BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Five players scored in double figures as the Keystone Heights High School boys basketball team defeated Ridgeview 72-59 on day two of a winter tournament at Bradford High School on Dec. 28.
The Indians (5-7) found themselves trailing 10-4 after Ridgeview made a three-pointer to start the second quarter. When halftime arrived, however, Keystone had outscored the Panthers (1-9) 27-11 in the quarter to lead 31-18.
Keystone answered the three-pointer by scoring the next six points. Zeke Pelham sank a jump shot. Michael Petty then had a steal, passing the ball to Bryce Hollingsworth, who gave it back to Petty for a transition layup. Cartez Daniels, after getting fouled on an offensive rebound and putback attempt, made two free throws that evened the score at 10-10.
A three-pointer by Zane Leger gave the Indians their first lead since the first quarter. Ridgeview would tie the score again before Keystone went on a 12-0 run that began with a jump shot by Darrion Grady. Leger made a basket and followed that with an assist on a basket by Garrison Teague, who created the opportunity with a steal. Teague came up with another steal, which led to a Leger basket. Leger drew a foul on the play, making the awarded free throw to put the Indians ahead 22-13.
Leger, who scored 11 points in the quarter, then made a three-pointer before Grady scored off his own steal to make the score 27-13.
Keystone scored six of the first nine points of the third quarter before the Panthers scored eight straight, with turnovers leading to four of those points. Hollingsworth stopped the brief drought when he drove the baseline for a basket that put the Indians ahead 39-29.
The Indians got a big play with Teague at the foul line. Teague made 1 of 2 attempts, but rebounded the miss and put it back for a basket that helped Keystone go into the fourth quarter leading by 12.
Ridgeview had three three-point baskets during a 13-2 run that made it a 58-55 game. The Indians responded with a 14-2 run, which began with Pelham driving to the basket for a score. Hollingsworth, who was fouled on his way to the basket after making a backcourt steal, made two free throws. Another turnover led to a Hollingsworth basket. Hollingsworth later grabbed an offensive rebound, passing the ball to Teague for a turn-around jumper for a 66-57 lead.
Pelham then came up with steals on two straight Ridgeview possessions. He got baskets on both, drawing a foul on one and making the free throw. Pelham forced another turnover, which led to a trip to the foul line for Leger, who made one free throw to make it a 15-point margin.
It was a huge fourth quarter for Pelham, who had nine points. That gave him 13 for the game.
Teague also finished with 13 points, while Leger had 12. Grady and Hollingsworth each scored 10.
The Indians also got five points from Andru Siemer, three points from Connor Guy and two points each from Daniels, Petty and Bryant Kubisiak.
Keystone concludes the three-day tournament by playing host Bradford at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29. The Tornadoes, like the Indians, are also 2-0 in the tournament.
The rest of the final-day schedule has the Tocoi Creek and Williston girls teams playing at 2 p.m., followed by the Ridgeview and Tavares boys teams playing at 3:30 p.m. The Bradford girls team then takes on Keystone at 5 p.m.
