A strong first half on Thursday put Circleville in position to think about a potential upset of defending Mid-State League Buckeye Division champion Bloom-Carroll. The Bulldogs, however, countered with a torrid third quarter and used their depth to rally for a 67-57 win over the host Tigers.
“Our guys played a great first half against Bloom-Carroll,” Circleville coach Cody Carpenter said. “We handled their zone press, moved the ball and our guys knocked down some big shots.”
Behind the play of guards Briley Cramer and Joe Wray, the Tigers were able to get out to a 19-14 lead over the Bulldogs after a quarter of play.
Wray knocked down a pair of three-pointers on his way to eight points in the period and Cramer followed with six points.
The Tigers extended their lead to 31-24 at the break, with four players contributing on offense during the second quarter.
Ian Warden connected on a pair of baskets for four points, and Cramer and Preston Hulse each knocked down a three-pointer.
Bloom-Carroll doubled its first-half offensive production in just the third quarter, taking command for a 48-39 lead.
“Our defensive intensity was there all night, but we eventually got gassed there in the third quarter,” said Carpenter, whose team has been without the services of up to four varsity players through the opening weeks of the season. “Bloom-Carroll was playing 11-12 guys and we just couldn’t hang on.
“Fatigue played a big part in our turnovers, but you also have to credit Bloom-Carroll with the tough defense it was playing.”
Chase Chapman led the way with 10 points and Michael Malone added eight during the 24-8 run.
Cramer led all scorers with 19 points, eight of which came during the fourth quarter. Warden followed with 14, Wray had eight and Slater Search contributed seven points and pulled down 13 rebounds.
Chapman paced the Bulldogs with 15 points, all scored during the second half, Malone had 13 and Michael Whitcraft contributed 11.
Both teams continue league play on Saturday, as the Tigers (3-3, 1-2) travel to Liberty Union and the Bulldogs (2-0, 2-0) head to Amanda-Clearcreek.
Bloom-Carroll 67,
Circleville 57
BLOOM-CARROLL — Jett Jones 2-0-5, Michael Malone 6-0-13, Tryce Chaffin 2-1-5, Jackson Wyant 3-0-6, Owen Conrad 4-0-8, Michael Whitcraft 4-2-11, Michael Stevenson 2-0-4, Chase Chapman 7-1-15. Three-point goals — Jett Jones, Michael Malone and Michael Whitcraft. Total — 30 4-9 67.
CIRCLEVILLE — Preston Hulse 1-2-5, Briley Cramer 7-4-19, Joe Wray 3-0-8, Ian Warden 6-0-14, Slater Search 3-1-7. Three-point goals — Ian Warden (2), Joe Wray (2), Preston Hulse and Briley Cramer. Total — 22 7-12 57
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 F
Bloom-Carroll 14 10 24 19 67
Circleville 19 12 8 18 57
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