the Purples relish the opportunity to take on Russellville again. Bowling Green won a couple of very tough games in the 14th District tournament and will be tuned up for more post season play. They have flown under everybody's radar this season like a big B-2 bomber.
I really wish I knew something -- anything -- about Russell County. They are to the Fourth Region what the Maritime Provinces are to Canada, our 51st state. They are way out there on the edge of things, and I have a hunch that deep down they wish they were in another region. I do know that Willie Feldhaus is a good coach and gets a lot out of his players. I mean no disrespect to the Lakers. I remember how well they played in last year's tournament until they hit the Warren Central buzz saw.
The Lakers play the Glasgow Scotties in the first round. The Scotties are led by senior Charlie Mudd, who has a supporting cast of Michael Bradley, Will McCoy, and Michael Whitney. They upended a good Allen County-Scottsville team and came very close to winning the 15th District tournament. Glasgow has played very well after taking a 63-36 thrashing in Franklin on February 22nd.
I saw the Barren County Trojans play three times this season. I saw them play twice in the Citizens First Holiday Classic in Bowling Green and saw them play crosstown rival Glasgow. They won the Holiday Classic trophy by beating a superb team from Hazel Green, Alabama, and that is when they caught my eye. Lee Hubbard is an excellent basketball player, and his teammates move the ball around better than any team I've seen this year. The Trojans play tough defense, too. This is a team that plays like champions.
Metcalfe County has been a hard luck team this season. They rolled early in the season, going 10-0 before losing to a team from Washington, D.C. They seemed to be ready to roll again, but their leading scorer, Trey Shirley, developed an infection in his back. He missed several games, two of which the Hornets lost, but they've haven't been able to put together any kind of momentum since his return. Greenwood clobbered them in Edmonton on Feb. 15th, and they lost to rival Barren County four nights later. Russell County beat them for the 16th District championship.
Who's going to win the tournament? I have no idea. Every time the subject comes up, I think first about the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats. I guess they are kind of my default team. I think D.G. Sherrill is comfortable with his Purples staying off my radar scope.
I do know this: It was 74 degrees yesterday. It's 47 degrees in Bowling Green this morning, and it is supposed to snow by the end of the day. That can only mean it is March, which means it's Hoopsmas -- Kentucky's Mardis Gras.
When I was at WKU, my friends and I listened to these two songs before we trek up The Hill to Diddle Arena to take on a Sun Belt foe back when the conference was a good basketball conference.
If Tyrone Shoelaces and Kurtis Blow don't get folks in the mood for some regional tournament action, then maybe Chocolate Thunder will get you rolling. Just think for a minute what Darryl Dawkins meant to backboards. We had to start importing them from the planet "Lovetron" and had to learn "interplanetary funkmanship." "Slam, bam, I am jam," Dawkins.
I'm just trying to get everyone going for the post season, so that people might turn-off reality television and drive to the nearest regional tournament and take a good dose of hoops. A Basketball Jones is not too unhealthy, and if you decide on a twelve step program to get rid of it, just be sure to dribble for the first ten and a half steps.
Around this time of year my family's "Hoosiers" DVD gets a lot of play. It's a wonder the pixels don't fade away by April. Two of my favorite scenes are Coach Norman Dale's speeches before the regional final and before the state championship. Click the links and watch for yourself. I know Kentuckians who won't watch it because of the name of the movie, but that's just nutty. I would like to see someone make a movie about the 1948 Brewers team or the 1956 Carr Creek team. Carr Creek would have a couple of great background stories. First of all, their team made it to the state championship game in 1928 after starting the season playing on a dirt court. Then, in the 1950s, people had started to leave the Kentucky mountains for jobs in northern cities in a migration not unlike the "Okies" heading west during the Great Depression.
So, at this point, readers are wondering, "is Pick and Roll ever going to preview the Fourth Region Tournament?" Yeah, I could've launched into some dry review of each team in the tournament, but I'll leave that for the print media. If anyone doesn't like my tournament preview, then I will refund your subscription money.
Franklin-Simpson Wildcat Coach David Clark must be thinking, "Man! My team is 24-6 with 20 wins in the region and a district championship, and we have to face Greenwood in the first round?" It's a tough draw for the Wildcats because Greenwood with their experienced guards was the hottest team coming down the stretch, but Franklin-Simpson was steady for the entire season. I told someone a few weeks ago that I thought Greenwood and Franklin-Simpson would meet in the regional championship. That's not going to happen, and I'm going to backpedal and say that the championship will be decided in the first round.
I do know that nothing could keep me away from this first round match up, though. They play the early game at Diddle on Thursday night.
The Bowling Green Purples dropped the last game of their regular season to Russellville, 55-50. They played the Panthers in Russellville after playing a make-up game in Albany the previous night. I have a feeling that the Purples relish the opportunity to take on Russellville again. Bowling Green won a couple of very tough games in the 14th District tournament and will be tuned up for more post season play. They have flown under everybody's radar this season like a big B-2 bomber.
I really wish I knew something -- anything -- about Russell County. They are to the Fourth Region what the Maritime Provinces are to Canada, our 51st state. They are way out there on the edge of things, and I have a hunch that deep down they wish they were in another region. I do know that Willie Feldhaus is a good coach and gets a lot out of his players. I mean no disrespect to the Lakers. I remember how well they played in last year's tournament until they hit the Warren Central buzz saw.
The Lakers play the Glasgow Scotties in the first round. The Scotties are led by senior Charlie Mudd, who has a supporting cast of Michael Bradley, Will McCoy, and Michael Whitney. They upended a good Allen County-Scottsville team and came very close to winning the 15th District tournament. Glasgow has played very well after taking a 63-36 thrashing in Franklin on February 22nd.
I saw the Barren County Trojans play three times this season. I saw them play twice in the Citizens First Holiday Classic in Bowling Green and saw them play crosstown rival Glasgow. They won the Holiday Classic trophy by beating a superb team from Hazel Green, Alabama, and that is when they caught my eye. Lee Hubbard is an excellent basketball player, and his teammates move the ball around better than any team I've seen this year. The Trojans play tough defense, too. This is a team that plays like champions.
Metcalfe County has been a hard luck team this season. They rolled early in the season, going 10-0 before losing to a team from Washington, D.C. They seemed to be ready to roll again, but their leading scorer, Trey Shirley, developed an infection in his back. He missed several games, two of which the Hornets lost, but they've haven't been able to put together any kind of momentum since his return. Greenwood clobbered them in Edmonton on Feb. 15th, and they lost to rival Barren County four nights later. Russell County beat them for the 16th District championship.
Who's going to win the tournament? I have no idea. Every time the subject comes up, I think first about the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats. I guess they are kind of my default team. I think D.G. Sherrill is comfortable with his Purples staying off my radar scope.
I do know this: It was 74 degrees yesterday. It's 47 degrees in Bowling Green this morning, and it is supposed to snow by the end of the day. That can only mean it is March, which means it's Hoopsmas -- Kentucky's Mardis Gras.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Regional Pairings for Fourth and Fifth Regions
I separated these two regions from the others in west Kentucky because these are the two that Chris Gregory and I spend the most time covering and writing about. We know these teams better than those from other regions, and these are the ones in which we live. It's a blatant Pick and Roll bias. We will be at these regional tournaments as much as humanly possible.
I must give a tip of the hat to Chris for compiling the pairing for me.
Fourth Region: E.A. Diddle Arena, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:30 - Bowling Green vs. Russellville
8:00 - Russell County vs. Glasgow
Thursday, March 6th
6:30 - Franklin-Simpson vs. Greenwood
8:00 - Barren County vs. Metcalfe County
Semifinals will be played at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on March 10th
Final will be played at 6:00 p.m. on March 11th
Fifth Region: Hart County High School, Munfordville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:00 - Adair County vs. Larue County
8:00 - Central Hardin vs. Nelson County
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 - Green County vs. Elizabethtown
8:00 - Bardstown vs. Taylor County
Semifinals will be played at 5:30 and 8:45 p.m. on March 10th. They will clear the gym between games.
Final will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 11th.
I must give a tip of the hat to Chris for compiling the pairing for me.
Fourth Region: E.A. Diddle Arena, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:30 - Bowling Green vs. Russellville
8:00 - Russell County vs. Glasgow
Thursday, March 6th
6:30 - Franklin-Simpson vs. Greenwood
8:00 - Barren County vs. Metcalfe County
Semifinals will be played at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on March 10th
Final will be played at 6:00 p.m. on March 11th
Fifth Region: Hart County High School, Munfordville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:00 - Adair County vs. Larue County
8:00 - Central Hardin vs. Nelson County
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 - Green County vs. Elizabethtown
8:00 - Bardstown vs. Taylor County
Semifinals will be played at 5:30 and 8:45 p.m. on March 10th. They will clear the gym between games.
Final will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 11th.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Regional Pairings for First, Second, and Third Regions
The regional pairings are set. This is it, sports fans. There's 128 teams vying for one championship. From here on out it is do or die. Losers will fold their uniforms, unlace their sneakers, pack their bags, and start counting the days until practice starts up again in the fall. In a few nights, we'll be down to 64, then 32, and then only 16. Those sixteen, the Sweet Sixteen, will survive to play at Rupp Arena.
First Region: Regional Special Events Center, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:00 - Fulton City vs. Calloway County
7:45 - Graves County vs. Lone Oak
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 - Marshall County vs. Hickman County
7:45 - Paducah Tilghman vs. Mayfield
Semifinals will be played at 6:00 and 7:45 p.m. on March 10th.
Finals will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 11th.
Second Region: Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, Madisonville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5
6:00 - Madisonville-North Hopkins vs. Webster County
7:30 - Lyon County vs. Christian County
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 -University Heights Academy vs. Hopkins County Central
7:30 - Henderson vs. Livingston County Central
Semifinals will be played on March 10th at 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Final will be played on March 11th at 7:00 p.m.
Third Region:
Tuesday, March 4th
7:00 - Grayson County vs. Owensboro, Grayson County High School
7:30 - Meade County vs. Muhlenberg South, Meade County High School
7:00 - Muhlenberg North vs. Edmonson County, Muhlenberg North Middle School*
7:00 - Apollo vs. Breckinridge County, Apollo High School
Semifinals will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 6th and 7th at Daviess County High School
Final will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 10th at Daviess County High School
*That is not a typographical error. Muhlenberg North's gym was severely damaged by a tornado in February, so they are playing their games at the middle school gym.
First Region: Regional Special Events Center, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5th
6:00 - Fulton City vs. Calloway County
7:45 - Graves County vs. Lone Oak
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 - Marshall County vs. Hickman County
7:45 - Paducah Tilghman vs. Mayfield
Semifinals will be played at 6:00 and 7:45 p.m. on March 10th.
Finals will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 11th.
Second Region: Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, Madisonville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 5
6:00 - Madisonville-North Hopkins vs. Webster County
7:30 - Lyon County vs. Christian County
Thursday, March 6th
6:00 -University Heights Academy vs. Hopkins County Central
7:30 - Henderson vs. Livingston County Central
Semifinals will be played on March 10th at 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Final will be played on March 11th at 7:00 p.m.
