After playing a great first half and a good third quarter, the Russellville Panthers ran out of gas in the fourth quarter Tuesday while playing yet another outstanding opponent in this special season. Coach Phil Todd’s team led the state’s seventh ranked team, Christian County, 55-53 at the half in Hopkinsville.
The Colonels had gone ahead 71-70 as the third quarter ended, but Russellville tied it at 73-73 on sophomore Jacob Naylor’s seventh 3-pointer of the game. And then suddenly, it was over. Coach Frankie Smith’s Colonels outscored the visitors 19-2 to build a 92-75 margin.
Christian County won 97-83 to improve to 15-4 on the season.
Naylor finished with 25 points, 19 of them in the first half. He hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter, three in the second, and one each in the third and fourth periods.
Two superstars took scoring honors for their teams in a scintillating battle. The Colonels’ Detorrion Ware scored 33 points and the Panthers’ Pedro Bradshaw was right behind at 32. Twelve of Ware’s points came in the fourth quarter surge. He matched Naylor by hitting seven from long range. Ware, a junior, also led his team in rebounding with 7.
Bradshaw hit a pair of treys, but he was especially tough at the foul line, sinking 10 of 11 free throws. His performance was balanced with 10 points in the first quarter, 9 in the second, 7 in the third and 6 in the fourth.
Ware had lots of support. Jaylen Sebree scored 22 points and had 6 rebounds. T’Alveyhon Mason added 20 points while Cory Trice totaled 14 points and 6 rebounds. The Colonels hit 9 of 17 three-pointers, led by Ware at 7 of 11.
No other Panther besides Bradshaw and Naylor scored in double figures. Russellville has not yet posted its statistics other than scoring. Micah Naylor hit a pair of 3-pointers, and Deshawn Mason got both of his free throws to fall.
The Panthers are in Frankfort preparing for Thursday’s 9 a.m. game against East Ridge in the All A Classic state tournament. Paul Jones, who wasn’t available for this game, is expected to be in uniform in Frankfort.
Chris McGinnis of WRUS says, "According to the website, www.allaclassic.org, http://www.koolhits1057.com/ will broadcast every game of the All A State Tournament. RHS plays East Ridge Thursday morning at 9 in Frankfort in the opening round. WRUS will post scores on our FB page and Twitter @wrus_rhs."