THE INDEPENDENT | Ashland | Kentucky SPORTS Monday, March 26, 2012 B3 Kansas cruises to Final Four Taylor scores 22 in win over North Carolina ST. LOUIS (AP) Nothing first Final Four appearance Taylor led five Jayhawks roared, Taylor butted his personal, Roy. since winning the 2008 na- in double figures. Player of head into Robinson’s chest. Tyshawn Taylor broke tional championship. the year candidate Thomas He made the to out of his slump in a big “It’s awesome,” Robinson added 18 points give Kansas a 74-67 lead way Sunday, scoring 22 Jeff Withey said. “There’s and nine rebounds, and Eli- with 1:59 left, and the Jay- points and leading Kansas no better feeling than this jah Johnson kept up his hawks cruised from there. back to the Final Four with right now.” blistering pace in the tour- “There’s no way to put an 80-67 victory over for- And how’s this for sym- nament with 10 points, in- into words the way we mer coach Roy Williams metry? Kansas began this cluding a 3-pointer with feel,” Williams said. and top-seeded North Car- year’s tournament in Oma- 3:07 to play that sparked “There’s no way to put into olina. ha, Neb., the same place as Kansas’ 12-0 run to end the words the way I feel. ... It’s The second-seeded Jay- four years ago. game. Withey made two the NCAA tournament. hawks (31-6) will play Ohio As the game ended, Tay- monster blocks to deny the One team wins and one State on Saturday in their lor — much maligned for Tar Heels during the final team loses, and that’s what his shooting struggles dur- run — including one that we have to understand.” ing the first three games of set up a big three-point play James Michael McAdoo the NCAA tournament — by Taylor. scored 15 for the Tar Heels JEFF ROBERSON / AP ran to Kansas fans and Taylor came up with the (32-6), who played better in Kansas center Jeff Withey raised both arms in the air. after Withey swat- their second game without dunks against North Caroli- Travis Releford tossed his ted away a shot by John injured star point guard na forward Tyler Zeller, ob- sweatbands into the crowd. Henson and streaked Kendall Marshall. But scured, during the first half “This is what you come downcourt for a layup, get- North Carolina couldn’t of the NCAA tournament to Kansas for,” Taylor said. ting fouled by Stilman overcome a 5:46 Midwest Regional final on “It’s a great feeling, but it’s White in the process. As drought to end the Midwest Sunday. just one step.” the Kansas-heavy crowd Regional final.

the best team we faced all stakes ever. Kidd-Gilchrist Wall led Kentucky to the KENTUCKY 82, BAYLOR 70 year ... probably in a couple shrugged when someone regional final. Last season, FG FT Reb UK of years.” asked about playing the Brandon Knight helped BAYLOR Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS Acy 34 7-11 8-8 3-8 1 3 22 Two years ago, Baylor Cardinals. guide the Wildcats to the Miller 19 1-6 0-0 0-6 1 3 3 From Page B1 Jones III 34 6-14 4-5 3-8 2 4 17 lost to eventual national “I’m just worried about Final Four. Now, with Heslip 26 1-2 1-2 0-1 1 4 4 unless it wins two more champion Duke in another us,” he said. “That’s it. I don’t those guys in the NBA and Jackson 38 9-19 2-2 2-2 5 4 21 games — culminating in a Franklin 9 0-1 0-0 0-0 3 5 0 regional final. worry about anybody else.” Kidd-Gilchrist and Davis Ellis 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 national title. Calipari, in his third sea- stopping off for what could Bello 13 1-3 1-2 0-1 0 3 3 “I’m not satisfied yet,” Walton 19 0-4 0-0 1-1 2 4 0 Kentucky vs. son at Kentucky, just keeps be their only season in Lex- Jones 7 0-4 0-0 2-2 0 1 0 Kidd-Gilchrist said. recruiting the best high ington, Big Blue has a shot Totals 200 25-64 16-19 16-34 15 32 70 This group sure has the Percentages: FG .391, FT .842.3-Point Goals: 4-14, .286 (Jones III 1-2, Miller 1-2, Heslip 1-2, Jackson 1-7, Louisville school players in the land, at what those last two Walton 0-1). Team Rebounds: 5.Blocked Shots: 5 (Acy 2, Miller 2, Franklin).Turnovers: 14 (Jones III 4, Jackson look of a champion, shak- molds them into a top teams failed to do — bring- 4, Acy 3, Miller, Bello, Walton). Steals: 5 (Bello 2, Jackson 2, Acy).Technical Fouls: None. ing off an early blow by the Saturday