The Hamilton Heights boys basketball team picked up its first win of the season Tuesday, beating Clinton Central 64-56 in its home opener.
The Huskies burst out to a 24-12 lead after one quarter, and at point led by 18 during the first half. Heights enjoyed a 39-28 advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs closed to within 50-46 by the end of the third quarter, but the Huskies were able to hold on in the fourth.
“We’re a learning experience,” said Heights coach Chad Ballenger. We were up 18 in the first half and just didn’t really close the deal. We got to learn to play with a lead.”
Ballenger said his team “played well in spurts,” and Heights had good balance. Tillman Etchison had a great game, with 25 points and five assists. Maddox Bohland was solid on both ends, with 17 points, seven steals and five rebounds. Sam Dawson added 12 points, including three 3-pointers.
“It was a great learning experience,” said Ballenger. “We just have to get better defensively and rebounding.”
The Huskies are 1-1 and go back on the road Friday, playing at New Castle.
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 64, CLINTON CENTRAL 56
Heights FG FT TP PF
Cooper Vondersaar 0-1 0-0 0 3
Maddox Bohland 6-11 4-7 17 3
Tillman Etchison 9-19 7-9 25 0
Sam Dawson 4-8 1-1 12 1
Evan Williamson 2-6 0-0 5 1
Simon Knott 0-1 2-2 2 2
John Irion 1-5 0-2 2 4
Phoenix Vondersaar 0-0 1-2 1 2
Totals 22-51 15-23 64 16
Score by Quarters
Clinton Central 12 16 18 10 – 56
Hamilton Heights 24 15 11 14 – 64
Heights 3-point shooting (5-22) Dawson 3-7, Williamson 1-5, Bohland 1-4, Etchison 0-3, C. Vondersaar 0-1, Irion 0-1, Knott 0-1.
Heights rebounds (20) Bohland 5, Dawson 4, P. Vondersaar 3, Etchison 3, Knott 3, C. Vondersaar 1, Williamson 1.