Heartbreaker at Henry County

In the huddle with his team between the third and fourth quarters, Coach Steiner told his players that the Gallatin County Wildcats weren’t going to quit. The warning was the essence of the huddle speech as it looked like SK was going to go out and claim their spot in the regional semis. Unfortunately, Steiner’s words were more than coach speak as the Wildcats come back from a 19 point deficit heading into the 4th quarter to take down the Pioneers by a final score of 56-55 in the opening round game of the 8th Region tournament. The Wildcats buzzer beating win came on a three pointer that was the Wildcats first lead since they were up by 5-3 in the first quarter. The two teams took turns with swaying the momentum but it was Gallatin who dominated the mo in the critical 4th quarter.  

It was unreal, one of those games that you remember for a long time whether your team is on the winning or losing side. After it was over, there was a feeling for the SK faithful of did that just happen as the Gallatin fans blew the roof off the historic Henry County gymnasium.. Gallatin scores 24 points in the first three quarters and 32 in the final frame. Just unreal.  

There were lots of reasons why SK went down. The weather storms dodged us early today but the perfect storm sat in on SK in the fourth quarter. Gallatin made unbelievable three point shots, their full court press scrapped the Neers into turnovers, SK couldn’t convert on offense, Gallatin kept SK off the glass and the foul shots SK needed just wouldn’t fall. Everything that Gallatin needed to happen, did. Did I say it was unreal? I felt bad for the SK kids and coaches who really had hoped this was the year that they would get to hit the Rupp hardwood. SK had been one of the hottest teams in the state the last few weeks but the pressure cooker atmosphere of the tourney got the best of our boys. Certainly doesn’t feel good now but that’s what makes the Kentucky state basketball tourney the awesome sporting event that it is. There were buzzer beating upsets all over the state tonight but dog-gone-it, why did our team have to watch another team celebrate.

Maybe Roy dropped the Henry County Hex? 
I’ve always liked the atmosphere at Henry County to take in the regional tourney but I certainly haven’t liked the results. During half-time, I went up to one of the Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies and asked who the Roy Winchester gym was named after and what did he do? He pointed to a man on the corner of the stage and said -that man over there. I went over, introduced myself and asked why they named the gym after him. The first reply he gave me was because he “opened the gym back in 1963 as an administrator at the school.” He served in several capacities in the Henry County School System including superintendent for 18 years. The one thing that was apparent to me is he is a big Kentucky basketball fan. At the end of our brief conversation, he told me he played high school basketball at….Gallatin County.

Great Job Guys! 
Sadly, the SK hoop careers of seniors Chambers, Mullen and Stephens come to an end before we had hoped. It was a pleasure watching you and I wish you the best of luck. 

Student Support!  
Thank you, where have you all been. The student support at Grant County last week was pretty dismal but the student section tonight was awesome. It would be great to see the same turnout at the girls’ game on Friday night.

Gallatin County...5...12...7...32--- 56 
Simon Kenton...10...13...20...12--- 55   
 
Gallatin Co. (22-8) -- Morgan 20, Davis 14, Z. Brown 6, Morris 6, N. Brown 4, Ingram 4, Hill 2. 
Simon Kenton (23-8) -- Chambers 16, Sampson 13, Monson 10, Barnes 6, Mullen 5, Bowling 3, Ayers 2.

Mullen takes a charge as Roy Winchester looks on from the stage.


Nice job students.


Chambers gets a steal here and wraps up a great SK b-ball career.


After the buzzer.