FG FT Reb Tipoff: 6:09 p.m. team, then sends most of ing Kentucky its first na- KENTUCKY Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS Bears (30-8) — a very good ‘em on to the NBA. tional title since 1998. Jones 35 3-7 6-12 2-9 6 1 12 team with a daring fashion TV: CBS Kidd-Gilchrist 27 7-10 4-4 2-5 1 5 19 Then he starts the whole But for all the talk about Davis 32 6-9 6-8 3-11 1 4 18 sense that was simply no process over again. Calipari’s one-and-done tac- Lamb 32 3-7 7-12 0-1 1 2 14 match for coach John Cali- Teague 30 2-4 3-4 0-3 3 3 8 “There are some opinions tics, he’s getting plenty of Miller 35 2-6 4-4 0-0 3 2 8 pari’s latest group of Fab Vargas 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 “Duke was a good team,” that will never change,” contributions from those Wiltjer 7 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 1 3 Freshmen. Kentucky took Drew said, “but Kentucky Calipari said. “All I’m try- who hung around beyond Totals 200 24-45 30-44 8-32 15 18 82 control with an early 16-0 is better.” ing to do is coach these their freshmen year. Take Percentages: FG .533, FT .682. 3-Point Goals: 4-9, .444 (Teague 1-1, Kidd-Gilchrist 1-1, Wiltjer 1-1, Lamb 1- 3, Jones 0-1, Miller 0-2).Team Rebounds: 3.Blocked Shots: 9 (Davis 6, Jones 3).Turnovers: 13 (Teague 4, run and led by 20 at half- The Wildcats beat young people. I’m trying to Jones, a sophomore forward time. Kidd-Gilchrist 3, Jones 2, Lamb 2, Miller).Steals: 9 (Miller 2, Jones 2, Lamb 2, Davis 2, Teague). Techni- Louisville 69-62 on New do the best job for these who passed up the draft. He cal Fouls: None. “This team is better than Year’s Eve, but now they’ll kids and their families.” scored just one point in the BAYLOR 22 48—70 I thought,” Baylor coach meet with the highest Two years ago, John opening half. KENTUCKY 42 40—82 Scott Drew said. “This is

It was the first time Woods had all four rounds under Tiger par since he returned from Hanshaw From Page B1 his personal crisis at the 2010 From Page B1 Masters. Chevron World Challenge I never got tired at all." McDowell made a 45-foot Hanshaw had deflected last December, this was birdie putt and a 50-foot eagle meaningful for Woods — a smack talk all week from Gal- putt early in the round to try van, a 39-year-old from Ham- full tour event against a to stay close, though he was strong field, and a perform- mond, Ind. But even Galvan, never closer than two shots who has endured long matches ance so clean that he was after starting with a double never seriously challenged with some widely renowned bogey. He closed with a 74. fighters, tossed a few positive on the back nine. Ernie Els failed in his bid The final hole was a mere words into Hanshaw's ear dur- to get into the Masters. The ing and after the match. formality, and Woods tapped three-time major champion his putter on the ground "He was saying, 'That jab's started the final round three killing me man. It hurts,'" Han- waiting for his turn, know- shots behind, but twice ing that 30 months without a shaw said. "He said that I'm the missed par putts inside 3 feet sharpest fighter he's ever seen, win on the PGA Tour was and shot 75. He would have about to win. He walked off age-wise … that I was going to ROB STEWART / FOR THE INDEPENDENT needed a two-way tie for sec- be great." Hanshaw dodges a swing by Galvan. the green with his arm ex- ond to crack the top 50 in the tended, waving his cap to a Hanshaw, "The Rat- world. Instead, he tied for tlesnake," used outstanding to maintain control. him." has cancer. raucous gallery. fourth and will have to win "I can decide the pace when Hanshaw was careful not to Colt Phelps, an Ashland “It does feel good. It feels quickness, speedy jabs and pa- the Houston Open next week tience to put together a near I'm keeping somebody away," magnify the moment, but he Blazer High School graduate, really good,” Woods said be- to avoid missing the Masters he said. did believe this was a another knocked out Donny Miller 42 fore signing his card. “It’s flawless performance in the for the first time since 1993. ring. Galvan hit Hanshaw Hanshaw had Galvan visi- stride on the path to his ulti- seconds into the fight to win been a lot of hard work.” This day belonged to bly