Tonights Regional Championship game with Mercer Christian was a mismatch from the opening tip off. Unlike the previous two games Oceana came out with fire in their eye's and also unlike the previous two games their shot's were falling for them. Oceana never trailed and by the end of the first quarter they had a 10 point lead and by half time they had a 28 point lead. Playing the second half was a mere formality. The big difference in this game was Oceana's depth. Coach Hopkins had the luxury of being able to run 10 players at Mercer Christian and in the process play a smothering man to man defense. Pressing at times and laying back at times but always having a man in the face of Mercer Christians leading scorer. The reserves played most of the fourth quarter and Oceana was still able to reach the century mark for the first time this year(105-60). Ryan Cook led the Indians in scoring with 23 points. It is fitting that Oceana, rich in basketball history, make one more trip to the State tournament in Charleston. Obviously a Class A Championship would be the ultimate ending to this school's basketball program. I'll be there Thursday March 14th at 1:30pm for the start of the march to the Championship game. Hope you will be there to..
Carl