Third Region:
Tuesday, March 4th
7:00 - Grayson County vs. Owensboro, Grayson County High School
7:30 - Meade County vs. Muhlenberg South, Meade County High School
7:00 - Muhlenberg North vs. Edmonson County, Muhlenberg North Middle School*
7:00 - Apollo vs. Breckinridge County, Apollo High School
Semifinals will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 6th and 7th at Daviess County High School
Final will be played at 7:00 p.m. on March 10th at Daviess County High School
*That is not a typographical error. Muhlenberg North's gym was severely damaged by a tornado in February, so they are playing their games at the middle school gym.
Central Hardin 64 - Elizabethtown 52
17th District Championship, Central Hardin High School, Cecilia, Kentucky 03-01-08
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
With a 19-10 record, Central Hardin is having the best season in school history. Since becoming a high school in 1991, they have never held the number one seed in the district, and they have only been to the regional tournament twice. So, they were going to make the most of it. It wasn't going to be easy. They had little trouble with their first round game against John Hardin. Saturday's opponent, the E-town Panthers were looking to spoil the party for the Bruins.
Regular readers of Pick and Roll know that I've been saying all year that you can't count out a James Haire coached team. After the Panthers beat North Hardin on Thursday night, he had made his way back to the regional tournament. After what they had lost last year -- Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, Steffphon Pettigrew -- no one expected them to be here. Even Coach Haire was quoted as saying "we are rebuilding." It seems like at tournament time he always has his teams ready.
I almost didn't go to this game because there was another championship game going on tonight I had my eye on: Taylor County was playing Adair County. I knew it would be a war. I also knew that it would be a packed house in Campbellsville, and I didn't want to fight the crowd. I got word at the Central game that the fire marshal turned people away about a half hour before the game got started. It's a small gym, and it had to be hot in there.
I arrived in Cecilia a little early, expecting a huge crowd, but I had no problems finding a parking spot up close. I thought the gym should be packed considering this could be Central's first district championship. Even seats on the front row were empty. Oh well, I guess it takes getting a number one seed more than once to get any support. I forgot they are a girls golf school instead of basketball.
Before the game began, the Central Hardin PA announcer put a spin on things. Instead of announcing just the starting five, he called out every player on the roster for both teams so that grandma and grandpa could see their grandkids on the floor at least once.
After the long intros, the game got underway with Central getting the tap. Both teams were under control, and the first three field goals were three pointers. Elizabethtown got two of them. I heard that they burned the nets against North Hardin, so they were trying to start where they left off. The first quarter was typical, both teams feeling each other out. E-town had a four point lead, but that would not last long.
Coach J.C. Wright must have told his team to get a bear hug on the Panthers or at least he told the poppa bear, Tony Harding. He clawed the Panthers in the second, hitting four three pointers in a matter of minutes. He must have thought that Nancy Kerrigan was dressed in a Panther uniform because he was really busting them.
The second quarter was difference in the ball game. Central out-scored the city boys 19-5. They had the half time lead, 26-16.
Tonight, I did something a little different. In the first half, I sat on the E-town side of the gym, and at the half I gave up my seat to travel over to the Bruin side. As I was getting up, I noticed some of the other fifth region coaches in attendance. I went over to say something to Green County Coach Toby Curry. I congratulated him on his win the night before. He's a very nice guy. On the Central side of the gym was my old pal Coach Paul Childress from Larue. I asked how he was doing, and he said, "licking my wounds." He did sound excited about the regional tournament. His team had a bad shooting night, and they are looking to bounce back.
The third still belonged to Central. About halfway through the quarter Coach Haire threw up his hands and had a seat on the bench. Central Hardin began to smell victory. Everything was just a formality now. Although E-town was hanging around within reach, the Bruins were too hot for them.
To make things worse for the Panthers, they inbounded the ball to start the fourth and turned the ball over to Tony Hardin, who skated down the floor for a flush. The Central crowd showed some life. With about 3:00 to go and the game still with-in reach, Central Hardin went stall ball. They had a 13 point lead. Coach Wright couldn't rest his starters because E-town is dangerous from the outside. Central made me nervous with the slow down. Coach Wright must've got nervous, too, because he called a time out and told his team to finish the game.
They got a scare with 1:20 left. Tony Harding went in for a lay-up and got fouled hard. He hit the floor hard and held on to his wrist. You could hear the Bruins holding their breaths. He was OK and Central won the game, 64-52.
OBSERVATIONS
Still in Hibernation: The Bruin fans really disappointed me tonight. YOUR school was playing for it's first even district championship, and I heard very little noise out of the fans. Heck, only a handful of football players were brave enough to run out on the floor to celebrate. The rest of the fans were more worried about getting their clothes dirty. YOUR school is going to the regional tournament as a winner and with a good draw, I don't see why they can't make it to the regional finals. Girls golf is not until the fall, so get behind these coaches and players.
The Big Three: Once again, Central was led by their big three: Chris Nichols, Tony Harding, and Daniel Linder. I double checked my stats, and Linder had a quiet 20 points. I know I mentioned Harding a lot in my post, but all these guys had big games. That makes it hard for opposing teams. They have many weapons. Editor's Note: When I read the post, I thought maybe they were going to change the name of the school "Central Harding."
How Good is the 17th: This has to be one of the hardest district in which to play. Besides the 9th and the 43rd, I don't think another one stacks up. This is a five team district, and lately four out of five have competed year-in and year-out. I can't remember the last time Fort Knox competed.
