After battling through several very tough and hard fought games in KHSAA play; and listening to everyone discuss how they are just on the brink of breaking through, HCA finally picked up a win in KHSAA play this season against, well not another Christian school.
As I have said previously, I take nothing away from the Fellowship Christians and Foundation Christians of the state. However, there is obviously a difference between say them and a Hopkins County Central, or a Livingston Central; who HCA beat on Tuesday.
That’s right, the Warriors defeated the Cardinals, and in pretty convincing fashion 65-49.
Now yes, Livingston Central did have just five wins entering the game. Those wins though were Dawson Springs, Fort Campbell (x2), Christian Fellowship, and maybe most importantly Caldwell County.
Again, sure, none of those are state title contenders, but they are not lesser by any stretch.
What I am trying to point out, without seemingly undermining anyone else or undervaluing the Warriors win, is this is a big deal!
This is the kind of win that you carry with you and it turns into two or three more wins, maybe reshaped and refocuses your season.
Consider, for a moment, that HCA is now in the All “A” Semi-finals, facing off with Dawson Springs, a team Livingston beat 66-58, for a chance to advance to a championship game. Maybe against UHA.
That being said, this game is not a dominant win, a “consistent” or maybe more accurately complete game, according to Head Coach Matt McGowan without team buy-in on defense and the big three of Jason Leek, Manny Diaz, and Carlos Robles.
Each of them nearly had a double-double; Leek had fifteen points and seven rebounds. Diaz almost tied him with fourteen and seven. Robles had ten and eight.
None of those stat lines, individually, is that impressive. In fact, all three young men have had better stat lines this season in KHSAA play. However, together, combined with consistent buy-in and complete team defense, they make up a potent big three that can, and will, beat you if you are not on your game.
So, a big win for HCA. That is for certain. Now though, can they follow it up and not have a let down Friday. They should beat Dawson Springs. Will they though? We find out Friday night with a trip to the All “A” state final on the line.