Zane Trace kept their SVC record intact with a 66-48 win at Paint Valley Friday, in a game where the final score was more lop-sided than how the game went most of the night.
The Pioneers jumped-out to a 5-0 start and held a 16-13 lead after the first quarter. Leading 24-21 late in the second period, ZT took that lead to 29-23 at halftime. Zane Trace took their lead to 43-27, before the Bearcats fought back to within 45-35 after three quarters. That deficit was shaved to 45-37 early in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers on as many trips down the court, cost Paint Valley four points and gave the Pioneers a double-digit lead they never relinquished.
That fourth period was prosperous for Zane Trace, shooting 8/11 for 73%. For the game, the Pioneers were 27/47 for 57%- including 4/10 from the arc and 8/11 from the charity stripe.
Paint Valley was 18/53 for 34%- including 5/13 from the arc and 7/8 from the foul line. Zane Trace won the rebounding battle 28-23. Both teams committed 13 turnovers.
Cam Evans led the Pioneers with 24 points. Nick Nesser added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Triton Davidson had 8 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Colby Swain also had 8 points, Chad Ison, with Bryce and Luke Johnson each had 2 points.
Paint Valley's Bryce Newland led all players with 26 points and 11 rebounds, with 21 points in the second half. Caden Grubb pitched in 6 points, Cordell Grubb had 5, Cruz McFadden and Hunter Hamlin each with 4 and Judson Bevan with 3.
McFadden will continue to play until he's lost for the season with "Tommy John" surgery on his elbow on February 1st.
Zane Trace improves to (9-0/12-3) and the Bearcats drop to (4-5/6-7).
To hear the replay of the game on 94 Country WKKJ, go to our podcast link below....