The University Heights Academy Blazers are now off to their best start in five years. The Blazers opened fast and finished fast on their way to a 68-49 win over the Murray Tigers in Blazer Gym.
The Blazers are now 3-0 to start the season for the first time since 2018-2019, which was the year the Blazers last won the All A Classic state championship. The Blazers would also reach the regional final that year before falling to Madisonville-North Hopkins.
The Blazers opened the night with their defensive pressure cranked up to high on the thermostat and the Tigers had trouble handling it in the first quarter. UHA used defense to ignite the offense and bolt out to a 20-10 lead after the first eight minutes of the game.
Elijah Walton and Quinton Quarles combined for 13 points to help get the Blazers off to the fast start.
The two teams battled fairly even in the second quarter. UHA looked for a brief moment like they were ready to put the game away, but to the Tigers’ credit, they were able to fight and claw and keep the margin at 10 points at 35-25 going into the break.
Murray’s defense was able to slow down the Blazers’ attack in the third quarter, holding the Blazers to just four field goals in the quarter. Led by a strong effort from Collin Wilson, the Tigers looked to have things flowing their way as the quarter ended with the UHA lead down to 44-39.
But that would be the end to the comeback for Murray. The UHA defense took over again down the stretch, holding the Tigers to three field goals in the final quarter as the Blazers pulled away to the 19-point win. Quinton Quarles and Gavin Grubbs led the strong finish for the Blazers.
Quarles finished the game with 19 points. Grubbs added 14, with 11 of those coming in the final quarter. Elijah Walton also hit double-figures with 11.
Jeremiah Jones led the Murray effort with 16 points. Lincoln English added 13 points for the Tigers.
UHA (3-0) travels to McCracken County Thursday night to take on the Mustangs.
MHS — 10 15 14 10 – 49
UHA — 20 15 9 22 – 66
Murray – Jones 16, English 13, Wilson 9, Carman 6, May 5
UHA – Quarles 19, Grubbs 14, Walton 11, Hauret 9, George 7, Northington 6, Baker 2
