HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Panthers’ defense fuels opening round win

Pikeville’s defense rescued the offense in an ugly win over Caverna, 43-33, in the opening round of the boys’ All “A” Classic state tournament at Corbin Arena on Thursday night.

The Panthers improved to 11-3 and will face Evangel Christian, a winner over Kentucky Country Day, in the quarterfinals at 9:30 pm tonight. 

Charlie Fitzer led the Panthers with 15 points. He was the only player on either team to score in double figures.

Eli Johnson and Carter Hurley added nine each.

At Corbin

(All ‘A’ Classic State Tournament)

SCORE BY QUARTERS:

PK (11-3)…..6  16    6  15 – 43

CV (12-6)…10   6  11    6 – 33

Scoring:

Pikeville (43) – Eli Johnson 2(1) 2-2 9; Carter Hurley 1(2) 1-2 9; Heath Jarrell 0 3-4 3; Josh Hughes 2 0-0 4; Charlie Fitzer 7 1-4 15; and Ian Onkst 0(1) 0-0 3. Totals: 12(4) 7-12 43.

Caverna (33) – Kenyon Martin 1(1) 2-2 7; Jaylin Craine 2 5-6 9; Tyson Martin 3 2-2 8; Desmond Rowlett 0(1) 0-0 3; Beau Barker 0(1) 0-0 3; and Russell Williams 1 1-2 3. Totals: 7(3) 10-14 33.