Manual Defeats Rival Male in Close Basketball Matchup

This marks the Crimsons' fifth straight win over the Bulldogs in the heated rivalry.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:53am

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In a sold-out matchup between two top teams in the seventh region, Manual High School defeated rival Male High School 66-65 in a close basketball game. Neither team was able to create much separation in the first half, with Manual leading 30-26 at the break. Four Manual players finished in double figures, led by Dario Harper's 18 points. Jordan Mitchell paced Male with 16 points.

Why it matters

The Manual-Male basketball rivalry is one of the most intense in the state, with the two schools located just miles apart in Louisville. This latest victory for Manual extends their winning streak over their crosstown rivals, further cementing their status as a top program in the region.

The details

In the closely contested game, neither team was able to pull away, with Manual holding a slim 30-26 lead at halftime. For the Crimsons, four players scored in double figures, led by Dario Harper's game-high 18 points. Jordan Mitchell was the top scorer for the Bulldogs, finishing with 16 points.

  • Manual defeated Male 66-65 on February 21, 2026.

The players

Dario Harper

A Manual High School player who led all scorers with 18 points in the game.

Jordan Mitchell

A Male High School player who paced the Bulldogs with 16 points.

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The takeaway

This victory extends Manual's winning streak over their crosstown rival Male, further cementing their status as one of the top basketball programs in the region. The intense rivalry between the two Louisville schools continues to produce thrilling matchups that captivate the local community.