Caldwell Tips Off 2026 with Win Over Fort Campbell

Caldwell County and Fort Campbell hit the court for the first time in 2026 Friday afternoon in Princeton.

The Tigers blew open a competitive game in the fourth quarter to deal the Falcons a 72-55 setback.

Fort Campbell (4-8) led early in the game before Caldwell (6-5) got to halftime with a 35-23 advantage.

But the Tigers couldn’t put the Falcons away in the third quarter. Fort Campbell got within two points on multiple occasions in the second half, and trailed just 47-45 entering the final frame.

However, Caldwell never surrendered the lead, then stretched out the final margin over the final 4 minutes, building its largest lead at 17 points.

Pax Aikins led the Caldwell scoresheet with 19 points. Daelynn Lander scored 18. Ari Wells had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Dayton Wilson had eight points. Kese Wilson did not score but pulled down nine rebounds.

That helped Caldwell own a 43-28 advantage on the boards.

Kyre Ferguson led Fort Campbell with 18 points. Tyler Tow added 16 and Garrett Vannatta had 14 points and nine rebounds. Tyreek Anthony had 11 rebounds to go with four points.

Caldwell has now taken nine straight from the Falcons. The Tigers lead Fort Campbell all-time 23-7.

Both teams will see action Tuesday in the 2nd Region All A Classic.

Caldwell will host Lyon County while Fort Campbell entertains University Heights in first round action.

The semifinals and championship will also be played at Fort Campbell later next week.

Fort Campbell        13   10   22   10 — 55
Caldwell County    12   23   12   25 — 72
Fort Campbell (4-8)—Ferguson 18, Tow 16, Vannatta 14, Anthony 4, Katz 3.
Caldwell County (6-5)—Aikins 19, Lander 18, Wells 16, D. Wilson 8, Mitchell 7, Phelps 2, Roach 2.