What a comeback by Holmes - I listened to the game which obviously isn't the same as being there, but a few things stuck out. It sounds like Lex Cath couldn't finish the shot inside the paint at times which I assume was good defense by Holmes and Lex Cath was also not consistently controlling the boards. Foul trouble for LC also was a problem, and free throw differece was a third factor that really stuck out while listening to the game. Holmes was aggressive getting to the line shooting 23 of 38 while Lex Cath was only 6 of 12 - that's a 17 point differential just from the line.

 

The reason for such a big free throw difference is many times LC would settle for jumpers where as Holmes was attacking the rim and late in the game LC just couldn't keep up and move their feet so they'd have to foul.

 

Holmes knew LC's inside game was very good so they did the smart thing by attacking it and drawing fouls rather than getting in to a shooting contest with a much better shooting team.

Go Dawgs! :dancingpa Bring it home:dancingpa

Last night I was upset with my boys losing to Holmes but if my boys could lose to somebody I hope it is to the STATE CHAMPS. GO HOLMES.

BTW. I can't stand that they have to play 2 games in one day. They ask the players to do something they haven't had to do all season to win the State Championship.

Free throws weren't the only difference. To out rebound LexCath by 18 boards was huge. WIN IT ALL DOGS!

 

Actually, it was only an 8-rebound advantage (33-25), but it was a dominant performance by Holmes, especially in the second half. Getting Novosel in foul trouble was huge. He only played 17 minutes.

 

Pittman - 15 pts, 5 rbs

Henderson - 10 pts, 11 rbs

R. Johnson - 10 pts, 5 rbs

 

T. Stewart - 16 pts, 11 rbs

 

LexCath was 8-for-23 from the field in the second half.

Free throw differiential 38 to 12, WOW! Sounds like the officials were going to make sure LC didn't win it. Holmes can play, should be a great final.

BTW. I can't stand that they have to play 2 games in one day. They ask the players to do something they haven't had to do all season to win the State Championship.

 

Many teams play in holiday tournaments where they play two games in a day. It's part of what makes the Sw16 special.

Man what a game! Just got back up to the hotel room.

 

Henderson flat out shut Sanford down today! I think he proved that he is indeed the best all around guard in the state. Plays the best defense in the state AND comes up with big buckets when Holmes needs it.

 

How big has sophomore Elijah Pittman been for Holmes? 15 points off the bench and gets the and 1 with Holmes up 2 less than 2 minutes to go.

 

Lexcath was up 17 and Holmes slowly started coming back. I said Holmes depth would wear down LC and it did as they weren't quick enough late in the game to stop Holmes penetration.

 

I think those who said Holmes didn't have the overall talent to beat LC and that they couldn't match up with LC's inside game should be eating crow right about now. Novosel finished with 2 points.

 

Bring it home tonight Dawgs!

 

Eta Rho, Thanks for your game recaps. I find myself looking for them now. I'll be waiting after Holmes plays again, so no stopping for a drink, get straight back to the room and let us know what happened.:thumb:

Free throw differiential 38 to 12, WOW! Sounds like the officials were going to make sure LC didn't win it. Holmes can play, should be a great final.

 

Holmes attacked the basket, LexCath didn't. The officials didn't "make sure" of anything.

BTW. I can't stand that they have to play 2 games in one day. They ask the players to do something they haven't had to do all season to win the State Championship.

 

I agree completely. To determine who is the true state champs, both teams should be at their best. I guess it could be argued that they are equally penalized because they both play two games in one day. However, I think they should start the tournament a day earlier. Have the semi's on Friday night, let the boys rest and go to it on Saturday night!

If Holmes (9th Region) plays Mason County tonight....does that bring back any memories of something?

The last 9th and only 9th state title?

Eta Rho, Thanks for your game recaps. I find myself looking for them now. I'll be waiting after Holmes plays again, so no stopping for a drink, get straight back to the room and let us know what happened.:thumb:

 

Eta Rho isn't much of a drinker and I have the wife and kid with me so that should be no problem. :thumb:

The last 9th and only 9th state title?

 

We have a winner.

The last 9th and only 9th state title?

1981 - Simon Kenton Pioneers.:thumb: