Caldwell County has been playing well of late, but the Tigers ran into a red-hot Henderson County team on Thursday.
The Colonels are ranked No. 1 in the 2nd Region according to the KHSAA RPI. Henderson improved to 10-0 this season against region foes and won its ninth straight game overall 87-57 at the CAB gym in Princeton.
Henderson (20-4) overwhelmed the Tigers early with its length and quickness while running out to a 28-15 lead after one quarter.
Caldwell (13-12) seemed to settle down in the second period and crept to within 31-25.
However, just as quickly as the Tigers seemed to be back in it, the Colonels regained command.
Henderson quickly reestablished its double-digit lead and pushed the margin to 54-34 at halftime.
The outcome was never in doubt after that, with Henderson pulling away in the final frame for the 30-point triumph.
Amare Stewart led the Colonels with 24 points. Xavion Johnson finished with 12, Zeph Thomas added 11 and MaLaikye Taylor totaled nine points.
Caldwell got 22 points from Daelyn Lander and 11 from Pax Aikins. Dayton Wilson had nine points and Landon Mitchell had eight.
Henderson extended its winning streak over Caldwell to 21 straight games. The Tigers have not beaten the Colonels since claiming a 75-71 decision in February of 1978.
Henderson leads the all-time series between the two teams 25-3.
Caldwell will look to bounce back Friday when it visits Trigg County as part of a girls and boys doubleheader.
The Tigers defeated the Wildcats 96-60 Tuesday night in Princeton.
Henderson County 28 26 11 22 — 87
Caldwell County 15 19 12 11 — 57
Henderson County (20-4)—Stewart 24, Johnson 12, Thomas 11, Taylor 9, Isabel 6, Townsend 6, Williams 5, Shidler 4, Little 3, Byrum 3, Woolfork 2, Jones 2.
Caldwell County (13-12)—Lander 22, Aikins 11, D. Wilson 9, Mitchell 8, K. Wilson 5, Roach 2.