All District Tournament Team
I must first apologize. I didn't get the first two names of the team because I was saying good-byes to some fans and other coaches.
Chris White - John Hardin
Maurice Gosa - North Hardin
Sean Bouthilette - Elizabethtown
Aaron Pedigo - Elizabethtown
Chris "Go-Go" Gohman - Elizabethtown
Tony Harding - Central Hardin
J.R. Glover - Central Hardin
Chris Nichols - Central Hardin
Daniel Linder - Central Hardin
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
With a 19-10 record, Central Hardin is having the best season in school history. Since becoming a high school in 1991, they have never held the number one seed in the district, and they have only been to the regional tournament twice. So, they were going to make the most of it. It wasn't going to be easy. They had little trouble with their first round game against John Hardin. Saturday's opponent, the E-town Panthers were looking to spoil the party for the Bruins.
Regular readers of Pick and Roll know that I've been saying all year that you can't count out a James Haire coached team. After the Panthers beat North Hardin on Thursday night, he had made his way back to the regional tournament. After what they had lost last year -- Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, Steffphon Pettigrew -- no one expected them to be here. Even Coach Haire was quoted as saying "we are rebuilding." It seems like at tournament time he always has his teams ready.
I almost didn't go to this game because there was another championship game going on tonight I had my eye on: Taylor County was playing Adair County. I knew it would be a war. I also knew that it would be a packed house in Campbellsville, and I didn't want to fight the crowd. I got word at the Central game that the fire marshal turned people away about a half hour before the game got started. It's a small gym, and it had to be hot in there.
I arrived in Cecilia a little early, expecting a huge crowd, but I had no problems finding a parking spot up close. I thought the gym should be packed considering this could be Central's first district championship. Even seats on the front row were empty. Oh well, I guess it takes getting a number one seed more than once to get any support. I forgot they are a girls golf school instead of basketball.
Before the game began, the Central Hardin PA announcer put a spin on things. Instead of announcing just the starting five, he called out every player on the roster for both teams so that grandma and grandpa could see their grandkids on the floor at least once.
After the long intros, the game got underway with Central getting the tap. Both teams were under control, and the first three field goals were three pointers. Elizabethtown got two of them. I heard that they burned the nets against North Hardin, so they were trying to start where they left off. The first quarter was typical, both teams feeling each other out. E-town had a four point lead, but that would not last long.
Coach J.C. Wright must have told his team to get a bear hug on the Panthers or at least he told the poppa bear, Tony Harding. He clawed the Panthers in the second, hitting four three pointers in a matter of minutes. He must have thought that Nancy Kerrigan was dressed in a Panther uniform because he was really busting them.
The second quarter was difference in the ball game. Central out-scored the city boys 19-5. They had the half time lead, 26-16.
Tonight, I did something a little different. In the first half, I sat on the E-town side of the gym, and at the half I gave up my seat to travel over to the Bruin side. As I was getting up, I noticed some of the other fifth region coaches in attendance. I went over to say something to Green County Coach Toby Curry. I congratulated him on his win the night before. He's a very nice guy. On the Central side of the gym was my old pal Coach Paul Childress from Larue. I asked how he was doing, and he said, "licking my wounds." He did sound excited about the regional tournament. His team had a bad shooting night, and they are looking to bounce back.
The third still belonged to Central. About halfway through the quarter Coach Haire threw up his hands and had a seat on the bench. Central Hardin began to smell victory. Everything was just a formality now. Although E-town was hanging around within reach, the Bruins were too hot for them.
To make things worse for the Panthers, they inbounded the ball to start the fourth and turned the ball over to Tony Hardin, who skated down the floor for a flush. The Central crowd showed some life. With about 3:00 to go and the game still with-in reach, Central Hardin went stall ball. They had a 13 point lead. Coach Wright couldn't rest his starters because E-town is dangerous from the outside. Central made me nervous with the slow down. Coach Wright must've got nervous, too, because he called a time out and told his team to finish the game.
They got a scare with 1:20 left. Tony Harding went in for a lay-up and got fouled hard. He hit the floor hard and held on to his wrist. You could hear the Bruins holding their breaths. He was OK and Central won the game, 64-52.
OBSERVATIONS
Still in Hibernation: The Bruin fans really disappointed me tonight. YOUR school was playing for it's first even district championship, and I heard very little noise out of the fans. Heck, only a handful of football players were brave enough to run out on the floor to celebrate. The rest of the fans were more worried about getting their clothes dirty. YOUR school is going to the regional tournament as a winner and with a good draw, I don't see why they can't make it to the regional finals. Girls golf is not until the fall, so get behind these coaches and players.
The Big Three: Once again, Central was led by their big three: Chris Nichols, Tony Harding, and Daniel Linder. I double checked my stats, and Linder had a quiet 20 points. I know I mentioned Harding a lot in my post, but all these guys had big games. That makes it hard for opposing teams. They have many weapons. Editor's Note: When I read the post, I thought maybe they were going to change the name of the school "Central Harding."
How Good is the 17th: This has to be one of the hardest district in which to play. Besides the 9th and the 43rd, I don't think another one stacks up. This is a five team district, and lately four out of five have competed year-in and year-out. I can't remember the last time Fort Knox competed.
All District Tournament Team
I must first apologize. I didn't get the first two names of the team because I was saying good-byes to some fans and other coaches.
