SK PIONEER SPORTS: Rockets Slow to the Joe but Beat SK 60-51

The Shelby County Rockets came north for a visit to the Joe. Unfortunately, the team bus must have taken some wrong turns on the jaunt to the major metropolis of Independence and got lost. The Rocket bus pulled onto the SK campus at about 7:30 so it was decided to cancel the JV game. The opening tip didn’t happen until just after 8:00 once the Rockets were dressed and warmed-up.

The games between the Pioneers and Rockets have been some of the most competitive and exciting games in the 8th Region over the past couple of years. This one didn't pan out that way. The game did start out exciting as both teams were trading baskets. There were about 4 lead changes or ties in the first quarter until the Rockets connected on a 3 pointer with about 3 minutes to go and never looked back.

Shelby County threw a zone at SK and the Pioneers had trouble with their offensive execution. Several SK turnovers on offense led to quick Rocket baskets. Coach Steiner tried multiple combinations but didn’t land on one that could erase the Rocket lead that reached double digits throughout the second half. The Pioneers battled back and got the lead down to 6 with just over two minutes to go but Shelby County was just solid enough on their free throw shooting to keep the Pioneers at bay.

The Pioneers finish the season up with four strong opponents. Here’s the rest of their schedule before the 32nd District Tourney starts: http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kybbk07?id=26422
Feb 11, '08 versus Campbell County at the Joe
Feb 15, '08 versus Scott at Scott
Feb 19, '08 versus Covington Catholic at the Joe
Feb 22, '08 versus Highlands at the Joe

Langdon Barnes with a coast to coast at the buzzer of the third quarter. Here's the sequence which started at just over 4 seconds: