Warren Central outlasts Male in instant classic at Sweet 16

Male and Warren Central entered the Sweet 16 as top-five teams and legitimate state championship contenders. That heavyweight matchup did not disappoint at Rupp Arena.

Behind 20 points on 9 of 11 shooting from junior Omari Glover, Warren Central came out victorious in overtime with a 57-54 win that included 12 lead changes and seven ties. Haymakers were thrown and absorbed at the Sweet 16 with William Unseld’s team finding a way to advance in the program’s 16th appearance in the prestigious tournament.

After falling down 19-8 early and seeing Male hit each of their first four shots from behind the arc to begin the first quarter, the Dragons absorbed an 11-0 run and would counter with their own in the second quarter. After taking a 26-21 lead into the halftime break, neither team would lead by more than two possessions for the rest of the game.

The two schools played a classic at Rupp Arena. However, Warren Central had no fear for the school from Louisville.

“We knew we had a chance. We were very confident in ourselves. We went 26-3,” said Unseld. “I told the kids — let’s go show everybody who hasn’t seen us how good we are.”

“Got a great group.”

As the game got tight, Warren Central kept answering the bell. For most of the game, 6-foot-4 junior Chapelle Whitney battled Louisville commit Kaleb Glenn in the paint. Whitney finished the game with 14 points and six rebounds (all offensive), but he needed 22 field goal attempts to get there. However, Warren Central lost Whitney to a foul out with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Dragons then saw a four-point lead evaporate thanks mostly to a missed free throw and a spectacular play by Male’s Dezdrick Lindsay.

Tie game. Here’s how it ended. What a pass by Dezdrick Lindsay. pic.twitter.com/j9aOvKlBz1

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) March 17, 2022

The 6-foot-7 senior was the MVP for the Bulldogs finishing with 23 points on 14 shots in 36 minutes with four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, the veteran was not able to come up with enough playmaking down the stretch for the Bulldogs.

After taking an early lead in the extra period, Male saw Warren Central claw their way back. With just 45.8 seconds left, Male had the ball and called a timeout with a one-point lead. Surprising everyone in attendance, eighth-grader Cole Edelen launched a three in front of the Male bench after breaking free. The result was a miss that was way off. Glover then came down on the other end to give Warren Central the lead 55-54 with another bucket. The next possession, Warren Central tied up Glenn to get the ball back thanks to the possession arrow.

Sophomore Kade Unseld would then bury a pair of free throws to put Warren Central up 57-54 after making just one of two to end regulation. Male called a timeout with 8.2 seconds to set up one final play. Things did not go as planned for the Bulldogs.

Warren Central upsets Male. Here’s how it ended. Bulldogs were down 3 with 8.2 left. pic.twitter.com/k3v5FqjUzZ

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) March 17, 2022

“I actually drew up something for a play — it’s a one play we run where we screen the guy setting the screen and he pops open for a three,” said Male head coach Tim Haworth. “They guarded that.”

A drive to the basket comes up short as the clock runs out, and the celebration ensues for Warren Central.

It was a rough day for top-75 recruit Kaleb Glenn. The 6-foot-7 forward finished 13 points and 10 rebounds, but the talented junior was riddled with foul trouble the entire game and had four turnovers in 32 minutes.

After having one of the state’s best teams for most of the season, Male will leave Rupp Arena again without a state championship. The Bulldogs have made 21 appearances in the Sweet 16, but the Louisville powerhouse has not won a state title since 1975.

Warren Central will advance and play the winner of No. 14 Henry Clay and No. 23 Murray in the nightcap at Rupp Arena on Friday. After being an underdog to open the tournament, the Dragons will be a favorite to move into the semifinal round as the program chases its first state title since 2004.

Survive and advance.