Rockets fall by one in regional quarterfinal

Gabe Mott had 11 in the 2nd period.

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – Despite trailing by 16 in the second half, the Rockets waged a valiant comeback attempt that fell just one point short of shocking the Second Region as University Heights prevailed 80-79 in the tournament’s opening round Monday.

Crittenden led by four early but was down two at the half. 

The Blazers went on a couple of big runs in the third period and built a considerable lead, but missed a number of foul shots down the stretch that left the door open for CCHS, which scored 31 points in a fourth-period flurry.

The Rockets trailed by five with jus over a minute to play but Preston Morgeson and Preston Turley each nailed three-pointers in the final minute, giving Crittenden a chance at the end. However, a late three missed its make, but Turley got his own rebound and scored a two-point putback as time expired.

Turley, the Rockets' senior center, finished with 31 and got 20 of those in the final period.

Senior guard Gabe Mott scored 11 points in the second quarter and finished with 19.

Crittenden played the final minutes without senior Tyler Boone, who was carried off the floor with an ankle injury and never returned.

The season ends for CCHS with a 13-10 record. The Rockets posted a winning season for the second straight year, the first time they have done that in 15 years.

UHA improved to 13-9 and will play Henderson in the regional semifinals. 

Crittenden County 16   34   48   79
University Heights 19 36 63 80
CRITTENDEN – Turley 31, Mott 19, Morgeson 13, Boone 8, Dobyns 6, Champion 2, Winders.
UHA – Bryan 23, Crump 15, McGee 13, Grubbs 13, D.J. Quarles 10, Braxton 2, Q. Quarles 2, Duncan 2.