By Jeff Hodge
Contributing Writer
AVON – Hamilton Southeastern took a beating early in its Jan. 23 Hoosier Crossroads Conference road tilt at Avon, but the Royals roared back with a 23-10 fourth-quarter effort to escape with a 58-51 victory.
Avon pushed a 6-0 lead after nearly four minutes up to 18-6 to end the first period. The Orioles then extended the lead to 21-6 on a 3-pointer by senior guard Darrian Mikell to open the second quarter.
But Hamilton Southeastern (7-6, 4-2) went on a 9-0 run over the next 2:43 to close the gap to 21-15. The Royals rallied after switching to a 1-3-1 trapping defense and forcing several Avon turnovers that turned into easy baskets.
At the half, Avon clung to a 28-23 lead.
The second half continued to be a game of runs by both teams. Avon (7-6, 1-3) opened the third quarter with a 10-2 spurt to jack the lead back up to 38-25 at the 4:36 mark, and the Orioles once again appeared to be in control.
Yet HSE continued to pressure the Orioles and clawed its way back into the game, and the deficit was down to a half-dozen at 41-35 after three. Southeastern then outscored Avon 23-10 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.
Hamilton Southeastern was led by senior Charlie Duffy’s 15 points, with junior Zach Starr adding 12. The Royals next host Lawrence Central (4-5) Jan. 27.
Avon sophomore JaJuan Sarver scored a game-high 16 points and 6’7″ freshman Austin Burgett had 13 for Avon, which travels to Mooresville Jan. 24.
