Turnovers … by Alan B. Gibson

Posted January 31, 2018 at 9:08 am

Dawgs at All “A” – a nice start, then a buzz-saw

Losing in tournament play is always disappointing for the players, coaches and the fans following a team, but losing in one of the venues like the All “A” Classic brings a little deeper hurt that some of the other events like holiday classics.

Such was the case last week when our Bulldogs, after winning the 4th Region Championship title, fell in defeat Friday night to the Walton -Verona Bearcats.

Friday’s loss followed a Thursday night victory over the Black Devils of Robertson County, a game in which our Dawgs were in control from the git-go, eventually picking up the 69-51 win.

The game against the Bearcats saw the Bulldogs on the opposite end of the stick, with Walton-Verona handling Clinton County on both ends of the floor.

In short – the Dawgs ran into a buzz saw in Walton-Verona, but when the final buzzer sounded, I hated to see our boys leaving the floor looking down.

Guys – you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Disappointed – yes, that’s natural, but know that our fans and our community are proud of you. Not only for the way you played your hearts out in both games, but in the way you simply managed yourselves in front of the entire crowd in McBrayer Arena.

Always with class, and always giving your best.

The Bearcats – one of the state’s highest rated squads (No. 12 this week) – was certainly the best and most well-rounded athletic teams you have faced this year.

Sometimes you are the best team on the floor – and sometimes not. Friday, the Bearcats were the best. Simply put.

Still – you showed class and grit and determination, and you didn’t back down from beginning to end.

With that said – congratulations on a great tournament run, and thanks for the effort – from us all.

Robbie Davis Classic will give fans a big day of roundball

Local and area high school basketball fans will be in paradise Saturday with just a short trip to The Castle at Clinton County High School.

The annual Robbie Davis Memorial Classic is set to have its second run Saturday with a five game lineup that will feature both boys and girls games between some of the best known area teams in the game.

The day gets underway with a 1:00 p.m. girls lineup between our own CCHS Lady Dawgs going up against Lynn Camp.

Next comes some boys action with Monroe County facing North Hardin at 2:30, followed by Pickett County verses Green County girls action at 4:15.

Pickett County boys take on Clay County at 5:45 and our own Bulldogs hit the hardwood against Somerset’s Briar Jumpers in a contest with a 7:15 tip.

Come on out, enjoy some popcorn and pizza and a great day of basketball – all in honor of our Big Blue friend, the late Robbie Davis. A portion of the proceeds will of course benefit the Robbie Davis Foundation.

6th Man Award

The 6th Man Award during last week’s All “A” Classic State Tournament was a clear choice in my mind.

It belongs to our community and that throng of fans who made the two-hour drive to Richmond – not once, but twice – for a late game in McBrayer.

Believe me – our boys heard you and you certainly made a difference. I love the way this community can come together to support our youth.

Game changes

Sometimes it’s brought on by weather, sometimes by appearances in the All “A”, sometimes a combination, but in any event, there are some notable schedule changes fans should take note of.

Of course one of those changes has come and gone already with Tuesday night’s “re-do” of the boys’ Campbellsville game.

Other changes to note on the schedule is that the Jackson County game that had been slated for last Saturday will not be made up this season and a decision about whether or not the Allen County – Scottsville doubleheader will be made up this season will be made this week.

Two new games have been added to the schedule for girls action both being girls junior varsity / girls varsity outings, beginning with a February 6 hosting of Taylor County with a 5:30 JV tip, followed by a trip to Garrard County with a 5:00 JV tip.

Bulldog on the mends

Well wishes go out to a dear friend and a well-known name amongst Big Blue fans.

Former basketball standout and Wall of Fame member Larry Hatfield (Class of ‘73) is home recouping after having a little plumbing work down around the heart.

Larry spent a few days in Nashville to have heart surgery, but he is home now recovering under the care of wife Martha.

Larry is often found in the stands supporting his Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs, and in fact was in attendance during the January 12 doubleheader at The Castle against Russell County.

The holder of several record spots in the Clinton County Bulldog record book, he currently is the Dawgs’ 13th leading scorer, finishing his high school career with 1243 points.

Get well soon, Fish!

and…

It’s high school basketball season and I’ll see you in the gym – don’t bother me until April!