Pioneers Sharp in Upset Victory

On a cold and snowy night SK turned up the heat in Joe, defeating top 20 ranked Clark County, 71-60. Prior to the start of the game SK honored one of their all-time greats, Mike Brock. While Mike stood at half court with his former coach and GRC current head coach, Scott Humphries, I couldn't help but think of that 2003 squad. They played agressive offensively and could hurt you from 19'9" and tonight the 2012 Neers did a fine job of doing the same. 

GRC took a brief early lead but it didn't last long and they never held the lead again. SK was patient on offense, running their shooters off of screens to free them from the tight Cardinal defense and Cody Chambers did what he does best, drilling jupers. Cody Monson took care of the pill while initiating the offense and Nick Ayers was all over the place. GRC's big man Fatkin stands 6'6" but the much shorter Ayers anticipated many passes into the post, coming away with more than a few steals. He also held his own on the boards and even blocked one of Fatkin's shots. I don't have statistics but SK shot a pretty good clip in the first half, leading 32-24 after sixteen minutes.  

As the second half started you knew that GRC would crank it up defensively and they did. Chambers was blanketed by GRC's Charlie Rogers but Andrew Sampson continued his hot offensive ways by scoring sixteen second half points. The Neers lead grew to as many as eighteen points and good free throw shooting down the stretch assured the perceived upset victory. Anyone would sat and watched had to be pleased with this TEAM win. Eleven young men played more than a minute and they all contributed in some sort of fashion. Whether it was seldom used Trevor Montgomery knocking down a jumper, David Stephens entering to pressure the inbound passer with 1.2 left in the third or Jared Swanson tossing in a tear drop for two, they all left their mark. 

Two more games on the regular season schedule for SK (18-7). The final home game of the season will be this Tuesday against CovCath. If you aren't busy do yourself a favor and support the team while giving the three Seniors a memorable sendoff for the post season.

Thanks to Jamie Stark for tonight's post.  More pics later.

This was pretty cool, Mike Brock gives a little pep talk to the current Neers before the tip.


Former SK and EKU great.  Somewhat of a SK reunion as the Joe was full of former players, educators, and fans.


Coaches sharing a quick comment or two before the tip. 


To say Cody got a little attention is an understatement.


Pretty nice block even though it was for the wrong team; shot worth sharing though.


Chambers got hot in the second quarter.


Get in there Big Dave.



Barnes went toe to toe inside on D on the big fella.