The Bulldogs seemed to have a hangover from last night's game. It was 25-25 at the half. Holmes caused 5-6 turnovers to begin the 2nd half to get a 9 point lead. They maintained it until late when Lloyd cut it to 4 with about 2 minutes to go. Holmes hit free throws down the stretch (18-19 for the night). Gray and Knox played well, Rice and Hayes couldn't hit. The Juggernauts blocked several shots inside on the Dogs. I don't believe Holmes had a three all night, maybe one. Lloyd played well except for early in the third. Cheatum probably had 15-20.

A hangover seems quite plausible and not a complete surprise considering playing one night after a tough battle with the Colonels. So could this game for Lloyd be statement enough to be considered this year's version of the 9th Region dark horse? Looks like they're playing some teams tougher than anyone could have imagined.

Scoring by quarters:

 

Holmes: 15 - 10 - 18 - 18 --- 61

Lloyd: 18 - 7 - 11 - 15 --- 51

 

Scoring for Holmes:

 

Gray- 35

Knox- 9

Rice- 7

Hayes- 6

Peterson- 2

Mayfield- 2

 

Speaking of Mayfield, he went down with a serious knee injury and didn't return. He had to be carried off the court by two teammates. Hopefully all is well for Pierre.

 

Jaleel Gray was the best player on the court tonight. He had 12 in the 4th quarter to help Holmes pull away. He is by far one of the quickest players in the region.

 

For Lloyd, Cheatum had to have had 20+.

A hangover seems quite plausible and not a complete surprise considering playing one night after a tough battle with the Colonels. So could this game for Lloyd be statement enough to be considered this year's version of the 9th Region dark horse? Looks like they're playing some teams tougher than anyone could have imagined.

 

No disrespect to Lloyd, but they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as last years' Newport team.

 

Lloyd has a nice team but no where near the talent level of last years' Newport squad. They go as far as Cheatum takes them, which was shown tonight.

No disrespect to Lloyd, but they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as last years' Newport team.

 

Lloyd has a nice team but no where near the talent level of last years' Newport squad. They go as far as Cheatum takes them, which was shown tonight.

 

I didn't seriously think so either... It was just junk food for thought...

I didn't realize Gray had that many. he was the only one hitting at all. I have not seen anyone go to the hole like he does this year. The Dogs have improved their free throw shooting significantly this year. In close games, it goes without saying, they are critical. I think Mayfield is going to be alright we checked on him after the game and he seemed better.

I didn't realize Gray had that many. he was the only one hitting at all. I have not seen anyone go to the hole like he does this year. The Dogs have improved their free throw shooting significantly this year. In close games, it goes without saying, they are critical. I think Mayfield is going to be alright we checked on him after the game and he seemed better.

 

I was with a Dixie guy tonight and he said Gray is by far his favorite player to watch...yes, over Hatton.

 

Gray is very smooth with the rock and extremely quick to the hole. It's been a while since I've seen a Holmes player take it to the rim like he does. If he were 15 lbs heavier, he would be getting some nice looks for college. He had 17 or 18 against Covcath and followed that up with a career high 35 points.

 

Also good to hear Mayfield is alright.

I was with a Dixie guy tonight and he said Gray is by far his favorite player to watch...yes, over Hatton.

 

Gray is very smooth with the rock and extremely quick to the hole. It's been a while since I've seen a Holmes player take it to the rim like he does. If he were 15 lbs heavier, he would be getting some nice looks for college. He had 17 or 18 against Covcath and followed that up with a career high 35 points.

 

Also good to hear Mayfield is alright.

 

I agree. He's a treat to watch. Nice surprise player from the Bulldogs this year. What year is he?

I agree. He's a treat to watch. Nice surprise player from the Bulldogs this year. What year is he?

 

He's a senior and maybe a late bloomer. He is extremely quick to the basket and gets to the rim very easily as Walter said.

He's a senior and maybe a late bloomer. He is extremely quick to the basket and gets to the rim very easily as Walter said.

 

Gray has been playing like this since his sophomore year at the JV level, but for whatever reasons didn't see the floor either year.

 

I think his lack of strength has contributed to that, but from what I hear, he worked extremely hard over the summer and offseason in the weightroom and that's why you're seeing him reap the benefits now.

 

He also had 6 rbs to go with last nights' 35 point performance. Hard to believe this kid only averages 12 ppg.