I said to (Duke), 'Just give me a chance to strike out and tie you,' and he did. I got a lucky break on the first one (in the 10th), and once I got through the second one, I knew I was going to strike on the third one.

He showed glimpses, but you could just tell he wasn't quite the same. But now he's more active. He's matured into a really, really good kid, and he's showing people just the type of player he can be.

Beaumont did a great job shooting the ball in the first half, so we started helping out on him in the second half. Male did a nice job finding Herman. He had a good game.

Over here last year we had a heck of a battle with Male. Buckner hit a three to send it into overtime. I was hoping he would do it again. It was a contested three. We felt fortunate to get a shot off that good.

I don't know if I have ever been as proud of a team in 14 years of coaching. I don't know if you could ask for two better games to start a new rivalry.

It's not one of those years where someone clearly is ahead of the group. Our team has been successful, and he has played well in two of the biggest tournaments the state holds in the regular season. I think he has a legitimate shot.