Everyone is forgetting the lucky shot at the end of the first half for Ballard. If that doesn't go in could have been a reverseal and Ballard would have had to hit a shot to win it.

What happens to Ballard in championship games? Since winning it all in 1999, Ballard has been to -- and lost -- four state championship games: Lexington Catholic in 2003, Scott County in 2007, Shelby Valley in 2010 and now this. Now, in each case they ran into an outstanding buzzsaw of a team. But in any given year, Ballard has overwhelming talent and the ability to make a championship game (and so they often have).

 

So basically, I'm down to this: how on Earth did Ballard let that lead slip away?

 

Mason County in 2003, but I've been wondering the same thing.

As good as I feel for MC, I feel that bad for Ballard. Instant classic!

What happens to Ballard in championship games? Since winning it all in 1999, Ballard has been to -- and lost -- four state championship games: Lexington Catholic in 2003, Scott County in 2007, Shelby Valley in 2010 and now this. Now, in each case they ran into an outstanding buzzsaw of a team. But in any given year, Ballard has overwhelming talent and the ability to make a championship game (and so they often have).

 

So basically, I'm down to this: how on Earth did Ballard let that lead slip away?

 

We were talking about while we were down there... Someone pointed out the fact that Ballard hasn't won it since'99. Quite unbelievable with all of the talent they've had through the years.

I think to win the state tournament you have to be able to execute and have go to plays in the clutch. Ballard relies on pressure defense and getting quick shots. They had a 16 point lead and played as if it was 2 point game. How many one on one shots did they take and miss running no time on the clock. Kelan Martin was a beast down low. Why not turn the ball over and be patient until you get him the ball on the block. MC didn not panic during any of their games when they got behind. They stayed in their box sets and re-set the offense when they didnt get what they wanted. They were patient and got the ball down low and took advantage of Ballard double teaming Hawkins. Taylor down low went to work late and had some big baskets down the stretch. Then Hawkins took over as usual. When the game is on the line in the state tournament one on one basketball will get you beat. Same thing happened to Eastern two years ago vs Christian Co.

Our coaches--especially Chris Renner--did one of the most OUTSTANDING coaching jobs I've ever seen from the beginning of the season until its end Sunday afternoon.

 

We have 8, 9, or 10 guys who were contributors in virtually every game. Most coaches play only their best 6 or 7 and get stuck in a situation where foul trouble or an injury costs them dearly. Never the case with us all year. There was a time in the post-season I saw Chris pull the entire starting five to 'send a message' and because the next 5 had played important minutes all year, we not only didn't miss a beat, but we extended the lead.

 

Those guys felt vital to our team's success all year, so when called upon in the Region and State Tourneys, they were seasoned and ready down to a man.

 

As for having a big lead and losing it, I'd ask the people on this board (most I'm sure who have seen a lot more bball than me): how many times have you seen a team--playing against another very good team who can score--try to take the air out of the ball with a lead and in the process, lose the game eventually? Essentially, you stop doing what you were doing to get the lead and your opponent is the only team on the court trying to score. Maybe if you have a big lead in the 4th quarter you might do that, but that wasn't the case in this game.

 

Taking your team at ANY school -- especially one that has to come out of probably the toughest Region in the state -- not just to the Sweet 16 many times but to the State CHAMPIONSHIP five different times over a 14 year period is nothing short of impossible. Great job by our Bruins and Coach Renner and staff this (and every other) year. I'd put a pretty big amount on their being back -- and taking no prisoners -- in 2014.

 

I completely get what you are saying here and agree that there's a fine line of what the team on top in a game should do in these situations. I'm not saying that they should stop attacking the basket, but I am saying they had a chance to play smarter, be more selective with their shooting, be patient, hold on to the ball longer eliminating giving MC the chance to have so many possessions. Ballard did none of this and although they are a very talented team, the smarter team prevailed. Some teams can get by on athletic talent alone, but I'll take that in addition to smarts every time. The combination of that is what really gets it done more times than not.

I have a question and that is all it is, I thought the two teams played about as great as game as I have ever witnessed, comparable to the Rowan vs Christian game, spectacular. I know it was heart-breaking for Ballard, can't imagine, but here in lies my question because I have not seen this that I can remember. After the Ballard team received their awards and team trophy. I found it suprising that they left the floor and headed back to the locker room, not staying for the entire ceremony. I do not think this is common practice and do not want to lead too much into it, as a coach I was just curious. I know that Coach J talks highly about their coach and program and that is enough for me, I was just curious about this practice. My opinion you would stay until the announcement of the other team, clap and then leave. Just curious.

Ballard lost this game at the free throw line and lack of poise with under a minute to play. 10-20 from the FT line tells me most of what I need to know. Throwing the ball away to a wide open player is the other mistake. That's why Ballard lost.

Hard to believe that Ballard was up, I believe it was 63-59 with 32.8 seconds to go, and lost. It is hard for a college team to score 6 points in that time let alone a high school team. I said all along that MC was on a mission. I saw them beat Henry Clay in the semi's of the region and also in the finals against Lexington Catholic.

 

I know that Ballard's team, coaching staff and fans are devastated. Work hard in the off season and I know you will be back next year. Depends on the draw but look for Ballard and Henry Clay in the finals next year.

Hard to believe that Ballard was up, I believe it was 63-59 with 32.8 seconds to go, and lost. It is hard for a college team to score 6 points in that time let alone a high school team. I said all along that MC was on a mission. I saw them beat Henry Clay in the semi's of the region and also in the finals against Lexington Catholic.

 

I know that Ballard's team, coaching staff and fans are devastated. Work hard in the off season and I know you will be back next year. Depends on the draw but look for Ballard and Henry Clay in the finals next year.

 

 

I expect a Ballard/Henry Clay final also if the draw works out.

I expect a Ballard/Henry Clay final also if the draw works out.

They are both in very competitive regions. Just getting out of the region is quite an accomplishment.

What about Holmes? That guy Booher appears to be a great coach.

Hard to believe that Ballard was up, I believe it was 63-59 with 32.8 seconds to go, and lost. It is hard for a college team to score 6 points in that time let alone a high school team. I said all along that MC was on a mission. I saw them beat Henry Clay in the semi's of the region and also in the finals against Lexington Catholic.

 

I know that Ballard's team, coaching staff and fans are devastated. Work hard in the off season and I know you will be back next year. Depends on the draw but look for Ballard and Henry Clay in the finals next year.

 

With the 3 point shot and the lack of quality free throw shooting today its not hard to lose a 4 point lead with 32.8 secs left. Thats a long time. Both Ballard and MC missed free throws during this time. Ballard hits both free throws late they are up 65-60 and at worst the three pointer ties it. I question having a big man take it out late. Seems like you would have someone taking the ball out who is a good passer and makes good decisions. Ballard had two timeouts left. I would think the first thing you tell whoever is taking it out to call time out if you have any doubts. As far as next year Ballard will be loaded and should win the region. Will be challenged by Trinity. There are rumors going around the Louisville area that Snyder and possibly Martin could go to prep school.

They are both in very competitive regions. Just getting out of the region is quite an accomplishment.

What about Holmes? That guy Booher appears to be a great coach.

 

 

I expect Holmes to be right in the thick of things also.

With the 3 point shot and the lack of quality free throw shooting today its not hard to lose a 4 point lead with 32.8 secs left. Thats a long time. Both Ballard and MC missed free throws during this time. Ballard hits both free throws late they are up 65-60 and at worst the three pointer ties it. I question having a big man take it out late. Seems like you would have someone taking the ball out who is a good passer and makes good decisions. Ballard had two timeouts left. I would think the first thing you tell whoever is taking it out to call time out if you have any doubts. As far as next year Ballard will be loaded and should win the region. Will be challenged by Trinity. There are rumors going around the Louisville area that Snyder and possibly Martin could go to prep school.

 

 

I could be wrong but Martin threw the ball inbounds the whole game. I'm certain he did so more than anyone else. He just made a bad pass at the worst possible time.

If Martin is their throw in Guy then thats who you go with. Just seems when teams are in a hard deny you want to use height to help get it in. Martin may have been able to get the high pass. Really just surprised a Time out wasnt called it was close to a 5 second violation. I've witnessed a lot of games not been finished because teams cant hit their free throws down the stretch.