LAWRENCE — The Pendleton Heights boys basketball team went into its recent game against Lawrence Central hoping to figure out how to jump-start its offense to avoid winding up in the hole early.
But the opposite happened as the Arabians had their worst start to a game this season, leading to a 35-68 road loss.
Pendleton Heights (2-6, 0-1 Hoosier Heritage Conference) scored only 3 points in the first quarter of the Dec. 15 match-up. The Arabians had seven first-quarter turnovers, creating an insurmountable challenge as Lawrence Central built a 17-point lead.
The second quarter, while better for the Arabians, wasn’t strong enough. They were outscored 19 to 13 and trailed 39-16 at the half.
The third quarter was almost a repeat of the first, with the Arabians getting only 8 points, but the defense stepped up and managed to hold the Bears to 11. Lawrence Central added to its lead in the fourth for the win.
Christian Jones, a senior, was the leading scorer for Pendleton Heights with 13 points.
Earlier in the week, the Arabians had a non-conference road game against Guerin Catholic High School, where they had another tough outing and lost 51-38.
Their opponent was 15-of-15 from the charity stripe, while Pendleton Heights players made four of five free throws.
The Arabians took a while to find their footing, scoring just four points in the first quarter. While they steadied the ship the rest of the way, they could never get back into the game, trailing 19-14 at half and 34-26 after three quarters.
The Golden Eagles scored 25 points off Arabian turnovers, making it a rough night all around for the Big Green.
Davrick Black was the leading scorer with 13 points, one rebound, three assists and five steals. Ryan Noel stepped up with 8 points and four offensive rebounds. Dameion Warrum scored 6 points with six total rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal. Christian Jones chipped in 4 points and two assists. Tristen Spinks hit his only shot — a 3-pointer. He also got a rebound. Christian Conkling and Tristan Ross each scored 2 points, with Conkling also getting two rebounds. Ross had one rebound and a steal.
Pendleton Heights will play host to Hamilton Southeastern (6-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21.