Rams Gore Eagle Conference Hopes
Rams Gore Eagle Conference Hopes
By David Sharp
Schuyler County (12-9, 3-1) ran the floor effectively, scoring frequently in transition during a 67-61 win over Knox County on February 12. The conference loss coupled with a Clark County win sealed an undefeated Tri-Rivers Conference championship season for both the Indian boys and girls.
Knox County (14-8, 4-2) jumped out to a 16-11 first quarter lead. Schuyler County raced to an 18-4 run in the second quarter. The Rams employed a triangle and two defense on Daniel McMahon and Cory Shultz.
Knox County could not get the ball inside much of the first half. Schuyler County blanked 1000 career point scorer Dennis Dent in the first two quarters. Jesse Wheeler caught fire, sinking three home run balls in the first half for Schuyler County.
The Rams turned the game around and led 29-20 at the half. Dennis Dent worked the lane for 12 straight made free throws and 21 second half points. Dent stepped out and canned a three ball in the third quarter.
Schuyler County continued to work free of Eagle defenders and outscored Knox County 20-18 in the third quarter for a 49-38 lead. Knox County fought back in the fourth quarter with 23 points.
The Rams left the door open for the Eagles to steal one with ten missed free throws in the final eight minutes. Three players scored double figure totals on each side for the 67-61 conference win.
“They came out with a lot more intensity than what we had,” said Eagle coach Jesse Crawford. “They beat us to the punch in a lot of areas in the basketball game. They got a lot of second chance opportunities. We couldn’t stop anybody off the dribble. They kept getting to the lane and dishing down for lay ups. Our guys weren’t hustling back on transition.”
“From the opening tip to the final horn, they just out played and out hustled us,” said Crawford. Jesse Wheeler led the Rams with 20 points. Jacob Winkler scored 15 points and pulled down 14 Schuyler County rebounds. Jaron Shively was in double figures with ten Ram points.
Schuyler County was 19-27 from the free throw line. The Eagles made 15 of their 19 free throw attempts. The Rams won despite 22 turnovers.
Dennis Dent scored a game high 21 KCHS points and gathered seven rebounds. Daniel McMahon tossed in 15 points with three assists. Cory Shultz was the third Eagle in double figures with 11 points.
Shane Clouse put in five KC points. Mitchel Penn scored four points. Zach Parrish tossed in a fourth quarter three ball and ended with three points and three assists. Lucas Hudson added two fourth quarter points. The Eagles wrapped up their conference slate with Putnam County.