frustrated by the fourth mate dream of becoming a easily in his debut. Woods finished at 13-un- twice, but neither caught the 6- Woods, as it used to at foot-3, 145-pounder clean. round as the 5-7 fighter repeat- "mega star." Thomas Hanshaw, Travis' der 275 for his 72nd PGA Arnie’s place. edly shook his head. By the "I think we took a big step," older brother, took down Gon- Tour win, one short of Nick- "I started getting comfort- Only two weeks ago, able in the middle of the first eighth and final round, the Hanshaw said. "This could zalee Jones 1:44 into the first laus for second place on the Woods was taken off Doral in tough-nosed Galvan was prac- open big doors for me." round as doctors stopped the career list. But that’s not the round, but then I was like, he's the middle of the final round baiting me for something," tically begging for more of a Jonah Cogar and Chris fight. record Woods wants. He has with tightness in his left beating — he's been knocked Brammer engaged in a bloody Local fighter Adam Collins 14 majors, four shot of the Hanshaw said. Achilles tendon, the same in- Galvan extended one foot out just four times in his career, battle in the co-main event, as knocked out William Armsted Nicklaus standard, and he jury that caused him to miss with one of those occurring Cogar maintained an aggres- in the first round. tries to end a four-year near the edge of the mat and three months last year, in- laid his back against the ropes against the undefeated Julio sive approach throughout in In the other two bouts, it was drought at the Masters, cluding two majors. It Cesar Chavez Jr. earning a win over the Coal Jason Williams over Travis which starts April 5. four different times in hopes of turned out to be a mild bringing Hanshaw close for a "He's good, pretty tough," Grove Village Councilman by Freddrick by disqualification “I am excited, no doubt,” strain, and Sunday was the Hanshaw said of his opponent. split decision. All of Brammer's and Chad Vansickle over Dean- Woods said. “I’m looking for- knockout swing. eighth straight day that His long reach and limber "But I think if we went 12 proceeds went to Abby Hamil- dre McCole by majority deci- ward to the momentum I’ve Woods played golf. (rounds), I would've stopped ton, a Coal Grove resident who sion. built here.” head moves allowed Hanshaw

field general,” Ryver said. “She has caught her whole 61ST DISTRICT SOFTBALL CAPSULES 61st life, except for me, and she From Page B1 would have caught for me come a young pitching staff, which will throw a fresh- 10-at Lee County; 11-at Mason County; 12-at St. Patrick but Kayla was just so good.” BATH COUNTY man, sophomore and seventh grader, all of which have (x2); 14-Elliott County; 15-at Wolfe County (x2); 16-at squad is one that can con- The changes are not limit- Coach: Kenny Williams very little varsity experience. Morgan County; 18-Lewis County (x2). tend at both the district and ed to defense either. The Record last year:14-12 Schedule regional levels, according to Fleming County coach said Where season ended:District first round MARCH coach Nathan Ryver. they will have to do some dif- Schedule 19-at Estill County 3-11L; 20-Morgan County 15-0W; “We have the team to do it ferent things offensively as MARCH 23-Fairview; 24-Madison Central Round Robin; 26- and have put in the work to well. 7-at Mason County, 18-10L; 13-at Paris, 10-9L; 19-St. Scott County; 27-at Bracken County; 29-Bath County; ROWAN COUNTY do it,” he said. “We still “It is going to be hard to Patrick, 20-6W; 20-Lewis County, 14-3L; 23-24-Lady Cat 30-at Rowan County. Coach: Larry Slone know how to play the game make up all the offense that Invitational; 26-Rowan County; 27-at Menifee County; APRIL Record last year:28-8 right and our belief is if you we lost from last year, so we 29-at Fleming County; 30-at Berea. 