Zane Trace Tip-Off Classic

Article presented by Pike County Career & Technology Center…

Ross County Christian Academy 63, Piketon 59

There Eagles scored in double figures to grab a 63-59 win over Piketon in the opening game of the Tip-Off Classic’s second day of action at Zane Trace High School. 

Sophomore Reid Elliott paced the RCCA attack with 19-points, Isaac Kellough dropped in 14 and Nathaniel Clevinger tallied 11. Jayden Beverly added 9-points all in the final period.

Piketon got off to a slow start, falling behind 17-6 after the first quarter and cut the lead to 26-20 by halftime. The Eagles widened the gap to 12 in the third before a late rally by the Redstreaks in the final period. Piketon closed the margin to 61-59 in the final 30 seconds of regulation, but RCCA nailed down the victory on a pair of Beverly free throws. 

RCCA (1-0) hosts Fayette Christian. Tuesday. Piketon (0-1) will host Lucasville Valley Saturday.

Waverly 60, Fisher Catholic 54 

The Tigers earned a 60-54 win over Fisher Catholic despite a 32-point effort from Sam Tencza for the Irish.

The contest was tight through most of the game with both teams matched at 16 through the first period and Waverly holding a slim 41-38 lead at the intermission.

Fisher took the lead through into the fourth period, 49-47 on a put back by Neil Damian. However, Waverly took control down the stretch limiting the Irish to just five points.

Kage Alexander led the charge for Waverly nailing nine field goals posting 23-points, 17 coming in the first half. Kai Keesee was the Amin cog in the second half with 13 of his 17-points coming after the break. Teegan Hurt had 12 while the Myers brothers combined for another eight. It’s the first win for new head coach Teryn Jarrett. 

The Tigers (1-0) will host Gallia Academy next Friday in the Waverly Downtown Gym. Fisher Catholic (0-1) open Mid State League Cardinal action Saturday night in a home match with Millersport.

Chillicothe 46, Bloom-Carroll 24

In an old Cavalier cheer squad refrain, “Our Chilli is red hot”. It certainly was Saturdays night in the nightcap of the Tip-Off Classic.

The Cavaliers came out of the blocks with their athletic brand of offense and a stifling defense. 

Andrew Hamman and Cooper Stoneking knocked down some three-pointers and the Cavs held Bloom-Carroll to five points for a 13-5 score after the first quarter.

Chillicothe opened the second period on a 7-2 run and three minutes in, the Cavs were up 13 at 20-7. By the intermission, Chillicothe owned a 25-10 lead.

The opening moments of the second half weren’t much different. Cayden Cox threw down a thunderous dunk on a break away with 1:15 left in the third to put Chilli up by 24 at 36-12.

Stoneking led all scorers with 15-points, Cox added 11 and Hamman 10 for Chillicothe.

Caleb Hinkle led Bloom-Carroll with 8-points, all in the first half.

Chillicothe (1-0) heads to Marion Harding next Saturday night.

The Bulldogs (0-1) open Mid State League Buckeye action Tuesday night at Circleville.