Chris White - John Hardin
Maurice Gosa - North Hardin
Sean Bouthilette - Elizabethtown
Aaron Pedigo - Elizabethtown
Chris "Go-Go" Gohman - Elizabethtown
Tony Harding - Central Hardin
J.R. Glover - Central Hardin
Chris Nichols - Central Hardin
Daniel Linder - Central Hardin
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Bowling Green 45 - Greenwood 42 (OT)
14th District Championship, Warren Central High School, Bowling Green, Kentucky 03-01-08
There's no better way to start the month of March off than with an overtime championship game. I guess in a way March rolled in like a lion at Warren Central High School when Bowling Green and Greenwood squared off against one another for the 14th District trophy. Neither team was going to back down on Saturday night, and both played like they wanted to win the championship and take the front seat into the regional tournament. I could sense from the opening tip-off.
Bowling Green's Tevin Barksdale got out of the gate in a hurry, draining two three point shots and giving his Purples a 6-0 lead. Greenwood likes to throw zones at Bowling Green, but Barksdale kind of put up a challenge to the Gators. They couldn't pack their zone the way they sometimes will.
The first quarter was an indication of what kind of game it was going to be. Both teams are good at defense, and they were going to force their will on the other. Defensive games can be ugly, and this one certainly would get the U-G-L-Y label from the Pick and Roll. I like defensive games, though, and they often end in drama.
Bowling Green had an 11-8 advantage at the end of the first.
Greenwood's Dee Anderson opened the second quarter with two baskets, and the Gators took a 12-11 lead. Dominique Britt answered for the Purples with two three pointers, and it seemed like he had the hot hand. He missed his third attempt, but Bowling Green had an 18-12 lead.
The two teams were frozen on that score forever. It was a defensive slug-fest down through the end of the half, and that was the score at halftime.
It seemed almost metaphorical that the score was locked at 18-12. Pyotor Tchaikovsky wrote the Festival Overture "The Year 1812" to celebrate Russia's successful DEFENSE against Napoleon's advancing French army. The pounding music and the cannon blasts and the crashing tympani in the Overture could be the soundtrack to Saturday's basketball game. The drama in the music builds and builds just as the drama in the game built during the basketball game.
At 6:06 in the third quarter, the score was still 18-12. For a moment, it seemed like it might end that way.
Bowling Green started playing a match up zone, but they couldn't keep Greenwood's forwards from getting loose on the baseline. The Purples responded with a run of their own and stretched their lead to 28-19, and that was the score at the end of three.
Bowling Green had allowed the Gators to score 8, 4, and 7 points in each quarter.
There was no way a team as good and as determined at the Greenwood Gators was going to let their crosstown rival walk away with an easy win, especially after such a classic defensive struggle. Bowling Green couldn't keep the lid on guys like Dee Anderson, Mark Lacy, Austin Reed, and Bret Barrick. These guys are competitors, and they've turned Greenwood into the hottest team in the region late in the season.
Greenwood came out of the break with a new determination. They attacked the interior of Bowling Green's defense with great passing, always finding the open man. If the Purples left someone open, the Gators found him. They closed the gap.
Dee Anderson tied the score at 31 with a lay-in and drew the foul. He put Greenwood on top with his free throw.
Bowling Green surged back and took a 35-32 lead.
Enter Mark Lacy. I can't say enough good things about this player. He's competitive. He's smart. He's tough. I'm sure that Coach Blane Embry would like to clone his point guard and keep one of him around perpetually. The rest of the coaches around the region are glad he can't. Lacy had been quiet all night, but when Greenwood needed a basket, he stepped up and knocked down a 21 foot jump shot that tied the score.
Tevin Barksdale slipped on the floor on the inbounds pass, and Greenwood had a shot at winning the game in regulation. Bowling Green's players made sure they knew where Lacy was. They inbounded to Dee Anderson who took a shot from the corner but missed.
Overtime!
Austin Reed opened the overtime with a three pointer, and it seemed like Greenwood's momentum would sweep them to victory. The Purples responded, though, and regained the lead 40-39. It came a game of possessions and foul shots, and guys like Jarren Nixon, D.L. Moore, and Tevin Barksdale hit some mighty important free throws in the overtime.
Bowling Green won, 45-42, and took home the 14th District trophy.
I think there's a big monkey roaming around Rockingham Drive in Bowling Green looking for another back to climb on and make a home.
OBSERVATIONS
Pink: The Greenwood Gators wore pink t-shirts instead of warm ups Saturday night. I was told that it was a tribute to Coach Blane Embry's wife, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Pick and Roll doesn't like to discuss health issues, but I think it is important that everyone keep her in your thoughts and prayers. It was a very nice touch.
That's My Ball: A loose ball rolled out of bounds during Saturday's championship game, and a little boy -- about three years old -- got hold of it. When the referee came over to get it, the little boy wouldn't give it back. The ref got down and asked real nice, and the kid finally handed over the ball.
Big Danged Trophy: When I walked in the gym tonight, there was a huge trophy sitting down at the other end. I thought, "gee, that's a big trophy for a stinkin' district championship. I figured out that National City Bank was promoting that it promotes the Sweet Sixteen. That was the state championship trophy. The 14th District trophy was considerably smaller.
Eddie the Pill Popper: My friend Eddie Dillard and I usually sit together at basketball games. Saturday night, I noticed that he took a couple of aspirin out of his pocket and munched them down. I teased him. He said he had a tension headache. When the teams were locked in a defensive struggle and headed for overtime, I told Eddie, "give me some of those pills!"
Smack Yo' Mama: After the ballgame I noticed that several Bowling Green players made their way into the stands so they could lay a smooch on their mothers. Folks, that's one among thousands of reasons I love high school basketball. I realized I was sitting next to Domonique Britt's mother.
