CMS FALLS TO RITCHIE IN CLOSE ONE

(12/24/2010)
By Gaylen Duskey
realfang@citlink.net

Calhoun Middle School rallied from a poor first half and nearly pulled off an upset victory over Ritchie County Thursday night falling to the visiting Knights 36-32.

As bad as the Red Devils played in Tuesday's loss to Walton was as good as they played Thursday but it was not enough as burly Brayce Bolin scored all six of his points in the fourth quarter to provide the Knights, 4-2, with the impetus for victory.

Actually Seth Cottrill was the real thorn in the Red Devils side as he bombed away for 20 points (including three on a trey in the final period). He was most effective in the second quarter when he scored eight points on four back-door shots against the Red Devils defense.

Calhoun, now 2-5, was led by Tyler Gerwin who had 11 points and 10 rebounds. He had fouled out with a mere two points against Walton.

Tyler Sims regained his shooting touch to add 10 to the attack including six in the third quarter when the Red Devils roared from behind to tie the game.

Lucas Wilson chipped in with seven while Tyler Tanner added four. Sam Brady, Luke Sheldon and William Baker all played but did not score.

Wilson and Tanner played particularly well rounded games. Tanner had 11 rebounds and a blocked shot to go with his scoring while the defensive-minded Wilson had eight rebounds and three steals.

Ritchie County won the B game by a much more decisive 58-10 margin.

After allowing Calhoun to knot the score at 2-2 Ritchie went on a run blew the game apart.

Ritchie was led by big Orlando Bergey with 16 points and 12 rebounds. He did that despite playing less than half the game as Ritchie substituted early and often.

Ethyn Miller, Nick Watkins, Nick Murphy and Jerry Jones all scored two for the Red Devils while Austin Gribble and Riley Cain added one each.

Gribble played a particularly nice game in other areas as he had five steals and six rebounds.

Christopher Kirkland, Chris Thornton, Justyn Starcher, Robby Lamp and Kyle Farrell all played but did not score for the 0-7 Red Devils.