Despite an 0-3 start to the season, Fort Campbell coach Anthony Harrell said he could see some light at the end of the tunnel. That light switched on Tuesday as the Falcons beat Trigg County 55-51, beating the Wildcats on the glass most of the night.
Fort Campbell turned 18 offensive rebounds into 19 second chance points. The biggest beneficiary was sophomore Jorden Clark, who scored 19 points and grabbed 18 rebounds – both game highs. 12 of his points came on putbacks.
The Falcons only outrebounded Trigg County 45-39, but the Wildcats made just four shots on 11 putbacks. That was just part of the problem for the Wildcats, who shot just 30-percent from the field, including 3-of-19 from behind the 3-point arc.
Clark’s prowess on the boards helped the Falcons lead Trigg 17-16 after one quarter. Fort Campbell extended their lead to 31-22 at halftime and 37-24 early in the third quarter.
Trailing 47-37 early in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats went on a 10-2 run, keyed by a pair of 3-pointers by Devron Triplet. However, the Falcons hit 6-of-10 free throws in the final three minutes while Trigg County hit 3-of-9 shot attempts and could never get closer.
Joining Clark in double figures were Cameron Johnson (14 points, 9 rebounds) and Austin Mergele (13 points, 6 rebounds).
Trigg County also had three players score in double figures, led by Triplet’s 14 points. Kendric Adams added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and DeOvion Day just missed his third straight double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Both teams have district games Friday. Trigg County (2-1) travels to Livingston Central, while Fort Campbell (1-3) hosts Hopkinsville.
