For the first time in the history of the West Kentucky Hoops Classic, the Caldwell County Tigers have posted a perfect mark in their own holiday event.
The Tigers upended South Panola from Batesville, Miss., 67-58 Friday night at the CAB gym to conclude this year’s Hoops Classic.
That gives Caldwell a 2-0 showing including Thursday’s 68-49 victory over Heritage Christian Academy of Hopkinsville.
The Tigers did win twice in one day in the 2018 Hoops Classic, beating Brighton, Tenn., and Fulton City. But Caldwell lost the next day to Clarksville Northeast and finished the event 2-1.
Against South Panola, a 15-0 run helped the Tigers open up what had been a close game.
Up just 29-26 in the final minute of the first half, Caldwell’s run saw it take a 44-26 lead when Demaurius Thompson made two free throws at the 5:14 mark of the third quarter.
The 18-point margin was the biggest of the night — but the South Panola Tigers almost climbed all the way back.
When Cameron Griffin scored on a stickback with 4:03 left in the game, South Panola was as close as two points, 57-55.
But Caldwell countered with nine straight points to regain control of the contest.
South Panola made just one field goal over the final 4 minutes — a 3-pointer with only 30 seconds remaining.
Jaydarius Wilson poured in 31 points for Caldwell, going 11 of 17 from the floor and 9 of 13 at the free throw line. Wilson also had seven rebounds and six blocked shots.
Thompson had 14 points while Collin Whittington scored 11 points.
Carter Whittington had eight points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals while being named Caldwell’s Player of the Game.
Griffin was the Player of the Game for South Panola after netting 11 points and 14 rebounds. Jamison Smith had 14 points, while Tre’darius Hines and Dematric Houston each scored 13.
Caldwell shot 60 percent from the floor in the contest, making 24 of 40 field goal attempts.
South Panola was 23 of 58 for 39.7 percent.
The Tigers are now off until Thursday, Jan. 4, when they will play at Paducah St. Mary as part of a girls and boys varsity doubleheader.
South Panola 9 17 17 15 — 58
Caldwell County 17 15 21 14 — 67
South Panola (2-12)—Smith 14, Houston 13, Hines 13, Griffin 11, Bibbs 3, Wright 2, Miles 2.
Caldwell County (5-4)—Wilson 31, Thompson 14, Co. Whittington 11, Ca. Whittington 8, Hammett 3.
