After going 2-0 in its own West Kentucky Hoops Classic for the first time a year ago, Caldwell County got the 2024 version of its holiday tournament off on the right foot on Friday.
The Tigers never trailed against Heritage Christian Academy, opening the game with a 10-2 run on the way to a 72-37 victory over the Warriors.
Caldwell, now 6-4, built a 15-5 lead after one quarter, then put up 27 points in the second period to take a 42-14 advantage to halftime.
The game reached the running-clock mercy rule in the third quarter when the difference hit 56-20.
Caldwell is now 3-0 all-time against the Hopkinsville private school.
The Tigers used a balanced offensive attack in the triumph. Collin Whittington was Caldwell’s only double-digit scorer with 13 points. Jaydarius Wilson had nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds while Cade Rowland also added nine points. Daelyn Lander had eight points.
Jason Leek provided much of the Heritage Christian offense with 28 points and 15 rebounds.
The Warriors are now 2-8. They will host Crittenden County next Friday.
Caldwell plays its second game in the Hoops Classic on Saturday when it meets Shades Valley from Birmingham, Alabama.
Heritage Christian 5 9 8 15 — 37
Caldwell County 15 27 19 11 — 72
Heritage Christian Academy (2-8)—Leek 28, Wheatcraft 3, Kirkman 3, Morgan 3.
Caldwell County (6-4)—Whittington 13, Rowland 9, J. Wilson 9, Lander 8, Parker 6, Phelps 6, Roach 6, Aikins 5, K. Wilson 5, Wells 4, Spikes 1.
