Chillicothe Closes Game With Solid Effort in FAC Opening Victory Over Hillsboro

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In the words of Chillicothe Cavaliers Coach Pat Beard, “We learned how to win tonight.” The Cavs overcame a couple of late game losses in the past two weeks, by driving the nail in the coffin in Friday’s 62-56 win over the Hillsboro Indians to open Boys FAC Basketball play.

The night was also highlighted with the dedication of “Thomas M. Cuppett Court” at Hatton Memorial Gymnasium, to honor the late Cavaliers coaching great.

Trailing 26-21 at halftime, Chillicothe went on a 20-8 run in the third period for a 41-34 advantage, propelled by a big second half effort from McDonald’s “Player of the Game” Cam Badger, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the third and fourth quarters. He also added 10 rebounds for the contest.

Hillsboro’s Jack Howland drives vs Cooper Stoneking- Photo: Aaron Glandon/Litter Media

After Chillicothe built their 7 point lead late in the third, the Indians closed on a 4-0 run that included a mid-court buzzer beater by Jack Howland to close the gap to 41-38 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter saw the Cavaliers take care of their business with better free throw shooting that had betrayed them in losses to Warren and Marysville, as Chillicothe shot 14/20 for the contest to enable them a 21-18 final quarter advantage for the 62-56 win to open FAC play.

Chillicothe’s Andrew Hamman on the free throw line- Photo: Aaron Glandon/Litter Media

Chillicothe was 24/57 from the field- including 4/16 from the arc for 42%. Hillsboro was 17/50 from the field- including 4/16 from the arc for 34%. The free-throw line kept them close on the scoreboard as they blistered the nets for 16/19.

Rebounding was almost even with Chillicothe edging Hillsboro 27-26. The Indians committed 16 turnovers while the Cavs had 12.

Aside from Badger’s 14 points, Chillicothe was led by Caydon Cox with 16 points, Andrew Hamman scored 12, Cooper Stoneking 11, Daniel Scissum 5, and Juan Miller 4 points. Miller’s defense was also a key to victory for the Cavs.

Chillicothe’s Caydon Cox defends against Hillsboro’s Jack Howland- Photo: Aaron Glandon/Litter Media

Hillsboro was led by Jack Howland’s 24 points Xander Lake added 15 points and 10 rebounds, Tate Davis connected for 13 points, while Mason Dumpert and Brayden Hunter each added 2 points.

Chillicothe improves to (1-0/2-3) while Hillsboro falls to (0-1/2-1). Chillicothe’s next FAC game will be against Miami Trace.