Hamilton Heights dropped a close home game on Friday, falling to New Castle 56-53.
The Trojans led 18-12 after the first quarter and 34-26 at halftime. The Huskies slowly chipped away at the lead in the second half, but New Castle held them off.
“We made a really good run,” said Heights coach Chad Ballenger. During the game’s last couple minutes, the Huskies made one more run that put them in a potential winning position.
“We gave up a big free throw rebound late that they put back that really hurt us,” said Ballenger.
“But overall, I was pleased,” said Ballenger. “We did a really good job. We guarded extremely well.”
Luke Carroll reached double-double status with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Isaac Tuma had 10 points. Maddox Bohland collected five rebounds and Braden Kinder dished out five assists.
“We really competed,” said Ballenger. Didn’t get off to a good start, but the kids responded really well and we made some steps in the right direction.”
Heights is 0-2 and plays tonight at Guerin Catholic.
NEW CASTLE 56, HAMILTON HEIGHTS 53
Heights FG FT TP PF
Luke Carroll 8-14 4-6 20 4
Isaac Tuma 5-10 0-0 10 3
Maddox Bohland 2-5 2-2 7 1
Braden Kinder 4-7 1-2 9 4
Tillman Etchison 0-3 0-0 0 2
Collin Gilmore 2-2 0-0 4 1
Evan Williamson 1-2 0-0 3 0
Totals 22-43 7-10 53 15
Score by Quarters
New Castle 18 16 8 14 – 56
Heights 12 14 10 17 – 53
Heights 3-point shooting (2-8) Bohland 1-3, Williamson 1-2, Etchison 0-2, Carroll 0-1.
Heights rebounds (25) Carroll 11, Bohland 5, Kinder 4, Tuma 2, Gilmore 2, Williamson 1.