ballerbaby

I believe I am more impressed with what Mike Clark and his staff at Shelby were able to accomplish this year.

I second the "hats off to Shelby". Coming into the tournament they were given little chance of winning a game and throughout the year they were overlooked because they were in the 8th region. Shelby played step for step with Mason and answered every run the Royals had. I don't know if I have seen a high school team play that hard. I saw all three Shelby games and they played harded than any other team in the Sweet Sixteen. That coaching staff should be commened for the effort those kids gave.

Shelby's point guards are only sophomores and there are two of them. Whitaker was hounded but he wasn't fouled all over the court. Hazard couldn't handle the shelby press....ballgame!

If Lincoln can turn Shelby over with their pressure then they will move past the first round. Shelby has young guards and that could hurt them on this stage. At the same time if Shelby can handle Lincoln's pressure then this should be a great game. Shelby plays well as a team and have a lot of athleticism in several positions and they are deep for a high school team. They are 8 deep and they get better when the go the bench.

Shelby wasn't even in the mix for 8th region champs at the start of the year. They lost a great deal of experience last year but from the few games I saw they play well as a team and are very unselfish. I will say the 8th region will have a tough time overlooking Shelby in the couple of years. The 4 sophs they have are talented and play hard

I think there is one very important issue that this game also brought to light about the state of affairs in the 8th region. To many times you hear about the larger schools "bullying" or "disrespecting" the smaller schools in the region. I was just thinking about this today and it hit me. I think Shelby County showed that they have a great deal of class after the game was over. I saw several of Shelby's top players avoid the rush to the middle of the floor and head directly to Gallatin's bench and not only shake hands but take the time to console and encourage the Wildcat players. I think I even saw on of Shelby's coaches seek out each Gallatin kid that played and hug each one and offer words of encouragment. But I think the most telling thing that many people may have not noticed was the actions of Shelby's #15 as the teams were being given trophies. Of course you had your customary clapping from Shelby however, when Gallatin was announced he made his way toward the Gallatin fans and encouraged the Gallatin fans to get to their feet and applaud their team. This was subtle enough that many would have ignored it but I watched as this kid continued to raise his arms in the air and clap for the opposing team. I only point this out becuase not only did these two teams battle tooth and nail but they did so with a level of class that is not often seen at the high school level.

Hats off to EVERY KID and coach that was a part of this basketball game. To Gallatin: This team may not look like world beaters but they are disciplined, unselfish and passionate. They played with a heart and determination that you don't often find at the smaller schools and proved that they are just as formidable an opponent as anyone in the 8th region. My heart goes out to the Wildcat players, coaches and fans. The manner in which they lost this ball game was absolutely heartbreaking. They played a nearly flawless game, especially in the 2nd half, and it has to feel like they were cheated (no reference to the officials) from a chance at Rupp. To Shelby: Amazing character in what was the grip of sure defeat. There could not have been anyone in that gym that would have said the Rockets has a shot when they were trailing by 5 with 30 seconds to go. Incredible effort to defy the odds and pull out a victory. To the Fans: I would have to say you were treated to a game between two of the classiest and most hard working programs in the 8th region. The championship game pitted the two best TEAMS in the region and the effort displayed by both teams showed why. Great season for Coach Jones and the Wildcats. Great season for Coach Clark and the Rockets. Good luck at Rupp Arena.

yes, lineups have to be in the official book at the 10 minute mark of the game. Failure to do so does constitute a technical foul however, the coach from the benefitting team can have the official to simply waive the technical. At most it is 2 free throws and starting the game with the ball, just like getting a T for grabbing the rim during warm ups.

only 1 technical

Simon Kenton's welcome to the 8th region has not been a pleasant one for Pioneer fans. They have had good seasons but can't get over the hump when it comes to beating some of the 8th region's traditional powers. I also don't believe a Simon team from the late 90's would have faired much better since at that time in the 8th you had Scott County, Oldham County (with a future NBA player on the roster), and Shelby County to contend with. Each of these three teams were head and shoulders above the rest of the region and were just as good as anyone in the state during that time. It stands to reason that Simon will not have a strong run at the regional title for some years to come. There best shot was last year when Hester and Co. were seniors. The year before they were not not likely to beat Slaughter and Shelby, last year the Colonels and Coach Forrest ended their season and this year they really struggled to play with South. Unfortunate for the Pioneer fans who had to think a move to the 8th would make things somewhat easier to advance to the Sweet 16.

Any information about this game from anyone there? Judging from the final this one was a nail-biter? Despite losing Owen has shown that the smaller schools in the 8th are closing the gap. However, I will add: There are no moral victories in March. Good win for Shelby setting up a semi-final game versus the South Oldham Dragons.