The Recorder on February 13, 2025
Charger Owen Purdue shoots an open jump shot in last week’s game against the Rams. (Recorder photos by Zach Potter)
HOT SPRINGS — The Highland Rams defeated Bath County on the road 40-28 last Wednesday.
The first quarter was deadlocked as the teams were tied 4-4. But the Rams broke through in the second quarter. Zach Armstrong scored six points in just the second, as Eli Moore and Elijah Good each had four as Highland moved to a 19-9 lead at halftime.
John Wagner scored the first points of the second half for Highland before Moore was sent to the line, sinking both free throws as the Ram lead grew to 23-9. The Chargers got their chance to answer back, as Luke Turner drove down the lane, but was fouled on his attempt. Turner then made back-to-back free throws closing the score to 26-13.
Turner and Cooper Lowry made tough inside shots to cut the Rams’ lead to 11. But Bath continued to get called for fouls in the paint on defense, allowing Highland multiple opportunities at the foul line. The Rams finished five of eight at the line from the midway point, with Wagner leading the way making three of his four, extending Highland’s lead to 33-18.
Charger Cooper Lowry looks for a shot against Highland’s John Wagner.
Bath continued to battle back. Issac Ingram hit an impressive lay-up through the Ram defense. But Patton Hull answered right back with a deep three for Highland. Ingram hit another tough lay-up and Zayne Hall collected two steals, driving one for a lay-up as the Chargers cut into Highland’s lead. However, it was too little too late when Turner drained a lay-up right before time expired.
Moore led the Rams in scoring with 11. Armstrong and Wagner tied for second on the team with nine apiece.
Ingram led the way for Bath with 10 points and Turner finished second on the team with eight points.
Highland head coach Thomas Moore had tons of praise for his team. “The guys did a good job looking inside — the main thing is teamwork. A lot of the times we didn’t wing passes off but if we can do a better job; we’ll be OK.” Moore said.
“Ultimately, what it comes down to,” said Charger head coach Zach Woodzell, “this might have been our lowest-scoring game; those guys ate up the boards. We just kind of fell short on the boards tonight.”
Last Wednesday’s boxscore
• Highland (40): Zach Armstrong 9, Elijah Good 7, Terrance Hill 0, Owen Honaker 0, Patton Hull 4, Preston Jaccard 0, Chase Lupo 0, Eli Moore 11, Gavin Neave 0, Steven Rogers 0, John Wagner 9, Levi Warner 0, Matthew Wigal 0
• Bath County (28): Zayne Hall 2, Issac Ingram 10, Cooper Lowry 2, Braiden Mabe 2, Owen Perdue 2, Dillan Royer 0, Luke Turner 8, Miguel Rosado 2, Zabier Savage 0, Bryer Nicely 0
• Halftime: Highland 19, Bath County 9
• 3-point goals: Highland 2 (Armstrong 1, Hull 1); Bath County 1 (Ingram 1)