By Joe Brunk:
The only thing standing between Bowling Green and their first ever state championship was Boyle County. The Rebels had turned themselves into a tourney darling, with late game heroics to topple hometown Lexington Catholic, and shooting tourney favorite Ballard out of the gym on Friday night. It would take a total team effort to make it farther than any other Purple squad had gone before.
In the opening moments, it looked like Boyle County would continue their magical run through Rupp, as they jumped out to an early five point lead with quick shots from Jeremiah Bell. But the Purples would answer with a 13 point run, as Terry Taylor owned the paint in the first quarter. Boyle would get the last five points of the period, but BG led after the first 15-12. Then it was the Kyran Jones show in the second quarter, as he cleaned the glass on both sides of the court, and had 11 points before heading to the locker room. The Purples attacked the glass on a regular basis in the first half, and shot 58% from the floor. They led 36-25 at the break.
After Tucker Sine picked up his third foul early in the second half, Deangelo Wilson stepped in and took over. After only having one point in the first half, Wilson would go on to lead the Purples in scoring with 18 for the game, as his quick first step led to several drives to the rim. The Purples would hold Boyle County at arm’s length the entire second half, as the closest the Rebels got was nine. The Purples would push on to a 68-58 victory, punching their ticket to the championship game! Kyran Jones was the player of the game with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Terry Taylor would also reach double figures with fourteen. The stat of the night had to be team rebounding, as Bowling Green doubled up the Rebels on the glass 42-21.
The Purples continue their historic run at Rupp Arena, playing in the championship game tomorrow afternoon! They will face a familiar opponent, as Owensboro ousted the defending champs in the first semifinal. Bowling Green has fallen to the Red Devils twice already this season, will the third time be the charm? Join us on PurplesNation.com to find out!
