On Saturday, March 7, the Paoli Rams Basketball team won a Sectional Title, advancing them to the Regional game against Linton Stockton.
The Rams first defeated Crawford County in game one, 68-36, then defeated Mitchell, 77-36, to make it to the championship game.
In game three, the Rams took on the defending Sectional Champions, the Providence Pioneers. This was a big game for the Rams, who had been defeated by the Pioneers by one point the year prior, and they wanted a different outcome this season.
“We heard all week about how strong their schedule was and how much difference that would make in the game. Also heard so much talk about their defense all year,” said Coach Dusty Cole.
The Rams won the Sectional Championship over the Pioneers, 45-28. This is the Rams’ first Sectional Championship since 2022.
As a result of the three sectional games, the Rams had three players selected to the All-Sectional team, including seniors Dane Padgett and Chad Sullivan, and junior Dakota Apple.
“I feel very honored to be selected to this team, knowing the effort it took to get here,” said Padgett.
The Rams would go on to face the Linton-Stockton Pioneers, but were defeated, 51-55.
The honors for the Rams have continued after the season is over, with Padgett and senior Cooper Spires earning spots on the HBCA Senior All-District team. Apple was also named to the HBCA Underclassmen All-District Team.
Coach Cole also earned honors by being selected as the HBCA District 4 Coach of the Year. Cole will now coach at the All-Star Game.
“It is an honor to be chosen for the award. Means even more that it is voted on by my peers and fellow coaches. From what I have seen, multiple things generally have to happen in order to be chosen for the award. Usually, winning coaches have to have an outstanding year with a great record and a bunch of quality wins. It also seems like the winners are usually at places that have sustained success. Not just a one-year wonder type of thing. In order for those two things to happen, you have to have great players, a great staff, and good support. I am very fortunate to have all three here at Paoli. So I don’t think this award is about me and what I’ve done. It’s a collective award. Credit should be given to our outstanding student athletes, what I feel is the best coaching staff in the state, and all of the wonderful people in our school and community who continue to support Paoli Athletics,” said Cole.
