YSE File Photo
A bit of a slow start would end up costing the Christian County Colonels Saturday. The Colonels fell behind early and then saw their big comeback effort fall just short as they dropped a 62-59 decision to Butler County in the Jersey Mike’s Classic at Great Crossing High School.
The season-opening loss for the Colonels came on the day that Derrell Bateman joined the 1,000 point club with his first point of the afternoon.
The Colonels opened the game cold from the outside, and to complicate matters, the Bears did not. Christian County would end up shooting 33 percent from the field in the opening half while Butler County shot better than 60 percent. That difference translated into a 16-9 Butler County lead after the first quarter that grew to a 38-27 lead at the break.
The Colonels did shoot slightly better in the second half at 34.3 percent, but it was their defense that began to turn the tide for Christian County. The Colonels would use an 18-3 run to charge back into the game, but it would fall just short.
At the end of the third quarter, the Colonels had trimmed the lead to 46-42. But the second-half rally would fall just a little short as the Bears held on to take the 3-point win.
The Colonel defense very nearly pulled off the rally as the pressure led to 22 Butler County turnovers. But the cold shooting was just a bit much to survive.
In addition to scoring his 1,000th point, Derrell Bateman led the Colonels with 29 points and 15 rebounds. Jasean Riley added 13 points while Jordan Mills finished with 12.
All-State candidate Ty Price led Butler County with 21 points. Briar Griffin added 18 for the Bears.
Christian County (0-1) gets back to action Tuesday when the Colonels go on the road to take on Madisonville-North Hopkins.
CCHS — 9 18 15 17 – 59
BCHS — 16 22 8 16 – 62
Christian County – Bateman 29, Riley 13, Miles 12, Northington 5
Butler County – Price 21, Griffin 18, Rice 12, Deweese 6, Castien 5
