By Jim Mashek – Sporting Times Reporter
They’re plenty big and definitely quick. They’ll attack the glass and hustle back on defense.
But can Jason Holland’s South Warren boys team knock off Bowling Green High School, the heavy favorite in the KHSAA 14th District tournament, on Tuesday night?
On the Purples’ home court?
We’re about to find out.
South Warren used an efficient offense and the highlight-reel plays of senior forward Malachi Reynolds to cruise past Warren East 58-47 at BGHS on Monday night, ending the Raiders’ season at 4-10.
COVID-19 protocol resulted in three interruptions over the course of the Warren East regular-season schedule, and they stayed within striking distance of South Warren (17-5) for most of the second half.
Ultimately, though, it was Reynolds’ high-wire act near the basket and junior forward Caden Voltkamp’s steady play on both ends of the floor that carried the Spartans to victory.
Holland, the first-year South Warren coach, isn’t crazy about having to play Bowling Green with a quick turnaround. But he likes the way the Spartans have improved down the stretch.
“I thought we looked a little nervous early on, to be honest with you,” Holland said. “Give (Warren East coach) Brandon Combs a lot of credit. They were off last week and we got in some good work against Metcalfe County and Ohio County.
“Our football guys, like Caleb and Malachi and Tayshaun Jones, we’ve probably had them for a total of about 30 days this season. We’ve had a lot of kids move into new roles with this team.”
The 6-foot-5 Voltkamp, the highly recruited South Warren quarterback, led the Spartans with 18 points. Jones was effective slashing to the basket and had 14 points, while teammate Brandon Rowe finished with 11.
Reynolds, who is headed to Campbellsville College on a football scholarship, had 8 points for the Spartans but took center stage with some dazzling athleticism and show-stopping moments.
“Whenever we need a play, a big basket, we’re going to give the ball to Malachi,” Voltkamp said. “He can score off the dribble and he can hit the really tough shot near the basket.”
Reynolds said he trusts his teammates to get him the ball during crunch time, adding that the Spartans are looking forward to a second shot at Bowling Green. The Purples had little trouble with South Warren in the first and only matchup between the teams, winning 61-35 on February 12.
“It’s a big test, so we won’t be doing any celebrating tonight,” Voltkamp said. “We’ve got to stress execution and playing good defense (Tuesday night).
Isaiah Andrews led Warren East with 11 points.
