ELKINS -- Ethan Hammond's scoring eruption in the fourth quarter was enough to lift Gentry to a victory Jan. 23.
The Pioneers rallied for a 63-59 road win over Elkins in 3A/4A District 1 boys' basketball action as Hammond scored 14 of his game-high 25 points in the final eight minutes.
Gentry (10-11, 5-9) used a 25-point fourth quarter to overcome a 41-38 deficit after three quarters to snap a three-game losing streak.
"We protected the ball better in the fourth and started making shots, and Elkins happened to miss a few," Gentry assistant coach Tyler McReynolds said. "We were celebrating after this one. "
Hammond came out of the gate on fire, hitting three deep 3-pointers to start the game, but the senior struggled with Elkins' (15-6, 9-4) length and athleticism on the wings, scoring only two points in the second and third quarters combined. That all changed in the final quarter.
Hammond was 8-for-8 from the free-throw line in the fourth to put the game away for the Pioneers. Junior Dylan Kilgore added 15 points to go along with six boards.
Elkins had its opportunities late in the game but could not convert. Gentry led by four when it fouled Chad Graham on a 3-point attempt with 33 seconds left. Graham made just one of his three foul shots.
On the ensuing possession, Gentry turned it over, giving Elkins yet another possession. However, Elkins missed a 3-point attempt and then two different chances off of offensive rebounds before Gentry was able to control a rebound and seal the victory.
Graham led the Elks with 14 points and Paxton Burnett added 13 and six rebounds.
Gentry 63, Elkins 58
Gentry 15 14 9 25 -- 63
Elkins 18 11 12 18 -- 59
Gentry (10-11, 5-9): Hammond 25, Kilgore 15, Bates 9, Linton 5.
Elkins (15-6, 9-4): Graham 14, Barnett 13, Hipps 12, McClain 10.
GIRLS
Elkins 47, Gentry 45
The Lady Elks rode their hot shooting from deep to win a third close game over Gentry.
Elkins (14-6, 7-4) was dialed in all game from beyond the arc hitting 10 three-pointers, including four in the fourth, as it squeezed out a narrow 47-45 victory over the Lady Pioneers (12-9, 10-3).
Elkins had three players reach double figures, led by senior Tink Harris, who scored 14 points off the bench, followed by Shelby Diaville and Allison Coleman who each had 11.
Gentry (12-9, 10-3) was led by senior Hannah Boss, who led all scorers with 23 points.
The Lady Pioneers had a chance to force overtime but missed a shot off the back of the rim with just seven seconds left.
Elkins 47, Gentry 45
Gentry 7 12 12 14 -- 45
Elkins 6 12 15 14 -- 47
Elkins (14-6, 7-4): Harris 14, Coleman 11, Diaville 11, Kestner 5
Gentry 12-9, 10-3): Boss 23, Dezurik 7, Nix 6, Fuamatu 5
Sports on 01/31/2018