01-21-2009, 12:28 PM
http://www.cincinnati.com
At first glance, Newport's come-from-behind first-round upset of Beechwood afforded the Wildcats a fairly easy path to the Ninth Region All "A" Classic finals. Heritage, however, made Newport earn its semifinal birth.
The Eagles, a heavy underdog, trailed by just three points midway through the third quarter.
"Heritage didn't care that we beat Beechwood," Newport coach Aric Russell said. "We came out flat, I think because of (Monday) night. I was nervous about that. After playing so hard last night, and not having a day in between, it's hard to maintain that intensity. But that's what you have to do in the tournament."
Newport used a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull away.
Senior center David Darnell led the Wildcats with 25 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Junior guard Jamon Green had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Newport will play Dayton or Ludlow in Friday's semifinals at Newport. Russell called the field the most evenly balanced he's seen in years.
At first glance, Newport's come-from-behind first-round upset of Beechwood afforded the Wildcats a fairly easy path to the Ninth Region All "A" Classic finals. Heritage, however, made Newport earn its semifinal birth.
The Eagles, a heavy underdog, trailed by just three points midway through the third quarter.
"Heritage didn't care that we beat Beechwood," Newport coach Aric Russell said. "We came out flat, I think because of (Monday) night. I was nervous about that. After playing so hard last night, and not having a day in between, it's hard to maintain that intensity. But that's what you have to do in the tournament."
Newport used a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull away.
Senior center David Darnell led the Wildcats with 25 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Junior guard Jamon Green had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Newport will play Dayton or Ludlow in Friday's semifinals at Newport. Russell called the field the most evenly balanced he's seen in years.