Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CROWN CITY — It’s never a “Welcome Home” party when Donnie Saunders visits South Gallia, but he felt more than welcomed with a win.
Saunders spent most of his coaching career at South Gallia before going back to his alma mater a few years ago.
When Saunders brings his Symmes Valley Vikings to South Gallia he is the target of the fans. But his Vikings made it a good homecoming with a 61-55 win over the Rebels on Saturday.
Playing their third game of the week and second in two nights, the Vikings improved to 7-10 with the win.
“We were a little tired from the weeks but we are starting to get steady with things and not panicking,” said Saunders.
“That’s two in a row we’ve won.  I’m proud of the players and we are looking to have a good finish and tournament.”
Jordan Lucas — who was scoreless on Friday — returned to form as he scored 20 points to lead four Vikings in double figures. Sam Angelo scored 16 points, Chayden Renfroe had 12 and Jarod Sheppard 10.
The Vikings helped their cause by converting 22-of-26 free throws.
Eli Ellis hit six 3-pointers and scored 24 point to lead South Gallia (3-15).
Lucas scored eight points including a pair of 3-pointers to offset three triples by Ellis as the Vikings took a 17-15 lead.
Seven different players scored in the second quarter as the Rebels got within 30-29 at the half. Renfroe scored seven points including 5-of-6 at the foul line.
South Gallia took a 47-42 lead in the third quarter as Ellis hit two more 3-pointers and scored 10 points while Caleb Henry added five points. Angelo and Sheppard each scored five points with a 3-pointer.
The Vikings’ fourth quarter comeback saw them make 10-of-12 at the foul line. Angelo was 5-of-6 as he scored seven points and Lucas was 4-of-5 at the line as he scored six points.
Payton Hayes added a clutch 3-pointer for the Vikings in the rally.
Symmes Valley hosts Sciotoville East on Friday.
Sym. Valley    17    13    12    19    =    61
South Gallia    15    14    18    8    =    55
SYMMES VALLEY (7-10): Levi Cade 0 0 0-0 0, Chayden Renfroe 2 0 9-8 12, Sam Angelo 3 1 7-8 16, Payton Hayes 0 1 0-0 3, Jordan Lucas 4 2 6-7 20, Laykin Gothard 0 0 0-0 0, Hunter Adams 0 0 0-0 0, Jarod Sheppard 3 1 1-2 10, Brock Carpenter 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 12 5 22-26 61. Fouls: 10. Fouled out: None.
SOUTH GALLIA (3-15): Curtis Haner 2 1 0-0 7, Eli Ellis 3 6 0-0 24, Bryce Nolan 0 1 0-0 3, Austin Stapelton 2 0 0-0 4, Joey Woodall 2 0 0-0 4, Caleb Henry 3 0 2-5 8, Josh Henry 0 0 2-4 2, Nick Klaiber 0 0 0-2 0, Austin Day 1 0 1-2 3. Totals: 13 8 5-13 55. Fouls: 21. Fouled out: Stapleton.