Final from Dunbar per Mike Fields (@MikeFieldsNotes).

 

The Bulldogs got back into it late, but fell in too large of a hole early to really get back.

 

Lexington Catholic's Robert Dence had 20.

2/25/2014

Lexington Catholic 59

Paul Dunbar 52

Paul Dunbar 6 13 18 15 52

 

Lexington Catholic 14 15 12 18 59

 

43rd District at Paul Dunbar

Paul Dunbar (12-17) -- Lewis 4, Black 7, Hollingsworth 12, Williams 18, Corrio 8, Brown 3.

Lexington Catholic (18-11) -- Dence 20, Ryan 1, Talbott 14, Griffin 14, Johnson 10.

 

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This was an interesting game! Talbott was definitely the difference maker in this one. Dence & Griffin also played big for the Knights. But it was Michael Talbott's first half play and decision making through out the ball game that made the the difference. Dunbar got off to a very poor start! They weren't by any means playing bad, their shots just wouldn't fall. Dunbar got great looks but it seemed as if it were a lid on the basket. I can't tell you how many of there shots went in and came out. They scrapped the entire 1st half with their defense which is what kept them from getting blown out. The lead never got above 11 as the pesky 'Dogs wouldn't go away. At the beginning of the 3rd quarter Darius Williams came out with an avengance and was on fire. I feel Coach Chalk took him out of his rhythm when he made the honest mistake of resting him with under 2 minutes to go in the 3rd. From the beginning to the end Williams was everywhere doing everything possible on the court. He played his heart out in this game and the tears in his eyes when the final buzzer sounded showed me how bad he wanted it. Freshman Taveion Hollingsworth stepped up along with Senior Troy Black and Jr. PJ Corrio. Freshman Dontell Brown came in and did a good job slowing down Robert Dence who was on a tear! I like his game. Tanner Johnson was blanketed in this game. He couldn't even go to the bathroom without someone guarding him! Sheesh! But in the end it may have been Johnson's 3 pointer that sealed it after a Darius Williams pull up jumper which could have cut the lead to one fell short. Missed free throws by the Knights turned into opportunities by the 'Dogs kept the last minute and a half of this game exciting. In the end, a bad start coupled with an off night from Senior PG Donnie Lewis ended the Bulldogs season. It's been a struggle for Dunbar this season but I'll tell you what, this team is gonna be hella scary next season and I'm picking them to come out of the 11th region right now for next season. You can quote me on that! They have a formidable core with Williams, Hollingsworth, and Brown who I believe will be starters next season along with PJ Corrio. And these kids are going to be very hungry for wins next season. Who's starting the point is what you're thinking huh!? Just know that Coach Scott Chalk has another secret on that bench that you haven't heard of yet. LOL!!! The future is bright for Coach Scott Chalk and his crew of puppies who are looking to become big dogs next year!

Oh dont worry with quotes like that you will be held accountable for next year. Did you forget that the team you just lost to is a bunch of juniors?

Talbott was a HUGE difference for Lexington Catholic in the first half. He had 14 points at the half and 10 of those came in the 1st quarter. Griffin hit three big 3 point baskets for the Knights and PLD never could recover from their slow start. Robert Dence was a load down low for the Knights and seemed to grab that crucial rebound everytime they needed it, he has really come a long way from the beginning of the season. As Slim859 said shots just wouldn't fall for the Bulldogs. I thought Troy Black did and outstanding job on Tanner Johnson. He chased him around all night and contained him very well. He hit a big 3 late that stretched the lead from 4 to 7 with a little under 2 minutes remaining in the game. PLD made it interesting late and even had the ball down 3 with under a minute to go, but never could get over the hump. Congrats to Lexington Catholic and Coach Salsman on the victory. The 43rd district is a beast every year and this season was no different.

 

As for next year, I do agree PLD will be a tough beat for any team and return a lot of the core of young guys that really improved throughout the year. They will need to find an answer at the point guard spot to replace Donnie Lewis but they do have some pieces on the bench that should be able to handle that roll. I do however think Lexington Catholic will be the favorite in the region coming in. They lose Robert Dence who has become quite a factor for them lately but they return everyone else. Henry Clay has a nice group coming back next year as well, and as always you can never count out the group from Scott County. They seem to have a formidable lineup every year and graduation never seems to effect them. Also, LCA returns everyone but Michael Young and have a great player in Matt Rose. So once again the 43rd will be a battle.

 

On a personal note just want to say thank you to the 5 seniors at PLD, Donnie Lewis, Troy Black, Jordan Hurst, Vince Davis, and Kyle Clark for helping bring the PLD program back to recognition the last couple of years. This team was picked 4th or 5th preseason in the district and really grew up throughout the year and gave themselves a great opportunity to reach the regional tournament. This wouldn't have happened without the contributions of those 5 seniors. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.

On a personal note just want to say thank you to the 5 seniors at PLD, Donnie Lewis, Troy Black, Jordan Hurst, Vince Davis, and Kyle Clark for helping bring the PLD program back to recognition the last couple of years. This team was picked 4th or 5th preseason in the district and really grew up throughout the year and gave themselves a great opportunity to reach the regional tournament. This wouldn't have happened without the contributions of those 5 seniors. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.

 

A classy remark, sir, and an apt one. The classes of 2013 and 2014 played through a lot of tough times with 3 coaches in 5 years and an eligibility scandal. They've brought the program back to prominence, and it should be there a while.