By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

COAL GROVE — When you shoot 86 percent from the floor, chances are you’ll win in a blowout.

That’s exactly what happened to the Coal Grove Hornets who hit 30 of 35 field goal attempts for 85.7 percent en route to a 77-29 rout of the Rose Hill (Ky.) Christian Royals on Tuesday in the Coal Grove Dr. Paulus Heart Care Holiday Tournament.

Alex Bare scored 18 points including 2 of 4 at the line to lead the Hornets. Bryan Steele was next with 17 points and Conor Markins added 10. Sean Paulus scored 8 including 6 of 10 at the line.

Andrew Wilhoit had 11 points to lead Rose Hill (0-9).

Coal Grove exploded in the first quarter by taking a commanding 32-7 lead. The Hornets pushed their cushion to 45-13 at the half. The lead grew to 62-2 after three quarters.

The Hornets will play Lawrence County at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday in the championship game.

Rose Hill 7 6 12 4 = 29

Coal Grove 32 13 17 15 = 77

ROSE HILL CHRISTIAN (0-9): Andrew Wilhoit 11, Zack Wilson 5, Troy Stafford 4, Matt Workman 2, Chris Dudley 1, Travis Dudding 3, Evan Centers 1, Kyle Knipp 2. Free throws: 9-11. Turnovers: 33.

COAL GROVE (6-1): Joe Akers 2, Alex Bare 18, Jacob Pauley 2, Colten Bryant 4, Sean Paulus 8, Isaiah Gunther 2, Greg Bender 4, Conor Markins 10, Bryan Steele 17, Kyle Estep 2, Brady Burton 2, Cameron Rowe 2, Jonathan Joseph 4. Free throws: 14-23. Turnovers: 18.