[kywldcat01]

Holmes showed tonight why they are one of the top 3 teams in the state.

Dogs played without Avery and Ricardo Johnson fouls out with 5 minutes left in the game after scoring just 4 points and they still find a way to pull out the W. Elijah Pittman was a man among boys tonight with 34 points and single handedly carried his team. Pittman showed tonight why he's the best big man in the state and IMO hands down the best player in the state when he actually plays motivated basketball. Donovan Kates is considered one of the best in the jr class and Pittman abused him tonight.

Holmes showed a lot of character in the game. Every time they'd come back and pull within 3 or 4, CC would go on another run to push the lead to 8 or 9. In the third quarter Holmes closed to within 1 at 42-41 but CC would go on a 7-0 run to take an 8 point lead.

The Colonels would push their lead out to 10 and hold an 8-10 point lead up until the 5 minute mark when they extended the lead to 56-45 after Ricardo Johnson fouled out. Holmes went on a 7-0 run to close within 56-52, but CC again would extend their lead to 8 at 60-52 with around 3 minutes left. Holmes went on a 9-1 run to tie the score at 63-63 but Christian Co scored with 3 seconds left to take a 65-63 lead.

Kevon Rice then made the shot of his life as he hit a buzzer beating shot to send the game in to OT at 65 apiece.

Holmes got the first 2 points of OT to take a 67-65 lead and would trade baskets with CC until around 30 seconds left when they converted one of two free throws to take a 70-69 lead. Christian Co came down and missed a shot and Holmes got the ball back with 17 seconds left. Pittman then got fouled and went to the line and hit 2 big free throws to put the Dogs up 72-69. Christian Co couldn't convert on their final possession and Holmes wins the game despite playing the last 10 minutes, OT included, without Ricardo Johnson.

IMO this victory shows that Holmes has more depth than people realize. Holmes played without Avery tonight and their team leader fouls out with his team down 11 in the 4th quarter.

Hayes continues to step up. He had 11 points tonight and although Rice struggled early, he hit a big shot when it mattered and finished with 10 points.

Holmes is starting to put things together at the right time. Their bench and role players are finally starting to step up in big games.