Warrior Run’s McKee dominates inside against CM

By Bees O’Brien

MILTON- Central Mountain was hoping for good fortunes at the Milton tip off tournament on Friday night, but what they got instead was a heavy dose of Warrior Run’s 6’8” Aiden McKee.

McKee would net 25 points on the night and the Defenders rolled to a 72-56 semifinal victory over the Wildcats.

McKee scored 7 of Warrior Run’s 17 first quarter points to help his team build a 17-14 lead after one quarter of play. The Defenders’ lead grew to 32-23 at the break following a highly contested second quarter, which seen the Wildcats contain McKee to just 4 points. Warrior Run still managed a 15-9 second quarter advantage.

Central Mountain began to find some offense in the second half behind the shooting of Blake Walker and Max Verrelli. Walker scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half and Verrelli would drop in all 9 of his points in the second half. Despite their efforts, the Defenders were able to outscore Central Mountain 40-33 in the second half and wrap up the win.

CM (1-1) will now play the loser of the Northwest vs. Milton game in the consolation contest Saturday evening.

Hunter Hoy led Central Mountain with 13 points, while Walker finished with 12 points.

McKee’s 25 points led all scorers. Cooper Wilkins added 16 points and James Keifer added 12 points for Warrior Run. The Defenders also got a double digit night from Griffin Harrington, who added 10 points.

Warrior Run        17           15           20           20           72

CM                         14           9              18           15           56

CM- Walker 4 1-2  12, Verrelli 4 0-0  9, Hoy 6 1-2  13, Mahoney 3 2-2  9, Wells 2 0-1  5, Shade 3 0-2  8, TOTALS- 22 4-9  56

3FG- 8 (Walker 3, Shade 2, Verrelli, Wells, Mahoney)