Jarrett Napier hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bulldogs the victory!!! To watch Napier’s clutch 3-pointer, click here.
RICHMOND – January 23, 2020 – BRADLEY CHARLES – BSN
On Thursday afternoon, the Hazard Bulldogs traveled to McBrayer Arena at Eastern Kentucky University to battle the Louisville Collegiate Titans.
Hazard is no stranger to success, especially when it comes to the All “A” tournament. The Bulldogs have now made it to the All “A” state tournament on 12 occasions and have made it to the semi-finals four times. In 2004, Hazard won the All “A” State Championship with a 43-38 victory over Bishop Brossart. That year, Hazard’s Lamar Williams was named the MVP of the tournament.
First Half:
The first quarter went back and forth, but Hazard closed the quarter on a 6-0 run and held a 12-8 lead at the end of the opening quarter. With the score 16-13 with 6:12 to play in the first half, Hazard went on a 5-0 run to give them a 21-13 lead with 2:51 left in the quarter. However, a 3-pointer from junior guard Cole Thompson sparked a 9-2 Louisville Collegiate run which was capped off by a tip-in from senior forward Joey Leachman to end the half. At halftime, Hazard owned a 23-21 lead.
Second Half:
The Titans started the second half with a 5-0 run. Hazard responded with three points, but Louisville Collegiate answered back with a 6-2 run to end the quarter. After three quarters of play, Louisville Collegiate held a 32-28 lead.
It was a close game down the home stretch of the fourth quarter. With roughly 10 seconds to play in the game, the score was tied and Hazard had possession of the ball. Logan Hall had the ball in the lane and passed it to Jarrett Napier on the left wing. Napier pump faked, dribbled past the defender and drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bulldogs the victory, 42-39.
Interesting Facts:
Hazard is now 16-11 all-time in the All “A” tournament at the state level.
The Bulldogs were led in scoring by Logan Hall and Wade Pelfrey who each scored 16 points.
Hazard went 3-of-3 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs were 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. In big-time games, you have got to make your free throws and the Bulldogs did that tonight.
Hazard outscored Louisville Collegiate 14-7 in the fourth quarter.
Reece Fletcher led the Bulldogs in rebounds with eight.
What’s Next?
Hazard’s next game is tomorrow, Jan. 23 at 8:00 p.m. They will play the winner of Paintsville-Harlan.