The Switzerland County boys basketball team traveled to South Ripley Saturday night and brought home a win by a score of 61-50.
Switzerland County Pacer Ben Hickman who would finish the game with a dozen points for the Pacers, started off strong scoring twice in the first two minutes, and contributing the first eight points of the game for the Pacers. The Raiders did not score until half way through the quarter — and that was a foul shot.
Someone other than Ben Hickman got on the board for the Pacers when Zach Getz widened the lead with 1:10 left in the quarter by two more points; and that was followed up with Ben Hickman connecting once again to end the period with a 14-6 score.
The South Ripley Raiders started off the second quarter scoring first with Michael Fear hitting a three-point shot; but Josh Snow responded with a basket of his own, gaining two more points for the Pacers.
Mat Deaton then scored a two point basket and was fouled and went to the foul line adding another point making the game 20-9. The Raiders then scored with a three point shot; but Travis Webster then hit a basket to give the Pacers a 10-point lead, 22-12.
The half ended both teams countering each other with baskets, and the squads went to the halftime break with Switzerland County Pacers leading 26-18.
The third quarter was again back and forth, as both teams tried to get on an offensive run. The Raiders went on a roll as the period wound down, using freethrows and three-pointers to close to within three points at 32-29 with less than two minutes to play.
The Pacers responded, as Travis Webster made two foul shots and Mat Deaton scored inside with 28 seconds left in the quarter. South Ripley was then fouled but only hit one of the two shots, which made the score 40-30.
With just :05.3 left in the quarter, Switzerland County got a huge lift when Travis Webster hit a three-point shot to end the third quarter with a score 43-30.
The fourth quarter was started out with both teams sending the opposing squad to the freethrow line, and with two traditional rivals, the game became more physical.
Through the final eight minutes, Switzerland County kept its composure and its lead, not allowing South Ripley to get too close.
Jordan Pavy ended the game by scoring two points to end the game 61-50 Pacer victory.
Ben Hickman and Mat Deaton each scored 12 points for the Pacers; Travis Webster and Josh Snow each had nine points and Chancey May chipped in eight points in a very balanced offensive effort. Zach Getz chipped in five, and B.J. Shelton added four points.
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The Switzerland County Pacers basketball jayvee team won in overtime Saturday night 41-34.
Leading scorer for the jayvee Pacers was Kyle Green with 20 points; while Daniel Welch had nine points and Cliff Meyer added six points. Bryan Levell added four points, Brandon Otter had three points, and Devon Armstrong and Aaron Moore each scored two.
— Debi Sefton