By Gaylen Duskey
realfang@citlink.net
Jacob Neal scored 17 of his game-high 32 points in the third quarter to break up a close game and lead visiting Roane County to a 68-43 victory over Calhoun Wednesday night.
Neal had seven baskets in the quarter including three three-point goals as the Raiders, 2-1, outscored the Red Devils 23-9 to take control of the contest. Roane had been nursing a slim 28-25 advantage over the 0-3 Red Devils at halftime.
Neal and Issak Wilmoth were the only two Raiders to hit in double figures as Wilmoth netted 10 to support Neal.
Calhoun was led by Ryan Slider with 11. He was backed by Tyler Gerwig with 10.
The Red Devils started out like a house on fire and immediately jumped to a 9-2 advantage. Unfortunately the fire seemed to run out of fuel as Roane rallied to knot the game at 9-9 before going on top 14-11 at the end of one.
It was the last time the Raiders would be behind as they kept the Red Devils at bay in the second quarter by playing to a 14-14 draw.
Calhoun was hampered by fouls as three players - Mason Sheldon, Tyler Sims and Tyler Gerwig - all finished the game with four personals which affected them both offensively and defensively. As a matter of fact Sheldon did not play in the second quarter after picking up his second foul early in the game.
For Roane Tyler Harper, Scotti Meadows and Zack McKown scored six each while Hunter Simmons added four, Eli Kucharay three and Ryan Errickson one.
For Calhoun Sam Brady had seven, Lucas Wilson five, Mason Sheldon four, Tyler Sims three, Luke Sheldon two and Ethyn Miller one. Cody Starcher played but did not score.
Roane also won the junior varsity game by a 64-31 score.
Kaleb Greathouse was the leading scorer for Roane, 3-0, with 17 points, He was the only Raider to hit double figures.
Calhoun, 0-3, was led by Luke Sheldon with 11 despite playing only two quarters. He was backed by Austin Gribble with six, Zack Yanero with five, Dylan Heiney and Jerry Jones with four and Chris Thornton with one. Austin Hicks, Riley Cain, Christopher Kirkland and Nick Watkins all played but did not score.
Roane County will try to keep winning Friday night when it entertains Ravenswood while Calhoun goes after its first win of the season the same night when it entertains Braxton County.
Calhoun which was scheduled to play at Hannan Monday night only to have the game postponed, will now travel to Hannan for a makeup game on Dec. 28.
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