Coach Eric Huffer was probably wondering when the Cavs might wear their home whites this year. The home uniforms and home court proved to be a great formula as Chillicothe beat Jackson in maybe their best performance of the season Saturday by a score of 53-35.
In just their second home game of the year, the Cavaliers matched the Ironmen’s physicality, played great defense and shot 47% from the floor to keep Chillicothe tied for the FAC lead.
Cavalier 6’7” junior Brandon Noel owned the paint and the game with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 8 blocked shots. Chillicothe shared the ball and consistently made the extra pass to find Noel going to the hoop. The other two parts of the Cavs talented junior trio were in double figures also as a Jayvon Maughmer and Tre Beard both had 12 points.
Chillicothe came out contesting every Jackson shot and swatting away any drive to the bucket, holding the Ironmen to only 2 first period points. After trailing 9-2, Jackson did manage to pull within four down 18-14 at halftime.
The Cavs spurted to an 18-8 third quarter advantage to give themselves a comfortable 36-22 lead headed to the final 8 minutes.
The Cavs were 21-46 for 46% and 4-11 from the three point line. Chillicothe was also a perfect 7-7 from the foul line.
Jackson struggled against the Cavs quickness and height inside, shooting only 28% from the floor, including 3-17 from the three point line. Cooper Donaldson was the Ironmen's leading scorer with 11 points.
The win sends the Cavaliers to (6-3) overall and (3-1) in the FAC.
Chillicothe is off until 2019. They come back to play three of their first four on the road, before playing almost the entire remainder of their schedule at home. Their next game in Saturday, January 5th when they host Waverly. Hear the game on News Radio WBEX.