Goshen – The Pike County Bulldogs were named boy’s champions of the 1st Annual Goshen Holiday Tournament Sponsored by The Messenger with a convincing 53-29 victory over the host Goshen Eagles on Friday.

Pike County, who defeated Zion Chapel on Thursday, took the lead with 5:16 remaining in the second quarter and never looked back.

Goshen held a 15-13 advantage after one period, but the Bulldogs proved to be too much as they led by 11 at halftime, 28-17. Goshen would score just 12 points in the second half and struggled to limit turnovers against the fast-paced Pike County squad.

“I thought we started out a little slow, but turned it up in the second half,” Pike County head coach Doug Branson said. “Defensively, we didn’t play very well early. The guys came out and did what they needed to do after we made a few adjustments.”

Goshen’s Denzil Green made a lay up to open the second quarter. That would be the Eagles only bright spot, however, as the Bulldogs went on a 16-0 run to end the half.

Ryshawn Hall finished with 12 points to lead Pike County. Stevie Smiley scored 10 while Kamari Jackson added nine.

Goshen was led by Deangelo Orum with 12 points. Jamarius McIntyre added seven and Denzil Green finished with six.

Goshen returns to action on Jan. 4 when they participate in the Alabama Florida Challenge. Pike County will not play again until Jan. 8 as they host Montgomery Catholic.

 

Highland Home 53, Zion Chapel 16

The Highland Home Flying Squadron took home the girls championship with a 53, 16 win over Zion Chapel.

The Flying Squadron led the entire game including a 31-13 advantage at halftime.

Jenna Dorman led all scorers with 21 points for Highland Home. Jasmine Means scored 12.

For Zion Chapel, Ashlyn Bentley led the Rebels with nine points. Whitney Rugg added seven.

 

Goshen 52, Pike County 26

The action got underway on the afternoon with the ladies of Goshen and Pike County squaring off in the third place game.

Goshen, who has beaten Pike County twice this season, struggled in the first half of Friday’s matchup. The Eagles’ star player, Ivia Pollard, sat for most of the first half after getting some early fouls.

Pike County used the opportunity to notch basket after basket, and set a season high for points in the first half. The Bulldogs drilled back-to-back threes at the end of the first half to pull within two at the break, 19-17.

Out of the locker room, and with Pollard back on the floor, Goshen went on a big third quarter run and never looked back the rest of the game. The Eagles outscored Pike County 19-2 in the third frame to break the game wide open.

The Bulldogs were only able to muster nine points in the second half, as Goshen won easily 52-26.

 

Highland Home 47, Zion Chapel 35

In the boys third place game, Highland Home survives a ferocious second half rally from Zion Chapel to win 47-35. The Flying Squadron opened the game on a 19-2 run, and led by a convincing 19 points at the half, 30-11.

Zion Chapel coach Vaughn Hill installed a press defense at the start of the second half, and forced turnovers and rushed shots for Highland Home. The Rebels then began to chip away at the big lead, with a 17-4 run in the third quarter, and closed to within 6 points towards the end the third quarter.

Highland Home was able to get some key baskets down the stretch to just keep the game out of reach for the resilient Rebels, and won by twelve.

The Rebels low post player, Ethan Deal, finished the night with 10 points to led Zion.