Tigers sideline

JEWELL- South Hardin’s best shot fell just short, losing a hard-fought battle to Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, 59-53 during a Class 2A boys’ basketball district semi-final here Friday.

The Cardinals turned back a second half charge by the Tigers for the post-season win. South Hardin, down eight at halftime, had a one-point lead late in the third quarter and was within one and two points most of the fourth before G-H-V closed the contest on an 11-6 run.

“We just didn’t execute down the stretch. It came down to a few plays here and there and we didn’t answer,” said South Hardin coach Nathan Gevelinger.

Despite the season-ending loss, Gevelinger proclaimed the performance a season-best. “That was our best game. I know it was in a loss, but I thought it was our best game of the year. We played from beginning to end. I’m so proud of these kids. Effort wise, intensity, coach ability, we had everything tonight.

The Tigers clawed within 46-45 on a three-point play by Garrison Tripp at the 6:20 mark of the fourth and were still down one 48-47 on a Jacob VanderWilt offensive rebound and putback. Garner’s Landon Dalbeck built the cushion to five on back-to-back baskets that was then chopped to 52-50 on a Cade Spieker three-point goal. 

For the full story see Tuesday's edition of the paper.