The UHA Blazers are hoping it will turn out different this time. UHA and Shelby Valley will meet Saturday night at 7:30 ET in the semifinal round of the 2019 All A Classic state tournament. It will mark the second meeting between the two schools in the history of the tournament, with the previous one coming in the semifinal round as well.
The Blazers are aiming to make sure history does not repeat itself.
Back in 2010, UHA had advanced to the semifinals by knocking off Lexington Christian 64-63 in overtime, and then knocking off Owensboro Catholic 55-50.
Shelby Valley had made it to the final four by beating Ballard Memorial 73-34 and Danville 80-56. Danville is the same team that Shelby Valley beat this year to advance to the semis.
In the 2010 meeting, the game was tight early. After the first quarter, UHA and Shelby Valley were all knotted up at 19-19. The Blazers then struggled to score in the second quarter, as Shelby Valley pulled out to a 29-23 halftime lead.
The Blazers fought back in the 3rd quarter, trimming the lead to 46-42 heading into the final eight minutes. Shelby Valley then pulled away late in the game, knocking down big free throws to pick up the 67-54 victory. Free throws played a big part in the result of the game, as Shelby Valley went 23 of 35 at the line, while the Blazers were only 6 of 14.
Matt McGowan led the Blazers in scoring in that game with 24 points. Ryan Hudson added 18.
Shelby Valley went on to beat Desales in the 2010 championship game.