I've been hit with a double-whammy. I have a flaming case of the flu, which is making its rounds through my household, and I've pulled a muscle in my lower back. I'm blessed with severe pain and a 102 degree fever. I'm better this morning, but I will not be at any games tonight. I'm going to miss some good ones. I might be benched for an entire week.
Chris Gregory will be at a game somewhere in the Fifth Region tonight.
Well, Chris informs me that he won't make it to any games tonight. I thought I had my wife talked into going to the Warren Central at Bowling Green game (she has had a crush on Anthony Winchester since he first set foot on The Hill in 2002), but she decided not to go. She's "afraid it will storm on her."
Chris sent me the pairings for the Sweet Sixteen:
2 vs. 11
6 vs. 3
7 vs. 15
9 vs. 5
13 vs. 14
8 vs. 12
1 vs. 4
10 vs. 16
If everything goes as planned, I will be at every one of those games. That will be the season finale for Pick and Roll. That will be 15 games in four days.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Fifth Region Roundup
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
I don't claim to be good at predicting games or the weather or anything else for that matter. I guess one would have to go see a man who lives in Irvington, Kentucky. Dick Frymire has been predicting things for many years. He has some help, though. He has this pet rooster named Ted. Ted has picked several Super Bowl champions, but when it comes to basketball not even Ted has a clue.
When this season started and I went traveling around the Fifth Region, I knew that Adair County was the early favorite but only because they were the defending champions. They didn't loose much from last year's team. They are the smartest team I've seen all year, and they do things that you just can't coach. So, people who know me and know what I've been doing for Pick and roll ask me, "who will challenge the Indians for the title?"
Here's my look at these teams.
Adair County is 19-4 overall as of February 3rd. They have played a tough schedule, which includes Kentucky's premiere holiday tournament -- King of the Bluegrass. Their only loss came in an overtime game with highly ranked University Heights Academy out of the Second Region.Some say their game plan is boring, and they are probably the only team in the state that wants to slow the ball down and work for the open shot. They are very unselfish, but there are teams that can upset them.
North Hardin has been an up-and-down team all year. They have tons of athletic ability and quickness. At times, they play out of control and just don't work hard enough on the offensive end of the floor. They can, however, get hot. The Trojans are led by Maurice Gosa, a senior point guard, and big man LaRod King. They took a thumping in Columbia, but they couldn't have thrown the ball in the ocean that night. Also, they have a coach who knows a few things about regional basketball play. Ron Bevars has 699 career wins and is 15-0 in regional championship games. Don't be surprised if North gets it together and makes some kind of run.
Taylor County is a team I've only seen one time, but it was probably the best game I've seen this season. They have taken their lumps here and there, but, overall, they, too can challenge. They're still getting used to a transfer they got in early January. He's a big man and before that they didn't have a post player, so they lived on the three point shot. We all know that if the three ball isn't going down it could make for a long night. Chase Cox is their biggest threat from long range. If they make it, the regional tournament in Hart County, he will look to pull the trigger out on 31-W. Their big man, Leonard Macon, has got to settle down and play ball. The kid shows a lot of enthusiasm but sometimes takes it too far. They have a good zone defense that had Adair County on the ropes a couple of weeks ago.
The Bardstown Tigers is another tam I've only seen once. They have a 10-1 record against regional teams with their only loss coming to Nelson County. I saw them back in December, and if I remember right, they were very fast. They are led by DeMarco Phillips, a long and lanky kid who can handle the ball and has a good stroke from about 15 feet. They had a decent showing last week in the All "A" Classic in Richmond. Time will tell how good this team really is because they close the regular season with Adair County and North Hardin.
Central Hardin really impressed me on February 1st. They are sneaky quick, and they have a kid named Tony Harding (one vowel from being an ice skater), who can jump out of the gym. I would guess he is about 6', but that is a stretch. Coaches may want to take notice and not press this team because they have a press break offense that will burn teams if they are not careful. They are work horses on the floor, and they seem to play good together. If they beat Fort Knox on February 5th, they will earn the number one seed in the district for the first time in school history. They have only been to the regional tournament twice, so look for them to make the most of it.
LaRue County started the season 13-1, which is one of their best starts in a long time. Lately, they have dropped 3 of 5 and have struggled on defense at times. They play with a lot of heart and will leave everything on the floor. I expect them to run the table in the 18th district. They are one of two teams in the Fifth with a perfect district record. They have a balanced attack led by juniors Tyler Hornback, Bryan Bault, and their floor general Christian Seymour. They have a tough game coming up against Taylor County. Their coach also has a regional championship ring to his credit.
The Elizabethtown Panthers' record doesn't indicate how good this team can play. To say they lost a lot from last year would be an understatement. They had Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, Stephffon Pettigrew, but he's banging around for the Hilltoppers this season. They still have good size at every position, and they have a wide body down low in the form of Sean Bouthilette. If the ball is around him, he's going to get his hands on it, and he will not let go. In the game I watched they played a tough 1-3-1 zone defense. James Haire is one of the most respected coaches in the Fifth, and I always hear that you can't ever count out one of his teams.
These These are my thoughts on the top teams in the Fifth Region. Don't get me wrong, any of these teams can get upset on any given night. Some of the best district games will be in the 17th and the 20th. The 20th will be a war at Taylor County High School. The favorites in that district -- Adair and Taylor -- have only been separated by 10 points in the last five times they've played. I will probably be at that one myself.
I hope everyone has enjoyed my take on this region. Keep looking for updates all through the district and regional tournaments.
I don't claim to be good at predicting games or the weather or anything else for that matter. I guess one would have to go see a man who lives in Irvington, Kentucky. Dick Frymire has been predicting things for many years. He has some help, though. He has this pet rooster named Ted. Ted has picked several Super Bowl champions, but when it comes to basketball not even Ted has a clue.
When this season started and I went traveling around the Fifth Region, I knew that Adair County was the early favorite but only because they were the defending champions. They didn't loose much from last year's team. They are the smartest team I've seen all year, and they do things that you just can't coach. So, people who know me and know what I've been doing for Pick and roll ask me, "who will challenge the Indians for the title?"
Here's my look at these teams.
Adair County is 19-4 overall as of February 3rd. They have played a tough schedule, which includes Kentucky's premiere holiday tournament -- King of the Bluegrass. Their only loss came in an overtime game with highly ranked University Heights Academy out of the Second Region.Some say their game plan is boring, and they are probably the only team in the state that wants to slow the ball down and work for the open shot. They are very unselfish, but there are teams that can upset them.
North Hardin has been an up-and-down team all year. They have tons of athletic ability and quickness. At times, they play out of control and just don't work hard enough on the offensive end of the floor. They can, however, get hot. The Trojans are led by Maurice Gosa, a senior point guard, and big man LaRod King. They took a thumping in Columbia, but they couldn't have thrown the ball in the ocean that night. Also, they have a coach who knows a few things about regional basketball play. Ron Bevars has 699 career wins and is 15-0 in regional championship games. Don't be surprised if North gets it together and makes some kind of run.
Taylor County is a team I've only seen one time, but it was probably the best game I've seen this season. They have taken their lumps here and there, but, overall, they, too can challenge. They're still getting used to a transfer they got in early January. He's a big man and before that they didn't have a post player, so they lived on the three point shot. We all know that if the three ball isn't going down it could make for a long night. Chase Cox is their biggest threat from long range. If they make it, the regional tournament in Hart County, he will look to pull the trigger out on 31-W. Their big man, Leonard Macon, has got to settle down and play ball. The kid shows a lot of enthusiasm but sometimes takes it too far. They have a good zone defense that had Adair County on the ropes a couple of weeks ago.
