MALE 60, SAINT XAVIER 58

In a championship game that delivered intensity until the final horn, No. 9 Male held off a furious late charge by top-ranked Saint Xavier to secure a 60–58 victory Monday night, claiming the Bulldogs’ fourth all-time King of the Bluegrass championship and their first title since 2007.

Male (9-1) controlled the game early, building a sizable lead behind disciplined defense and efficient scoring, then withstood Saint Xavier’s late push as the Tigers (7-2) made it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The Bulldogs answered every challenge just enough to close out the win and celebrate on the Fairdale floor.

Jordan Mitchell was the centerpiece of the championship effort, earning Bob White Most Valuable Player honors after scoring a game-high 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Mitchell added five rebounds and delivered repeatedly in key moments, including late baskets and free throws that helped Male maintain its narrow edge down the stretch.

Saint Xavier was led by an outstanding performance from Jeremiah Jackson, who finished with 24 points and nine rebounds while carrying much of the offensive load during the Tigers’ second-half rally. Jackson’s aggressiveness and shot-making fueled Saint Xavier’s comeback attempt and kept pressure on Male until the final possession.

Male’s supporting cast played a crucial role throughout the tournament and in the title game. Jayme Clark earned All-Tournament honors after contributing four points and a team-high eight rebounds in the championship, consistently impacting the game on the defensive end. Trey Hillerich, also named to the All-Tournament Team, added 10 points, six rebounds, and multiple timely plays on both ends, including critical minutes late as Male protected its lead.

Saint Xavier placed three players on the KOB All-Tournament Team. In addition to Jackson’s standout performance, Josh Lindsay earned honors after scoring six points with key rebounds and interior plays throughout the tournament, while Chief Cameron was recognized for his physical presence, pulling down eight rebounds and anchoring the Tigers in the paint during the championship game.

With the victory, Male moved into sole possession of second place on the all-time King of the Bluegrass championship list with four titles. The win also marked the Bulldogs’ 54th all-time victory in the prestigious tournament, keeping them third all-time in total wins.

The championship run was as impressive as any in recent memory. On their way to the title, the Bulldogs defeated Kentucky’s preseason No. 3 Covington Catholic, preseason No. 2 Frederick Douglass, and capped the week by knocking off preseason No. 1 Saint Xavier in the championship game.

Nearly two decades after their last KOB championship, Male’s return to the top was sealed by resilience, balance, and timely execution — a championship earned by surviving the best and finishing the job when it mattered most.

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