The Utica boys’ basketball team (0-3, 0-2) went up early but fell apart after the first quarter in a 48-28 loss to Heath (2-1, 2-0) on Dec. 14. 

Heath went up 5-0 to start the game, but Roman Gamble stepped in front of a pass for a steal and sent the ball to Hunter McKinney for a fast break score to make it 5-3. Dylan Yates hit his first three of the night in the quarter to tie the game 7-7. Down 8-7, McKinney struck again on a three from the corner to take a two point lead.

In the second quarter with a 10-8 lead, Utica’s Gavin Chinn blocked a layup attempt to keep the lead at two. Utica went up 14-11 and Heath was threatening to score, but Coen Woodward grabbed a loose ball near their hoop. Heath was up 21-14 in the second quarter when Yates drilled another three to make it a four point game. It was a 21-17 lead for Heath at the half.

Heath went on to dominate the second half with quarter advantages of 13-8 and 14-3 to take a 20 point win. Yates had a steal in the third quarter, showing the Redskins were not letting up despite the deficit expanding. Colton Palmer also had a block and McKinney had a steal in the fourth.

Utica shot 27% and 18% from three. They led 2-1 in blocks, but Heath led 29-26 in boards, 11-7 in assists and 8-4 in steals. They shot 31% and 24% from three.

Gavin Chinn led the Redskins with nine points and McKinney had seven points. Roman Gamble and Yates each had six points. Coach Brian Radabaugh was happy with the team’s defense throughout the night, but they still need to find ways to put points on the board.

“Was a tremendous defensive effort but couldn’t overcome a poor shooting night,” said Coach Radabaugh.

Utica hosts Mount Vernon (3-2, 2-1) on Dec. 19 at 7:15 p.m. and Berkshire (0-2, 0-1) on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.