Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Warren Central 89, Great Crossing 56

The 2022 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass came to a close with our Championship featuring top ranked Warren Central, the defending state runner-up, taking on No. 4 Great Crossing. The matchup marked just the second time in the last 15 years that two non-Louisville schools from Kentucky would meet in the championship. Warren Central came into the game having a dominant tournament outscoring their opponents by an average of 13 points, a tournament high. Unfortunately, for Great Crossing the Dragons were just getting started in their dominance. 

A pair of early three-pointers by senior Damarion Walkup got the Dragons off to a hot start leading 10-2 less than three minutes into play. A timeout by Great Crossings helped slow Warren Central as the Warhawks battled back to within 11-13 following a basket by Jeremiah Godfrey. Walkup added a basket to give him 10 first quarter points and put Warren Central ahead 16-11 at the quarter break. Vince Dawson's basket to open the second quarter pulled Great Crossing back with three points, but the Warhawks wouldn't get closer than four for the rest of the half. Warren Central ended the half on a 14-3 run to take a dominating 40-25 lead into the half.

Midway through the third quarter the Warren Central lead swelled to as many as 20 points following a basket by Damarion Walkup. The Warhawks would not get closer than 18 points for the remainder of the game. A final basket by Walkup pushed the Dragons lead to 32 points before both benches were emptied and reserves entered the game. A three-pointer by Cade Hammer with thirty seconds to play would give Warren Central their biggest lead at 89-54. The Dragons would hoist their first KOB trophy moments later with the 89-56 victory. 

All-Tournament Team selection Chappelle Whitney led the way for Warren Central with a game-high 26 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Bob White Most Valuable Player honors went to Warren Central's Kade Unself after a 14 point and 6 rebound performance for the Dragons. Damarion Walkup added 18 points for Warren Central. Warren Central. All-Tournament Team selections Vince Dawson and Malachi Morano had 11 points and 10 points respectively for the Warhawks. Gage Richardson led the way for Great Crossing with 13 points.

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