Kewpee Classic: First two game recaps

<p>In the first two games from the Kewpee Classic, Toledo St Francis and Ashland were able to come away with victories over Beavercreek and Lima Central Catholic respectively. In the opening game of the event, Toledo St Francis went on a large run in the second and third quarters to have their lead balloon out to 18 points. After a nine point run made by Beavercreek was matched by Toledo St Francis it seemed like the Knights would coast to the win. The Beavers didn’t quit and went on another big run, this time to cut the lead again to single digits, before falling 63-54. In the second game of the afternoon, Ashland used their up and down style to force Lima Central Catholic into tough shots. After a [player_tooltip player_id="921751" first="Luke" last="Denbow"], 3-pointer made it 51-37 after three quarters, the Arrows looked like they would be able to take their foot off the gas in the fourth. The Thunderbirds prevented that from happening, as a 13-0 run in the first six minutes of the final frame made the score 51-50 with two minutes to play. Ashland made their free-throws and got defensive stops to help pull away with the win. Here were the top performers from those two contests.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="805200" first="Cliron" last="Hornbeak"], 6’9 C Toledo St Francis 2021: Hornbeak is potentially the youngest player in Ohio’s 2021 class and he is starting to really blossom into the talent that he is. Hornbeak is almost unstoppable in the post as he’s capable of going over either shoulder with the post hook with either hand. Besides one time passing it to the 3-point line and one blown open layup, Hornbeak scored every other time he touched the ball in the paint.</p> <p>Siloam Baldwin, 6’4 SF Beavercreek 2021: Baldwin has to be relied upon more after [player_tooltip player_id="921752" first="Adam" last="Duvall"] is currently in a walking boot after recently suffering an injury. Baldwin is always in attack mode and is looking to slash to the bucket. Baldwin also showed nice touch around the basket and got a couple steals in the process.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="921751" first="Luke" last="Denbow"], 6’1 PG Ashland 2022: Denbow is the engine that powers the fast-paced Arrows attack. Almost every time the Arrows are pushing the ball in transition, it’s being pounded into the floor by Denbow. His impressive stamina allows him to constantly push the pace and keep the defense on their heels. Denbow made a buzzer-beating jumper to end both the second and third quarters, as the high volume guard was the high scorer in the game with 24 points.</p> <p>Rossy Moore, 6’1 SF Lima Central Catholic 2021: Moore plays like a football athlete as he’s looking to use his strength to get to the basket. Moore scored by finding himself in the right place at the right time and finishing the opportunities created for himself. Moore also got to the free-throw line and his defense helped spark a 13-0 run that cut the Arrows lead to one point late in the game. It’s refreshing to see schools where players are relied upon to contribute in multiple sports and build that chemistry they had in the fall over to the winter.</p>