The Chillicothe Hornets boys basketball team has been playing their best basketball over the last couple of weeks and it continued on Thursday night hosting Kirksville. The Hornets had won three consecutive games, to push their record to 13-8, and the Tigers held a near identical record, with just one more win.
Kirksville hit a pair of threes early and held a 7-6 lead midway through the first quarter when Chillicothe took control. Jaishon White had a dominant first quarter, scoring 10 points. Chillicothe took great care of the basketball, even in the face of the Tigers’ press, Chillicothe turned the ball over just three times in the first half. Chillicothe also had a breakout game from freshman Burke Beetsma who had established himself as the third scorer for the Hornets on the season, but took it to another level in this game. Beetsma scored nine points in the 2nd quarter as Chillicothe went on a 12-0 run to lead 18-7 and the Hornets took firm control of the game. Chillicothe was ahead 24-11 at the break.
The Hornets defense prevented Kirksville from any easy looks, making the task of overcoming the deficit even more daunting. Kirksville was held under 30 points for the game, the third time this season Chillicothe has held their opponent under 30. Offensively White and Beetsma continued to produce. Beetsma finished with a game high 16, and White had a double double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Chillicothe was never threatened in the 42-29 win.
The Hornets winning streak continues and will be put to the test Friday night when Chillicothe takes on the Marshall Owls.
Chillicothe 10 24 33 42
Kirksville 7 11 20 29
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – Beetsma 16, White 15, Turner Jackson 5, Max Probasco 4, Deakan Delaney 2
Kirksville – Joel Feeney 11, Kyle White 7, Jordan Quigley 5, Blake Nesbitt 2, Logan Martin 2, Cutler Lincoln 2