After back to back games against TSSAA/KHSAA competition in which they scored fifty-four combined points, Heritage Christian would battle to put fifty-eight up against Trigg County alone. Unfortunately, the Wildcats scored seventy-one.
A 71-58 final, that at times was not that close, also had several moments and stretches of positivity for the Warriors.
Early in the game, while yes Trigg was running up the score and building a lead, they were also playing extremely aggressive and physical defense. That got them into foul trouble early, seven in fact before the end of the first quarter.
The Wildcats did a good job at adapting and only had three fouls in the second quarter, but that also was good to see HCA fighting through a press and contact. Growth from their game against Dickson County in which they struggled to ever find a rhythm thanks to physical play up and down the floor from the Cougars.
What HCA also did was keep composed and realize what the extremely aggressive from Trigg County meant. That up the floor were open lanes and cuts to the basket. After the first quarter the Warriors started to understand they could use their speed to fly up the court and either the ball handler, like Jason Leek or Carlos Robles, could take it to the bucket themselves or they could pass off the drive, most of the time to Trevor Gibson who was seemingly always well positioned, for easy layups and to draw fouls.
That seventy-one points given up also would seem to indicate not the best defense from the Warriors. While sure they had breakdowns and have plenty to change, they also really upped their game in terms of slowing down the ball and forcing bigs into uncomfortable positions.
HCA did not just draw fouls on the offense end either. Maybe the play of the night, in a way for both sides, was when Jhaden Vaughn elevated and tomahawk slammed on Robles. Did he posterize him? Yes. Did Robles also knowing full well what might happen set up in great defensive position and draw a charge? Yes, he did.
That is what this game showed. HCA was not intimidated by an athlete like Vaughn who is more than likely going to go play for EKU on the gridiron or the hardwood, his choice. They drew charges, went hard to the hole, and never allowed Trigg for extended periods to dictate the pace or physicality for extended periods of time.
The Warriors get another shot at Trigg County in early February and let me tell you, both teams will have grown, but I suspect it will be a very different game, and one that HCA quite possibly could keep in single digits if not win outright.