Royals' rallies come up short in 53-47 loss to Holmes

The Mason County Royals rallied twice, but came up short in a 53-47 loss to defending state champion Holmes tonight in the U.S. Bank Classic at The Fieldhouse. Holmes led 21-6 in the second quarter. Mason County cut the deficit to one at the end of the third quarter. The Bulldogs went back up by 10 in the final minute of the game. A four-point play by Justin Lang and a three-pointer by Ryne King got the Royals to within three at 50-47 with 15 seconds to play, but Holmes hit 3-of-4 free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win. The Bulldogs length and athletism held Mason County to 30.4% field goal shooting. Holmes made 20-of-25 free throws. Holmes senior center Elijah Pittman had a game-high 21 points. Jordan Gilbert (photo) scored a career-high 17 points for Mason County. Justin Lang scored 11 points and Tyler Black added 10 points. The Royals host Campbell County Tuesday night.

MC (9-3) Gilbert 17, J. Lang 11, Black 10, Setty 2, B. Lang 2, King 3, Bluford 2
H (10-3) Slusher 2, R. Johnson 9, Pittman 21, Rice 5, J. Johnson 11, Hayes 3, Herndon 2

MC FG 30.4% 3 PT 20% FT 72.7% REB 35 TO 7
H FG 39.5% 3 PT 27.3% FT 80% REB 33 TO 13

MC 08 09 15 17-47
H 12 10 09 22-53

(Photo credit: Whitney Allen)