Rockets open with Trigg County tonight at Cadiz

The last time Crittenden and Trigg met on the basketball floor there was plenty of excitement, right down to the wire. They meet again Friday at Cadiz as the Rockets open their season on the road.

The Wildcats narrowly escaped Rocket Arena with their Fifth District title last March, winning in overtime after Crittenden almost stole the crown in regulation.

Trigg was clearly the most athletic team in the division last year and nothing has changed.

Head coach Payton Croft and the Wildcats were 18-8 a year ago and they return three starters, Demaria Nance, Detaveon Day and Tyreke Wilson. Debo Mayes will be another key player for the ‘Cats this season as they look for a third straight district championship.

Trigg’s biggest loss was Cole Gardner, who provided inside strength and could also shoot.

Trigg has won 14 of its last 16 games in the Fifth District and everyone knows Croft has the team to beat this time.

“They have the best players, they’re defending champs and they should be ranked No. 1” in the district, said Rocket coach Denis Hodge.

For the Rockets, it will be a testy first outing. Crittenden returns just one starter from last year’s team that took Trigg to the wire before finishing 9-21. 

Trigg opened with a win Tuesday against Dawson Springs.

Handling Trigg County’s speedy backcourt will be a challenge. Nance, the Wildcat point guard, was one of the league’s best last season and is just a junior this year. 

The largely inexperienced Rockets are certain to face plenty of defensive pressure from the Wildcats, baseline to baseline.

Friday’s District doubleheader tips off at 6 p.m., with the Lady Rockets’ game. The boys play 20 minutes following the girls’ contest.