Hornets Sting Dragons in Key KCI Matchup
Bryce Kemper brought his Mid Buchanan Dragons to Hamilton for a game that would decide which team would keep their hopes alive for at least a share of the KCI Title.
Coach Rick Ross and his Hornets were up to the task and took a 25-16 lead into the second quarter after Korby Ford hit a three at the buzzer. Penney High would score another 25 points in the second while holding the Dragons to 11 for a 23 point half time lead.
Mid Buch made a run in the 3rd quarter, out scoring Hamilton 18-13, and again in the 4th, but the Hornets claimed the KCI victory, 70-62.
Jaran Richman had another double-double, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, handing out 7 assists, hitting 5 of 7 field goals and 7 of 7 free throws, stealing the ball once and blocking a shot, as well as taking a charge. Korby Ford also scored 18 points, hitting 4 shots beyond the arc and going 2 for 2 at the line, rebounded the ball twice, assisted on 3 baskets, stole the ball twice, and took a charge. Latroy Harper also had a double digit scoring night with 16, making both free throw attempts, leading the team with 4 steals, assisting on 3 buckets, and securing 5 rebounds. Telly Harper was next with 7 points, assisted on 4 made baskets, rebounded the ball 3 times, stole the ball twice and took a charge. Mason McFall scored 5 points, snared 4 rebounds, and stole the ball twice. Derek Dixon made both shot attempts from the field for 4 points, and Wes Pratt made his only attempt at a field goal for 2 points, rebounded the ball twice and stole it once.
The Hornets hit 26 of 46 field goals and 12 of 13 free throws to go with 17 assists and 10 steals. Braydn Kemper led all scorers with 20 for the Dragons, followed by 19 by Chase Gilbert and 13 for Hunter Scaggs. Mid Buch made 6 from behind the 3-point arc, and 10 of 19 free throws.
One key to Penney's success on this night and in the future is staying out of early foul trouble. If the District seeding holds true, the number 1 Hornets would face the second seeded Dragons in the championship game on Saturday, February 27th at Maysville.
Hamilton's record improves to 17-3, 5-1 in the KCI, with a KCI home game against West Platte on Tuesday and an out of conference game at Trenton on Thursday prior to the Class 2, District 16 Tournament.
