The quick rise of former Hebron point guard Ridge Shipley continues.
The Cal Poly freshman scored four points and had three assists Wednesday as Cal Poly beat Texas Southern, 81-69, in the matchup of 16 seeds. Cal Poly will play top-seeded Wichita State on Friday.
Shipley played 18 minutes in the game. Here are some highlights, although you'll only get a quick look at Shipley (#10). Watching the game, I thought he looked very composed for a freshman. (Could they get him a bigger undershirt for his jersey, however? Maybe Shipley likes them that way.)
When Shipley was at Hebron, the game that stood out - at least among the ones I watched - was last year's playoff victory over DeSoto. When Hebron got the lead, Shipley took control of everything and helped the Hawks hold off favored DeSoto.
Last week Shipley hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the Big West Tournament Championship game - a 61-59 Cal Poly win over Cal State Northridge - to put Cal Poly in the NCAA Tournament for the first time.
Here's a story about Shipley from The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Shipley talks about the game-winning shot in the story.
"Just hearing what different people have to say that that shot is the biggest shot in Cal Poly history, I just kind of step back, and, well, I'm 19 years old, and something like that is going to be known in history. It's crazy to think about and such a blessing and such a great opportunity to have in my life and to be able to do that for this team and community."