HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville Tigers won an absolute thriller against their cross-town rival, the Christian County Colonels. Hopkinsville won the game by a score of 57-55, fueled by a 4th quarter comeback.
Early on, it looked like their first matchup all over again. Great defense, but no one could consistently hit shots for the Tigers. Hopkinsville head coach Anthony Babb told his team to just keep fighting.
“We’re a team that is always going to fight.” said Babb. “We just have to keep on grinding until the last buzzer goes off, and they did that tonight.”
Midway through the second quarter of action, Christian County star forward Darell Bateman got injured and the momentum shifted toward Hopkinsville. Shortly after the injury, the halftime buzzer sounded, and the Colonels led 25-24.
Christian County head coach Toby Miles told Christian County Now that Bateman will be fine but wanted to sit him out for the rest of the game out of caution.
Fourth quarter heroics
Entering the final quarter of play, the Tigers trailed the Colonels by ten points, but they didn’t panic. Due to their ability to move the ball and feed the paint, they fought their way back into the game.
With 1:55 left to play, the Tigers took their first lead of the game and held on to win the game 57-55. After the game, Babb said he likes to see his team celebrating after a hard-fought win, especially in a storied rivalry.
Hopkinsville High top scorers: Antonio Willaims – 21 points; Dereion Dudley – 12 points; James Bradley – 6 points; Jarae Leavell – 5 points; Deavery Ramey – 5 points; Dashawn Garland – 2 points; Keontae Radfurd – 2 points; Atararius Muses – 2 points.
Christian County High top scorers: Jordan Miles – 22 points; Derell Bateman – 13 points; Kam Williams – 8 points; Prince Northington – 8 points; Ja’sean Riley – 2 points; Theo Quarles – 2 points.
Christian County girls’ basketball sweep Lady Tigers
The Christian County girls’ basketball team completed the season sweep over the Hopkinsville Lady Tigers with a convincing 67-37 victory.
The Colonels took control of the game early, being extremely physical on the defensive end and holding the Lady Tigers to only 16 points in the first half.
“Our defense turns into our offense, that’s been our motto all year,” said Colonel head coach Kiki Radford. “We just have to continue working and getting better.”
It wasn’t all bad for the Tigers though. They were led by guard Alicia Davis, who scored 14 points for Hopkinsville. Her rebounding effort and scoring output kept Hopkinsville in the game early.
However, the Colonels would never trail in this game, and would easily take the victory 67-37. Anaysia Bagwell could not be stopped from three-point range and led the game with 29 points.
Christian County High top scorers: Anaysia Bagwell 29 – points; Nevhead Day – 14 points; Lazarie Daniel – 10 points; Carliah Hobson – 6 points; Daniah Bradely – 4 points; Amari Northington – 3 points; D’Ebony Anderson – 3 points; Kassidy Quarles – 1 point.
Hopkinsville High top scorers: Alicia Davis – 14 points; Shiyah Forte – 9 points; Crislyn Murray – 7 points; Kathavia Fleming – 3 points; Dommingurt Allosworth – 2 points; Makayla – 2 points.