The Batesville 5th Grade Bulldogs traveled to Courts 4 Sports in Mason, OH this past weekend and won the Coca-Cola Cup Championship over the Kentucky Defenders (AAU team based out of Burlington/Erlanger/Florence, KY), in the championship contest 42-25. The Bulldogs were able to gain redemption from a loss to the Defenders in pool play earlier in the day, 25-27. Most impressive was the fact that all 9 players contributed in many ways to earn the crown.
The contest was tight in the first half with the Defenders leading early, before the Bulldogs full court pressure defense forced some turnovers to lead 19-15 at half-time. Pressure defense and the Bulldogs stamina were the difference in the second half. The squad’s pressure defense led to some easy lay-up baskets to begin the championship frame and the Bulldogs pushed out to a 10-point lead with 6:00 remaining.
Playing a huge role in the Bulldogs championship win was their ability to hit free throws, where they were a solid 10-14. Leading the squad in scoring was the Coca-Cola Cup MVP, Brayden Maple with 11. Cayden Drake followed with 10 points, on 4-4 FT shooting, William Kuisel and Landon Raver each tallied 5, Caleb Mohr 4, Jaiden Kuria 3, while Owen Enneking 2-2 ft. and Trenton Jordan added 2 apiece.
The Bulldogs also defeated ICGC from Cincinnati 42-5 and the Northern Kentucky Kings 43-26 in pool play to set up the 2-game set with the Kentucky Defenders. For the Tournament the Bulldogs had several key contributions by each player. Drake tallied 39 points and was a key cog in dribble penetration to collapse the Defender’s 1-3-1 half court trap. The tournament MVP Maple tallied 33 points with solid defense, having many defections and steals, which led to his outstanding individual recognition. Enneking scored 23 on some sharp shooting from the outside and excellent perimeter defense. Mohr tallied 14, showing excellent control under pressure with the ball and gathering many 50/50 balls, Kuisel had 13 playing key roles defensively against quick defenders, setting screens and rebounding, Kuria was a horse in the paint scoring 11 and grabbing numerous rebounds, Jordan tallied 8 showing defensive tenacity and excellent passing, Lincoln Garret had 7, hitting clutch shots, grabbing rebounds and showing excellent control with the ball under pressure. Raver also tallied 7 and was huge in the championship half on the defensive boards to limit the opponent to one shot attempt.
The Bulldogs, now (31-5) on the 18’-19’ campaign, will next play in the Indiana State Tournament Saturday, March 2nd at St. Mary’s of the Knobs at 12:50 vs. Indiana Gold (Bloomington) and vs. New Albany at 3:00. Bracket play will conclude the championship round the following day, March 3rd to determine the state champion.
Go Bulldogs!!!
Courtesy of Bulldogs Coach Paul Drake,