Thursday night on the Sports Voice, we had two Ripley County boys basketball teams both in search of their first win of the season. After 32 minutes of floor time, Batesville beat Milan 50-37.
The host Bulldogs led from start to finish less a 19-19 tie in the second quarter. BHS closed out the half on an 8-0 run to lead 27-19 at intermission.
The Indians stayed within striking distance and trailed by just six after the third period, 37-31. But the Dogs refused to give up the advantage and got their first W of the season by a spread of 13.
Despite only scoring 50 points, Batesville had four players score in double figures: Thomas Raver led with 12, Eil Pierson had 11 while Cody Mohr and Sam Johnson scored 10 each.
Of Milan’s 38, Kohan Rinear had a game-high 16 points, Caiden Yorn followed with eight.
The Indians had a plus-five advantage on the glass and outscored the home Dogs by four at the line. However, Batesville had a better shooting night from the field making 18 of 44. Milan was 13 of 43.
The Batesville JV defeated Milan 47-42.
The Indians made a run in the fourth quarter to close the gap after trailing by 12 at the end of the third, but the Bulldogs held on to win by five.
The BHS JV had balanced scoring. Leaders from coach Jay Gerkin included: Gus Prickel with 12 points, Conner Drake and Jack Grunkemeyer with nine each and eight by Bryson Bonelli.
We thank Batesville AD Bryan Helvie for the accommodations and hospitality and coaches Aaron Garrett and Randy Combs for their time and information.