When Covid canceled the 2020 KHSAA Sweet Sixteen, the Owensboro Catholic Aces were sitting at home, thinking about what could have been.
After Mother Nature canceled this week’s All “A” Classic State Tournament at Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, the Aces were again thinking of what could have been as they were scheduled to take on one of, if not the, tournament favorites in the St. Henry Crusaders.
Catholic coach Tim Riley said his team is obviously disappointed.
“It’s something we wanted to play in and it’s something we thought we had chance to travel in,” he said. “Even though we drew the toughest team in the tournament probably, watching them, I thought we had a shot at them.”
Even thoguh they’ve been successful during All “A” runs, Riley said the tournament takes a toll on the season.
“We were excited about going but that tournament this time of the year, could put a lot on your team if you were to travel through the tournament, four games in four days,” he said. “You can only go throw that wave of emotions so many times. We love the tournament, we’re always going to play in it but it could be a hindrance to getting out of the 9th District and getting into the 3rd Region and take a chance to try and win that tournament. That’s the one that you really want to win.”
With now them missing out on two state tournaments, Riley said he wanted his players to focus on what they have been able to do this year.
Senior Gray Weaver said he was grateful to have played in the 14 games they have so far.
“This is a sad time for everybody …” Riley said. “It’s all a disappoint but kids are getting to play a little bit. We’ve had some big wins, we’ve had some fun nights this year, hopefully we can make it to the district, regional tournament and have some more fun.”
Catholic will now look to Evansville Mater Dei as they head north on Saturday.
Riley said it’s about fine-tuning things for the final few weeks of the regular season.
“I think just keep doing what we’re doing,” he said. “Continue to get better. There’s a lot of things we can do and do better at. Every day, try to get a little bit better. That’ll be the goal, that you’re playing your best basketball late in the year.”
