Heritage Christian Academy had a tough run at the Todd County Central Battle at the Border this week, but the Warriors saw a first half lead slip away for a third straight game in a 66-49 loss to Gordonsville, Tenn. Friday in the seventh-place game.
The Warriors have struggled to piece together four solid quarters in their losses this season but the third quarter was their bugaboo in their three games in Elkton.
HCA was outscored 58-29 in the third quarter and 111-60 in the second half against Todd County Central, Hopkins County Central, and Gordonsville.
Carlos Robles and Trentin Fowler each scored six points in the second quarter as the Warriors built a 30-29 lead at halftime. But foul trouble plagued the Warriors in the second half.
The Tigers started the second half on an 8-2 run and coaxed a fourth foul on Robles. Gordonsville then scored seven straight points with Robles on the bench to take a 44-32 lead.
Robles would foul out on the final play of the third quarter with Gordonsville leading by nine points.
In Thursday’s loss to Hopkins County Central, the Warriors saw a 14-point first half lead wilt away as the Storm used a disparity at the free throw line to score the comeback win.
Hopkins Central hit 21-of-26 free throws compared to 4-of-7 for HCA. The same thing happened again Friday, leaving Warrior Coach Matt McGowan visibly displeased in the fourth quarter.
Gordonsville was 26-of-36 at the line, while Heritage was 12-of-22.
Jason Leek scored nine of his game-high 18 points in the final frame. Robles and Fowler each scored 10 points.
Gordonsville’s Brayden Holliman hit 9-of-10 free throws and finished with a game-high 22 points.
Heritage Christian Academy will return to play Thursday when they host Butler County (8-5), which features sophomore guard Ty Price and his 29-points-per-game scoring average.
Gordonsville 12 17 15 22– 66
Heritage Christian 10 20 5 14– 49
Gordonsville (11-4) – Holliman 22, Dudney 12, Sykes 8, Adams 8, Climer 6, Grisham 5, Foster 3, Smith 2
Heritage Christian (12-11) – Leek 18, Robles 10, Tre. Fowler 10, Diaz 7, Gibson 2, Porter 2
