Owensboro Catholic couldn’t overcome a sluggish first quarter in which they only scored three points, losing to Caverna 66-46 in the opening round of the All A Classic State Tournament. The Aces entered the game with a gameplan of forcing Caverna to shoot jump shots and to secure defensive rebounds, but were unable to win the battle on the boards early.
Trailing 19-3 entering the second quarter, the Aces offense woke up and shot 53.8% from the field in the second quarter and entered halftime trailing 36-21.
“I think we woke up due to desperation and survival mode,” Owensboro Catholic Head Coach Tabor Shadowen said. “Like, hey, were either going to start playing or were going to get embarrassed. I think that’s what it was. We have to play with that level of desperation for four quarters.”
Throughout the game, the Aces struggled to handle Caverna’s duo of Gavin Lightning and Jaylin Crane, who combined for 40 points and 14 rebounds. Crane also added six assists and five steals, while Lightning shot an efficient 9-16 from the field.
Dre’Mail Carothers led the way for the Aces, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, and two assists.
“Carothers fought. I mentioned to him after the game that he fought,” Shadowen said. “You can’t doubt his fight at all, and we need some more of it.”
Dylan Hagan was second on the team in scoring with nine points, Myles Grant grabbed five rebounds, and Jake Murphy dished out four assists.
The Aces return to action on Saturday when they travel to Evansville Day School and with 10 games remaining on their schedule, Shadowen wants to see his team get tougher.
“We allowed them to dictate where we could go and dictate where we could dribble the basketball,” Shadowen said. “We need to get physically and mentally tougher. So, when we take some steps there, we will be in a good spot.”
