By Jason Martin:
Since 2004, Warren Central and Bowling Green had met 29 times, with the Dragons holding a 17-12 advantage. Five of the last seven District 14 Championship games have been between these two schools. They entered as the top two seeds and the atmosphere was perfect for a classic at South Warren High School.
Neither team was sharp offensively in the early going. Only five points were scored in the first four and a half minutes, but the Purples opened it up off their defense and transition game, taking a 14-4 lead. Central finished the quarter on an 8-2 run, which they absolutely had to have, and the quarter ended 16-12 Bowling Green.
In the second quarter, the building anticipated the back and forth showcase these two perennial powers are known for, but only one was able to find their offense and maintain it. Turnovers, shot-making, and Terry Taylor on both ends of the floor were the catalysts to a shocking 41-21 halftime lead.
Warren Central came back out and opened up with the first six of the third quarter, holding Bowling Green scoreless for over five minutes thanks to a switch from a 2-3 zone to a man to man defense. At the end of the third, however, they had only managed to chip four from the lead.
In the fourth, everyone in attendance saw what Warren Central was made out of, as they scored the first seven and would cut the lead to 9 at 54-45. But, this was Bowling Green’s night. As much as the first half was dominated by Terry Taylor, the second half belonged to another Purples sophomore, Deangelo Wilson, whose speed and wizardry around the rim were something to behold.
The Dragons couldn’t complete the comeback, but they wouldn’t quit, finishing with a pair of threes from Rajee Anderson and Tracy Hampton. The final score would show the heart of a Dragon, as they fell to the Purples 67-56.
Both teams look ahead to region action and both know they may see each other for a fourth time this season, and that one would be the only one that matters.
FINAL: BG 67, WC 58 (Wilson 18, Taylor 11; Hampton 11, Savage, Caldwell, Amos 10)
