Feb. 10, 2012 —
After defeating Ashland on its home court in its own tournament back in December, the Vikings knew the Tomcats wanted revenge.
Tuesday night, Rowan County fell victim to a hostile home team, as it fell for only the second time in 15 games, losing to Ashland Blazer, 73-58.
“It just seemed like we never got on the same page tonight. We played hurried and panicked all night. Give Ashland credit, they played really well,” said Rowan County Head Coach Shawn Thacker
After falling behind 7-2 early, Rowan County found a boost from sophomore guard Tyler Thacker, who used his strength to provide an offensive presence with six first-quarter points.
Tomcat elite player Corey Gregg made it difficult for the Vikings, crashing the offensive boards with aggression.
As the clock expired at the end of the period, the Vikings were tied with the Tomcats, as Thacker grabbed a basket just as the buzzer sounded.
Down four in the last minute of the second quarter, senior guard Jason Egan scored his first points to make the score 29-27, followed by fellow senior D.J. Townsend’s first points, to tie the game at 29 apiece heading into the half.
With the combo of Thacker and senior leader Adam Wing contributing 10 and 8 points, Rowan County found themselves amidst another heated battle with the Tomcats.
Offensive rebounds and rushed offensive sets were the most notable difference in an otherwise closely played first half.
Thacker commented on his team’s hurried play and lack of rebounding.
“We didn’t do a lot of things right,” Thacker said. “We lacked patience on offense, which kept us from getting good looks. We also didn’t rebound very well either.”
Tyler Thacker continued his impressive play, helping to keep the Vikings in striking distance in the third. With a Townsend basket off a final drive in the final seconds of the period, Rowan’s boys cut an eight-point Ashland lead to six, at 50-44.
Following a three-point play by Townsend to make the score 62-55 mid-way through the third, it would be the Tomcats’ game until the end.
The Vikings had opportunities to take control of the game, but simply could not convert on offensive opportunities.
“I thought we changed the flow of the game after we switched it up on defense, but we just couldn’t convert on open looks at the basket,” Thacker said. “I think I know what we’re going to get out of this loss. We’ve been playing some pretty good basketball, so I think tonight hopefully got their attention, and we can get back to work.”
To end the night in the scoring column, Wing and Townsend both scored 13 apiece, to go along with Thacker’s 18 points off the bench for the Vikings.
Following the loss, Rowan County had a few days to rest up and prepare for another trip to the Ashland area, this time to take on the Boyd County Lions. The road trip will be followed up with a rescheduled home matchup against Elliott County on Saturday.
Be sure to check out next Tuesday’s edition of The Morehead News for a wrap of this weekend’s Viking action.
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevens@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
Rowan County Sports
Related Photos
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Viking senior forward Adam Wing (12) goes for the block against Ashland guard Ryan Whetsel (30). Photo by Don McReynolds
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