Trigg County took a one-game lead in the Fifth District race by knocking off the Rockets 67-57 on New Year's Eve at Marion. The game was originally to have been the season opener for both clubs, but it was snowed out in early December.
Payton Croft's Wildcats were plenty quick and took a commanding 17-point lead into the fourth period, but the Rockets chipped away at the end and closed to within six with a minute to go on a steal and layup by Travis Gilbert. However, Trigg made its foul shots down the stretch to fend off the late rally.
Rocket coach Denis Hodge said his team was a bit befuddled early by Trigg's trapping press. Once, Crittenden began attacking the Wildcat defenses, it opened up more offensive opportunities, the coach said.
Hodge described guard Landon Young's performance as a "breakout game."
Rocket coach Denis Hodge said his team was a bit befuddled early by Trigg's trapping press. Once, Crittenden began attacking the Wildcat defenses, it opened up more offensive opportunities, the coach said.
Hodge described guard Landon Young's performance as a "breakout game."
Young scored 15, including six the last period, to lead Crittenden County while bigman Tae Day had 23 for Trigg County. Devin Belt scored 10 for the Rockets and played somewhat sparingly at the end because of foul trouble and some matchup issues against Trigg's quick lineup. Trigg had three more players in double figures, Corbin Estes had 13 and Demaria Nance and Deebo Mayes got 11 apiece.
Both teams came into the game with 2-0 records in district play. The Rockets host the post-season Fifth Disttrict Tournament this year.
