Fairdale 78, Apollo 41: Josh Payne scored 25 points and Cory Thomas 24 as the host Bulldogs (6-1) thumped defending Third Region champion Apollo (8-1).

The “mercy rule” was used in the final quarter after Fairdale zoomed ahead 67-32. The mercy rule merits a running clock after one team gets in front by 35 or more points. Fairdale led 72-32 early in the fourth quarter.

Payne hit 10 of 16 shots, including 1 of 4 threes, and 4 of 5 free throws. Thomas went 10 for 15 (2 of 4 on threes) and sank his only two free throws. Thomas erupted for 10 points during a 19-0 spurt that turned a 7-4 deficit into a 23-7 lead.

“We found some holes in their zone defense and got some good shots,” Fairdale coach Gregg Longacre said. “Josh and Cory did good jobs of attacking the basket and creating their own shots instead of standing there and shooting it.”

Fairdale’s pressure defense forced Apollo into 20 turnovers, 13 in the first half. The Bulldogs hit 32 of 66 shots for 48.5 percent.

Leading 33-19 at halftime, Fairdale scored the first 10 points of the second half and rode a 34-point third period to a 67-32 bulge. Darren Lowrey tallied 12 points and outrebounded Apollo’s 6-8, 287-pound center Hunter Bivin 11-7. Bivin has committed to play football for Notre Dame.

Cameron Tutt led Apollo with 12 points. Point guard Sam Sergeant contributed eight points and five assists.

 

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20121219/SPORTS05/312190126/King-Bluegrass-Roundup-Matlock-s-putback-wins-Hoptown

Apollo is not the best team in Owensboro, I would assume.

Apollo is not the best team in Owensboro, I would assume.

 

They've beaten all the other Owensboro teams haven't they?

 

I think Apollo should have slowed the game down, they had way to many turnovers and Fairdale killed them in transition. The Apollo big men never got into the game at all.

How good was Payne yesterday he absolutely did everything! It looked like Thomas was on his game too but I agree Apollo had no chance trying to run with Fairdale!

Fairdale's starters can really play. If they stay out of foul trouble and injury-free, they can beat anybody. Four starters are dangerous three point shooters. Not many teams can make that claim.