The Bardstown Tigers is another tam I've only seen once. They have a 10-1 record against regional teams with their only loss coming to Nelson County. I saw them back in December, and if I remember right, they were very fast. They are led by DeMarco Phillips, a long and lanky kid who can handle the ball and has a good stroke from about 15 feet. They had a decent showing last week in the All "A" Classic in Richmond. Time will tell how good this team really is because they close the regular season with Adair County and North Hardin.
Central Hardin really impressed me on February 1st. They are sneaky quick, and they have a kid named Tony Harding (one vowel from being an ice skater), who can jump out of the gym. I would guess he is about 6', but that is a stretch. Coaches may want to take notice and not press this team because they have a press break offense that will burn teams if they are not careful. They are work horses on the floor, and they seem to play good together. If they beat Fort Knox on February 5th, they will earn the number one seed in the district for the first time in school history. They have only been to the regional tournament twice, so look for them to make the most of it.
LaRue County started the season 13-1, which is one of their best starts in a long time. Lately, they have dropped 3 of 5 and have struggled on defense at times. They play with a lot of heart and will leave everything on the floor. I expect them to run the table in the 18th district. They are one of two teams in the Fifth with a perfect district record. They have a balanced attack led by juniors Tyler Hornback, Bryan Bault, and their floor general Christian Seymour. They have a tough game coming up against Taylor County. Their coach also has a regional championship ring to his credit.
The Elizabethtown Panthers' record doesn't indicate how good this team can play. To say they lost a lot from last year would be an understatement. They had Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, Stephffon Pettigrew, but he's banging around for the Hilltoppers this season. They still have good size at every position, and they have a wide body down low in the form of Sean Bouthilette. If the ball is around him, he's going to get his hands on it, and he will not let go. In the game I watched they played a tough 1-3-1 zone defense. James Haire is one of the most respected coaches in the Fifth, and I always hear that you can't ever count out one of his teams.
These These are my thoughts on the top teams in the Fifth Region. Don't get me wrong, any of these teams can get upset on any given night. Some of the best district games will be in the 17th and the 20th. The 20th will be a war at Taylor County High School. The favorites in that district -- Adair and Taylor -- have only been separated by 10 points in the last five times they've played. I will probably be at that one myself.
I hope everyone has enjoyed my take on this region. Keep looking for updates all through the district and regional tournaments.
Pick and Roll's Shameless Self Promotion
For folks who live in south central and western Kentucky, they can head to their local Minit Mart or to their high school and pick up a copy of High School Zone. I have my own article on page 20 of February's issue, and I will be in future issues of the magazine. The magazine is free, and your friends and family will know you are an erudite sports fan when they find HSZ on your coffee table. Click on the link above to read it online and be sure to put it in your "favorites" along with the Pick and Roll.
By the way, I'm having a blast with this stuff. During a stretch of my real career I wrote dreary old impact studies for highway and coal mining projects or I wrote things to make lawyers and politicians sound like they knew what they were talking about. This is the first time I've tackled sports writing, and when I decided to start Pick and Roll I wanted to snap a towel on the buttocks of formulaic, journalistic sports writing, especially for the crown jewel of Kentucky sports: high school basketball.
I never imagined that I'd end up writing magazine articles.
The main thing, though, is that I love high school basketball and football. If Pennyrile Pick and Roll accomplishes anything other than wasting internet broadband, I hope it inspires people to pick up on a Friday night and go to a basketball game.
As always, I'm thankful to the souls who read P&R.
Happy Hoops!
By the way, I'm having a blast with this stuff. During a stretch of my real career I wrote dreary old impact studies for highway and coal mining projects or I wrote things to make lawyers and politicians sound like they knew what they were talking about. This is the first time I've tackled sports writing, and when I decided to start Pick and Roll I wanted to snap a towel on the buttocks of formulaic, journalistic sports writing, especially for the crown jewel of Kentucky sports: high school basketball.
I never imagined that I'd end up writing magazine articles.
The main thing, though, is that I love high school basketball and football. If Pennyrile Pick and Roll accomplishes anything other than wasting internet broadband, I hope it inspires people to pick up on a Friday night and go to a basketball game.
As always, I'm thankful to the souls who read P&R.
Happy Hoops!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Central Hardin 60 - North Hardin 48
Central Hardin High School, Cecilia, Kentucky, 02-01-08
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
I guess I've been spoiled over the last few weeks because I have picked some great match ups to attend. I was thinking the same thing on Friday night because it was a district match up with a number one seed on the line and North Hardin Coach Ron Bevars was going after his 700th career win. When I pulled up in Cecilia and found my parking spot, a television camera man drove past, and I was getting pumped to see two of the best teams in the Fifth Region.
Central Hardin High School is a big place, and the parked cars were spread out, so I couldn't get a grasp of how many people were really there. As I walked in, I was on the phone trying to get my daughter some Hannah Montana movie tickets for Saturday night -- the things fathers will do for their kids. If you don't know who Hannah Montana is, I don't have time to explain.
Editor's query: I checked my Montana highway map and could not find a town called "Hannah." I did, however, find Hungry Horse, Montana, which is between Kalispell and Glacier National Park. Would your daughter want to go there?
With just a handful of regular season games left, teams are trying to position themselves into taht number one seed in the district tournament. Friday night, if North Hardin won, they could do it, but the Bruins had other ideas. They could also get a piece of that one seed. Central Hardin is flying under the radar in the fifth because they have played somewhat of a tough schedule. They have one bad loss to Louisville Central in the Louisville Invitational Tournament and a tough four point loss to the very good Bowling Green Purples. They were trying not to remember the ten point loss North handed them back on January 3rd.
North controlled the tap, and they were pushing the ball like crazy. They were hot, too. NH went up 7-0 before I could even look up. It didn't take long for Central Hardin Coach J.C. Wright to make adjustments. Instead of calling a timeout, he instructed his team to change to a 2-3 zone. That's all it took. NH went cold. During one stretch, the Trojans made five turnovers in 16 possessions. CH used those turnovers to inch closer on North's lead. By the time the first was over, NH had only a small lead, 13-10. You could feel the momentum shift to Central Hardin.
The Bruins opened the second with a flurry. They stayed in the zone, and North had trouble finding the basket. The refs were letting them play. The Trojans called a timeout at the 6:15 mark, and Coach Bevars and the Trojan faithful let the refs have it. It didn't do much good because Central applied good defense and finally took a lead at 20-17. They never looked back. I have heard from other fans around the Fifth that North was a good shooting team. I haven't seen it yet this year. They shot their share of bricks tonight. The Bruins were pulling away and led at the half, 28-13.
There was no entertainment at halftime except for some kids running around and shooting some hoops. I like that, and I think Pick and Roll was somewhere one night and the kids were out there shooting baskets (Note: it was Calloway County). It makes you wonder how many of them you'll be watching in a few years. There were even two little girls/cheerleaders running and flipping down the sidelines. A look into the future, if you will.
When I stood up to stretch my legs, I noticed Coach Wright was already working the refs before the game resumed. He and his team wanted this win badly. His team was about to step it up. The two teams went back-and-forth until the four minute mark, which is when Central began their quest for the number one seed. The Bruins hit everything in the third, and they had the lead at the end of three 45-29. There were a lot of sad faces on the North bench. This was not the game I expected.
