(Batesville, IN) – Batesville built a commanding first-half lead, absorbed a third-quarter rally, and closed strong down the stretch Saturday afternoon to defeat Connersville 53–45 in an Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference boys basketball showdown at the Dog Pound.
The Bulldogs, playing their second game in less than 24 hours and without starting guard Ethan Schneider, improved to 13–1 overall and remained unbeaten in EIAC play at 4–0. Connersville dropped to 10–6 overall and 2–2 in conference action.
Batesville led just 10–7 after one quarter but used pressure defense and balanced scoring to seize control before halftime, outscoring the Spartans 18–5 in the second quarter to take a 28–12 lead into the break.
That advantage nearly evaporated in the third. Connersville opened the half on a 20–11 run, cutting the deficit to five before Batesville steadied itself late in the period. James Hughes scored at the buzzer to send the Bulldogs into the fourth quarter up 39–32.
Hughes was again central in the final eight minutes, scoring through contact, protecting the rim defensively, and finding open teammates as Batesville rebuilt its cushion. The Bulldogs pushed the lead back to double digits midway through the fourth and made enough free throws late to secure the conference win.
Hughes finished with a game-high 16 points. Trenton Lewis and Winston Garrett added eight points apiece, while Levi Hunt and Braden Hughes scored seven each off the bench. Cameron Holcomb chipped in five points, including a timely third-quarter three-pointer that helped halt Connersville’s surge.
Hunter Allen led Connersville with 15 points, while Chase Quarter scored 12 and Jay McMullen added nine.
After the game, Batesville coach Aaron Garrett said the circumstances surrounding the matchup made the result particularly meaningful.
“This was a good test for us, mentally and physically,” Garrett said. “We didn’t count on Ethan not being able to play, and then you’ve got Trent under the weather, so everything gets shuffled. But guys stepped up, and I was proud of the effort.”
Garrett credited his team’s response after halftime, when Connersville made its push.
“We came out flat in the third, and that’s on us,” he said. “But I thought James really came alive in the second half, not just scoring, but making plays for others. Overall, it’s a good conference win, and it keeps us controlling our destiny.”
The win extended Batesville’s winning streak to six games and kept the Bulldogs alone atop the EIAC standings.
Both teams return to action next Friday. Batesville hosts North Decatur in a nonconference matchup, while Connersville continues league play with a home game against Rushville.