Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

LLOYD, Ky. — The total numbers were close, but the separate numbers were a different story.

South Point was only out-rebounded by four, but the difference was on the offensive side as the Pointers suffered a tough 55-52 setback at the hand of the Greenup County Musketeers on Friday.

Greenup had 14 offensive rebounds to just five for South Point, and those offensive rebounds came at crucial times.

They also came with the Pointers’ 6-foot-5 senior center Brady Rickard was on the bench late in the game due to an injured back.

“We had some good looks at the basket late but couldn’t get them to fall,” said Pointers’ coach Travis Wise.

“The key came on three possessions in a row when they missed a free throw and got the offensive rebound. That hurt.”

Ryan Gibson had 18 points including four 3-pointers to lead South Point (2-19). Elijah Adams scored 12 points and Rickard had 7 points and five rebounds.

Greenup County (10-16) was led by Jair Jackson with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Shautavian Martins had 14 points and Gage Hughes scored 13 points including some clutch foul shooting in the fourth quarter.

Greenup led 9-7 after the first quarter but the Pointers rallied to take a 24-22 halftime lead.

The Musketeers then rallied in the third quarter and went ahead 39-38.

Gibson scored 7 points and Adams had 6 points in the fourth quarter, but Greenup County was able to outscore the Pointers 16-14 and hold on for the win.

South Point was 19-of-39 from the field for 48.7 percent including 8-of-17 from the 3-point line. However, the Pointers were just 6-of-10 at the foul line against the taller Musketeers.

Greenup County went 18-of-37 from the floor for 48.6 percent and converted 16-of-31 free throws. The Muketeers were just 3-of-10 from behind the arc.

South Point hosts Rock Hill on Monday in the regular season finale.

South Point 7 17 14 14 = 52

Greenup Co. 9 13 17 16 = 55

SOUTH POINT (2-19): Chris Woodard 2 0 0-0 4, Stephen Wagoner 1 1 0-0 5, Drew Adams 0 0 1-2 1, Brady Rickard 3 0 1-2 7, Alex Whitt 0 1 2-2 5, Elijah Adams 3 2 0-0 12, Ryan Gibson 2 4 2-4 18. Totals: 19-39 6-10 52. 3-point goals: 8-17. Rebounds: 5-off. 16-def. = 21 (Rickard 5). Fouls: 25. Fouled out: Wagoner.

GREENUP COUNTY (10-16): Jherrell Jackson 0 0 1-4 1, Jair Jackson 8 0 2-5 18, Brody Shoupe 1 0 0-0 2, Nicholas Lester 0 0 1-2 1, Gage Hughes 0 2 7-12 13, Shautavian Martin 5 0 4-6 14, Christian Wireman 0 1 0-0 3, Bays 0 0 1-2 1. Totals: 18-37 16-31 55. 3-point goals: 3-10. Rebounds: 14-off 11-def = 25 (Ja. Jackson 15). Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None