Utica (4-7, 2-4) took on the Newark Catholic boys’ basketball team (1-10, 0-6) on Jan. 16, and Roman Gamble put together a solid second half of scoring to lead the Redskins to a 58-41 home conference win.

Utica took a 15-7 lead in the first quarter, led by Gavin Chinn with six points. Hunter McKinney had four points and Gamble hit a three in the quarter, as well. The were outscored 13-12 in the second quarter, but the Redskins took a 28-19 lead into the second half. McKinney led all scorers at halftime with eight points, and Chinn and Gamble scored six points.

The Redskins had a 20-11 scoring advantage in the third quarter, with Gamble scoring eight points including a three. They won the fourth quarter 11-10, and Gamble finished strong with another eight points.

Gamble finished the night with a game high 22 points, and was a force on the glass with 13 rebounds . He was able to draw fouls and make his shots from the free throw line effectively, going 10-for-12.

Hunter McKinney scored 10 points, also getting in double figures in scoring. Gavin Chinn had nine points and grabbed eight boards. Kam Hall also had nine points, Logan Gosnell had five points and a pair of assists, and Coen Woodward hit a third quarter three to round out the scoring for Utica.

The new year has treated the Utica Redskins kindly, as the team has won two straight games and four of the last six. Coach Brian Radabaugh said it has taken a full team effort during the turnaround.

“We have been getting scoring contributions throughout our line up,” Coach Radabaugh said. “We have had 6 different players hit double figures in our 4-2 stretch.”

Utica has a battle with a tough Northridge squad (9-3, 5-2) in Licking County-Cardinal Conference action on Jan. 19 at 7:15 in front of a home crowd.