All 14th District Team
Mark Lacy - Greenwood
Jarren Nixon - Bowling Green
Scooter Lightfoot - Warren Central
D.L. Moore - Bowling Green
Shenard Holton - Warren East
Deangelo Kirk - Warren East
Billy "Lando" Williams - Bowling Green
Pete "It's a Three" Winn - Warren Central
Dee Anderson - Greenwood
Demetric Ray - Warren East
Jarrett Jenkins - Greenwood
Jordan Ellis - Warren East
George Fant - Warren Central
There's no better way to start the month of March off than with an overtime championship game. I guess in a way March rolled in like a lion at Warren Central High School when Bowling Green and Greenwood squared off against one another for the 14th District trophy. Neither team was going to back down on Saturday night, and both played like they wanted to win the championship and take the front seat into the regional tournament. I could sense from the opening tip-off.
Bowling Green's Tevin Barksdale got out of the gate in a hurry, draining two three point shots and giving his Purples a 6-0 lead. Greenwood likes to throw zones at Bowling Green, but Barksdale kind of put up a challenge to the Gators. They couldn't pack their zone the way they sometimes will.
The first quarter was an indication of what kind of game it was going to be. Both teams are good at defense, and they were going to force their will on the other. Defensive games can be ugly, and this one certainly would get the U-G-L-Y label from the Pick and Roll. I like defensive games, though, and they often end in drama.
Bowling Green had an 11-8 advantage at the end of the first.
Greenwood's Dee Anderson opened the second quarter with two baskets, and the Gators took a 12-11 lead. Dominique Britt answered for the Purples with two three pointers, and it seemed like he had the hot hand. He missed his third attempt, but Bowling Green had an 18-12 lead.
The two teams were frozen on that score forever. It was a defensive slug-fest down through the end of the half, and that was the score at halftime.
It seemed almost metaphorical that the score was locked at 18-12. Pyotor Tchaikovsky wrote the Festival Overture "The Year 1812" to celebrate Russia's successful DEFENSE against Napoleon's advancing French army. The pounding music and the cannon blasts and the crashing tympani in the Overture could be the soundtrack to Saturday's basketball game. The drama in the music builds and builds just as the drama in the game built during the basketball game.
At 6:06 in the third quarter, the score was still 18-12. For a moment, it seemed like it might end that way.
Bowling Green started playing a match up zone, but they couldn't keep Greenwood's forwards from getting loose on the baseline. The Purples responded with a run of their own and stretched their lead to 28-19, and that was the score at the end of three.
Bowling Green had allowed the Gators to score 8, 4, and 7 points in each quarter.
There was no way a team as good and as determined at the Greenwood Gators was going to let their crosstown rival walk away with an easy win, especially after such a classic defensive struggle. Bowling Green couldn't keep the lid on guys like Dee Anderson, Mark Lacy, Austin Reed, and Bret Barrick. These guys are competitors, and they've turned Greenwood into the hottest team in the region late in the season.
Greenwood came out of the break with a new determination. They attacked the interior of Bowling Green's defense with great passing, always finding the open man. If the Purples left someone open, the Gators found him. They closed the gap.
Dee Anderson tied the score at 31 with a lay-in and drew the foul. He put Greenwood on top with his free throw.
Bowling Green surged back and took a 35-32 lead.
Enter Mark Lacy. I can't say enough good things about this player. He's competitive. He's smart. He's tough. I'm sure that Coach Blane Embry would like to clone his point guard and keep one of him around perpetually. The rest of the coaches around the region are glad he can't. Lacy had been quiet all night, but when Greenwood needed a basket, he stepped up and knocked down a 21 foot jump shot that tied the score.
Tevin Barksdale slipped on the floor on the inbounds pass, and Greenwood had a shot at winning the game in regulation. Bowling Green's players made sure they knew where Lacy was. They inbounded to Dee Anderson who took a shot from the corner but missed.
Overtime!
Austin Reed opened the overtime with a three pointer, and it seemed like Greenwood's momentum would sweep them to victory. The Purples responded, though, and regained the lead 40-39. It came a game of possessions and foul shots, and guys like Jarren Nixon, D.L. Moore, and Tevin Barksdale hit some mighty important free throws in the overtime.
Bowling Green won, 45-42, and took home the 14th District trophy.
I think there's a big monkey roaming around Rockingham Drive in Bowling Green looking for another back to climb on and make a home.
OBSERVATIONS
Pink: The Greenwood Gators wore pink t-shirts instead of warm ups Saturday night. I was told that it was a tribute to Coach Blane Embry's wife, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Pick and Roll doesn't like to discuss health issues, but I think it is important that everyone keep her in your thoughts and prayers. It was a very nice touch.
That's My Ball: A loose ball rolled out of bounds during Saturday's championship game, and a little boy -- about three years old -- got hold of it. When the referee came over to get it, the little boy wouldn't give it back. The ref got down and asked real nice, and the kid finally handed over the ball.
Big Danged Trophy: When I walked in the gym tonight, there was a huge trophy sitting down at the other end. I thought, "gee, that's a big trophy for a stinkin' district championship. I figured out that National City Bank was promoting that it promotes the Sweet Sixteen. That was the state championship trophy. The 14th District trophy was considerably smaller.
Eddie the Pill Popper: My friend Eddie Dillard and I usually sit together at basketball games. Saturday night, I noticed that he took a couple of aspirin out of his pocket and munched them down. I teased him. He said he had a tension headache. When the teams were locked in a defensive struggle and headed for overtime, I told Eddie, "give me some of those pills!"
