YSE File Photo
A big start to the second half turned out to be the difference for the South Warren Spartans Saturday in Henderson. The Spartans broke open a close game coming out of the break on their way to a 76-60 win over the Hopkinsville Tigers in the Faupel Automotive/Chevrolet GMC Ford Colonel Basketball Classic at Henderson County High School.
The loss will send the Tigers into the New Year on a two-game losing skid.
Getting a big first quarter from Jonovan Leavell, Hopkinsville played South Warren dead even over the first eight minutes with the game tied at 18-18 after one.
The Spartans were able to gain themselves some breathing room with a 23-point second quarter and take a 41-36 lead into the break.
The turning point in the contest came with the start of the third quarter. South Warren limited the Tigers to just four field goals in the third and extended the lead out to 62-44 heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers would outscore the Spartans over the last eight minutes but could not mount a big charge to threaten the double-digit lead as South Warren held on for the 16-point win.
Hopkinsville got a big game from James Bradley Jr. with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Jonovan Leavell added 9 points. Deavery Ramey and Layton Giltner finished with 8 points each. Giltner also had 10 rebounds in the game.
Griffin Rardin was South Warren’s top scorer with 18 points. Owen Shively added 17 points while Bryce Button finished with 11 for the Spartans.
Hopkinsville drops to 3-8 with the loss. The Tigers are back in action Friday when they host the Owensboro Red Devils in Tiger Gym.
