Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

SOUTH POINT — The South Point Pointers saved their best until last.

Playing sluggish for three quarters, the Pointers came to life in the fourth quarter and pulled away from the upset-minded Rock Hill Redmen 69-53 Friday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Leading by just two points after three quarters, the Pointers outscored the Redmen 29-11 in the fourth quarter including a 20-4 run to end the game.

“We only played hard for about a quarter. It was frustrating. But give Rock Hill credit. They played hard and they made shots,” said Pointers’ coach Chris Barnes.

Coupled with Fairland’s win over Chesapeake, the Pointers (6-5) took over sole possession of first place in the league at 4-1.

John Johnson had 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals to lead the Pointers. Eli Ketron had 14 points and eight rebounds, Brandon Barnes scored 14 points and Brady Rickard had 10 rebounds.

“That was Johnson’s best all-around game of the year,” said coach Barnes.

Rock Hill (1-12, 0-5) was led by Austin Collins who scored a game-high 27 points. Aaron Dalton scored 15 including four 3-pointers.

South Point led 17-10 after the first quarter. Rock Hill cut the deficit to 29-24 at the break.

The Redmen got within 40-38 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Barnes scored seven points including 5-of-6 at the line and Marquis Foley had six of his eight points.

Rock Hill 10 14 14 11 = 53

South Point 17 12 11 29 = 69

ROCK HILL (1-12, 0-5): Aaron Dalton 1 4 1-2 15, Alex Nance 2 0 0-0 4, Joey Stidham 2 0 0-1 4, Austin Collins 6 1 12-14 27, Brady Knipp 0 0 0-0 0, Turvey 0 0 0-0 0, Jordan Hairston 0 0 1-2 1, Trystan Matney 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 12 5 14-19 53. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Stidham, Dalton.

SOUTH POINT (6-5. 4-1): John Johnson 4 2 3-7 17, Jeremiah Kipp 1 0 0-0 2, Steven Wagoner 0 0 0-0 0, Audric Harlow 2 1 1-1 8, Brandon Barnes 2 1 7-10 14, Marquis Foley 3 0 2-2 8, Eli Ketron 6 0 2-3 14, Brady Rickard 3 0 0-0 6, Brandon Boggs 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 21 4 15-23 69. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.