I could see the North players getting frustrated as the last quarter started. Coach Bevars tried to spark his team, and finally NH tried to press, something they haven't done all night. It hurt CH, and North's LaRod King was the spark for which Bevars looked. He ran off six quick points in the fourth, but a Central timeout helped the Bruins to settle and figure out how to break the press. Man! Did they ever learn how to break a press?! I haven't seen a team break a press better all season. It just took them a couple of minutes to figure it out.
The Bruins ran away with a bit of a shocker, but, then again, I hadn't seen Central Hardin all year. They are a very good team. CH wins, 60-48.
OBSERVATIONS
The Three Musketeers: Daniel Linder, Tony Harding, and Chris Nichols combined for 48 of Central Hardin's 60 points. These three are being overlooked in the Fifth. Nichols is a shooter, Harding is a slasher, and Linder is a work horse. I said earlier that Central Hardin is under the radar, but Coach Wright and his teams are used to this. His teams don't get much attention in the 17th District. Look for these guys to make a run in the district tournament, but they have to beat Fort Knox on Tuesday to get the number one seed. Last season, they number one didn't make it out of the district.
The Perfect Wife: During the game I started looking around the "Bruins Den" and noticed something I didn't expect. The wife of LaRue County's Coach Paul Childress was in the stands. I thought it was odd since they were playing at Elizabethtown tonight. I laughed and thought, surely he didn't send her to scout these teams. You've got to love a wife who's willing to do that. I found out that she has a family member who plays for Central Hardin. I saw her on her cell phone a lot, so I'm sure she was checking in on the Hawks or maybe telling her husband which offense to run.
The Man on the Mic: Central Hardin has a great PA announcer. He has the right voice. I don't know his name, but I know he has been there for years. He does something that you normally don't hear at any gym. If he knows the players' nicknames, he will yell it out when they score. He does this for opposing teams as well. That's great! Other schools should look into doing this. I may be crazy, but I think it is cool.
Denial Doesn't Flow Through Hardin County: Even though his team came up short for him tonight, Coach Ron Bevars sits on 699 for his career. I know several people say they don't like him, but give the man some credit. First of all, he does a job that helps kids grow for later in life. As a former player myself, I can't tell you how many times I look back and say, "man, I'm glad my coach was there for me. Second, he really is a good coach. He is 15-0 in regional tournament championship games. That's unreal. There's not many coaches who can claim that. We all know that Coach Bevars will get his 700th win. So, if I don't get to see it in person: congrats Coach, you've had a great career.
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
I guess I've been spoiled over the last few weeks because I have picked some great match ups to attend. I was thinking the same thing on Friday night because it was a district match up with a number one seed on the line and North Hardin Coach Ron Bevars was going after his 700th career win. When I pulled up in Cecilia and found my parking spot, a television camera man drove past, and I was getting pumped to see two of the best teams in the Fifth Region.
Central Hardin High School is a big place, and the parked cars were spread out, so I couldn't get a grasp of how many people were really there. As I walked in, I was on the phone trying to get my daughter some Hannah Montana movie tickets for Saturday night -- the things fathers will do for their kids. If you don't know who Hannah Montana is, I don't have time to explain.
Editor's query: I checked my Montana highway map and could not find a town called "Hannah." I did, however, find Hungry Horse, Montana, which is between Kalispell and Glacier National Park. Would your daughter want to go there?
With just a handful of regular season games left, teams are trying to position themselves into taht number one seed in the district tournament. Friday night, if North Hardin won, they could do it, but the Bruins had other ideas. They could also get a piece of that one seed. Central Hardin is flying under the radar in the fifth because they have played somewhat of a tough schedule. They have one bad loss to Louisville Central in the Louisville Invitational Tournament and a tough four point loss to the very good Bowling Green Purples. They were trying not to remember the ten point loss North handed them back on January 3rd.
North controlled the tap, and they were pushing the ball like crazy. They were hot, too. NH went up 7-0 before I could even look up. It didn't take long for Central Hardin Coach J.C. Wright to make adjustments. Instead of calling a timeout, he instructed his team to change to a 2-3 zone. That's all it took. NH went cold. During one stretch, the Trojans made five turnovers in 16 possessions. CH used those turnovers to inch closer on North's lead. By the time the first was over, NH had only a small lead, 13-10. You could feel the momentum shift to Central Hardin.
The Bruins opened the second with a flurry. They stayed in the zone, and North had trouble finding the basket. The refs were letting them play. The Trojans called a timeout at the 6:15 mark, and Coach Bevars and the Trojan faithful let the refs have it. It didn't do much good because Central applied good defense and finally took a lead at 20-17. They never looked back. I have heard from other fans around the Fifth that North was a good shooting team. I haven't seen it yet this year. They shot their share of bricks tonight. The Bruins were pulling away and led at the half, 28-13.
There was no entertainment at halftime except for some kids running around and shooting some hoops. I like that, and I think Pick and Roll was somewhere one night and the kids were out there shooting baskets (Note: it was Calloway County). It makes you wonder how many of them you'll be watching in a few years. There were even two little girls/cheerleaders running and flipping down the sidelines. A look into the future, if you will.
When I stood up to stretch my legs, I noticed Coach Wright was already working the refs before the game resumed. He and his team wanted this win badly. His team was about to step it up. The two teams went back-and-forth until the four minute mark, which is when Central began their quest for the number one seed. The Bruins hit everything in the third, and they had the lead at the end of three 45-29. There were a lot of sad faces on the North bench. This was not the game I expected.
I could see the North players getting frustrated as the last quarter started. Coach Bevars tried to spark his team, and finally NH tried to press, something they haven't done all night. It hurt CH, and North's LaRod King was the spark for which Bevars looked. He ran off six quick points in the fourth, but a Central timeout helped the Bruins to settle and figure out how to break the press. Man! Did they ever learn how to break a press?! I haven't seen a team break a press better all season. It just took them a couple of minutes to figure it out.
The Bruins ran away with a bit of a shocker, but, then again, I hadn't seen Central Hardin all year. They are a very good team. CH wins, 60-48.
OBSERVATIONS
The Three Musketeers: Daniel Linder, Tony Harding, and Chris Nichols combined for 48 of Central Hardin's 60 points. These three are being overlooked in the Fifth. Nichols is a shooter, Harding is a slasher, and Linder is a work horse. I said earlier that Central Hardin is under the radar, but Coach Wright and his teams are used to this. His teams don't get much attention in the 17th District. Look for these guys to make a run in the district tournament, but they have to beat Fort Knox on Tuesday to get the number one seed. Last season, they number one didn't make it out of the district.
The Perfect Wife: During the game I started looking around the "Bruins Den" and noticed something I didn't expect. The wife of LaRue County's Coach Paul Childress was in the stands. I thought it was odd since they were playing at Elizabethtown tonight. I laughed and thought, surely he didn't send her to scout these teams. You've got to love a wife who's willing to do that. I found out that she has a family member who plays for Central Hardin. I saw her on her cell phone a lot, so I'm sure she was checking in on the Hawks or maybe telling her husband which offense to run.
The Man on the Mic: Central Hardin has a great PA announcer. He has the right voice. I don't know his name, but I know he has been there for years. He does something that you normally don't hear at any gym. If he knows the players' nicknames, he will yell it out when they score. He does this for opposing teams as well. That's great! Other schools should look into doing this. I may be crazy, but I think it is cool.
