simple way isn’t the answer

By JIM WALKER/Tribune Sports Editor

WILLOW WOOD — If they say it’s free, it’ll probably cost you.

That was how Symmes Valley Vikings coach Alvin Carpenter saw Tuesday’s climactic ending in a 62-60 loss to the South Gallia Rebels.

“You know the old saying, ‘They’re free, but if you don’t make them it’ll cost you,” Carpenter said. “We just couldn’t hit a free throw.”

The Vikings were 19 of 33 from the foul line. South Gallia was just 18 of 29 at the line, but the Rebels hit two key free throws with the game on the line.

Symmes Valley led 60-58 with time running out when a costly turnover led to an intentional

foul.

Tyler Duncan sank both free throws to tie the game and, on the inbounds play, Dustin McCombs banked in a shot from near the top of the key to give South Gallia the lead at 62-60 with three seconds left.

Symmes Valley had one final chance but failed to convert.

Michael Humphrey had 18 points, Kyle Meadows 17 and Kirk Shipley 12 to lead the Vikings.

Humphrey had 8 points in the first quarter as Symmes Valley took a 14-8 lead.

Kyle Meadows had 6 points in the second quarter but the got within 31-30 at the break.

Symmes Valley came back to take the lead at 46-44 at the end of the third quarter.

Kirt Shipley scored 7 points in the fourth quarter but the Rebels rallied to outscore the Hornets and get the win.

South Gallia8231318=62

Sym. Valley14161614=60

SOUTH GALLIA (3-0): Aaron Phillips 2 0 9-9 13,

Dustin McCombs 5 0 4-7 14,

Derek Beaver 2 0 0-0 4, Ryan Geiger 1 0 0-0 2, Travis McCarty 0 3 1-2 10, Tyler Duncan 2 3 3-6 16, Steven Call 1 0 1-5 3. Totals: 11

6

18-29

62. Fouls: 27. