Russell Conwell/Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard
Section618.com
BENTON–Here is a recap of the third session of the 48th Benton Invitational Tournament.
Benton Rangers vs Hamilton County Foxes
Two hungry teams were coming into this game as the Benton Rangers were trying to end a four-game losing streak, while the Hamilton County Foxes trying to move a step closer to their first outright BIT title since 1996.
Both teams would come into the game hot, but the Foxes had the upper hand ending the first on an 8-0 run to lead 11-7. Hamilton County would continue leading in the second quarter as the Foxes took a 19-14 lead going into halftime.
The Rangers came out in the third firing on all cylinders, as they went on an 8-0 run, forcing Hamilton County to call a timeout. The Foxes closed the quarter with a Brady Thrane buzzer-beating layup; that was two of his seven points in the game. Hamilton County led 28-24 going into the fourth quarter.
Benton wasn’t done yet, though, as the Rangers would eventually retake the lead at 34-33 on two Luke Melvin free throws with 45 seconds left. Keegan Glover later added two more free throws for a three-point Benton lead. After a timeout with 25 seconds left, Hamilton County’s Wyatt Hamson scored to cut the Rangers’ lead to 36-35. A missed free throw by Benton gave the Foxes a chance to possibly win it, but they turned it over. Glover then added two more free throws with three seconds left, but the Rangers could not celebrate until Hamilton County’s shot from halfcourt at the buzzer missed. Benton won the game 38-35.
The Rangers’ leading scorer was Glover who had 12 points and a few crucial late-game steals. The Foxes leading scorer was Hamson with 12.
Meridian vs Sesser-Valier
After Meridian and Sesser-Valier both took tough losses Wednesday night, they were both still trying to compete for the championship.
In the second quarter, Meridian was starting to pull away, getting a lead as big as ten. The Bobcats couldn’t hold it though, as S-V made the halftime score 29-25 Meridian.
S-V trailed 44-36 after three quarters, but with about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Gabe Gunter pulled the Red Devils back within two. Gunter’s second half performance wasn’t enough, though, as S-V would miss the tying shot at the buzzer. Meridian wins 53-51.
The Bobcats’ leading scorer was Jaden Bigham. He had 19 points on the night. The Red Devils’ leading scorer was Colt Packer with 16 points.
Pinckneyville vs Vandalia
Both teams had huge wins Wednesday night, but the Vandals could never keep up with the Panthers. Pinckneyville had every player that was dressed scored, leading the Panthers to a 76-36 win. The Panthers’ leading scorer was Duke Riggins with 17 points, and the Vandals’ leading scorer was Reid Wells with 8 points.
The final two sessions of the BIT will be Saturday.
Session IV Schedule
Vandalia (1-2) vs Hamilton Co. (2-1) 10:00 AM
Pinckneyville (2-1) vs Sesser-Valier (1-2) 11:30 AM
Meridian (2-1) vs Benton (1-2) 1:00 PM
Session V Schedule
Sesser-Valier vs Vandalia 5:30 PM
Hamilton Co. vs Meridian 7:00 PM
Benton vs Pinckneyville 8:30 PM
B.I.T. Standings
Hamilton Co. 2-1
Pinckneyville 2-1
Meridian 2-1
Sesser-Valier 1-2
Vandalia 1-2
Benton 1-2