Final from Pulaski County.

Cordia seemed to give up early

Cordia seemed to give up early

 

I was getting updates and it seems like it was 25-20 at the half was the last close score I received.

Mercer called timeout in the 3rd and Rhodes didn't even huddle his kids up, very weird I thought they were just wondering around while he sat on the bench arms crossed

Cordia pulled starters with about 6 min left in 4th.

Cordia led 12-10 after 1; Mercer led 30-25 at the half; and Mercer led 34-24 after 3. Early in the 4th, Mercer extended the lead to around 16, then Keita and one of their guards fouled out. That's about the time that Rhodes "threw in the towel" and took out his remaining three starters. Point being the final margin wasnt too far off what the spread was when he removed the remaining starters.

 

I thought Mercer played well. They missed several great looks early but were playing well nonetheless. Eventually, those shots started falling and they took off.

Cordia led 12-10 after 1; Mercer led 30-25 at the half; and Mercer led 34-24 after 3. Early in the 4th, Mercer extended the lead to around 16, then Keita and one of their guards fouled out. That's about the time that Rhodes "threw in the towel" and took out his remaining three starters. Point being the final margin wasnt too far off what the spread was when he removed the remaining starters.

 

I thought Mercer played well. They missed several great looks early but were playing well nonetheless. Eventually, those shots started falling and they took off.

 

The lead was around 12 with 4 min left.. Cordia could've made a run. Keita fouled out with a few seconds left in the 3rd off a questionable call IMO.

But I'm still worried what will happen when Mercer plays an athletic team....

 

Seriously, that played into their hands very well today. Initially, they were in a 2-3 zone, but their (athletic) guards gradually started pressuring the Mercer guards. They also had an athletic, 6'10" rim protector camped in the lane.

 

I've said it before and I will say it again. Athletic teams generally play a style that ultimately benefits Mercer. Those aren't the type of teams that concern me the most.

The lead was around 12 with 4 min left.. Cordia could've made a run. Keita fouled out with a few seconds left in the 3rd off a questionable call IMO.

 

Yes it was. And that was when Mercer called a timeout. What youre failing to point out is that the "reserves" came in and hit 2 straight threes. 16 point lead, 2 threes by the Cordia and a 2 by Mercer. If you do the math, that equates to a 12 point lead.

But I'm still worried what will happen when Mercer plays an

 

Seriously, that played into their hands very well today. Initially, they were in a 2-3 zone, but their (athletic) guards gradually started pressuring the Mercer guards. They also had an athletic, 6'10" rim protector camped in the lane.

 

I've said it before and I will say it again. Athletic teams generally play a style that ultimately benefits Mercer. Those aren't the type of teams that concern me the most.

 

Cordia is very athletic, plus Trevon Faulkner played with a noticeably limp after hurting his back again but toughed it out as always....if Mercer makes their easy shots they win by 25plus

Yes it was. And that was when Mercer called a timeout. What youre failing to point out is that the "reserves" came in and hit 2 straight threes. 16 point lead, 2 threes by the Cordia and a 2 by Mercer. If you do the math, that equates to a 12 point lead.

Actually it wasn't the reserves that hit the 2 threes two starters did. At 4:57 the score was 41-52 and Rhodes cleared the bench and just basically gave up. They are having some issues with the seniors right now. They see the end of the road and are just panicking. Cordia at this point of the season has nothing to play for they have already won their state title and are done for the year.

Wasn't at the game but was told that the starters for Cordia were not playing to Rhodes' expectations. How true is this?

Wasn't at the game but was told that the starters for Cordia were not playing to Rhodes' expectations. How true is this?

 

I sat a few rows behind the Cordia bench - close enough to hear most of Coach Rhodes' comments, including during timeouts. He wanted the W and was very much into winning this game.

 

He was very energetic up until the point where folks said he gave up. That was bout the time their second starter fouled out. He was frustrated and it was obvious. He's a competitor and wanted that win. So, to answer your original question, he was not satisfied with his players and the result.

Actually it wasn't the reserves that hit the 2 threes two starters did. At 4:57 the score was 41-52 and Rhodes cleared the bench and just basically gave up. They are having some issues with the seniors right now. They see the end of the road and are just panicking. Cordia at this point of the season has nothing to play for they have already won their state title and are done for the year.

 

The team had won 9 in a row and only had 3 games remaining. They were playing the highest ranked team on their schedule this year. If they can't get up for that, then they do have a problem.

 

Sitting behind the bench, I didn't sense that at all. They were very into it - until about the start of the 4th.