Four Takeaways: Male 76, Ballard 67
The 7th Region rematch between Male and Ballard took place Friday, January 31st. These teams faced off against each other in early January in the Louisville Invitational Tournament as Ballard walk away with the victory. This time the game is…
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Continue ReadingThe 7th Region rematch between Male and Ballard took place Friday, January 31st. These teams faced off against each other in early January in the Louisville Invitational Tournament as Ballard walk away with the victory. This time the game is at Male in a rowdy environment. Male’s star guard Howard Fleming took the floor for the first time this season as he was recovering from shoulder surgery. Male is finally healthy and that is a scary thought. Male defeats Ballard Friday night, 76-67.
Kaleb Glenn (Male)
The Freshman sensation was a monster in this game. He finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. He was jumping out of the gym for both rebounds and for dunks. He had a total of 6 dunks in this game. His teammates were finding him open looks under the rim and Kaleb also found ways to the basket with his quick post spin move. Kaleb will only be getting better from here on out. His strength and athleticism is some of the best by any freshman I have heard of. Standing 6’6″, he’s going to have to form a jump-shot because that is what the game is transitioning to. Glenn was spectacular as he came up big for the Male Bulldogs in their win.
Rashad Bishop (Ballard)
Despite the loss, Senior Rashad Bishop was the best player on the floor Friday night. He finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench. He was trying everything in his power to get his team back into the game and he did. At one point in the 2nd half, Ballard found themselves down 20 points. That is when Ballard went on a 12-0 run and cut it to 8 points. That was pretty much all thanks to Bishop as he would have his way in the post with baskets and And-1’s. He’s long, athletic, and he definitely has the heart to bring his team back into the mix. Ballard wasn’t getting what they normally get through their offensive, so they had to go with other ways and Bishop was just that. Coach Renner might want to give Bishop more playing time after this performance.
Howard Fleming Jr. (Male)
The Illinois State signee is back. He had shoulder surgery awhile back and he is finally hitting the floor for the first time in his senior year. He was a bit rusty but he filled the stat sheet quite well. He finished with 7 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. He also had two very emphatic blocks. He is long, athletic and showed great confidence in his first game back. His dribbling skills and vision with the ball were unmatched. He turns Male into the Preseason #1 team in KY that we thought they’d be. He changes the whole dynamic. Fleming and Senior guard Tyren Moore compliment each other really well. His best games are in front of him but this was a very solid first game back. Excited to see more from the senior guard going forward.
Rubber Match?
While these two teams have already met twice. One would hope they would meet again. Ballard took the first one. Male takes the second one. Will they meet again in the 7th Region Tournament? Boy, that would be a matchup. In this first matchup, Male was without Howard Fleming. In the second matchup, Ballard was off their game and didn’t hit shots they would normally make. It would be very interesting to see another matchup when both teams are rolling offensively. Ballard and Male both have a real chance to take home the state title, but only one can make out of the 7th region. Who will it be? Ballard or Male?