Kentucky Reach wins again
Published on May 17, 2004 under World Basketball Association (WBA)
Kentucky Reach News Release
Elizabethtown, KY â The Southern Cresent Lightning had no answers for the Kentucky Reach's second-half thunder.
The Reach, a World Basketball Association franchise based in Kentucky, overcame a halftime deficit and stormed by Southern Cresent for a 89-76 home victory. The triumph helped the young franchise to its first-ever winning record (5-4), and improved the squad's current winning streak to two games.
After a lack-luster first half performance that yielded a one-point deficit (37-36) heading into intermission, Kentucky Reach seemed to find its winning groove. Once again, it was a native Kentucky hoopster, Antwain Barbour, who was responsible for much of the Reach's success.
Barbour, a 6-5 guard who played collegiately at the University of Kentucky, dazzled the Elizabethtown, KY crowd with an array of athletic drives and slashing scoop shots. It was Barbour's thunderous alley-oop dunk assisted by Lamont Roland with just under five minutes remaining in regulation that ultimately rained on the Lightning's parade. The rim-rocking dunk gave the Reach a 73-64 lead and seemed to open the flood gates for what turned out to be a comfortable win.
After the electrifying play, Kentucky Reach seemed to build confidence. The Reach extended the margin to as much as 18 points and never looked back. The 13-point margin of victory equals the team's best of the season. It is no coincidence that the team is now 3-0 when Barbour suits up. Barbour, who scored 19 points, has missed several of the Reach's games due to his involvement with the University of Kentucky's senior barnstorming tour (a series of exhibition games at high schools throughout the state of Kentucky where departing Wildcat seniors showcase their talents for adoring UK fans).
Barbour wasn't the lone ranger, however. One of his worthy sidekicks proved to be Roland, who assisted on the dunk that seemed to get things going. Roland, a former LSU guard, poured in 27 points, including three of five from beyond the arc. Roland's 18 points in the first half helped the Reach keep things close, until the second-half onslaught took center stage.
Tyrone Levett, a bruising power forward from Alabama State, aided the Reach's victory party with 19 points and a game high 14 rebounds, while University of Alabama standout Antoine Pettway added another 10 points. Center Antoine Broxsie and forward Marshall Sanders each pulled down 10 rebounds in helping the Reach to a 51-39 advantage on the boards.
Southern Cresent (5-3), located near Peachtree, Georgia, got strong efforts from Ole Miss forward Derrick Allen (22 points) and Michigan State guard Marcus Taylor (16 points).
The first half was mostly forgettable as neither team was able to build more than a four-point advantage.
For the second consecutive game, the Reach played without former University of Louisville standout James "Boo" Brewer. Brewer is currently nursing a sore Achilles tendon.
Kentucky Reach will play again on Saturday May 22 vs. the Rome Gladiators. The game will be played at Campbellsville High School in Campbellsville, KY. There will be a pre-game basketball clinic and an autograph session at 3 p.m. for grades 4-8. A ticket will be required for admission.
World Basketball Association Stories from May 17, 2004
- Kentucky Reach wins again - Kentucky Reach
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