CAMPBELL HILL — Senior Eli Downen scored 21 of his game 25 in the second half to lead Carterville past Trico 46-30 in the season opener for both teams.

Downen, who personally outscored the Pioneers 21-15 in the second half, added ten rebounds to finish with a double-double in the delayed start to his senior season.

The pandemic version of high school basketball in Illinois tipped off for a handful of southern Illinois teams Tuesday night. There were several “adjustments,” including the players and coaches all being masked and only a handful of spectators allowed in to watch in-person.

Both teams struggled to get much done offensively in the first half, with Trico taking a 15-14 lead to the break after scoring final five points of the half.

The Lions took control with an 11-0 run to close the third quarter. Bryce Anderson’s go ahead three-pointer started the spurt. It was a lead Carterville would not relinquish the rest of the night. The Lions led 31-21 after three.

After a quiet first half, Downen came to life with eight points in the third and tacked on 13 more in the fourth helping the Lions pull away.

“Just the fact we’re playing–two weeks ago, we didn’t think this was an option,” said Carterville head coach Shane Hawkins. “Basketball is probably not gonna be real pretty this year. It’s just not, and that’s fine. You know what? Go compete, go play, go have fun. Try to do things the best you can. Try to compete at the highest level you can, but obviously it’s a lot more fun when you win.”

Ross Coleman and Daniel Vogt each scored 12 to lead the way for the Pioneers.

Both teams will be back in action Friday nigh. Carterville will visit Herrin, while Trico will open Black Diamond Conference play at home against Christopher.