Colonels defeat Tigers in first round of the 5th Region Tournament

Story by Mary Beth Sallee and photos courtesy of GNG Productions and Our Best Shot Photography

See more photos in print in this week’s publication!

 

The Caverna Colonels traveled to Marion County High School on March 9 to face-off against the Bardstown Tigers in the first round of the Boys’ 5^th Region Tournament.

Despite Bardstown having the better overall season record (17-9 to Caverna’s 16-12) and also entering the tournament as the 2025 19^th District Champs, the Tigers were no match for the Colonels. Caverna sailed past Bardstown 66-42.

In his first year with the Colonels, Head Coach Terrence Miles said he has seen this team significantly grow throughout the season.

“We had some issues at the beginning of the year, but we turned it on at the right time of the year,” Miles said. “And now we are playing in the region semi-finals.”

 

Going into this past Sunday’s game against Bardstown, Coach Miles said he knew the Tigers had three players with phenomenal shooting abilities.

“Our man-to-man ball pressure was key when we were working getting ready for them, and we did a good job of that today,” Miles said of the game. “When you make it to the region tournament, you are good.”

Coach Miles added that the Colonels’ ball pressure was a huge asset in their win against the Tigers, forcing the the opposing team to take tough shots.

“We started slow and turned it up midway second quarter,” Miles said. “Attacked downhill and got a lot of great looks around the basket. Jaylin (Craine) did a great job running the show, got down inside the paint and created either scoring or dishing it off to his teammates.”

On March 17, the Colonels will play in the 5^th Region Tournament Semi-Finals, facing off against the Adair County Indians (28-5 record, 2025 20^th District Champions, defending 2024 5^th Region Champions).

“For next week’s game, we have to be able to guard for all 32 minutes,” Miles said. “Adair (is the) defending region champs, and they do a good job when things are starting to rattle, stall and make you guard for longer than 30-45 seconds, up to a minute. (We need to) defend the three-point line. We gave up too many threes when we played them at home. Focus on the tendencies of their top two players. Isaiah Cochran and Connor Loy are two special players. Connor Loy is the one that makes Adair go. We didn’t do a good job on both guys last game. We have to execute offense against the switching defense.”

Coach Miles added that his team will also need to make improvements in rebounding and making shots on the perimeter as they prepare for Monday’s game.

Although Coach Miles is hoping for a semi-finals win, he shared that words can’t express the love and pride he has for this team.

“This group is a special group,” Miles explained. “I’ve been coaching for over 10 years as a head coach and assistant. This group by far one of the best teams I’ve been a part of. The brotherhood, the fight, the grit this group has – it’s a blessing to coach them.”

Coach Miles and his team are encouraging the community to come out and show their support for the Colonels on Monday, March 17 at Marion County High School as they continue on in the 5^th Region Tournament. Tip off is at 4:30 p.m. CDT

“To the community – don’t sit at home March 17th. Beat the team bus to the Roby Dome (Marion County High School),” Coach Miles said. “We need Colonel Nation to be there supporting this team. It’s been over 20 years since Caverna has made it out of the first round of region.”

For those unable to attend the game, you can watch it live on the GNG Productions Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gnglivefree.

The Hart County News-Herald and Barren County Progress extends a special thank you to both GNG Productions and Our Best Shot Photography for their permission to use photos and other provided information.