Denial Doesn't Flow Through Hardin County: Even though his team came up short for him tonight, Coach Ron Bevars sits on 699 for his career. I know several people say they don't like him, but give the man some credit. First of all, he does a job that helps kids grow for later in life. As a former player myself, I can't tell you how many times I look back and say, "man, I'm glad my coach was there for me. Second, he really is a good coach. He is 15-0 in regional tournament championship games. That's unreal. There's not many coaches who can claim that. We all know that Coach Bevars will get his 700th win. So, if I don't get to see it in person: congrats Coach, you've had a great career.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bowling Green 73 - Warren East 62
Warren East High School, Bristow, Kentucky 02-01-08
Friday night's game at Warren East High School could've featured players wearing tight shorts and skin tight uniform tops because it was a throw-back atmosphere. There were actually people in the stands. I thought I was going to have to park in downtown Bristow and walk to the high school because the crowd was so large. It was like the old days. I checked to see if I had a mullet, a Members Only jacket, Vans, and a Swatch with the goofy guards that made it impossible to tell what time it was.
My daughter and I walked into a battle between the Lady Raiders and the Lady Purples. East had Bowling Green down, but the Purples fought back and made it a game. East prevailed, but the ladies set the mood for the boys game.
While the teams warmed-up, the Warren East pep band started playing Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." It fit the mood, but I wondered if that's a good song for a high school band.
"I've listened to preachers
I've listened to fools
I've watched all the dropouts
Who make their own rules."
Somebody phone Tipper Gore!
I figured with the pressing and high flying offenses of the Purples and the Raiders that we might be "going off the rails on a crazy train."
There's no love lost between these two teams and these two schools. Bowling Green is a city school and populated with city kids. Warren East is a rural school with an interesting mix of suburban kids and farm kids. I'm good friends with a Warren East alumnus who calls Purples backers, "those snotty Bowling Green fans." I know Bowling Green alumni who call East grads "hayseed plow boys."
Don't kill the messenger, folks. I don't have a dog in this fight. I'm fascinated, however, by the differences that make up good high school rivalries, and the East-Bowling Green one is among the best. I remember from the Male-Manual rivalry that we were blessed with superior intellect, better looks, and greater athletic ability while the folks from Manual had none of these attributes.
The two teams went at each other like this game had major implications in the district and the region. Wait, it did. After dropping a game at Warren Central, the Purples needed a district win, but it's a tall order to try to sneak into the Raiders' roost and wrestle a victory from them.
Each team tested the other in the first quarter. The two teams sort of mirror each other. Both like to play man-to-man, pressing defense, and they both balance the offensive end with great penetration and perimeter shooting. At the end of one, the score was tied at 14. Within my mind I could hear the ghostly voice of Joe Dean, Sr., saying, "we've got ourselves a barn burner, Tom (Hammond). It might be 25 outside but in here we've got a barn burner."
The Purples picked up their defensive pressure in the second quarter and forced Warren East to take tough shots. The Raiders couldn't find the basket in the second quarter. Both teams had trouble hanging onto the ball, but Bowling Green seemed to be more prone to turnovers. My good friend Eddie Dillard swore that the ball was over inflated, but he wouldn't go out there and test it between quarters.
With 3:29 left in the half, Bowling Green had a 29-15 lead on East and seemed like they were going to take command of the game. However, the Raiders answered with a 7-2 run to end the half to pull with in nine, 31-22. Shenard Holton led the Raiders with 10 points at halftime, while Jordan Ellis added seven. Eric Smith for Bowling Green led the way with nine points, and D.L. Moore and Jared Carpenter each had five.
If it was a barn burner, then Bowling Green opened the third quarter like they were going to burn the thing down to the foundation. Jeb Richardson hit three three pointers to open the half, one of which was from about 22 feet. Joe Dean would've erupted with "Sttttrrraaaaaahng Muuusic in Bristow kay-wye, Tom!" Richardson was nailing treys, but, as always, the Purples' defense is what created the offense. When they decide to play active defense, this Bowling Green squad is tough to beat.
By the 4:41 mark, Bowling Green had a commanding 45-27 lead on their rival. Warren East Coach Russell Malone called a time and met his players on the court and delivered a lip whipping on his players that we could hear in the stands. I don't think he was wishing them Groundhog's Day greetings and likely telling them that their six more weeks of winter would be spent running "suicides" on the gym floor.
After the Purples built a 22 point lead on them, Warren East responded to Coach Russell and closed the third with a furious 9-1 run that cut the lead to 52-39.
No one thought that East was out of the game. They are too good of a team to roll over and die, especially for an arch-rival.
In the fourth quarter, East threw a 2-2-1 trapping press on the Purps, and they had a tough time moving the ball up the court. D.L. Moore was on the bench with foul trouble, but Coach D.G. Sherrill put him back in the game because he is a press buster. Moore is signed to play wide receiver at South Carolina next year, and he knows how to use his 6'6" frame to snag passes going over a press.
Also, Jordan Ellis fouled out early the fourth quarter. I've seen East play three times this season, and all three times Ellis has fouled out with plenty of time left in the game. Ellis is a very good athlete, but he gets behind on defense and swats too much. Jordan! Move your feet and avoid the seat!
East managed to cut the lead to 10, but they could never get over the hump in this one. Bowling Green won 73-62.
If I have everything right, that means every team in the 14th District is .500 in district games. Bowling Green, East, and Greenwood are all 3-3 and Central is 2-2. One must ask, does seeding really matter in this district? Two very good basketball teams will end their seasons on the first night of the district tournament.
Shenard Holton for Warren East led all scorers with 19. Jordan Ellis and DeAngelo Kirk each had 13. Bowling Green had a balanced scoring sheet with D.L. Moore and Jared Carpenter scoring 10, while Jeb Richardson had 10.
OBSERVATIONS
Warren East Career Day: After a referee called a foul on Warren East in the third quarter, the East student section chanted, "I'm blind. I'm deaf. I wanna be a ref." They even had the Bowling Green fans chuckling. That gets a Pick and Roll "Three Thumbs Up" Award.
Killing Me Softly: After what seemed like a bad call, Coach Russell Malone kept yelling, "You're killin me. You're killing me!" at one of the officials. The Bowling Green fans started calling him Bobby Knight.
He Does Wear #22: Jerron Nixon did a great Curly Neal impersonation in Friday's ballgame at Warren East. The floor was dusty and players kept losing their footing. Nixon slipped down to one knee, slid several feet, and popped back up without ever breaking his dribble. The great Harlem Globetrotter, Curly Neal, wowed crowds with a trick that looked like Nixon's move.
Donuts on Dunks: It had been since Scotty Hopson threw a couple down on the Purples in December that I had seen someone in a high school game dunk the ball. On Friday night, East's Jordan Ellis and Bowling Green's D.L. Moore each had a dunk. Ellis has great leaping ability and threw down a one handed jam on a fast break amongst two Purples.
Friday night's game at Warren East High School could've featured players wearing tight shorts and skin tight uniform tops because it was a throw-back atmosphere. There were actually people in the stands. I thought I was going to have to park in downtown Bristow and walk to the high school because the crowd was so large. It was like the old days. I checked to see if I had a mullet, a Members Only jacket, Vans, and a Swatch with the goofy guards that made it impossible to tell what time it was.
My daughter and I walked into a battle between the Lady Raiders and the Lady Purples. East had Bowling Green down, but the Purples fought back and made it a game. East prevailed, but the ladies set the mood for the boys game.
While the teams warmed-up, the Warren East pep band started playing Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." It fit the mood, but I wondered if that's a good song for a high school band.
