Owensboro (3-1) used an impressive second half on both ends to defeat Daviess County (1-3)
88-62 in the first district matchup of the season. The Panthers fought hard, but struggled without
their senior trio of Jack Payne, Cole Burch, and Dylon Talbott.
Kenyatta Carbon began his outstanding performance early on, scoring two layups and a dunk to
give OHS a 10-7 lead with 2:33 left in the first quarter. He wasn’t the only one to get the crowd
involved early, as Luke Floyd banked in a half-court shot to beat the first-quarter buzzer and tie
the game at 17.
The game stayed consistent throughout the second quarter, with the Panthers’ matchup zone
forcing Owensboro out of the paint and into shooting some difficult shots. The Red Devils
stayed in the game with their work on the glass and headed to the locker room leading 43-33.
Owensboro came out of haltime red hot, as they began the second half on a 21-2 run. Daviess County went from right in the game, to down 30 points in just a matter of minutes.
The Red Devils were ferocious on defense, and used their size inside to convert on turnovers. After the game Owensboro head coach Rod Drake commented on the difference between the two halves.
“We weren’t playing our style of ball,” Drake said. “We picked up our intensity and made a few
adjustments to our full court pressure. We came out in the second half and everybody was in
attack mode.”
The Red Devils never switched out of attack mode, staying in control the rest of the contest. Ethan
Pendleton took advantage of an undersized Panthers squad, posting 17 points. Cayman Powell
added 12 points as well, knocking down two threes.
Gage Phelps led the Panthers in scoring in this matchup with 14 points. Phelps continues his hot
streak to start the season, as he entered tonight’s game averaging 20 points on 50% shooting
from the field.
Carbon was recognized for scoring his 1,000th point of his OHS basketball career prior to the
game tonight. The senior guard didn’t let up at all though, scoring a game and season-high 27
points.
“He’s a great player and the heart and soul [of our team],” Drake said. “I told him one thing
about all those 1,000-point players in our history, they’ve all been to the state tournament. That’s
what he’s got to work on now.”
It’s safe to say that Coach Drake has lots of confidence in Carbon and this Red Devils squad, and
isn’t shy to share his expectations for this season.
OHS will continue their road to Rupp Arena on Saturday night as they travel to take on Heritage
Hills at 7 p.m. The Panthers will be back in action on Saturday as well, as they face Warren East
at 2:30 p.m. in the Sparty Classic at South Warren High School.
