South Knox Spartans beat the Paoli Rams, 32-31, in the second game of the Bobcat Classic

The second game of the Bobcat Classic is a Sectional 47 matchup between unbeaten Paoli Rams and the South Knox Spartans, who comes into the contest with just 1 loss and 5 wins. Please keep reading for our game recap and thoughts.

South Knox vs Paoli Recap

This game starts off a little slower than the first game here at the North Daviess Bobcat Classic. Neither team scored until around the 2-minute mark, but it was Paoli who put the first points on the board and got off to an early 4-0 lead.

It was a defensive battle early on, both teams attacking the middle and running slow methodical offenses. There weren’t many openings, but it was Paoli winning the early battle, leading 9 to 3 by the end of the first.

The second quarter wasn’t much different, it was still a slow game with a lot of defensive pressure. Paoli attacked the paint, mainly Paoli guard, Fletcher Cole. Cole was getting to the free throw line often, but he was also forcing a lot of early shots and missing. He finished with only 2 made field goals, both 3 pointers. The rest came by free throw.

By the end of the second, South Knox was settling into their offense. Utilizing multiple passes, they opened the floor up and begun to wear down the strong Paoli defense. By the end of the second it was Paoli on top 21-18.

The second half was much of the same. It wasn’t until the last two minutes that things began to get exciting. Paoli had the lead most of the game, but with 5 seconds to go, South Knox Senior forward, Dakota Candler got fouled and sent to the line. Candler hits his two free throws and puts the Spartans up 1.

Paoli’s Fletcher Cole tried to get the winning shot, but Paoli Coach Dusty Cole called a quick time out with 1 second on the clock. The Rams tried to pull off a prayer but can’t get a shot off, losing by one point to South Knox, 32-31.

Thoughts on the Game

Being down on the court with South Knox, it was quickly evident that the Spartans have some size on their team. Dakota Candler stands at 6’5” and Samuel Singleton at 6’7”. By looks, Spartans was the taller more athletic team, but surprisingly Paoli controlled the paint for most of the game. Both teams played a slower, methodical game. South Knox would probably be real powerful in a more quicker paced offense. Candler finished with 12.

South Knox went to Singleton a lot early on but he was having difficulties making anything happen. The Rams played great defense on him and the low post for most of the game.

Paoli was more energized and motivated for the game. Their bench was vocal and engaged. They pushed and played great defense. The offense stuttered though, and they couldn’t hit anything. Trey Rominger finished with only 3 points, and Fletcher Cole finished with 20 points. 14 of those coming from the stripe.

Going forward, Paoli will have to think pass first instead of heaving the bombs they did tonight. They’re going to need more scoring options, or more insight on when to make the fast shots and when not to.

The third game of the Bobcat classic features North Daviess and Forest Park. As I’m writing this, North Daviess is up 19-3 with 3 minutes to go in the first quarter. These Cougars are good. Stay tuned for their game recap after the game.