Oldham County 81 Grant County 52

[True blue (and gold)]

Final.

[ColonelMike]

Tough two nights for Grant, losing 97-54 Friday to South Oldham and then 81- 52 to Oldham on Saturday.

 

Grant came out inspired, and led, 15-10, late in the first quarter. But Oldham scored the final 10 points of the first quarter to take a 20-15 lead after one, and took over from there.

 

Offensively, it wasn't a pretty night for Oldham, which shot just 36% from the floor, but the Colonels won this game big through their aggressive, in-your-face defense, which forced (unofficially) 34 turnovers. As a result of the turnovers, Oldham got off 77 shots - Grant only managed to take 38 shots.

 

Oldham was also able to get the win despite Ishmael Jones' foul trouble....the talented Oldham senior leads the team in scoring at 15 ppg, but managed just six as he was saddled with foul trouble. Zach Larimore led the Colonels with 18.

 

Oldham wins their fourth straight and improves to 5-1. Grant falls to 3-3.

 

Impressions: Oldham is very deserving of consideration as one of the top 3 teams in the region, particularly after defeating Anderson handily a few days ago. But Oldham is still an unfinished product after losing four starters from last year's 29th district champs. Lacking much in the way of size, the Colonels must make do with their defense.

 

Grant County has a ton of potential. They like to play fast - although perhaps not as fast as Oldham County or South Oldham - and they have the skill set to make it happen. The Tuggle kid bounced back with a nice night shooting the ball; he's a real threat to put it on the floor and take the defender off the dribble at any time, and when he gets to the line, he's all but automatic. The inside duo of Dewalt and Adkins are solid. Hurley, a young sophomore point guard, will grow into his role and make the team better at the end of the season. Tonight was a real learning opportunity for him facing the constant full-court pressure.

 

Players to watch: Oldham - Christian Harper - didn't score much because he didn't play much, but the talented 6'3" sophomore is extremely athletic and has some natural instincts. He may not be the future yet in Buckner, but he will contribute this year.

 

Grant Co - Dewalt is a very talented 6-4 freshman, who simply needs game experience. At times, he makes plays you'd expect from a much older player; at other times, he'll do the freshman disappearing act. But the bottom line is this: He's going to be a good one before all is said and done.

 

Good luck to both teams as they move on through the season!