Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — The Coal Grove Hornets were board.
Offensive board, that is.
The Hornets had 19 offensive rebounds that helped them outscore the Raceland Rams 16-4 on second chance points in a 48-29 season-opening win on Tuesday.
The Hornets were tied 14-14 at the half and then outscored the Rams 34-15 in the second half.
“We came out with a little more energy in the second half. The 19 offensive rebounds helped. I was really happy with our defensive effort. They have some kids who can score the ball,” said Hornets’ coach Kevin Vanderhoof.
“We still have a long way to go, but I was pleased with our defensive effort. We played 10 kids and they all contributed in their own way.”
Aaron Music had 13 to lead a balanced Coal Grove offense.
Payton Smith hit a big 3-pointer that got the Hornets within 9-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Music scored five points in the second quarter as Coal Grove outscored Raceland 7-5.
Jalen McKenzie hit a 3-poitner as five different players scored in the third quarter and Coal Grove took a 27-18 lead.
The Hornets hit seven 3-point goals in the second half with five coming in the fourth quarter when they outscored the Rams 21-11.
Elijah Roman came off the bench to get five points including a 3-pointer and Cory Borders hit a pair of triples. Music and Dakota Bryne also hit 3-pointers.
“It was just a good team win,” said Vanderhoof.
Coal Grove visits Portsmouth next Tuesday.
Raceland    9    5    4    11    =    29
Coal Grove    7    7    13    21    =    48
RACELAND (1-1): Octavious Hall 2 0 0-0 4, Floyd 0 1 0-0 3, Kirk Pence 1 0 3-3 5, Greg Mershon 0 0 2-2 2, Brock Hapney 2 0 0-0 4, Rylie Potter 4 0 1-3 9, Travis Weaver 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 11-26 6-8 29. Fouls: 11. Fouled out: None.
COAL GROVE (1-0): Aaron Music 2 3 0-0 13, Cory Borders 0 2 0-0 6, Jordan Case 2 0 0-0 4, Jeb Jones 1 0 1-3 3, Nate Harmon 0 0 0-0 0, Payton Smith 0 1 0-0 3, Jalen McKenzie 1 1 0-0 5, Sam Angelo 3 0 0-0 6, Elijah Roman 1 1 0-0 5, Dakota Byrne 0 1 0-0 3. Totals: 10-32 9-18 1-3 48. Rebounds: 19-O, 11-D = 30 (Case 4). Turnovers: 16.