Smack Yo' Mama: After the ballgame I noticed that several Bowling Green players made their way into the stands so they could lay a smooch on their mothers. Folks, that's one among thousands of reasons I love high school basketball. I realized I was sitting next to Domonique Britt's mother.
All 14th District Team
Mark Lacy - Greenwood
Jarren Nixon - Bowling Green
Scooter Lightfoot - Warren Central
D.L. Moore - Bowling Green
Shenard Holton - Warren East
Deangelo Kirk - Warren East
Billy "Lando" Williams - Bowling Green
Pete "It's a Three" Winn - Warren Central
Dee Anderson - Greenwood
Demetric Ray - Warren East
Jarrett Jenkins - Greenwood
Jordan Ellis - Warren East
George Fant - Warren Central
Green County 61 - Larue County 55
18th District Championship, Green County High School, Greensburg, Kentucky 02-29-08
By Chris Gergory, Fifth Region Correspondent
For the first time in nine years, Green County and Larue County met in the district finals. So far, things have been good for the Dragons. They had a big scare on Monday night against Caverna, but on Friday night they new that the game would be tough. Larue County started their push for the championship after lighting up Hart County with a 32 point defeat.
Coming into the championship game, these teams split the regular season, each winning on the other's home floor. Both were very close games. When Green won at Larue it was on a loast second 30 footer by Green's Clint Henderson. I think both games were decided by less than five points total.
Both teams match up pretty well. I thought it would be a coin toss. A huge crowd was on hand, and several Larue County fans made the half hour drive to pack the gym. Man, it was HOT!! (Editor's query: Half an hour from Larue County to Greensburg? In Bowling Green one is lucky to make it from Russellville Road to Scottsville Road in that amount of time).
The tip-off was late because of the girls' championship game. That was an exciting game. Green County beat Hart County 73-65, and I must tip my hat to a couple of ladies who lead their teams in the championship game. The Lady Dragons' Micah Jones scored 31 points and had 10 steals. She is only in the eighth grade. Hart County Megan Isaacs had 30 points and an amazing 22 rebounds, which in a weird way makes Dennis Rodman the Megan Isaacs of NBA basketball. Yeah, I know he's retired, but Dennis would like the thought of being Megan Isaacs.
As the Larue County players (boys team) made their way to the locker room, they received high fives and cheers from the faithful Hawk fans. Once again, they looked focused and ready to play. I was hoping they would start this game off where they finished on Tuesday when they lit up the scoreboard for 31 fourth quarter points. I'm sure that caught coach Toby Curry's ye, and he had to find a way to slow them down.
Green controlled the tip, and they didn't waste any time putting up the first points of the game. It took all of about 30 seconds. Not to be out-done, Larue also found the rim on their first possession. The game was frantic from the get-go, but the Hawks are not used to playing that style. They run the ball, but not at that kind of pace. It had them out of sorts. Green made a 7-0 run and forced Coach Childress to use a time out.
I know Coach Childress pretty well, and he never backs down from a challenge. He just had to settle his team and play like he knows they can. Emotions were high, and the refs were letting them play. Late in the first quarter, Larue's Christian Seymore got whistled for a foul about 40 feet from the goal, and he had a few words for the ref. I don't know what he said, but I doubt he wished him a "Happy Hoopsmas." The ref couldn't grab the whistle fast enough to "T" him up. That was at the 3:44 mark. The technical may have opened Larue's eyes. They slowed it down, got hot, and made a run of their own. At the end of one, it was 15-10 Green.
When the second got underway it was like someone turned of the light switch on the Hawks. They were out of control and making a lot of mistake. Green opened up a ten point lead, and Larue was digging themselves a hole. With the help of senior Shawn Seymour, Larue would not give up. He grabbed a rebound and took it coast-to-coast to cut the lead at halftime to seven points.
Could the Hawks come out and get hot again like they did on Tuesday? The fans around me were hoping so.
What a difference a half makes? Larue came out as hot as I was up there in the rafters. The Seymour brothers hit on a couple of threes, and in no time, the Hawks were pecking on the Dragons' front door. By this time, they cut the lead to three only a minute and five seconds into the third quarter. They later tied it up at 31, which was the first tie since the score was 2-2. Larue just couldn't get over the hump. Green once again made a late run at the end of the quarter and lead 40-36.
At the start of the fourth, Larue was playing much better. They finally slowed down and began running their offense. They got open looks and made the most of it. Green looked a little winded. They played eight players but one or two starters didn't rest much.
Larue once again tied the score at 45 at 4:15 to go (only the third tie). The Dragons were poised. Every time Larue made a run, they were quick to stop it. In the end, Larue just couldn't capitalize. They had some good looks, but it just wouldn't fall for them.
Green County won, 61-55 to take the 18th.
OBSERVATIONS
Dragons are Flying High: Green County has now won seven in a row. This is a good time of the year to put together a little win streak. Coach Toby Curry, I think, will agree with me that sometimes this team struggles, but in the end, they find a way to get it in the basket. With the great shooters they have on this team, they could breath some fire down some necks in the Fifth Region tournament.
Pajama Donkeys: I'm glad it's regional tournament time so we can get away from these Fifth Region refs. The lack of consistency is killing me.
Ron Burgundy Covering Game?: The Larue County student section -- for some reason -- had blown up pictures of celebrities floating around. One was Will Ferrell. I know he has a basketball movie out. Are they hoping he might suit up for the Hawks?
Hawks In Da' House: (Editor's intrusion on Chris's post) I got to meet Coach Childress at Diddle Arena last week. He was there with his basketball team. I think James "Boo" Brewer was in tow, too. I saw him after the game, and the last time I saw Boo Brewer on Western's court, he was dicing up some Hilltopper defense for UofL.
