It’s a new year and a new result for the Christian County Colonels’ basketball team, which led from start to finish and defeated visiting Russellville 79-71 Friday night.
The teams were tied only once at 2-2 before the Colonels quickly took control and led 24-12 after one quarter.
Led by the play of Zion Acree, Na’Darien Rowe, and Rahsean Stevenson, the Colonels pushed their lead to 42-21 at halftime. Acree had nine of his 17 points in the first half and Rowe had nine of his 12 in the first half.
After trading baskets to start the third quarter, Russellville began to chip away at the big lead and outscored Christian County 26-19 in the third quarter. Rowe got into foul trouble and the Panthers’ pressure defense began to cause some issues for Christian County.
In the fourth quarter, Russellville (4-7) continued come back, led by Octavius McKeague and Noah Stovall. Twice the Panthers got within three points.
However, an Acree basket and steal led to another quick basket by Stevenson as the Colonels pushed the lead back to seven.
Stevenson ended the night with 19 points and dominated the glass. He had a key rebound and free throw in the final minute to help preserve the win.
Rowe ended the game with 12 points for the Colonels and Josh Bridges added 11.
McKeague had 32 points to lead Russellville, which saw its four-game winning streak halted. Stovall had 14 points and Jamarion Gardner added 11 points.
The Colonels are 2-11 on the season and return to action Thursday night in their District 8 opener at Heritage Christian Academy. It will be part of a girls’/boys’ doubleheader. Airtime for the girls’ game is 5:45 p.m. on 95.3 The Farm.
Score by quarters:
Russellville 12 9 26 24 – 71
Christian Co. 24 18 19 18 – 79
Individual Scoring:
RHS (4-7) – Coleman 5, Stovall 14, McKeague 32, Darden 3, Gardner 11, Nourse 4, Dickerson 2.
CCHS (2-11) – Acree 17, Wharton 4, Johnson 2, Williams 7, Bridges 11, Rowe 12, Jesse 7, Stevenson 19.
3-Point Goals: RHS – Coleman, McKeague 2, Darden; CCHS – Acree, Rowe 2, Jesse.
File Photo