By Gaylen Duskey
realfang@citlink.net
The inexperienced Calhoun High School boys basketball team didn't start well or end well but in between it gave Wirt County all it wanted before falling to the Tigers 49-32 Thursday night in Elizabeth.
The Red Devils, 0-2, had three points in the opening period. It also had three points in the final period. But it between Wirt only enjoyed a one point, 27-26, advantage.
Despite the slow start Calhoun came alive in the second quarter and trailed the Tigers by two, 22-20, at halftime. Wirt widened the lead slightly in the third quarter and was on top by six, 35-29, heading into the home stretch. But that's where the Red Devils offense dried up and Wirt pulled away for the final margin.
Bronson Clark led Calhoun with 11 points. He was the only Red Devil to hit double figures although there was balanced scoring below him.
Jordan Panarello and Mason Sheldon had six each while Tyler Bennett had four, Quentin "Q Dawg" Murphy had three and Ryan Slider two. Luke Moore, Trent Phillips and Stewart Fitzwater all played but did not score.
Calhoun coach Danny Bunch said his team played a lot better defensive game (it allowed Ritchie 75 in the season opener) and rebounded a lot better.
Panarello led Calhoun on the boards with 12 rebounds while Bennett had eight steals and Clark added six.
Wirt County, 1-1, was led by J.T. Nemeth with 13 while Josh Bell added 12.
Wirt won the junior varsity game by a 50-19 score. Fitzwater led Calhoun, 0-2, with seven while J.T. Stephens had 19 for Wirt, matching the entire Calhoun team. Jeremy Kerby had 15 more for Wirt.
Calhoun will go after its first win Tuesday night when it travels to Roane County.
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