"I've listened to preachers
I've listened to fools
I've watched all the dropouts
Who make their own rules."
Somebody phone Tipper Gore!
I figured with the pressing and high flying offenses of the Purples and the Raiders that we might be "going off the rails on a crazy train."
There's no love lost between these two teams and these two schools. Bowling Green is a city school and populated with city kids. Warren East is a rural school with an interesting mix of suburban kids and farm kids. I'm good friends with a Warren East alumnus who calls Purples backers, "those snotty Bowling Green fans." I know Bowling Green alumni who call East grads "hayseed plow boys."
Don't kill the messenger, folks. I don't have a dog in this fight. I'm fascinated, however, by the differences that make up good high school rivalries, and the East-Bowling Green one is among the best. I remember from the Male-Manual rivalry that we were blessed with superior intellect, better looks, and greater athletic ability while the folks from Manual had none of these attributes.
The two teams went at each other like this game had major implications in the district and the region. Wait, it did. After dropping a game at Warren Central, the Purples needed a district win, but it's a tall order to try to sneak into the Raiders' roost and wrestle a victory from them.
Each team tested the other in the first quarter. The two teams sort of mirror each other. Both like to play man-to-man, pressing defense, and they both balance the offensive end with great penetration and perimeter shooting. At the end of one, the score was tied at 14. Within my mind I could hear the ghostly voice of Joe Dean, Sr., saying, "we've got ourselves a barn burner, Tom (Hammond). It might be 25 outside but in here we've got a barn burner."
The Purples picked up their defensive pressure in the second quarter and forced Warren East to take tough shots. The Raiders couldn't find the basket in the second quarter. Both teams had trouble hanging onto the ball, but Bowling Green seemed to be more prone to turnovers. My good friend Eddie Dillard swore that the ball was over inflated, but he wouldn't go out there and test it between quarters.
With 3:29 left in the half, Bowling Green had a 29-15 lead on East and seemed like they were going to take command of the game. However, the Raiders answered with a 7-2 run to end the half to pull with in nine, 31-22. Shenard Holton led the Raiders with 10 points at halftime, while Jordan Ellis added seven. Eric Smith for Bowling Green led the way with nine points, and D.L. Moore and Jared Carpenter each had five.
If it was a barn burner, then Bowling Green opened the third quarter like they were going to burn the thing down to the foundation. Jeb Richardson hit three three pointers to open the half, one of which was from about 22 feet. Joe Dean would've erupted with "Sttttrrraaaaaahng Muuusic in Bristow kay-wye, Tom!" Richardson was nailing treys, but, as always, the Purples' defense is what created the offense. When they decide to play active defense, this Bowling Green squad is tough to beat.
By the 4:41 mark, Bowling Green had a commanding 45-27 lead on their rival. Warren East Coach Russell Malone called a time and met his players on the court and delivered a lip whipping on his players that we could hear in the stands. I don't think he was wishing them Groundhog's Day greetings and likely telling them that their six more weeks of winter would be spent running "suicides" on the gym floor.
After the Purples built a 22 point lead on them, Warren East responded to Coach Russell and closed the third with a furious 9-1 run that cut the lead to 52-39.
No one thought that East was out of the game. They are too good of a team to roll over and die, especially for an arch-rival.
In the fourth quarter, East threw a 2-2-1 trapping press on the Purps, and they had a tough time moving the ball up the court. D.L. Moore was on the bench with foul trouble, but Coach D.G. Sherrill put him back in the game because he is a press buster. Moore is signed to play wide receiver at South Carolina next year, and he knows how to use his 6'6" frame to snag passes going over a press.
Also, Jordan Ellis fouled out early the fourth quarter. I've seen East play three times this season, and all three times Ellis has fouled out with plenty of time left in the game. Ellis is a very good athlete, but he gets behind on defense and swats too much. Jordan! Move your feet and avoid the seat!
East managed to cut the lead to 10, but they could never get over the hump in this one. Bowling Green won 73-62.
If I have everything right, that means every team in the 14th District is .500 in district games. Bowling Green, East, and Greenwood are all 3-3 and Central is 2-2. One must ask, does seeding really matter in this district? Two very good basketball teams will end their seasons on the first night of the district tournament.
Shenard Holton for Warren East led all scorers with 19. Jordan Ellis and DeAngelo Kirk each had 13. Bowling Green had a balanced scoring sheet with D.L. Moore and Jared Carpenter scoring 10, while Jeb Richardson had 10.
OBSERVATIONS
Warren East Career Day: After a referee called a foul on Warren East in the third quarter, the East student section chanted, "I'm blind. I'm deaf. I wanna be a ref." They even had the Bowling Green fans chuckling. That gets a Pick and Roll "Three Thumbs Up" Award.
Killing Me Softly: After what seemed like a bad call, Coach Russell Malone kept yelling, "You're killin me. You're killing me!" at one of the officials. The Bowling Green fans started calling him Bobby Knight.
He Does Wear #22: Jerron Nixon did a great Curly Neal impersonation in Friday's ballgame at Warren East. The floor was dusty and players kept losing their footing. Nixon slipped down to one knee, slid several feet, and popped back up without ever breaking his dribble. The great Harlem Globetrotter, Curly Neal, wowed crowds with a trick that looked like Nixon's move.
Donuts on Dunks: It had been since Scotty Hopson threw a couple down on the Purples in December that I had seen someone in a high school game dunk the ball. On Friday night, East's Jordan Ellis and Bowling Green's D.L. Moore each had a dunk. Ellis has great leaping ability and threw down a one handed jam on a fast break amongst two Purples.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fourth Region Roundup
I feel like I should post the audio of ABC's horse race announcer, Dave Johnson, saying, "And down the stretch they come!" Only his voice -- with that sense of excitement -- can summarize how the basketball season and the hunt for the championship is shaping up in the Fourth Region this season. It's a horse race with no clear favorite and only a couple or three 99 to 1 shots breezing at the back of the field.
It's February, and this is the point during the season when the games mean a lot more, the crowds are bigger and louder, and the intensity level is ratcheted up to a very high level. Teams have played in the holiday tournaments, and they have faced several regional opponents and, in most cases, all their district rivals.
I just don't see anyone challenging Franklin-Simpson in the 13th District. Other coaches in the district probably go to bed hearing "Catch Us If You Can" because no one's going to catch this "Dave Clark Five." They had an eight game winning streak going until they ran into Warren Central's buzz saw press on a stormy night in Bowling Green. With players like "Sir" Rayco Bryant, Courtney Dalcourt (a player so nice they called him "Court" twice), and Colby Clark, the Wildcats can make a serious challenge for the regional title. They attack the basket better than any team I've seen this year. I'm considering the game at Central a hiccup for the Wildcats.
The 14th District is one of the toughest ones in the state. Bowling Green, Warren Central, Warren East, and Greenwood make up this one, and each of those teams have the talent to make a run at and win the region.
Greenwood has the guard combo of Thing 1 and Thing 2 with Mark Lacy and Austin Reed, who drive opponents crazy. They also have Dee Anderson who can drive around nearly any player and slash into any zone to score. He may be the best in the region at creating shots, and he has regained most or all of his mobility after a serious knee injury in the summer. Throw in players like Bret Barrick and J.J. Smith, and that's a recipe for a regional championship.
