Wins over Madisonville-North Hopkins on the hardwood have been few and far between for Caldwell County over the years.
The Tigers entered Tuesday’s game at Maroon Gym having lost 21 straight games to Madisonville. Caldwell’s last win in the series had been in February of 2017.
However, Caldwell put a stop to that losing streak, with Pax Aikins and Ari Wells combining for 50 points in the Tigers’ 75-58 victory over the Maroons in 7th District action.
Madisonville (0-3 overall, 0-1 district) led early, grabbing a 17-16 advantage after 8 minutes.
But Caldwell (2-1, 1-0) edged ahead 35-27 at halftime, then put the game away in the second half.
The Tigers led by as much as 18 points in the third period. The lead never dipped below double figures after that.
Caldwell held a 55-40 advantage through three quarters.
The margin hit 19 points in the fourth quarter before Caldwell held on for the 17-point win.
Madisonville still leads 95-12 all-time, but Caldwell gets off to a quick start in district play this season.
Aikins had scored 29 points in each of the first two games for Caldwell. He finished with 28 against the Maroons. Wells added 22 points and a team-high 15 rebounds.
Daelyn Lander finished with 11 points and eight boards for the Tigers.
Lake Sumner led the Maroons with 14 points. Deacon Dever had 12 and Jeremiah Lewis nine.
District play will continue for the Tigers and the Maroons on Friday.
Caldwell’s guys will go to Dawson Springs while Madisonville will visit Hopkins County Central.
The Tigers and Maroons will meet again Jan. 30 in Princeton.
Caldwell County 16 19 20 20 — 75
Madisonville-NH 17 10 13 18 — 58
Caldwell County (1-2, 0-2)—Aikins 28, Wells 22, Lander 11, Phelps 6, Roach 6, Boyd 2.
Madisonville-North Hopkins (0-3, 0-1)—Sumner 14, Dever 12, Lewis 9, Underwood 8, Oldham 7, Sharp 6, Adler 2.
