John Hardin Avenges Earlier Loss by Blowing Away Oldham
The 5th Annual Nathan McCurry Classic at John Hardin high school featured a loaded field with quality games. The day’s final game featured the Colonels of Oldham County facing off with the host Bulldogs for the second time this season. The game was seemingly never in doubt. John Hardin hit the ground running and never looked back as they throttled Oldham 73-46. The game served as payback for an earlier 88-60 loss last month. Here are some quick takeaways from the last game of the evening at John Hardin.
1. Malik Wright is tired of being called a “Combo Guard”. After the win, Malik told Mickey Pearson Sr. that he is now a point guard. His play on Saturday made it look like he may be right. Malik made some nifty passes on his way to 6 or more assists. He also added 11 points and 5 rebounds in a solid all around effort. Wright has great size at about 6’4 and high major athleticism. The senior mentioned the possibility of a prep year after graduation and that could help land him on the radar of Division I schools.
2. Oldham County’s defense didn’t make the trip. Entering Saturday’s contest, Oldham was only giving up 50.6 points per game in 22 games this year. They surrendered 73 to the Bulldogs on Saturday night. John shot a remarkable 71.4% from the field for the game because so much was scored right at the rim. Coach Zerhusen took multiple timeouts to chastise his defensive effort but it was to no avail.
3. Mr. Basketball candidate Mickey Pearson had his full offensive arsenal on display Saturday. The 6’8 senior forward scored 33 points on 13 for 16 shooting. Mickey was a perfect 12 for 12 from two and made all 6 free throws. The lone blemishes came from behind the 3 point line, where he was 1 out of 4. Mickey also pulled down 11 of John Hardin’s 33 rebounds in the game. Saint Louis University will be getting a really complete offensive player next season.
4. Travis Henderson will be a steal for some D3 school. Henderson is 6’4 and not particularly athletic but he knows how to score from all levels. The Senior finished with 16 points on 7/11 from the field. He was 2 for 4 from behind the 3 point line and grabbed a team high 7 rebounds for Oldham in the loss. With his skill level and ability to score, its easy to see a future for Henderson at the D3 level.
5. There could be a third meeting between these two teams at Rupp Arena. With three weeks left in the regular season, both Oldham and John Hardin are at or near the top of their regions. and could be headed to Rupp Arena for the Sweet 16 in 6 weeks. Depending on how the draw goes down, we could witness a rubber match between these two schools on the big stage. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t mind to see a third and deciding contest between the two schools.