Final: Holmes 64, Bardstown 44

See a slideshow and hear Holmes Coach David Henley’s comments.
More audio: Henley on facing Paintsville — “We’re going into a buzzsaw.”
Read the full game story on Kentucky.com.

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• Holmes’ defense forced Bardstown into 29 turnovers and that was the difference as the 9th Region champs advance to face Paintsville in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Bulldogs did it with balance. Their leading scorer was Ricardo Johnson with 11 points. Elijah Pittman had 10.
• Bardstown, making its first appearance in the tournament in 37 years, is now 0-6 in the Sweet Sixteen. No other school has been to the tournament that many times and not won a game. The Tigers were led by Jordan Hickman’s 14 points.
• Holmes leads 52-29 going into the last quarter, and the 9th Region champs look like they’re headed for a quarterfinal showdown with Paintsville.
• Shown at right is Arrez Henderson skying for two against Bardstown in photo by Charles Bertram.
• Holmes, one of the top-rated teams in the tournament, looks it as it’s opened up a 48-24 lead late in the third quarter. The Bulldogs are bigger, strong and quicker than Bardstown, which has had been swallowed by Holmes’ pressure defense. The Tigers have 25 turnovers and counting. Holmes is doing it with balance — its leading scorer is Elijah Pittman with 10 points. Bardstown is shooting 37% when it gets a chance to shoot.
• Halftime: Holmes 34, Bardstown 22. Holmes’ defense has overwhelmed Bardstown, forcing 20 turnovers in the first half. Elijah Pittman has 10 points off the bench to lead Holmes. Ricardo Johnson has 7. Bardstown has gotten off only 15 shots as it’s struggled to get the ball up the court. Jordan Hickman’s 6 points lead the Tigers.
• Holmes leads 17-9 at the end of the first quarter. Seven Bulldogs have already scored. Defense has been the difference. Holmes has forced Bardstown into 11 turnovers already. The Tigers got off only 5 shots in the first quarter.
• Holmes has jumped to a 13-8 lead with 2:41 left ih the first quarter. Ricardo Johnson’s 5 points lead the Bulldogs. Bardstown is having trouble against Holmes’ pressure. The Tigers already have 7 turnovers.