A record-breaking storied season came to an end for the Marshals with Sunday’s Region 1 Championship loss to Calloway County – two of the top teams in the state battling it out for the title. Though disappointed with the 73-56 defeat and just one game short of the Sweet 16, the Marshals have plenty to be proud of.
“We had an incredible season, that’s what I just told them”, Head Coach Sawyer Donohoo said to WCBL’s Jeff Waters. “Won two different tournaments and set the school record for best start. It was incredible. Unfortunately, we faced a little more adversity than some other teams. It stinks but that’s life. I feel like our guys bought in and played through that adversity and that’s what got us here.”
Marshall County finishes the season with an impressive 29-3 record. All three losses came at the hands of a Calloway County team whose talented senior class has long been waiting in the wings for their chance at a regional title. The Lakers secured their first championship in a decade, last winning in 2015 under Head Coach Terry Birdsong and it’s the program’s third trip to the state tournament.
Trailing 5-0 to start the game, Kyzer Phillips dropped in their first points from beyond the arc then was fouled shooting a three by Calloway’s Connor Lockart. The senior stepped to the line and hit all three free throws to pull the Marshals to within one at 7-6.
Riding the wave of senior Jonah Butler who scored 11 in the first quarter, the Lakers built an 18-10 lead heading into the second.
Butler tipped in a missed shot by Eli Finley to push their lead to double digits. While the Lakers couldn’t seem to miss, baskets weren’t falling for the Marshals. Down 29-19, Marshall County cut the deficit to six after baskets by Langhi and Tommy Robertson but still trailed 33-25 at halftime.
Back-to-back baskets by Ryan Stokes trimmed the Calloway lead down to seven to start the third quarter. The Lakers went on to push their lead back out, outscoring the Marshals by seven, hitting three of their four in the game from behind the arc to extend their lead to 51-36.
The Marshals full court press in the fourth quarter effectively cut the deficit down to 12 after trailing by as many as 17. That came with a price, sending Calloway into the bonus with plenty of time remaining. They had 25 free throw opportunities in the quarter and only converted 14 but it was enough to finish out the 17-point win.
Sunday’s game marked the final appearance in orange and blue for seniors Kyzer Phillips, Tommy Robertson, J.T. Hall, Blake Moore, along with Alex Staples and Tanner Linsin, who were sidelined due to injuries.
“Our seniors…we’re going to miss them”, said Donohoo. “They’ve given us everything we’ve asked for. That’s what I told all of them. I just appreciate their attitudes, they’re good kids, they show up every day knowing that practice or whatever it is, is going to be tough and they keep a good attitude. I just can’t say enough about the senior group. I’m going to miss them.”
Calloway County advances to the KHSAA Boys State Basketball Championships, where they will face the Region 16 champion. The Region 16 title game is set for Tuesday at Morehead State University.
Three Marshals earned recognition for their standout performances:
•Langhi, Robertson, and Phillips were named to the All-Tournament Team.
•Finley was named Player of the Game.
•The Joey Fosko MVP Award went to Butler.
•The Rex Alexander Award was presented to St. Mary’s Luke Sims.
Though the season didn’t end with a championship, the Marshals’ remarkable 29-win run will be remembered as one of the best in school history.
Marshall County 10 25 36 56
Calloway County 18 33 51 73
Marshall County (29-2): Matthew Langhi 23, Kyzer Phillips 11, Ryan Stokes 10, Kaden Mohler 5, Tommy Robertson 4, J.T. Hall 3
Marshall County: 3PT 4 (Phillips 2, Langhi, Hall), FT 10/12
Calloway County (31-3): Jonah Butler 24, Eli Finley 21, Conner Lockhart 12, Luke Armstrong 10, Will Lanier 2, Cole Lockhart 1
Calloway County: 3PT 4 (Con. Lockhart 2, Armstrong, Lanier), FT 21/33
Marshals vs. Calloway, Region 1 Championship
