Hornets sting East Buchanan in Semi-final game

The Penney High Hornet defense swarmed the Trenton Bulldogs, taking a commanding 56-31 lead into the 4th quarter on their way to a semi-final victory in the 22nd Hamilton Invitational Basketball Tournament, punching their ticket to the Championship game on Saturday against KCI rival East Buchanan.

Telly Harper scored 10 of Hamilton's 17 first quarter points to jump start the Hornets to a 10 point lead after one. Latroy Harper led the 2nd quarter Penney attack with 10 points for a 32-18 half time lead. Korby Ford's 9 points and Latroy's 8 fueled a 24 point 3rd quarter as the Hornets coasted to a 64-52 win. Latroy hit three 3-pointers and made his only free throw attempt to lead all scorers with 21, grabbed 4 rebounds, stole the ball a team leading 5 times, and had 1 assist. Telly tallied 12 points while going 6 for 9 from the field, grabbed 7 rebounds, and handed out 3 assists. Ford scored 11 including 2 for 2 from the charity stripe and hitting a shot behind the arc, registered 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Jaran Richman went 3 for 3 on free throws in scoring 9 points, and had a double/double with a team leading 11 rebounds and 10 assists, plus 4 steals. Mason McFall scored 7 points with a 3-pointer, delivered 4 assists, hit the boards for 2 rebounds, and stole the ball once. Derek Dixon rounded out the scoring making both field goal attempts with 4, and 2 rebounds. Wes Pratt was credited with 2 rebounds and a steal. Andy Ernat and Drake Brown also added to the host team victory. Brice Dillon led the Bulldogs with 4 three pointers and 12 points, and team mate Cree Mullenix had 10.

It was a clean, well officiated game, with Hamilton making 100% of their 6 free throw attempts to Trenton's 1 of 2. Penney continued to take care of the ball with only 9 turnovers while assisting on 19 made baskets and stealing the ball 11 times.

The Bulldogs made 9 shots from behind the arc of which 5 were in their 21 point final quarter.