Warren East has a fast paced attack laced with deadly perimeter shooting. Jordan Ellis and DeAngelo "Captain" Kirk make this Raider squad a tough match up for their 14th District foes. Ellis is an excellent perimeter shooter and most people fail to recognize his athletic ability. DeAngelo Kirk can drive holes through any type of defense like a high speed drill punches holes in cheap plywood. East is not a two man team. They have a balanced attack and like to play a full court game.
Bowling Green is a team with a high flying offensive team and an in-your-face man-to-man full court defense. The Purples, when they commit to playing their tough nosed defense can take anyone down on any night. They have great offensive threats with Jerron Nixon and D.L. Moore, but I've watched them several times this season and have decided that they create victories on the defensive end of the floor.
Lookout for the Warren Central Dragons! Teams from the 14th District and the Fourth Region have chased the dragon so much over the past six years that law enforcement agencies are going to start checking their arms for track marks. The Dragons have played a tough schedule, and like a something out of the Nevada Skunk Works they are flying under the radar of everyone in the region. They are as lethal as anything Lockheed or Grumman has produced for the U.S. military, too. At the right time of the season, Tim Riley, has everything clicking for his team. Just ask the Purples and the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats about their recent losses at the Dragon's lair on Morgantown Road. The district tournament is at Central. Fear the Dragons!
The 15th District is another tough one. The two entries in the regional from this district have the capability of playing multiple nights on the Diddle Arena court.
Barren County is the favorite and could be the favorite to win the region. Steve "The Other" Riley has a balanced attack on the court every night, and the Trojans have better ball movement than anyone in the region. They force teams to play defense or fail. Lee Hubbard is a superb basketball player, who could very well lead his team out of the district and to the regional championship. Matt "Yet Another" Riley handles full court pressure well and finds his teammates when they are open.
Allen County-Scottsville, Glasgow, and Monroe County are chasing the Trojans, but those teams can't seem to put together a serious run at Barren County. The young Scotties are led by Charlie Mudd, a tough-nosed ballplayer who knows how to score in tough situations. The Patriots have one of the best guards in the state with Jay Starks. He breaks down defenses like they were used Yugos.
Metcalfe County is the team to beat in the 16th District. That's even with their star shooting guard Trey Shirley sidelined with a spinal cord infection. Will Warf has taken over as the capable leader of this swarm of Hornets. They dropped back-to-back games to Warren East and Franklin-Simpson right after losing Shirley, but they responded by playing their way into the All-Classic in Richmond, where Eighth Region contender Gallatin County swatted them by 16 points. The big question with Metcalfe County is, will Shirley make it back?
Cumberland County and Russell County could challenge the Hornets. I've seen Cumberland County play, but I just don't see knocking Metcalfe County out of the district. Russell County? Who knows? I've not seen them play, and their schedules make it seem they are wanting to lean out of the Fourth Region. Last season, Coach Willie Feldhaus guided the Lakers to the regional semi-finals after -- if I remember right -- a sub .500 regular season record. I have no idea what to expect from these guys.
There's just a handful of games left before the district tournaments start, and there is still no clear favorite to win the Fourth Region Derby. It's anybody's horse race. I have no pick to win this one. It's exciting, though, and I encourage everyone to grab up the kids, call the neighbors, and go enjoy some of the great basketball around this area.
Happy Hoops!
It's February, and this is the point during the season when the games mean a lot more, the crowds are bigger and louder, and the intensity level is ratcheted up to a very high level. Teams have played in the holiday tournaments, and they have faced several regional opponents and, in most cases, all their district rivals.
I just don't see anyone challenging Franklin-Simpson in the 13th District. Other coaches in the district probably go to bed hearing "Catch Us If You Can" because no one's going to catch this "Dave Clark Five." They had an eight game winning streak going until they ran into Warren Central's buzz saw press on a stormy night in Bowling Green. With players like "Sir" Rayco Bryant, Courtney Dalcourt (a player so nice they called him "Court" twice), and Colby Clark, the Wildcats can make a serious challenge for the regional title. They attack the basket better than any team I've seen this year. I'm considering the game at Central a hiccup for the Wildcats.
The 14th District is one of the toughest ones in the state. Bowling Green, Warren Central, Warren East, and Greenwood make up this one, and each of those teams have the talent to make a run at and win the region.
Greenwood has the guard combo of Thing 1 and Thing 2 with Mark Lacy and Austin Reed, who drive opponents crazy. They also have Dee Anderson who can drive around nearly any player and slash into any zone to score. He may be the best in the region at creating shots, and he has regained most or all of his mobility after a serious knee injury in the summer. Throw in players like Bret Barrick and J.J. Smith, and that's a recipe for a regional championship.
Warren East has a fast paced attack laced with deadly perimeter shooting. Jordan Ellis and DeAngelo "Captain" Kirk make this Raider squad a tough match up for their 14th District foes. Ellis is an excellent perimeter shooter and most people fail to recognize his athletic ability. DeAngelo Kirk can drive holes through any type of defense like a high speed drill punches holes in cheap plywood. East is not a two man team. They have a balanced attack and like to play a full court game.
Bowling Green is a team with a high flying offensive team and an in-your-face man-to-man full court defense. The Purples, when they commit to playing their tough nosed defense can take anyone down on any night. They have great offensive threats with Jerron Nixon and D.L. Moore, but I've watched them several times this season and have decided that they create victories on the defensive end of the floor.
Lookout for the Warren Central Dragons! Teams from the 14th District and the Fourth Region have chased the dragon so much over the past six years that law enforcement agencies are going to start checking their arms for track marks. The Dragons have played a tough schedule, and like a something out of the Nevada Skunk Works they are flying under the radar of everyone in the region. They are as lethal as anything Lockheed or Grumman has produced for the U.S. military, too. At the right time of the season, Tim Riley, has everything clicking for his team. Just ask the Purples and the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats about their recent losses at the Dragon's lair on Morgantown Road. The district tournament is at Central. Fear the Dragons!
The 15th District is another tough one. The two entries in the regional from this district have the capability of playing multiple nights on the Diddle Arena court.
Barren County is the favorite and could be the favorite to win the region. Steve "The Other" Riley has a balanced attack on the court every night, and the Trojans have better ball movement than anyone in the region. They force teams to play defense or fail. Lee Hubbard is a superb basketball player, who could very well lead his team out of the district and to the regional championship. Matt "Yet Another" Riley handles full court pressure well and finds his teammates when they are open.
Allen County-Scottsville, Glasgow, and Monroe County are chasing the Trojans, but those teams can't seem to put together a serious run at Barren County. The young Scotties are led by Charlie Mudd, a tough-nosed ballplayer who knows how to score in tough situations. The Patriots have one of the best guards in the state with Jay Starks. He breaks down defenses like they were used Yugos.
Metcalfe County is the team to beat in the 16th District. That's even with their star shooting guard Trey Shirley sidelined with a spinal cord infection. Will Warf has taken over as the capable leader of this swarm of Hornets. They dropped back-to-back games to Warren East and Franklin-Simpson right after losing Shirley, but they responded by playing their way into the All-Classic in Richmond, where Eighth Region contender Gallatin County swatted them by 16 points. The big question with Metcalfe County is, will Shirley make it back?
Cumberland County and Russell County could challenge the Hornets. I've seen Cumberland County play, but I just don't see knocking Metcalfe County out of the district. Russell County? Who knows? I've not seen them play, and their schedules make it seem they are wanting to lean out of the Fourth Region. Last season, Coach Willie Feldhaus guided the Lakers to the regional semi-finals after -- if I remember right -- a sub .500 regular season record. I have no idea what to expect from these guys.
