The final outcome of the game came down basically to two factors; height and depth. The Wildcats had no answer for SK’s inside game and couldn’t match Steiner’s substitutions. It was basic old fashioned basketball; get it inside to the big man.
SK jumped out to a 13-6 first quarter lead. However, a technical foul and a buzzer beater 3 point shot got the Wildcats within 2 at the end of the quarter. The Pioneers didn’t panic and came out in the second quarter and extended the lead again and led by double digits at the half; 29-19. SK extended the lead to 16 after 3 and led by as many as 21 in the fourth.
SK’s Josh Hurd was unstoppable in the paint as the senior center converted 13 out of 16 shots for 26 points. Many of those points came off Josh Elbert assists as he dished out 9 on the night. Mike Hester scored 8 and had six assists but failed to knock down any three point shots. Zach Layne was the Pioneers outside threat tonight as the junior hit 4 out of 6 treys for 16 points.
The Pioneers will take on the Oldham County Colonels in the 8th Region Finals tomorrow night at 7:00 for a chance to get to Rupp Arena and the Sweet 16. If there was one negative tonight to the game, it had to be fan support. Of the 4 schools participating in the semifinal games; the Pioneers had the smallest crowd and by far the smallest student section. Sure, there were still a lot of fans there to support the team but the gym could sure use a lot more SK fans. Get out tomorrow night and support the Pioneers!
Photo Highlights.........................
It was an uphill battle from here for the Wildcats.
Coaches chat before the game.
Layne knocks down his third trey on the night on the way to four.
Hester connects on this off balance shot.
SK put a Hurdtin on the Wildcats inside.
Another assist for Elbert.
Elbert showing his verticality.
The Roy is a neat old place to watch hoops. Get out of Independence and head down to New Castle tomorrow.
Official drink of Coach Steiner.
Better take that sign back to art class.
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