The Chillicothe Hornets boys basketball team was at Lafayette on Tuesday for an MEC matchup. The Hornets entered 12-8 and 2-1 in the conference.
Both teams struggled in the early going, fouls were more prevalent than made shots to begin the game. Lafayette made just two field goals in the first quarter but held a narrow advantage 9-8 due to numerous trips to the free throw line. Jaishon White scored six of the Hornets 8 first quarter points, but to close out the half the freshman guards for Chillicothe caught fire from the outside. Turner Jackson knocked down a pair of threes and Burke Beetsma added another putting Chillicothe ahead 19-15 at half.
Both teams defensive intensity remained high in the 2nd half, as points were hard to come by. Lafayette’s Jodell Redman provided a lift for Lafayette. After being held scoreless in the first half, Redman tallied 15 to put the pressure on Chillicothe.
The Hornets were ahead 26-25 entering the 4th quarter, and down the stretch once again leaned on their do-it-all senior forward Jaishon White. A couple of traditional three point plays down low came at perfect times for Chillicothe, and the Hornets executed well from the free throw line, going 12/16 to secure the win, 39-36. Jaishon White led all scorers with 17, and Turner Jackson added 13.
Chillicothe continued their improved play with another statement conference win, this time on the road to go to 3-1 in the MEC and 13-8 overall. The Hornets will host Kirksville on Thursday.
Chillicothe – White 17, Jackson 13, Beetsma 9, Jack Marshall 2
Lafayette – Redman 15, Owen Zeit 10, Evan Parksell 5, Kanon Williamson 3, Donavyn Fonseca 2, Tejas Davison 1