The Chillicothe Hornets met University Academy in the 2nd night of the Bill Burns Shootout in Lathrop on Wednesday. University Academy entered the game at 9-3 while Chillicothe was 8-5 riding a four game win streak.
The Hornets were missing key starter Jack Marshall for the 2nd consecutive game with an illness. That did not prevent Chillicothe from starting like a rocket, shooting out to a 21-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hornets forced the Gryphons into tough shots while pushing in transition when given the opportunity and finding Jaishon White underneath in the halfcourt. White led all scorers with 14 points in the first half, but University Academy counterpunched in the 2nd quarter, stifling the Hornets offense. Chillicothe managed just three points in the quarter, but held onto a narrow 24-21 lead at the break.
Both offenses picked up in the 2nd half, University Academy cut the deficit to one, but Chillicothe extended the lead to seven, at 42-35 entering the 4th quarter. Turner Jackson had an outstanding 2nd half, scoring 14 points after the break and 18 in the game. Chillicothe maintained a lead throughout the 2nd half as the game approached the final minute. The Hornets lead 55-49 following a pair of free throws from White inside the final 30 seconds.
The Gryphons quickly came the other way and Jackson committed a foul on a three point attempt from DeAnthony Hicks with 18 seconds remaining. Hicks converted all three free throws to make it 55-52. Following a timeout the Hornets turned the ball over in the backcourt, Hicks laid it in for two making it a one point game. Chillicothe then coughed the ball up again before getting to halfcourt. University Academy was fouled on a putback attempt with 2.8 seconds remaining, sending Hicks back to the free throw line and fouling White out of the contest. Hicks converted the pair, giving University Academy their first lead of the game and capping off a personal 7-0 run from DeAnthony Hicks in the final 20 seconds of the game.
Turner Jackson’s desperation three at the buzzer fell short and Chillicothe missed out on what would have been their signature win thus far on the season, falling 56-55. Hicks had a game high 30 points, while White finished with 23 in the loss. The Hornets drop to 8-6 and will play their first home game of the season on Tuesday hosting Penney Hamilton.
Chillicothe 21 24 42 55
University 8 21 35 56
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – White 23, Jackson 18, Max Probasco 10, Burke Beetsma 2, Deakan Delaney 2
University – Hicks 30, TaJuan Cann 14, Teron Trice 4, Timon Ford 4, Damont Holloway 2, Keylan Lue 2