They meet again. Two powerhouses in the region that have proved themselves continuously, and will face off against one another for the third time, this one with an appearance at Rupp Arena on the line. In the last two matchups, it has been all North Oldham. Their first matchup came on January 31st at South Oldham, the Mustangs conquering 66-53. They held 8th Region POTY Julian Miles to just 11 points on 4/20 shooting. Gray Schmittel and Austin Sears both finished the game with 17, Brooks Cargould following that up with 15. Their last contest was in the 29th District Championship, also hosted by South Oldham. North Oldham once again came out on top, winning this one 61-53. Cargould led the team with 18, Sears right behind him with 16. Miles had 22 in this one but still struggled shooting the ball, going just 7/21 from the field. 

The difference in the two games is offensive efficiency. In both games, North Oldham shot at least 10% better from the field than South Oldham. In game 1 the Mustangs were 25/47 (53.2%), game 2 being 24/49 (49%). South Oldham in these games were 21/50 (42%) and 18/55 (32.7). If South Oldham can value a few more possessions and get better looks offensively, look for this game to be much closer than the two previous matchups. 

As mentioned before, both of these teams were considered powerhouses, and potentially the two hottest teams in the region coming into postseason play. South Oldham started the year 5-3 and have not looked back since, going 23-2 following. Their two losses have both been to North Oldham. The Mustangs since dropping 3 of 5 games played over Christmas Break have gone 14-2, with both losses coming to top 25 teams, one being St. Xavier (#1 in KY). 

They always say it is hard to beat a team three times in a row, and I believe that will be the case here. It is always a very special environment when two Oldham schools match up, and I would expect nothing different here in the regional championship. 

Two really outstanding coaches and programs here.  Coach Levitch runs some of the best offensive stuff around.  Coach Simpson has been a pillar for years.  I would expect fireworks in this one.  What is the stream for this one?  

1 minute ago, LethalPG said:

Two really outstanding coaches and programs here.  Coach Levitch runs some of the best offensive stuff around.  Coach Simpson has been a pillar for years.  I would expect fireworks in this one.  What is the stream for this one?  

Glicod on YouTube

To me the difference maker in the first two matchups was the big guy down low for North (Daniels).  They play a great tandem guard zone with matchup principles, but Daniels does not  allow any layups.  Both matchups he controlled the lane.  Miles would beat everyone off the dribble but he couldn't score over Daniels and he got really mad blaming the refs on every miss shot.  Then his anger would turn to his teammates yelling at them.  Having officials from another regions could be the difference.  Those plays that were not fouls the first two matchups could be fouls tonight.  Julian has to keep his cool if South wants a chance at cutting the nets down.  Even though North dominated South in the 2 previous matchups , I think this one will be close.  I still think North will win.  They play under control and never stop attacking you on offense and defense.  South is up and down with their emotions and they shoot so many 3s that if they have a cold streak , North can go on a 8-0 in the blink of an eye.  

Should be a fun game. 

End of 3rd quarter ~ 

North Oldham 38 South Oldham 35

Tied at 46 with :04.2 to play North Oldham ball.

Tied at 46.

Overtime.

South leads 53-50 with :10.1 to play and North has the ball.

South Oldham wins 53-50.