Final. A big come from behind win for the Purples as they advance to the semifinals in the morning!

Congrats to Bowling Green and their never give up attitude they made the plays down the stretch and the Tomcats did not. Another huge basket by Bailey to send it to overtime for the 2nd game in the tournament he hits a big shot. No matter the sport the kid is big time and I enjoy watching him compete from the state football final vs. Douglass and now in basketball.

GUTS!

The Purples put 3 players in double figures led by Idlett with 26 next was Bailey with 18 and Carpenter had 17. The Tomcats was led by Carter who led all scorers with 33, Lalonde had 14 and Neel had 10.

The big stat to me from this one was that Bowling Green scored 18 points off of 14 Ashland turnovers.

Regardless of who eventually wins the championship - when the do that “one shining moment” stuff - ya think Deice Bailey will be featured?

Deuce Bailey is as tough of a competitor around. Happy for him in every way.

Not gonna lie, this one was tough.  Obviously the shooting went away for Ashland in the fourth quarter. You have to find a way. Bowling Green found the way especially on defense, forcing turnovers and surviving. Good luck moving forward, a fine group of young men for sure. 

My impression of the game from stat watching is that Ashland lived by the three early, keeping up hot shooting from the first game. But in the last quarter and OT, it failed them. 

How bout them Purples!

First, I feel for Ashland as they played their hearts out today. Thought they should have looked for #2 a few more times after he nailed 3 3’s to open the game but he never scored again. Carter is a great player. Liberty got a steal in him. 
 

For the Purples, I think I counted 12 first half missed layups. Then how many missed free throws?  A lot!  And Still they battled, kept it close and continued to fight. This Senior laden group has what @BIG BLACK JACK called it - GUTS!

Deuce Bailey is BGs Competitor- 1!

Great day to be a Purple!

All gravey from here for me!

Go Purples!

Region 4 has had a representative in state semifinals in 8 of the past 11 tournaments. They’ve had a finalist four times in that span, will look for a fifth tomorrow. 

Does this Final Four run cement Deuce Bailey as one of the great 2 sport stars in the Commonwealth’s history? 

Back 2 Back State 5A MVP Football

Final Four Basketball

The late, great Jared Lorenzon and his running mate Derek Smith are the comparison that comes to mind.  

Welcome to BGP @RonMexicoKY!

3 minutes ago, RonMexicoKY said:

Does this Final Four run cement Deuce Bailey as one of the great 2 sport stars in the Commonwealth’s history? 

Back 2 Back State 5A MVP Football

Final Four Basketball

The late, great Jared Lorenzon and his running mate Derek Smith are the comparison that comes to mind.  

I was sitting here thinking something similar about Deuce and I can't wait to watch him play college football.  

And not that @TheDeuce!

I had a feeling that, regardless of how it turned out for Bowling Green, Deuce Bailey was going to be a major factor and it seems like he was the X factor in this one. Basketball aside, this is an athlete who has won multiple state championships playing quarterback in football and although the sport is different, the tenacity and resilience showcase themselves here along with the experience of playing at that high of a level. Turnovers I knew would be a big factor as well, as something had to give - either Ashland's strong ball control would come through or Bowling Green's scrappy defense would force turnovers, and it ended up being the latter. Good win for Bowling Green and I'm sure they'll be in contention to continue what has been a nice run.

Some tough losses for Ashland at Rupp, but at this level and the high caliber of competition it almost always comes down to the end of regulation, or further. It mirrors the loss to Lyon County last season where Ashland led 41-34 late and Lyon closed out on an 11-2 run. This time Bowling Green closed out on an 8-2 run in regulation, also forcing multiple turnovers late in the game. Also mirrors the Covington Catholic game from 2022 where Ashland had a double digit lead in the first half before a three pointer by Covington Catholic at the halftime buzzer changed the complexion of the game. I thought Idlett's three pointer near the end of the first half was a BIG jolt of momentum for Bowling Green, similar to James Wilson's was for Covington Catholic in 2022 when they trailed by double digits against Ashland. Idlett made some big plays for Bowling Green but that one I thought swung some serious momentum their way.

Zander Carter finishes his career with over 3,000 points and one of the all-time great 16th region players with a high level play and leadership that will continue at Liberty University. Tyson LaLonde also made some huge plays for Ashland over the years and his top notch academic and athletic background will continue at Shawnee State. Preston Hoskins has been successful both on and off the court with his leadership and his shooting was big this year for the Tomcats, showcasing the next-level potential he has. Three great seniors that have a lot to be proud of. 

All the best to Bowling Green the best of the way. I'm sure their strong leadership, with six seniors, and resilience (Gutting out two tough games in overtime in the tournament) will be a plus for them moving ahead.