There wasn’t a whole lot of good in the second quarter as Shelby increased their defensive ball pressure which forced SK into bad shots. There was definitely a difference in the defensive intensity from the Rockets and it stymied the Pioneers. SK only scored a total of 3 points in the period. Steiner left Lanham on the bench but did bring back Chambers for a couple of offensive sets towards the end of the period. Shelby County scored 12 points in the quarter and went up on SK going in to the intermission by a score of 22-13.
The Pioneers could have folded coming out of the half as they suffered the disastrous second quarter. The boys came back out with a very rested Chambers and Lanham. Chambers had an extra bounce in his step as he found a way to get to the rim and score 6 points right out of the chute. The circus shots Chambers made helped open up the SK offense. SK pushed the ball a little more as opposed to the patience they showed in the first half. Sorrell nailed a three and Barnes was awarded a bucket on a slapped backboard and suddenly SK found themselves in the lead 26-24 with just over two minutes to go in the third period. Shelby brought more defensive pressure through a press. SK did beat the press on a break and got a Lanham lay-up to go up 28-25. Shelby got an almost last second shot to draw within one at the conclusion of the period.
The SK offense continued to prosper in the beginning of the fourth quarter as Lanham connected on an old fashioned three point play and Chambers made another acrobatic move and the Pioneers found themselves up 7 with just over 6 minutes to go in the game. That’s when the clock started dragging for the SK team. Shelby started fouling with just over two minutes to go. The Pioneers missed 5 foul shots which proved to be costly because Shelby only missed a single throw down the stretch. Shelby finally tied the score at 39 with 41 seconds to go. The Rockets would get three more foul shots for the final score of 42-39. Barnes got a half-court shot off at the buzzer that ricocheted off of the backboard. Close games usually come down to foul shots. This game was no different as you could see SK tighten up at the line while Shelby nailed their charity shots.
Congratulations SK for putting things together and making a nice run down the stretch. You played hard and together as a team and it was fun to watch.
On the way back home, Randall said he didn't think he would wear his lucky hat tomorrow for the girls’ game.
A gutsy performance.
Zach with some trickery going to the basket. Nice rebounding performance tonight against the much bigger Rockets.
One of Lang's first half treys.
A very nice second half. Shelby had trouble stopping the Frosh.
Block called.
To the rim....again.
On the break right before the backboard was pounded.
Parent and Community Section.
One More...
Wow, what tradition that old gym has. This is the 47th straight year they have hosted the regional tourney in the facility. It just feels like Kentucky High School basketball watching a game there. I just wish the Eers could have some better luck.
