Final

So hard to beat a team three times in one season sometimes.

This was probably an upset I know several people thought that Apollo would win the region.

So hard to beat a team three times in one season sometimes.

 

Yes it is

This was probably an upset I know several people thought that Apollo would win the region.

 

I thought they would. Kind of expect Owensboro Catholic to be the favorite now.

So hard to beat a team three times in one season sometimes.

 

Especially a district rival.

... a district rival for a 3rd time on their own home court. Especially when you're the favorite to win the region. Tough tough loss tonight for the Eagles. Daviess County was tough as nails and Apollo was uncharacteristically tight throughout. Apollo fell behind by as many as 11 early in the 2nd quarter but battled back to tie at halftime. The Eagles seemed to be in control for most of the 2nd half, finally pushing the lead to 8 with around 5 minutes left. Apollo turned it over on 3 straight trips against extreme ball pressure and DC made them pay with some big 3 point shots. Apollo was able to survive that rally and push the lead back to 3 on a Zach Hopewell layup with 24 seconds left. Tyler Boling drilled a game tying 3 with 11 seconds left to tie the game. Apollo never got a shot off in regulation and the game went into overtime. The two teams traded baskets in overtime before DC held the ball for over 2 minutes getting a layin and foul with 4.4 left. Hopewell took the inbounds pass and got off a pretty good look that rimmed out at the buzzer. DC's Owen and Boling were HUGE in the final few minutes of the game. Credit them for knocking down some big time shots to get the upset win.

 

My heart goes out to the Apollo kids that battled all year long. They were a very fun group to watch all season long and a real great group of kids. I was really looking forward to seeing what Hopewell could do at Rupp. Apollo was probably the slight favorite heading into the tournament, but keep an eye on Meade County. James Baker returned to the lineup tonight and he dropped 28 on Breck. They are my favorite to take the whole thing.

Darn!!! Had them picked in a few contest to win the 3rd. This is the second straight year that the team I picked to win the 3rd region got knocked out in the first round of the district play.

 

Thats always a tough region to figure out who will win.

I'm an Apollo guy first. But, I have to say hats off to DC and Neil Hayden. Great game plan. Steve Barker flat out got "out coached" in every facet of this game. Never adjusted to what was thrown at him.....But, beware 3rd Region. EAGLES will be back in force next year. Have all the tools to be 3rd Region Champions with IMO 2 1st team All-State candidates in Alex Gray and Nathan Boyle. Not a better combination in the state!!! Come out and see for yourself.

Im going to have to completely disagree that Barker got out coached. Sometimes they just don't go your way. Apollo turned the ball over multiple times in the final 5 minutes and that's something they haven't done all season long. Throw in the fact that DC hit 3 tough trey's in the final few minutes and it just wasn't meant to be. I thought Apollo made terrific adjustments offensively that got them several easy baskets. A lot of that is credit to coach Barker. That's not taking anything away from Coach Hayden, who I have tremendous respect for. Hes done a great job with the Panthers this year. Remember, this time last year, the shoe was on the other foot. Apollo knocked off DC after being the regional favorite with Stewart Currie. Tough rivalry game anytime these two hook up.