Published: March 08, 2009 01:27 pm      

Tomcats like life on the edge

MOREHEAD — Ashland has been making a living on the edge lately.

The Tomcats continued to do so in a 73-65 overtime win over Rowan County on Saturday night in the first round of the 16th Region Tournament at Ellis T. Johnson Arena.



Ashland also had to fight to survive both games in the 64th District Tournament, beating Rose Hill and Fairview by a total of five points, including a buzzer-beater against the Eagles in the district championship.

"We've had so many ups and downs this year," said Ashland coach Buddy Biggs. "We've lost so many games like that and now we've won three straight that went down to the wire."

The Tomcats looked as if they had a victory in the bag after a 23-5 scoring rampage that left them with a 16-point advantage at the end of the third quarter, 50-34.

However, Rowan County responded, roaring back in a thrilling fourth quarter to send the game to overtime.

"We started subbing offense for defense, three for three at a time," said Rowan County coach Shawn Thacker. "That caused some problems for (Ashland)."

Ashland (17-13) led 57-50 with under two minutes remaining when Rowan County junior center Cody Hunter battled to earn a three-point play and then Nick Duff connected on a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one.

Following two free throws by Tomcat sophomore Chris Johnson, Hunter recovered a loose ball and found Duff for another trey, tying the game at 59 with 22 seconds left.

Duff had been 0-for-8 from the field before hitting the two timely threes.

"We stopped attacking (the basket), which is probably my fault," Biggs said. "I really felt that if we could be strong with the ball and make free throws, the game would be over. We didn't make our free throws, (Rowan County) became the aggressor and they got right back in it."

Ashland's Dylan Delaney denied the Vikings another spurt in the overtime period, though, by scoring eight of his nine total points in the segment, including two key 3-pointers.

"He's done that for us all year long," Biggs said. "He put the nail in the coffin tonight for us."

The Tomcats outscored the Vikings, 14-6, in overtime.

Ashland emerged from a 29-27 deficit in the third period by capitalizing on seven Vikings' turnovers in the quarter. Ryan Bonner and Ryan Whetsel supplied 21 combined points in the period.

Whetsel finished with 15 points, while Bonner had a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds. Johnson tallied 18 points.

"(Whetsel) is a freshman," Biggs said. "To perform that way in this type of environment is huge."

Along with Hunter, Adam Wing led the cause for the Vikings. Hunter posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. Wing went 8-for-16 shooting and scored 19 points.

"I was just proud of our kids' courage," Thacker said. "To be down in a regional tournament environment in the fourth quarter with things not really going your way, our kids showed a lot of courage."

Rowan County finished 11-17, but it won five of its last seven games.

"This team learned how to battle this year," Thacker said. "It's been one of the most enjoyable years of coaching that I've had. We've laid a solid foundation for the future."

Ashland stretched its winning streak to four games, but will now meet up with Elliott County, the heavy favorite and two-time defending region champion.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime," Biggs said. "Getting a chance to knock (Elliott County) off in this type of environment is what you live for. If you’re a high school basketball player, why would you not want to play them?

"We respect them, but we don't fear them."

The Tomcats have now reached the region's semifinal round three years in a row.