Lexington, KY- The First semifinal of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boy’s Sweet 16 featuring Owensboro and Defending champions Covington Catholic took an extra period to decide who was playing for the title Sunday.
32 minutes of action packed basketball wasn’t enough. Covington Catholic controlled 3 quarters of play but Owensboro knocked down 3’s and Aric Holman altered shots, making it hard for the Colonels.
Darian Morrow was fouled on a tough runner in the lane that fell and sank the extra putting Owensboro up 3, 59-56.
Needing a 3 Covington Catholic took the ball out with 11.6 seconds and with 6 seconds remaining Bo Schumate nailed a contested 3 to tie the game 59 all to send the game to overtime.
Senior Bo Schuh fouled out in the 4th period giving Owensboro a slight edge but Justin Miller of Owensboro left the game due to an unknown injury.
In the extra period Owensboro went 4 of 5 from the field, Covington Catholic 3 of 7. Also in the extra period Aric Holman had a monster dunk and big swat at the rim denying the Colonels an easy bucket. Owensboro’s bigs were the key to victory as well as their defense.
Covington Catholic couldn’t convert at the line in the 4th and in overtime, costing them dearly.
Justin Miller Of Owensboro was named player of the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Darian Morrow had 18 and Holman had 11 to help the Red Devils cause.
Covington Catholic sophomore Cole VahnDorf played well as his other tournament games scoring 21 proving his 2013-14 All-Tournament team honor wasn’t a fluke. Senior Bo Schuh had 15 going 3 of 5 from 3.
Both teams played their hearts out in all 36 minutes of action. Contesting shots and diving for every loose ball was a trend as both teams were scrapping to stay alive.
Owensboro will play the winner of Bowling Green and Boyle County at 2 pm ET Sunday.