Sloppy game, but Shelby hangs on. South misses a 3ball to tie. The technical swing made a significant difference. Not sure if coach got it or not.

Sloppy game, but it was South's first of the year and they have zero returning starters. Shelby playing without Manica (knee) and Gordon (back). Not sure we learned a lot about either team, but both played hard. Technical came in final 10 seconds of third period right after South had scored to take a two point lead. It was called on the coach, but it seemed all involved realized that the offensive words came from the crowd. Big play, though - Shelby hit both free throws and then hit a three at the buzzer on the ensuing possession.

 

Five point trip gave Shelby a 52-49 lead heading into fourth.

 

Still, a lot of game to play, but really seemed to take the wind out of South's sails right after they'd seized momentum.

 

South didn't shoot very well, but bench played exceptional, scoring 34 of South's 67 points Jacob Bray 18 off the bench to lead South. Isaac Fields struggled with fouls, but not with his shooting, hitting 6 of 7 shots for 12 points.

 

Game seemed tailor-made for Keenan Cochran to dominate, and he was unstoppable early in the first, but he seemed to disappear after that. If Shelby is going to contend, the Rockets need him to be a lot more assertive - especially while Gordon and Manica are out.

 

Ballhandling was poor on both sides, but at times the crowd was treated to some nifty passing. Both teams will do much better; they're too talented not to.

 

Shelby missed a ton of close-in shots...I don't think South (in a rematch) could afford to give up all the point-blank looks they gave up tonight to Luke Dove and Cochran.

 

If there's a rematch in March, expect a much cleaner game - but just as intense.

 

Shelby win ends a four game losing streak to South during which South won four straight by an average of 28 points...