HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County Colonels hosted the Hopkinsville Tigers in front of a packed crowd for a rivalry matchup Friday. A low-scoring, physical game saw the Tigers pull away late for a 52-41 win.

Early on, the game was a tough battle, with both teams playing aggressive defense and limiting the shot-making of the opposing squad, but Hopkinsville built a 28-17 lead going into the half.

The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#44 Jonovah Leavell of The Hopkinsville Tigers for two against the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#4 Deavery Ramey of the Hopkinsville Tigers takes a free throw against the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#3 James Bradley of The Hopkinsville Tigers gets one off for two against the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#4 K. Williams with the layup against the Hopkinsville Tigers on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#4 K. Williams with the layup against the Hopkinsville Tigers on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#5 J. Bridges of the Christian County Colonels with a jump shot against The Hopkinsville Tigers on Janaury 24, 205 (Jeff Danault)
#21 R. Stevenson of the Christian County Colonels encoounters heavy defense courtesy of the Hopkinsville Tigers on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#1 Z. Wherton of the Christian County Colonels for two against the Hopkinsville Tigers on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#3 James Bradley of The Hopkinsville Tigers moves past the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Hopkinsville Tigers defeated the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#22 Layton Giltner of The Hopkinsville Tigers puts one away for two against the Christian County Colonels on January 24, 2025 (Jeff Danault)

Christian County head coach Kerry Stovall said it was the little things that put them down early. “We missed a lot of free throws, turned the ball over, and you can’t do that in a rivalry game,” said Stovall. “We can’t get behind, and we have to fight a little bit harder. We have a lot of season left, and we have to move on from this one quickly.

The Tigers used momentum to continue their run, spurred on by the loud visiting crowd.

MORE: Christian County Girls outlast Hopkinsville in rivalry basketball matchup | PHOTOS

For Hopkinsville head coach Anthony Babs, it’s a win that can propel the team going forward.

“Both teams fought hard; that’s how this rivalry goes,” said Babs. “We were aggressive and attacked. We all know each other, we all love each other, but when the game starts it’s time to go. Our squad is coming along, and if we keep getting better, we’re going to have a good shot at the region.”

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