The boys basketball team of Great Crossing High School achieved a triumphant victory on Saturday night, securing the championship of the 2023 King of the Bluegrass tournament. This victory holds significant meaning for the team, especially in light of their previous year’s disappointing defeat in the finals. After a resounding 89-56 loss to eventual state champions Warren Central, the team emerged this year with a strong statement of their potential as top contenders for the Sweet 16.
With an outstanding performance from sharpshooting point guard Junius Burrell and the towering 7-foot-1 centre Malachi Moreno, Great Crossing sealed a hard-fought victory against Little Rock Central with a final score of 54-47. Reflecting on their growth, Coach Steve Page acknowledged the team’s maturity and resilience in approaching this year’s championship game.
The challenging final pitted two undefeated teams of high standing in their respective states against each other. Little Rock Central, with an impressive 11-1 record, held the top-ranking in Arkansas, while Great Crossing, at 10-0, claimed the second spot in Kentucky. Malachi Moreno’s exceptional performance on the court earned him the coveted Bob White MVP title, showcasing his versatility with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals.
Much of the spotlight rested on Junius Burrell, whose flawless 3-point shooting and a game-high 17 points earned praise from both coaches. With unanimous acclaim from his peers, Burrell’s performance was acknowledged as a significant factor in Great Crossing’s victory.
The game remained poised throughout, with Little Rock Central leading 15-8 at the end of the first quarter. Yet, Great Crossing’s relentless momentum led to a 30-9 run and a commanding 38-24 lead late in the third quarter. Ultimately, Little Rock Central’s struggles with shooting, particularly from the 3-point range, proved to be a decisive factor. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to bridge the gap, with Missouri signee Annor Boateng’s 10-point contribution falling short.
Great Crossing’s impact was further underlined by their achievement as the first team since Trinity (2015-17) to secure two consecutive appearances in the King of the Bluegrass final. In addition, they claimed the title for the 11th Region, a feat not attained since Madison Central’s 1998 victory. The team’s collective confidence and readiness to face any challenges were evident in their post-game reflections, emphasizing their preparedness for the increased scrutiny and expectations accompanying their new title.
Looking ahead, the team remains undeterred by the potential challenges, acknowledging the newfound spotlight on their achievements. Despite being aware of the heightened expectations, Great Crossing’s unwavering focus and unity position them as a formidable force in any future competitions.
With the conclusion of the King of the Bluegrass tournament and Great Crossing’s well-deserved victory, it is evident that the team’s determination, talent, and spirit have set a new standard for excellence in basketball.
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Author: Jason Frakes
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Twitter: @kyhighs