Madison Central had to survive every second of it — and then some.
No. 5 Madison Central (7-0) outlasted a fearless host Fairdale (3-3) in a heart-pounding overtime thriller, escaping with an 82-76 victory Saturday evening to punch its ticket to the semifinals of the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass for the first time since 2012.
From the opening tip, Fairdale fed off the home crowd’s energy. Kamari Roberts put on an unforgettable performance, attacking the rim and knocking down shots from deep as the Bulldogs stormed to an early lead. Fairdale led 31-22 at halftime, and every possession felt like it carried postseason weight.
Madison Central answered with a surge that flipped the game on its head. Behind the physical presence of Jake Feldhaus, the Indians unleashed a blistering run in the third quarter, turning a deficit into momentum and suddenly seizing control. The pace intensified, bodies hit the floor, and the gym buzzed as the lead swung back and forth.
Just when it appeared Madison Central might escape in regulation, Roberts delivered the moment of the night — burying a clutch three-pointer with 8.6 seconds remaining in the game to tie the game at 66 and send the contest into overtime. The eruption inside Fairdale High School felt more like March than December.
In the extra period, Madison Central steadied itself as they jumped ahead 72-66 early. Feldhaus dominated the paint, muscling in key baskets and cleaning the glass, while the Indians calmly knocked down free throws to hold off every Fairdale charge. Feldhaus finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors in a performance that defined toughness and poise.
Roberts’ game-high 39 points kept the Bulldogs charging until the final horn, but Madison Central’s composure in overtime proved decisive.
Madison Central advances to play the winner of North Oldham vs. Saint Xavier at 7:30pm Sunday in the semifinals. Fairdale will play the loser of North Oldham vs. Saint Xavier at 6:00pm Sunday in the 5th Place semifinals.
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