The Eagles and Panthers fell in their respective matchups on Thursday, while Owensboro came back in the second half for a narrow win.
Apollo vs. Whitley County
Being held to single digits in the first and fourth quarter, the Eagles were unable to muster up enough offense against Whitley County and fell 69-39.
The Colonels’ offense was sparked by Ashton Reynolds’ play in the first quarter, scoring seven points en route to a 16-8 lead going into the second.
Apollo was able to come alive offensively in the second by scoring 17 points, but Bryce Anderson and Lucas Queener helped Whitley County match them and took a 33-25 lead at halftime.
It was still a back and forth battle in the third quarter, as the Colonels and Eagles kept trying to create separation amongst each other. It was Whitley County who had the slight edge, outscoring them 14-10 and taking a 47-35 lead going into the fourth.
The Colonels’ offense exploded in the fourth quarter, while Apollo was only able to score four points. This offensive outburst from Whitley County put a bow on a blowout win, defeating the Eagles 69-39.
Senior Jaden Kelly was the only Apollo player to finish in double figures with 17 points, while Reynolds led all scorers with 20 points and Brayden Mahan finished with 14 points for the Colonels.
Grabbing its first win of the season, the Eagles finished the Magnolia Bank Holiday Classic with a record of 1-2.
Now sitting at 1-10 overall following the holiday tournament, Apollo will look to bounce back when they take on St. Mary at home at 1 p.m. on Friday.
Owensboro vs. Castle
Trailing at halftime, a strong second half performance from Owensboro pushed them past Castle for a 71-68 win.
It was a trio of junior Red Devils that led the charge in the first quarter, as Amari Wales, Dylon Talbott and Kenyatta Carbon combined for 18 points as Owensboro took a 22-17 lead into the second.
Castle had a strong second quarter with 24 points, but Carbon kept them in it with nine of the Red Devils 14 points.
Thanks to his efforts offensively, Owensboro trailed narrowly at a score of 41-36.
The Red Devils offensive prowess returned in the third quarter, with Wales coming alive again with nine points in the quarter.
On the defensive end they were able to hold Castle to 14 points, helping them tie the game at 55-55.
Wales and Talbott were back at it in the fourth quarter, scoring a combined 14 points out of Owensboro’s 16.
While Castle tried to get a spark with nine points from deep in the fourth, the Red Devils were ultimately able to halt them offensively and secured the 71-68 victory.
Wales led all scorers with 27 points, while Carbon finished with 19 and Talbott finished with 16 to combine for 87% of the team’s offense.
Owensboro’s second straight win moves them to 10-3 overall, as they will look to continue their successful ways when they take on Muhlenberg County at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 7.
Daviess County vs. Union County
After trailing throughout the entire game, a strong fourth quarter from Union County pushed them past the Panthers with a 65-62 win.
Daviess County’s defense was locked in during the first quarter, holding the Braves to single digits to take an early 15-9 lead going into the second.
Union County bounced back with a strong offensive performance in the second, scoring 19 points and cutting its deficit to 30-28 at halftime.
The Panthers were able to fend off the Braves and retain the lead in the third quarter, staying out in front 46-42.
But turnovers ultimately came back to bite Daviess County, while Union County was getting to the rim at will.
The Braves outscored the Panthers 23-16 in the fourth, grabbing a narrow 65-62 win.
Union County shot an impressive 53% from the field while forcing 19 turnovers as opposed to Daviess County’s 45% clip while forcing 15 turnovers.
Sophomore Gage Phelps led the Panthers with 15 points on the night, while junior Cole Burch finished with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Senior Isaiah Tomes and junior Jack Payne also finished in double figures, scoring 10 points each on the night.
Daviess County is now riding a four-game losing streak and sit at 4-7 on the season, but will have a short break for practice to regroup before they return to the hardwood.
The Panthers will hit the road to take on Ohio County for their next game, taking them on at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6.
