Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WELLSTON — The defense led the way. Now if the offense can just catch up.
The Rock Hill Redmen turned in a strong defensive effort only to fall to the Wellston Golden Rockets 37-30 on Friday in the season opener.
“I was obviously pleased with our defensive intensity and realizing who we are as a basketball team,” said Rock Hill first-year head coach Sam Gue.
“We just absolutely have to do a better job on the glass and taking care of the ball.”
Mason Darby scored a game-high 18 points for the Redmen while Tim Adkins added 8 points.
Darby scored 7 points in the first quarter and Matt Simpson had 6 for Wellston as the teams were deadlocked at 9-9.
The Redmen scored just two points in the second quarter and fell behind 17-11 at the half.
Adkins scored 5 points in the third quarter as Rock Hill cut the deficit to 25-20.
Darby scored 5 points in the fourth quarter as Rock Hill climbed to within 32-20. But Simpson had a put-back of his own miss and was fouled.
He completed the 3-point play and Wellston led 35-30 with time running out.
“We put ourselves in a position to win. We didn’t get the job done. Our kids prepared well and executed the game plan. We just didn’t value the basketball each possession. I couldn’t be happier with the effort put forth,” said Gue.
Simpson scored 15 points to lead Wellston. Hunter Whalen added 8 points.
“Wellston had a tremendous understanding of their strengths and played to them well. Simpson is a nice player inside and they were able to put him in positions to score where we couldn’t offer help,” said Gue.
“ We knew going into the game that Simpson was going to get his share. We also felt if we could contain dribble penetration and closeout on shooters, we’d give ourselves a chance. It just wasn’t enough, tonight.”
In the jayvee game, Rock Hill won 56-27 as Garrett Miller score 18 and Kadin France 16. Braden and Tanner Stamper had 8 points each.
Rock Hill    9    2    9    10    =    30
Wellston    9    8    8    12    =    37
ROCK HILL (0-1): Mason Darby 7 0 4-7 18, Tyler Damron 2 0 0-3 4, Timmy Adkins 2 1 1-2 8, Brady Knipp 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 11 1 5-12 30.
WELLSTON (1-0): Hunter Whalen 1 2 0-0 8, Daivon Newell 1 1 0-0 5, Noah Henry 0 0 2-2 2, Michael Graham 0 0 1-2 1, Decota McKenzie 0 1 1-2 4, Eddie Smith 0 0 2-2 2, Matt Simpson 7 0 1-2 15. Totals: 9 4 7-10 37.