SVC BOYS BASKETBALL
Photo by
Sheri Fultz
In fairness to ZT, the Pioneers were without senior guard Gabe Haynes. Haynes, arguably the league’s top returning perimeter defender as well as ZT’s second leading scorer, will find out later this week if season-ending surgery will be needed to repair his injured shoulder.
Southeastern and Huntington locked up in a tight game from start to finish. No team ever held more than a two possession lead as Southeastern led 12-11 after one and then 24-22 at the break. The two teams were then tied at 36-36 after three and again at 45-45 at the end of regulation. Finally, it was Southeastern on the strength of Kellough’s three that lifted the Panthers to the 49-47 win.
Scoring was tough to come by all night, but it was particularly tough late. The clock ticked under four minutes in the game before a field goal was scored in the fourth quarter – a Tyler Osborne jumper giving SE a 39-36 lead. After a Kyle Deal triple tied it at 39-39, SE took the lead back on two Kellough free throws and a sweet same-side dribble, open court move by Osborne that resulted in an old fashion three to give the Panthers a 44-39 advantage.
The Panthers appeared in control, but Dylan Gragg hit two free throws and Sam Mitchell delivered four points to help Huntington catch the Panthers at 45-45. Southeastern did have a chance, but was unable to execute for a good look. Huntington then had one last shot in regulation - a Deal shot from half court that was on line but short.
In overtime, Huntington was able to strike first as the lefty Gragg finished with the right hand to put the Huntsmen up 47-45…Huntington’s final points of the night. Osborne made one of two from the line to make it 47-46. This set the table for Kellough’s three. Kellough first missed a three in the left corner, but the Panthers ran down the long rebound. The ball was then returned to Kellough just left of the top of the key, and the diaper dandy delivered the big shot. Huntington had multiple chances at the line to tie and even a late three to win it, but nothing would fall as Southeastern prevailed to start SVC play with a win.
For SE in the win, Osborne led the way with 17 points, five assists, and three steals. Michael Brown added 14 points and nine rebounds and Kellough added 12 points. In the loss, Huntington was led by Deal with 15 points and four steals. Gragg added 12 points and nine boards and Mitchell chipped in with nine points.
Zak Smith on the glass in win