Riley’s buzzer-beating three-pointer sends Pacers over Trimble County in JCIT
Pacer reserve Kadyn Riley only had one basket in the three games of last week’s Jefferson County Invitational Tournament — but it was a memorable one.
Riley hit a three-pointer from the top of the key that propelled the Pacers to a 61-60 victory over Trimble County (Kentucky) in the opening round of the tourney.
Trimble County got off to a hot shooting start, with Raider Brayden Wilson connecting on four three-pointers for 12 points to lead his team to a 19-13 lead after the first stanza of play.
Switzerland County got six points from Jacob Williams on a basket and 4-for-4 freethrows; while Bradley Romans had five early points on a three-pointer and a field goal. Canaan Johnson contributed a bucket for two points.
The second quarter saw Trimble County score 11 points while the Pacers countered with 14 to cut the margin to three points — 30-27 — as the team went to the halftime break.
Aiden Griffith led Switzerland County with six second quarter points, hitting two shots and adding two freethrows.
Romans had another three-pointer in the second; while Trace Johnson was 3-for-4 at the charity stripe. Williams had the other two second period points.
The close contest continued in the third, as Switzerland County had 10 points while Trimble County managed 11 to sneak out to a four point lead with a period to go, 41-37.
Trace Johnson had five points in the third, hitting a basket and then converting a traditional three-point play.
The Pacers got a bucket from Griffith; two freethrows by Romans, and a freethrow by Williams to stay within striking distance.
Down by four, Williams began to take over offensively in the final stanza, accounting for 12 points on a three-pointer, two baskets, and he was also 5-for-7 at the stripe.
Trace Johnson continued his solid play with six fourth quarter points on a field goal, a three-pointer and a freethrow; Cooper Todd had a basket; and Griffith converted a freethrow — but even with the offensive run, Switzerland County still found themselves down by two with the clock heading towards :00.
That’s when Riley stepped into the spotlight, and when he caught the ball behind the three-point arc straight on with the basket, he never waivered, as his shot found the mark, propelled the Pacers from a two-point deficit to a one-point victory; and pushed Switzerland County into the semifinal round of the tournament against Madison.
For the game, Williams was outstanding, making four field goals, hitting a three-pointer, and going 10-for-14 from the freethrow line for 21 points.
Trace Johnson had 14 points thanks to a big second half that saw him score 11 points. Romans made it three in double figures, as he scored 10 points on the strength of two three-pointers; and Griffith was just outside of double figures, as he finished with nine.
Riley had his big three-pointer; while Todd and Canaan Johnson each contributed two points.
Trimble County was led by Ethan Horn with 24 points; Wilson had 16 points; and Ethan Keller had 11.