If success was measured in determination, the St. Joseph Flyers would be unbeaten.

After falling behind by 19 points early, the Flyers battled back only to lose 71-68 Friday to the Raceland (Ky.) Rams.

"We gave a great effort overall, especially in the second half. We just dug ourselves too big of a hole early," Flyers coach Adam Simpson said. "Raceland is a solid team. They've beat Russell, Green and East Carter, so this is encouraging."

Not only did the youthful Flyers fall to 1-8, but the loss wasted a dominating performance by 6-foot-7 center Shawn Hacker who had a career-high 39 points to go along with 20 rebounds.

Alex Swarts also had a big game for St. Joseph as he scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Raceland (7-6) had three players in double figures. Daniel Watts scored 19 points, Jared Lemon 16, and Thomas Tolliver 13. However, the Flyers Jeremy Addis held Aaron Pettrey to just six points.

Another key for the Flyers was just 15 turnovers.

"They pressed us the whole game, so I'm pleased with how we handled that phase of the game," Simpson said.

Watts had nine points and Lemon six as Raceland took a 25-10 first quarter lead. Hacker and Swarts combined for all the Flyers points.

Raceland scored the first four points of the second quarter as the lead went to 29-10, but Hacker scored 13 points as St. Joseph climbed to within 34-25 at the half.

Tolliver had six points in the third quarter, but Hacker and Swarts scored six points each themselves as the Flyers trailed 48-40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Hacker scored 14 points and Swarts nine in the final quarter as St. Joseph narrowed the gap to 55-52 with four minutes to play, but Watts had 10 points, Lemon six and the Rams converted 15 of 18 from the line as they held on for the win.

Raceland2591423-71

St. Joseph10151528-68

RACELAND (7-6):

Ross Reed 3 0 3-4 9, Jamason Sparks 1 1 0-0 5, Thomas Tolliver 0 4 1-2 13, Aaron Pettrey 0 2 0-0 6, Pecos Osborn 0 1 0-0 3, Jared Lemon 5 0 6-6 16, Daniel Watts 5 1 6-8 19. Totals: 14

(9)

16-20

71. Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None.

ST. JOSEPH (1-8):

Ryan Schwab 0 1 0-0 3, Cory Lewis 1 0 0-0 2, Jeremy Addis 1 0 1-2 3, Alex Swarts 6 1 6-7 21, Shawn Hacker 18

0 3-4 39, Michael Basedow 0 0 0-0 0, Ryan Waginger 0 0 0-0 0, Chad Haas 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 26

(2)

10-13

68. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 38 (Hacker 20, Swarts 11). Assists: 16 (Addis 5, Schwab 5). Steals: 6 (Schwab 3). Turnovers: 15. Blocked shots: 4 (Hacker 2, Swarts 2).