Ben Pauli, Charger Staff
Coach Kevin Bray and the Cavalier basketball squad ended their season in heartbreaking
fashion in the first round of the District 7-AAA Tournament. After splitting
two decisions with the Warren County Pioneers during the regular season, including
a blowout win at Homecoming, the Cavs failed to make good in their third matchup,
losing 70-69.
After a hard-fought game between two teams, each facing the grim prospects
of elimination, the game came down to the final second - or actually after the
final second. With the game tied at 57 and a minute left the Cavs held the ball
and played for the win. Senior Todd Martin hit a fadeaway jumper with 6 seconds
to go to put the Cavs up 59-57. On the ensuing inbound, Pioneer point guard
Matt Cotten dribbled the length of the floor and drew a foul behind the three-point
line. With no time left on the clock and his team behind by two, Cotten hit
all three of his free throws to give the Pioneers the one-point victory.
Coach Bray felt that although it was a tough way to end it, the team had a
good season.
Bray said, “It’s a painful way to end a season, especially for five
seniors. I hate that the game ended the way it did, but looking back, we had
a great season. We went 19-9, and that is a good record. We had such a good
season in large part because of the senior class. With only a couple of exceptions,
we got better every game as the season went on.”
Of his basketball career, senior Nathan Burks quipped, “It’s been
great; I feel like we’ve done well, and I think 19-9 is a good season.
I hate to see my career end on a referee’s judgment call, but sometimes
that’s just how it goes.”
Wade Wheaton, another senior who was also proud of this team’s success
and his career, said, “I’m proud of our season. Of my four years,
I would quote Jerry Garcia, ‘What a long strange trip it’s been.’”
Bray hopes that this year’s seniors have left a legacy that other teams
can follow. “I hope that this year serves as a building block, and that
we will continue to get better.”
As for the Lady Cavs, they won their first-round game against Warren County,
and will move on to the Region 4-AAA tournament. Once there, the ladies will
face some of the state’s stiffest competition such as Shelbyville and Lawrence
County.
Senior Lindsey Wolf said, “We’ve had some tough losses and trouble
finishing games in the last few minutes, but hopefully we will find better luck
in the Regions.”
Junior Ashley Taylor agreed, saying, “Something good is bound to happen
soon!”
The Charger will continue to follow the Lady Cavs throughout their postseason run. Best of luck to the ladies!
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