There's just a handful of games left before the district tournaments start, and there is still no clear favorite to win the Fourth Region Derby. It's anybody's horse race. I have no pick to win this one. It's exciting, though, and I encourage everyone to grab up the kids, call the neighbors, and go enjoy some of the great basketball around this area.
Happy Hoops!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Adair County 45 - Taylor County 44
Taylor County High School, Campbellsville, Kentucky 01-29-08
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Folks, we live in the best basketball state in America. Kentucky is the home of basketball. Sure we have a lot of other things in Kentucky of which we're proud, but when someone talks basketball, we hold our head high, our chest outward, and we are proud. I love it when you go to high school games and thousands of people are there. I love old gyms where it can be 5 degrees outside but 105 inside. I love it when it's packed and most of the crowd has to stand up most of the game and you're elbow-to-elbow with the person next to you. This is high school basketball in Kentucky, where kids play for the love of the game and the name on their jerseys. They leave it all on the floor.
Editor's Note: I could've sworn I heard a chorus humming My Old Kentucky Home as I read that.
Over the last couple of weeks I have seen some of the most exciting ballgames in recent memory. Tonight, when I pulled up in Campbellsville, I had a feeling I would not be disappointed. I ran into the Taylor County gym because it was pouring down rain, and I had to park somewhere near Green River Lake. I stayed wet the first two quarters, but it didn't dampen my spirits. Fans of old gyms would love this one; Taylor County has a gem of a gym. It's old and has bleachers all the way around the floor. I call it "The Clem Gym" in honor of Taylor County native Clem "The Gem" Haskins, who still holds the single game scoring record (55 points) at WKU.
As soon as the JV game ended, the student sections for both schools started their chants. The atmosphere was electric, just as it has been everywhere I've gone to in the past two weeks. I don't think you could have fit another person in that gym. I thought the fire marshal was going to come any second and make someone leave (like that was going to happen).
Both teams came out of the locker room to a chorus of booing from the opposition's fans. Taylor County has flown under the radar in the Fifth Region. They have lost some games they shouldn't have but, make no mistake, this is a very good ball club. Most recently, they have acquired a transfer from Danville High School named Leonard Macon. He has caused a stir in the 20th District and around the region. He is about 6'6", strong and plays to the crowd. He didn't start but made an impact early in the second quarter.
I've watched Adair many times this year. Once again, I found myself sitting beside Adair's #1 fan, T.P. Scott. As soon as I got there, I asked my new friend from Columbia how he felt about this game. He just shook his head and said, "I don't know. This one is always tough."
I soon found out he was right.
Adair controlled the tap, and the Cardinals played them man-to-man. The Indians came out hot but soon cooled off. They hung in the game because Taylor wasn't hot, either. Chase Cox, the Cardinals' three-point specialist put up a "goose egg" in the first quarter. People tell me that he looks to shoot the ball as soon as he gets off the bus. On Tuesday night, Adair's Kalen Kimberland rattled him. He's their senior leader on defense. The quarter ended with a low score: 10-9, advantage Adair.
Leonard Macon came off the bench in the second. Apparently, he didn't start because of a technical foul he got against Marion County on Friday. The kid is raw and strong. He doesn't shoot very good from the floor, but down load he is hard to handle. Both teams struggled to find their mark and still had a low scoring output in the second. The score was tied at 18 at the half. Mr. Scott reported that Adair only shot 33% from the field in the half.
To make Adair's shooting night even worse, Taylor opened up the third quarter in a 1-3-1 zone, and the Indian squad looked to Coach Mark Fudge for answers. I must give credit where credit is due. The Indians never got worried or rattled. They are so patient on offense, making the extra pass and playing under control. That's what makes a championship team.
Still having a little trouble with the zone, Adair called their first timeout of the night in the third quarter. They came out of the timeout looking to penetrate, which was what another fan and I had just been talking about. I met this guy soon after the game started. I'm sorry I never got his name, but he was real nice and said he had once coached the Adair players in little league (I gave him the web address so he can read up on our season).
Taylor was making progress with the zone and had a small lead at the end of the third, 29-26. That was the Cardinals' biggest lead of the game to that point. The crowd was still into the game.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, I finally had dried off from the rain and the excitement ran a chill up my back. About a minute and a half into the quarter, Corey Helm fed Adair's Darrin Ballou on the post, and he turned and dunked the ball straight up into Macon's face (welcome to the Fifth Region Mr. Macon!). It's the most emotion I've ever seen out of Ballou, who is normally quiet and goes about his job. He was in Macon's ear all the way down the court. Wow!! That's Kentucky high school basketball!
Not to be outdone, Taylor answered by feed their new big man, who traded for Ballou's bucket. Taylor had the lead with 5:13 left and had things going their way. They got into the bonus at 4:15 with a 35-32 lead.
The gym was getting louder and louder. Josh Gumm, Taylor's other three-point threat, hit a big three to make it 38-32. The zone had worked for the Cardinals all night, but Coach Troy Young made a move that we in the stands could not believe: he went back to the man-to-man, which let Adair back in the game.
Adair got a big bucket, cutting it to 38-34. Then, the Indians' Corey Helm finally woke up from his basketball coma and hit a huge three with 2:40 to go. This was the big swing in my opinion. The teams continued to trade baskets, and Ballou picked up his fourth foul. I thought, "well, this might burst the bubble for the Indians," but I forgot that this is a very smart team. Taylor remained in the man-to-man "D" and Adair spread the floor. Kalen Kimberland slashed into the lane and missed a shot, but he never gave up. He got his own rebound, put it in, and gave Adair a 43-42 lead. I could not believe what I was watching. Three out of the last four games I have been to have ended like this.
It was 44-43, and the Cardinals lead with 12.3 seconds to go. Adair spread the floor again, and Kimberland ran into the lane again. This time he was fouled and went to the line with 7.2 seconds remaining. He made the first of two shots, and Taylor tried to freeze him with a time out. You can't ice this kid. He made the second shot, making it 45-44. Taylor had a chance, getting the ball to Chase Cox, but Kimberland had him in check. Cox pushed off badly, but there was no call. he got the shot away, but the shot did not fall. He had been off his mark all night.
Adair won a great on in Campbellsville, and their fans rushed the floor. Hey, guys, don't forget that the district tournament is in Taylor's gym, and I'm sure they won't forget that.
OBSERVATIONS
King Cox: Before the game, Taylor County honored Chase Cox. He scored his 1,000th point on December 21st, and they went on to say that he now has over 1,200 career points. If my math is right, that's 200 points in a little over a month. Did I hear that right? Cox was off his mark on Tuesday, but it's still a great accomplishment for this young man. Oh, yeah, did I mention that he's only a junior? Look for him possibly to become the all time leading scorer in Taylor County history.
Gem of a Gym: My hat's off to Taylor County. They have a great gym. In this day and age with counties building new and bigger schools, Taylor has kept it real. Their gym is a fan's gym. If you ever have a chance to see it, don't pass it up. I love the way the bleachers are arranged because you're right on the floor, and you can see the action from anywhere.
Rodney Dangerfield?: I don't think so. With all the veteran coaches in the Fifth Region -- Tim Davis, James Haire, and Ron Bevars -- Coach Mark Fudge has earned my respect. He has talent, and he knows how to coach it. He has his team ready to play, and it shows. They are always under control, and I noticed that they are always looking to him for their next move. This means the players have confidence in their coach. He is a great leader, and coaches around the region better respect coach Fudge.