All District Tournament Team
Jordan Rice - Caverna
Chad Briggs - Caverna
Corey Salsman - Larue County
Shawn Seymour - Larue County
Clint Henderson - Green County
Seth Jones - Green County
Daniel Bennett - Green County
Look for an update on the regional draw. I will post as soon as I get them. The region will be played at Hart County High School.
By Chris Gergory, Fifth Region Correspondent
For the first time in nine years, Green County and Larue County met in the district finals. So far, things have been good for the Dragons. They had a big scare on Monday night against Caverna, but on Friday night they new that the game would be tough. Larue County started their push for the championship after lighting up Hart County with a 32 point defeat.
Coming into the championship game, these teams split the regular season, each winning on the other's home floor. Both were very close games. When Green won at Larue it was on a loast second 30 footer by Green's Clint Henderson. I think both games were decided by less than five points total.
Both teams match up pretty well. I thought it would be a coin toss. A huge crowd was on hand, and several Larue County fans made the half hour drive to pack the gym. Man, it was HOT!! (Editor's query: Half an hour from Larue County to Greensburg? In Bowling Green one is lucky to make it from Russellville Road to Scottsville Road in that amount of time).
The tip-off was late because of the girls' championship game. That was an exciting game. Green County beat Hart County 73-65, and I must tip my hat to a couple of ladies who lead their teams in the championship game. The Lady Dragons' Micah Jones scored 31 points and had 10 steals. She is only in the eighth grade. Hart County Megan Isaacs had 30 points and an amazing 22 rebounds, which in a weird way makes Dennis Rodman the Megan Isaacs of NBA basketball. Yeah, I know he's retired, but Dennis would like the thought of being Megan Isaacs.
As the Larue County players (boys team) made their way to the locker room, they received high fives and cheers from the faithful Hawk fans. Once again, they looked focused and ready to play. I was hoping they would start this game off where they finished on Tuesday when they lit up the scoreboard for 31 fourth quarter points. I'm sure that caught coach Toby Curry's ye, and he had to find a way to slow them down.
Green controlled the tip, and they didn't waste any time putting up the first points of the game. It took all of about 30 seconds. Not to be out-done, Larue also found the rim on their first possession. The game was frantic from the get-go, but the Hawks are not used to playing that style. They run the ball, but not at that kind of pace. It had them out of sorts. Green made a 7-0 run and forced Coach Childress to use a time out.
I know Coach Childress pretty well, and he never backs down from a challenge. He just had to settle his team and play like he knows they can. Emotions were high, and the refs were letting them play. Late in the first quarter, Larue's Christian Seymore got whistled for a foul about 40 feet from the goal, and he had a few words for the ref. I don't know what he said, but I doubt he wished him a "Happy Hoopsmas." The ref couldn't grab the whistle fast enough to "T" him up. That was at the 3:44 mark. The technical may have opened Larue's eyes. They slowed it down, got hot, and made a run of their own. At the end of one, it was 15-10 Green.
When the second got underway it was like someone turned of the light switch on the Hawks. They were out of control and making a lot of mistake. Green opened up a ten point lead, and Larue was digging themselves a hole. With the help of senior Shawn Seymour, Larue would not give up. He grabbed a rebound and took it coast-to-coast to cut the lead at halftime to seven points.
Could the Hawks come out and get hot again like they did on Tuesday? The fans around me were hoping so.
What a difference a half makes? Larue came out as hot as I was up there in the rafters. The Seymour brothers hit on a couple of threes, and in no time, the Hawks were pecking on the Dragons' front door. By this time, they cut the lead to three only a minute and five seconds into the third quarter. They later tied it up at 31, which was the first tie since the score was 2-2. Larue just couldn't get over the hump. Green once again made a late run at the end of the quarter and lead 40-36.
At the start of the fourth, Larue was playing much better. They finally slowed down and began running their offense. They got open looks and made the most of it. Green looked a little winded. They played eight players but one or two starters didn't rest much.
Larue once again tied the score at 45 at 4:15 to go (only the third tie). The Dragons were poised. Every time Larue made a run, they were quick to stop it. In the end, Larue just couldn't capitalize. They had some good looks, but it just wouldn't fall for them.
Green County won, 61-55 to take the 18th.
OBSERVATIONS
Dragons are Flying High: Green County has now won seven in a row. This is a good time of the year to put together a little win streak. Coach Toby Curry, I think, will agree with me that sometimes this team struggles, but in the end, they find a way to get it in the basket. With the great shooters they have on this team, they could breath some fire down some necks in the Fifth Region tournament.
Pajama Donkeys: I'm glad it's regional tournament time so we can get away from these Fifth Region refs. The lack of consistency is killing me.
Ron Burgundy Covering Game?: The Larue County student section -- for some reason -- had blown up pictures of celebrities floating around. One was Will Ferrell. I know he has a basketball movie out. Are they hoping he might suit up for the Hawks?
Hawks In Da' House: (Editor's intrusion on Chris's post) I got to meet Coach Childress at Diddle Arena last week. He was there with his basketball team. I think James "Boo" Brewer was in tow, too. I saw him after the game, and the last time I saw Boo Brewer on Western's court, he was dicing up some Hilltopper defense for UofL.
All District Tournament Team
Jordan Rice - Caverna
Chad Briggs - Caverna
Corey Salsman - Larue County
Shawn Seymour - Larue County
Clint Henderson - Green County
Seth Jones - Green County
Daniel Bennett - Green County
Look for an update on the regional draw. I will post as soon as I get them. The region will be played at Hart County High School.
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