By RICHARD TORRES
For The Reporter
The host Hamilton Southeastern Royals battled to a 13-13 tie through the first quarter against rival Zionsville on Friday, Jan. 23, but a difficult second frame torpedoed their chances at a fifth-straight victory.
The visiting Eagles surged ahead 26-15 by halftime and matched the Royals 32-all in the second half to win their Hoosier Crossroads Conference meeting, 58-47.
The loss halted HSE’s winning streak at four consecutive games.
The Royals were outscored 33-12 from 3-point range and 11-9 from the free throw line, as the Eagles tallied 10 points off nine HSE turnovers.
Zionsville controlled the outcome behind a quartet of double-digit scorers with Nick Snively (4-for-7 from 3-point, eight rebounds), Rylon Gore (3-for-10) and Camden Moore (3-for-6) each posting a team-high 14 points. Zack Green (1-for-2) added 11 points.
HSE’s Maverick Young supplied a game-high 17 points with three rebounds and three assists.
Landon Osswald followed with 10 points. Varschon Clark added eight points.
The loss dropped HSE’s conference record to 2-2, which positions them fourth overall in the standings with three more HCC contests remaining.