Editor's Note: I apologize to Adair County and Taylor County fans for being so slow posting Chris's report. My house had no power for a long time last night, and I had to leave for Henderson very early this morning. Thank you for reading.
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Folks, we live in the best basketball state in America. Kentucky is the home of basketball. Sure we have a lot of other things in Kentucky of which we're proud, but when someone talks basketball, we hold our head high, our chest outward, and we are proud. I love it when you go to high school games and thousands of people are there. I love old gyms where it can be 5 degrees outside but 105 inside. I love it when it's packed and most of the crowd has to stand up most of the game and you're elbow-to-elbow with the person next to you. This is high school basketball in Kentucky, where kids play for the love of the game and the name on their jerseys. They leave it all on the floor.
Editor's Note: I could've sworn I heard a chorus humming My Old Kentucky Home as I read that.
Over the last couple of weeks I have seen some of the most exciting ballgames in recent memory. Tonight, when I pulled up in Campbellsville, I had a feeling I would not be disappointed. I ran into the Taylor County gym because it was pouring down rain, and I had to park somewhere near Green River Lake. I stayed wet the first two quarters, but it didn't dampen my spirits. Fans of old gyms would love this one; Taylor County has a gem of a gym. It's old and has bleachers all the way around the floor. I call it "The Clem Gym" in honor of Taylor County native Clem "The Gem" Haskins, who still holds the single game scoring record (55 points) at WKU.
As soon as the JV game ended, the student sections for both schools started their chants. The atmosphere was electric, just as it has been everywhere I've gone to in the past two weeks. I don't think you could have fit another person in that gym. I thought the fire marshal was going to come any second and make someone leave (like that was going to happen).
Both teams came out of the locker room to a chorus of booing from the opposition's fans. Taylor County has flown under the radar in the Fifth Region. They have lost some games they shouldn't have but, make no mistake, this is a very good ball club. Most recently, they have acquired a transfer from Danville High School named Leonard Macon. He has caused a stir in the 20th District and around the region. He is about 6'6", strong and plays to the crowd. He didn't start but made an impact early in the second quarter.
I've watched Adair many times this year. Once again, I found myself sitting beside Adair's #1 fan, T.P. Scott. As soon as I got there, I asked my new friend from Columbia how he felt about this game. He just shook his head and said, "I don't know. This one is always tough."
I soon found out he was right.
Adair controlled the tap, and the Cardinals played them man-to-man. The Indians came out hot but soon cooled off. They hung in the game because Taylor wasn't hot, either. Chase Cox, the Cardinals' three-point specialist put up a "goose egg" in the first quarter. People tell me that he looks to shoot the ball as soon as he gets off the bus. On Tuesday night, Adair's Kalen Kimberland rattled him. He's their senior leader on defense. The quarter ended with a low score: 10-9, advantage Adair.
Leonard Macon came off the bench in the second. Apparently, he didn't start because of a technical foul he got against Marion County on Friday. The kid is raw and strong. He doesn't shoot very good from the floor, but down load he is hard to handle. Both teams struggled to find their mark and still had a low scoring output in the second. The score was tied at 18 at the half. Mr. Scott reported that Adair only shot 33% from the field in the half.
To make Adair's shooting night even worse, Taylor opened up the third quarter in a 1-3-1 zone, and the Indian squad looked to Coach Mark Fudge for answers. I must give credit where credit is due. The Indians never got worried or rattled. They are so patient on offense, making the extra pass and playing under control. That's what makes a championship team.
Still having a little trouble with the zone, Adair called their first timeout of the night in the third quarter. They came out of the timeout looking to penetrate, which was what another fan and I had just been talking about. I met this guy soon after the game started. I'm sorry I never got his name, but he was real nice and said he had once coached the Adair players in little league (I gave him the web address so he can read up on our season).
Taylor was making progress with the zone and had a small lead at the end of the third, 29-26. That was the Cardinals' biggest lead of the game to that point. The crowd was still into the game.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, I finally had dried off from the rain and the excitement ran a chill up my back. About a minute and a half into the quarter, Corey Helm fed Adair's Darrin Ballou on the post, and he turned and dunked the ball straight up into Macon's face (welcome to the Fifth Region Mr. Macon!). It's the most emotion I've ever seen out of Ballou, who is normally quiet and goes about his job. He was in Macon's ear all the way down the court. Wow!! That's Kentucky high school basketball!
Not to be outdone, Taylor answered by feed their new big man, who traded for Ballou's bucket. Taylor had the lead with 5:13 left and had things going their way. They got into the bonus at 4:15 with a 35-32 lead.
The gym was getting louder and louder. Josh Gumm, Taylor's other three-point threat, hit a big three to make it 38-32. The zone had worked for the Cardinals all night, but Coach Troy Young made a move that we in the stands could not believe: he went back to the man-to-man, which let Adair back in the game.
Adair got a big bucket, cutting it to 38-34. Then, the Indians' Corey Helm finally woke up from his basketball coma and hit a huge three with 2:40 to go. This was the big swing in my opinion. The teams continued to trade baskets, and Ballou picked up his fourth foul. I thought, "well, this might burst the bubble for the Indians," but I forgot that this is a very smart team. Taylor remained in the man-to-man "D" and Adair spread the floor. Kalen Kimberland slashed into the lane and missed a shot, but he never gave up. He got his own rebound, put it in, and gave Adair a 43-42 lead. I could not believe what I was watching. Three out of the last four games I have been to have ended like this.
It was 44-43, and the Cardinals lead with 12.3 seconds to go. Adair spread the floor again, and Kimberland ran into the lane again. This time he was fouled and went to the line with 7.2 seconds remaining. He made the first of two shots, and Taylor tried to freeze him with a time out. You can't ice this kid. He made the second shot, making it 45-44. Taylor had a chance, getting the ball to Chase Cox, but Kimberland had him in check. Cox pushed off badly, but there was no call. he got the shot away, but the shot did not fall. He had been off his mark all night.
Adair won a great on in Campbellsville, and their fans rushed the floor. Hey, guys, don't forget that the district tournament is in Taylor's gym, and I'm sure they won't forget that.
OBSERVATIONS
King Cox: Before the game, Taylor County honored Chase Cox. He scored his 1,000th point on December 21st, and they went on to say that he now has over 1,200 career points. If my math is right, that's 200 points in a little over a month. Did I hear that right? Cox was off his mark on Tuesday, but it's still a great accomplishment for this young man. Oh, yeah, did I mention that he's only a junior? Look for him possibly to become the all time leading scorer in Taylor County history.
Gem of a Gym: My hat's off to Taylor County. They have a great gym. In this day and age with counties building new and bigger schools, Taylor has kept it real. Their gym is a fan's gym. If you ever have a chance to see it, don't pass it up. I love the way the bleachers are arranged because you're right on the floor, and you can see the action from anywhere.
Rodney Dangerfield?: I don't think so. With all the veteran coaches in the Fifth Region -- Tim Davis, James Haire, and Ron Bevars -- Coach Mark Fudge has earned my respect. He has talent, and he knows how to coach it. He has his team ready to play, and it shows. They are always under control, and I noticed that they are always looking to him for their next move. This means the players have confidence in their coach. He is a great leader, and coaches around the region better respect coach Fudge.
Editor's Note: I apologize to Adair County and Taylor County fans for being so slow posting Chris's report. My house had no power for a long time last night, and I had to leave for Henderson very early this morning. Thank you for reading.
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