Jody Norwood/Tribune-Courier

Fantastic 15

Marshall County
Hoop Fest draws
talents, coaches

By Jody Norwood
Tribune-Courier Sports Editor
jnorwood@tribunecourier.com

DRAFFENVILLE– Three nights, 15 games and a world of basketball. Marshall County High School’s 14th annual Hoop Fest lived up to its hype once again as a premiere high school hoops showcase.

“If anybody wants to run a shoot-out they need to get down here and spend about two months with these guys,” said Althoff Catholic coach Greg Leib. “We’ve been to all of them in the Midwest and this is the best.”

Leib’s Crusaders– a big, high-powered team from Illinois– fell to Christian County Friday night. The loss didn’t dampen Leib’s mood as he spoke highly of the event and teams in it.

The tournament once again brought out top talent in the state and from across the country. Warren Central upset Lexington Catholic– ranked No. 10 and No. 9 in Kentucky– Saturday. With his win over Althoff, Kerry Stovall’s Colonels showed they shouldn’t be overlooked for a deep postseason run.

Making a return appearance to Hoop Fest from Virgina, Oak Hill– ranked No. 2 in the nation– got a scare from Jackson Callaway, Miss., trailing early in the contest. Oak Hill, with at least two players being considered by Division I schools, recovered to win the contest 73-46.

The event also brought Findlay Prep, of Nevada. Findlay, ranked No. 1 overall in the nation, competed in the final game Friday and Saturday. Findlay defeated Christ School 80-64 and New American 78-41.

The event once again brought a variety of college scouts and coaches to Marshall County, including special guest for the final two games, University of Kentucky coach John Calipari. Calipari signed autographs and met with fans just hours after his Wildcats upset North Carolina 68-66.

Former Marshall County High School athletic director and Hoop Fest founder Steve Woodward was honored during the event for his 13 years organizing and planning the event.