Trigg County wrapped up play in the Todd County Central Battle at the Border Friday with an 84-50 loss to Hopkins County Central in the fifth-place game.
The Wildcats played without leading scorer and rebounder Jhaden Vaughn, who injured his finger during a 28-point, 19-rebound performance the night before in Trigg’s win.
While they missed Vaughn offensively, his absence was more glaring defensively as the Wildcats lost their rim defender.
Trigg was outrebounded 35-22 and watched Hopkins Central hit 16-of-19 shots in the second half and shot 57-percent for the game.
Hopkins County Central never trailed in the game and led by as many as nine points. Trigg battled back to within 34-32 in the final minute of the second quarter. But a foul called on Trigg, followed by a technical foul led to four free throws for Drake Skeen. On Trigg’s next possession, Skeen got a steal and bucket to cap the quick 6-0 run that led to the 40-32 halftime lead.
Hopkins Central took command of the game with a 10-1 run to begin the half. Hopkins Central hot 7-of-8 shots in the quarter while Trigg was 2-of-16. The Wildcats got no closer than 13 points the rest of the way.
In addition to a 57-percent shooting night, the Storm hit 18-of-20 at the free throw line.
Skeen hit 11-of-11 free throws and finished with 23 points to lead all scorers. Trevahn Jones scored 22 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Trigg County, who hit just 4-of-27 shots after halftime, got 10 points from Jerimyah Shearer and nine points each from Luke Washer and Tutu Gude. The Wildcats also got five points and seven rebounds off the bench from TayShaun Linton.
Both teams will begin play in the Class 2A Sectionals Tuesday. The Storm will host Paducah Tilghman while Trigg County travels to Union County.
Trigg coach Mason Burgett said he expects Vaughn to be ready to play next week.
Trigg County 15 17 6 12– 50
Hopkins Central 24 16 17 27– 84
Trigg County (8-6) – Shearer 10, Gude 9, Washer 9, Bush 6, Linton 5, Reynolds 3, Stewart 2, Breckel 2, Terrell 2, Reeves 2
Hopkins Central (7-5) – Skeen 23, Jones 22, Weldon 10, Butcher 9, Hall 6, Craig 6, Hoard 4, Belt 2, McDaniel 2
