Final per the update thread. 

SK led, 2-0, when the Pioneers started the game at the line because North dunked after the officials took the court before the game.   

It was tied at 23 in the second, when North Oldham ripped off the final 12 points of the half, taking a 35-23 lead into the locker room.   NO shot 54+% in the first half, with Jack Scales scoring 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting beyond the arc.

The Mustangs stretched the lead to 51-31 after three, and coasted from there.   Though North would not make a single field goal (0 for 7) in the fourth, they went 12 for 12 at the line to seal the victory.

North finished 14 of 15 at the line in the game.   Scales led the Mustangs with 18, Dallas Roberts had 16, and Ian Higdon 11.   Luke Anderson led the way on the glass for North with 8 rebounds, unofficially, and multiple blocked shots.

Isaac Miller was the spark for SK, but he struggled with fouls all night and ultimately fouled out.

Both teams brought a LOT OF INTENSITY tonight, which made for a very entertaining game.

Thought North's defense was pretty good, for December.    They'll need to tighten some things up before tournament time, but the Mustangs held one of the best-shooting teams in the 8th Region to less than 50 points, until Gabe Dynes tipped in a missed shot that may or may not have beaten the final buzzer.    

SK has talent, and plenty of time to develop that talent.    One of the Pioneers' biggest challenges right now seems to be that they are better at man-to-man defense, but when they go to their bench - bringing in 7'2" center Gabe Dynes - they add a serious shot-blocker on the back of that defense, but they pretty much have to go to a zone, and they don't seem to be as effective in the zone.

Dunk after the officials take the court could possibly be one of the dumbest rules in KY HS basketball, IMO.  

6 hours ago, 5-oh said:

Dunk after the officials take the court could possibly be one of the dumbest rules in KY HS basketball, IMO.  

I agree.

They where young refs and called everything.

The mere fact that they enforced the technical because of the pre-game dunk fell right in line with their inability to call a decent game.  Any game where touch fouls are called immediately and ultimately all night long, leads to a game that lacks flow and substance.  Frustrating to watch for sure.  That said, NO is a solid team so this in no way is meant to take anything away from them. My guess is that they will win the 8th region this year. 

56 minutes ago, denver14 said:

The mere fact that they enforced the technical because of the pre-game dunk fell right in line with their inability to call a decent game.  Any game where touch fouls are called immediately and ultimately all night long, leads to a game that lacks flow and substance.  Frustrating to watch for sure.  That said, NO is a solid team so this in no way is meant to take anything away from them. My guess is that they will win the 8th region this year. 

I have never seen pre-game dunking technical not enforced.  Especially in a big region game like this, everything will be enforced.  I was not at the game but it sounds like they were consistent with the touch fouls.  Maybe instead of the refs calling the fouls, the players should stop fouling? 

12 hours ago, 5-oh said:

Dunk after the officials take the court could possibly be one of the dumbest rules in KY HS basketball, IMO.  

My brother-in-law coaches in Indiana and he says it's a thing there as well.

I'd be interested to know if that's a nation-wide thing or what.

Also would be interested to know the origins of this rule.  Purpose? When did this start? (Maybe Colonel Mike can indulge us)

Just think how many cool dunks these refs are missing out on.  They obviously love basketball so I'm sure they wouldn't object to seeing this rule go bye bye.

4 minutes ago, brooksville said:

I have never seen pre-game dunking technical not enforced.  Especially in a big region game like this, everything will be enforced.  I was not at the game but it sounds like they were consistent with the touch fouls.  Maybe instead of the refs calling the fouls, the players should stop fouling? 

 

1 minute ago, denver14 said:

 

 

6 minutes ago, brooksville said:

I have never seen pre-game dunking technical not enforced.  Especially in a big region game like this, everything will be enforced.  I was not at the game but it sounds like they were consistent with the touch fouls.  Maybe instead of the refs calling the fouls, the players should stop fouling? 

Yeah, maybe so....