By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
SPRINGFIELD - Park Hills Central started their day with a 10-0 run in the first quarter, and that was a microcosm of what was to come.
The Rebels (28-3) jumped on Lafayette from the start and never let up, as the Irish fell 82-57 in Class 4 state semifinals at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield Thursday.
"Who we've been in this playoff, we didn't show up today," Lafayette coach Kevin Bristol said. "Defensively, we weren't very good. Offensively, we were selfish. We just didn't show up to play."
Lafayette (22-8) shot only 8-of-28 from the field in the first half and the irish committed nine first half turnovers, allowing Park Hills Central to go up 47-23 at the break.
The Rebels were crisp from the floor all game long, shooting 59.6 percent from the field. Junior Jobe Bryant was outstanding for Park Hills Central with 20 points, seven assists, six steals and six rebounds.
Senior Camden Bennett led Lafayette with 20 points - 18 of that in the second half. Senior Mikey Thomas and sophomore Antonio Williams each finished with 10.
The Irish shot just 37.5 percent on the day, and they were outrebounded 38-21, including 27-12 on the defensive glass.
Lafayette will now play for third place in Class 4 on Friday morning at 10 a.m. against Father Tolton (21-10). The game will be broadcast on StJosephPost.com. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.
Bristol knows another tough test awaits his team Friday, but he also knows it's a chance to go out strong.
"The pressure is off somewhat, simply because that first place is out of the equation now," Bristol said. "So, hopefully we can show up and be who we are. Sad thing is, whoever we face tomorrow is better than these guys (Park Hills) tonight. So, it's going to be a difficult task."
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