YSE File Photo
A tough second quarter put the Christian County Colonels in a hole they could not recover from Friday night. Three Aces scored in double figures as Owensboro Catholic got past the Colonels 54-47 in the Southwire Holiday Classic at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
The Colonels and the Aces went toe-to-toe in the opening moments of the contest. Catholic held a 12-11 lead as the opening quarter came to an end. Balance was the story for both teams early as five players scored for the Aces and four for the Colonels in the first eight minutes.
The Aces’ defense held Christian County to just a pair of field goals in the second quarter. Prince Northington’s three and Derrell Bateman’s basket were the only scores for the Colonels as Owensboro Catholic was able to extend the lead out to 25-16 at the break.
Catholic’s defense continued to keep the pressure on the Colonels as the second half got underway, again limiting Christian County to just two field goals in the third. Derrell Bateman kept the Colonels in the game during the dry spell by knocking down five of seven at the free-throw line. Christian County entered the final quarter trailing 38-25.
Christian County heated up behind the line in the fourth quarter, knocking down four 3-pointers, but it would not be enough to pull out a late-game rally. The Aces, led by Tutt Carrico, hit 6 of 8 at the free throw line to help hold the Colonels at bay and pick up the seven-point win.
Derrell Bateman led Christian County with 20 points. Prince Northington finished with 10. Kam Williams added nine points, seven of them coming in the second half.
The Aces were paced by Waryn Ebelhar and Luke Beickman with 12 points apiece. Sully Smith also hit double figures with 10.
Christian County (5-6) will close out the 2023 portion of the schedule Saturday by taking on the Owensboro Knights.
CCHS — 11 5 9 22 – 47
OCHS — 12 13 13 16 – 54
Christian County – Bateman 20, Northington 10, Williams 9, Riley 3, Rowe 3, Bridges 2
Owensboro Catholic – Ebelhar 12, Beickman 12, Smith 10, Frick 8, Carrico 8, Hagan 4
