Lapel survives early Blackford run, punches semistate ticket

Bulldogs rally to win Class 2A regional title after early challenge from Blackford star Amarian Leggett

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:40am

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Lapel was challenged early by Blackford star Amarian Leggett, who scored 23 points, but the Bulldogs rallied to win the Class 2A regional championship 67-55. Lapel coach Kevin Cherry made key adjustments, including switching to a 2-3 zone defense, to slow down Leggett and the Bruins. The Bulldogs went on a 10-0 run in the second quarter to tie the game, and they took the lead for good in the third quarter, outscoring Blackford 16-7 in the period. Lapel senior Devin Craig led the Bulldogs with 23 points.

Why it matters

This win punches Lapel's ticket to the semistate round, a significant achievement for the program in coach Kevin Cherry's fourth year. The Bulldogs overcame an early deficit and the dominant performance of Blackford's star player Amarian Leggett, showcasing their resilience and ability to make key adjustments to secure the regional title.

The details

Blackford opened the game on a 9-2 run, including four points from Leggett. Lapel called an early timeout and regrouped, going on a 10-0 run in the second quarter to tie the game. The Bulldogs took their first lead on a 3-pointer from senior Tyler Cash. Lapel then pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Blackford 16-7 to take a 42-36 lead they would not relinquish. Craig hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to extend Lapel's lead to seven points.

  • Blackford opened the game on a 9-2 run in the first quarter.
  • Lapel went on a 10-0 run in the middle of the second quarter to tie the game at 26-26.
  • Lapel took their first lead on a 3-pointer from senior Tyler Cash with 2 minutes left in the second quarter.
  • Lapel outscored Blackford 16-7 in the third quarter to take a 42-36 lead.
  • Lapel senior Devin Craig hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to extend the Bulldogs' lead to 7 points.

The players

Amarian Leggett

A 6-foot-5 sophomore guard for Blackford who recently surpassed 1,000 career points and led the Bruins with 23 points in the game.

Kevin Cherry

The head coach of the Lapel Bulldogs, who made key adjustments including switching to a 2-3 zone defense to slow down Leggett and the Bruins.

Devin Craig

A senior for the Lapel Bulldogs who led the team in scoring with 23 points, including two key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to extend the lead.

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What they’re saying

“Just stay the course. Just calm down, you know, we're fine. We're not playing to our standard. Let's just keep grinding and find a way to get us back into this.”

— Kevin Cherry, Head Coach, Lapel Bulldogs

“They got players everywhere. And they're a very good team. I mean, I'm sad we lost. I know we gave it everything we've got, but they're a good team, and we need to hold our heads high.”

— Amarian Leggett

“I think they played extremely hard. They're a game-of-runs team. If they're down 20, they're not out of it, and if they're up 20, it doesn't feel like they're they have it in the bag. We never felt like we were out of the game because of the way they play, but you never feel like they're out of the game with the way they play. They just play so hard, and when they shoot it as well as they do, then in the late games, they shoot the free throw so well. It's really hard to get back into it.”

— Aaron Daniels, Head Coach, Blackford Bruins

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.