Madison Comprehensive 59, Mount Vernon 54
Mount Vernon (4-3, 2-3) had another big night from Hudson Rohler against Madison Comprehensive (5-3, 2-2) last week, and despite a solid performance, the Yellow Jackets took a five-point loss, 59-54.
Madison Comprehensive went up 12-7 in the first quarter and then increased the lead to 26-18 at halftime after outscoring the Yellow Jackets 14-11. Both teams scored 19 points in the third quarter and while Mount Vernon had a 17-14 fourth-quarter advantage, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Rohler was the top scorer with 28 points and Trevor Buttke added nine points for Mount Vernon.
“We gave a good effort but ultimately did not get enough defensive stops to overcome a slow start offensively,” Mount Vernon Coach Nick Coon said. “We only had six turnovers for the game. We got a lot of quality shot attempts. We will need to improve finishing those plays as we continue our season. We have a difficult schedule remaining but we are looking to get better as individuals and as a team with each opportunity.”
Mount Gilead 75, Galion 66
Mount Gilead (4-3, 2-3) had two huge second-half performances to help guide the Indians to a 75-66 victory over Galion (3-5, 2-3). Carter Kennon scored all 20 of his points in the half and Matthew Bland scored 18 of his game-high 23 points in the second half in the come-from-behind Mount Gilead win. And both student-athletes saved their best for the fourth quarter to ensure the win.
Galion jumped out to a 15-11 first-quarter lead but then Mount Gilead outscored the Tigers 17-15 in the second quarter to make it a 32-26 game at the half. Carson Trainer had a three in the first quarter and Rowan Fitzpatrick nailed two second-quarter threes.
The Indians had a big third quarter with 23 points while allowing 14 points to take a 51-45 lead. Aaron Gannon had a leaping block to set the tone for Mount Gilead. He also had a fast-break layup at the end of the quarter. Bland scored 10 points in the third quarter and Kennon added seven to give the Indians the push to take the lead. The Indians finished strong with a 25-22 advantage to take a nine-point win.
Kennon had 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of three pointers, and he was 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. The game's top scorer was Bland with 23 points, Kennon hit 20, Aaron Gannon scored 13 points in the game, while Quade Harris and Fitzpatrick both scored six points.
Mount Gilead shot 49% and held Galion to 29%, while holding a 12-10 rebounding advantage in the game.
Centerburg 53, Granville 48
The Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 5-0) had four players hit for double figures in a 53-48 win over Granville (3-5, 2-1) last week.
Centerburg trailed 12-8 after one quarter and both teams scored 13 points in the second, making it a 25-22 game in favor of Granville at the half. Colton Martin scored nine points in the first half to lead the Trojans' offense.
In the third quarter, Centerburg took the lead with a 15-8 showing, including six points by Grayson Reynolds. Both teams scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and the Trojans were able to take a five-point victory.
Martin scored 15 points in the win to lead the Centerburg scorers. Reynolds had 12 points and Trevin Harris put up 11 points in the win. Isaiah Sule had 10 points, including a pair off threes for the Trojans.
Martin also had nine rebounds and two assists. Reynolds added three boards, two assists and a steal. Sule gathered four rebounds and had three assists and two steals.
Centerburg shot 49% as a team including 67% from downtown. They had a 9-5 assist advantage and had four steals and six blocks.
“We played well going into a break,” coach John Markefka said. “Four players in double figures. Colton Martin and Grayson Reynolds played their typical game providing leadership and consistency. Trevin Harris did a great job coming off the bench. Isaiah Sule and Carter Morgenstern contributed key plays to help earn the victory.”
Danville 67, Highland 41
It was a big night for the three Paynes of Danville (2-5, 0-5), who helped lead the team’s offense in a solid 67-41 win over Highland (2-5, 0-4).
Danville started hot out of the gate with a 21-6 lead led by nine points by Max Payne and seven points for Spencer Payne. They continued to play well into the second quarter with a 16-12 advantage, including a three-pointer by Wesley Payne.
In the third quarter, Danville outscored the Fighting Scots 13-9 and the Blue Devils took a 16-14 fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Max Payne was the top scorer in the game with 21 points including a three in the second quarter. Spencer Payne had 13 points with a three-pointer in the first quarter. Wesley Payne had nine points and also drained a three in the win.
Highland was led by Gavin Toombs with 12 points. Brock Church and Aaron West each had eight points.
Fredericktown 66, Lucas 55
Fredericktown (5-3, 5-0) battled Lucas (6-2, 4-0) in the Holiday Hoopla game last week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Brady Lester was the star from start to finish, taking the MVP award in a 66-55 win. Lester scored 18 points and had six rebounds and also played stellar defense in keeping Lucas' top scorer, Corbin Toms, in check.
The Freddies shot 50% from the field and had a great night from downtown at a 53% clip. Fredericktown and Lucas each had 32 rebounds and the Freddies had a 20-12 rebounding advantage. They also had five steals and a block in the game.