2-4-Cocoa Beach Expo; 9-Mason County; 10-Brack- Where season ended:Region first round play the game right, good are going to have to adjust APRIL en County; 12-Rowan County; 13-at George Rogers Top returning players: MacKenzie Summers (CF, jr.) things will happen.” what we do a little bit,” he 2-at Wolfe County; 3-at Rowan County; 6-7-Play It Clark; 13-Madison Southern; 16-at Bath County; 17-Estill Morgan Mitchell (P, so.), Becca Duff (LF, fr.), Jade Turn- Fleming County, which said. “We are going to have Again Sports; 12-at Fairview; 13-Estill County, Morgan County; 20-at Fairview; 23-at Menifee County; 24-at St. er (RF,sr.), Tessa Jennings (1B, sr). lost to Ashland in the open- to do a lot of short stuff, be- County; 16-Fleming County; 17-at Elliott County; 19- Patrick; 26-Menifee County; 30-at Mason County. Outlook: For longtime coach Larry Slone, it looks like ing round of the 16th Region cause we don’t have the type Menifee County; 20-at Wolfe County; 21-at Perry Co. MAY the Lady Vikings might go through a rebuilding year. tournament, will have to re- of power we had last year.” Central; 23-at Model; 24-at Powell County; 26-at East 1-Harrison County; 2-Lewis County; 3-at Morgan Slone said his team is going to have to rebuild their in- place some key players from The Lady Panthers ended Carter; 27-Paris, Pendleton County; 30-Wolfe County. County; 7-at East Carter; 8-at Harrison County; 10-Au- field and their offense after graduating five seniors and last year including starting Bath County’s season in the MAY gusta; 12-Powell County, Pendleton County; 15-at Bour- losing 85 percent of their run production. Slone thinks pitcher Victoria Sergent and opening round of district 1-Elliott County; 2-at Nicholas County; 4-Mason bon County; 16-St. Patrick; 17-East Carter; 18-at Pre- that, as the season moves on, his team will improve catcher Kayla Brown — play by a score of 11-0. Over- County, Berea; 7-at Morgan County; 8-Lewis County; stonsburg; 19 at Johnson Central, East Ridge. and will hopefully hit its stride by May. they’re both now garnering all, the Lady Cats finished 10-at Estill County; 11-at Lee County; 14-at St. Patrick; Schedule playing time at University of the season at 14-12 and 3-5 in 15-East Carter; 17-Powell County; 18-Lee County. MARCH Pikeville. district play. MENIFEE COUNTY 19-Sheldon Clark 10-0W; 20-at Raceland 1-11L; 21-at While Sergent was asked Menifee County finished Lewis County 14-1W; 23-Greenup County; 26-at Bath to carry the load in the circle Coach: Kevin Hale fourth in the district with a Record last year:12-17 County; 27-at Mason County; 29-at Harrison County; last year, Ryver said this sea- record of 12-17, but was 0-8 30-Fleming County; 31-East Carter. son will be more of a pitch- FLEMING COUNTY Where season ended:District first round against district foes. Schedule APRIL er-by-committee situation. Despite the lack of suc- Coach: Nathan Ryver 2-Fairview; 3-Bath County; 6-7-Where’s The Beach “I am really looking for- MARCH cess last season, Rowan Record last year:15-13 19-Lee County, 1-0W; 20-Wolfe County, 10-5W, 7-3W; Classic; 9-at Russell; 10-at East Carter; 12-at Fleming ward to this year, because I County’s Slone thinks the Where season ended:Region first round County; 13-14-Lady Redhound Softball Classic; 16-at have more than one pitcher 23-Paris (x2); 24-St. Patrick (x2); 27-Bath County; 29- Lady Cats can be a con- Top returning players: Amanda Boyd (3B, sr.), Paige Powell County; 31-Mountain Telephone Classic. Menifee County; 17-at Boyd County; 18-at Sheldon who can throw on any given tender because of pitcher Hurst (C, jr.), Amanda Hord (OF, sr.), Kira Brown (SS, Clark; 21-at Boyd County; 23-Lewis County (x2); 24-at day,” he said. APRIL Erika Brewer. so.), Alex James (1B, sr.). 2-at Elliott County; 9-at Perry Co. Central; 16-Rowan Morgan County; 26-Paintsville; 27-28-Tanner Dodge Junior Paige Hurst will “She is the best pitcher in Outlook: After losing three players to the college Classic; 30-Menifee County. shift from the infield to be- County; 19-at Bath County; 23-Fleming County; 24- the district by far, and prob- ranks, Ryver is looking to find some leadership on a Sayre; 26-at Fleming County; 30-at Rowan County. MAY hind the plate, which is her ably top five in the region,” team whose goals our to win 20 games and the district 2-at Paintsville; 3-Ashland; 7-Raceland; 8-Powell natural position. MAY Slone said. while contending for the region. They will have to over- 1-at Paris; 3-Mason County; 7-at Jackson City (x2); County; 10- Boyd County; 11-12-Bulldog Classic; 14-at “Paige is going to be our West Carter; 15-Morgan County; 17-Russell.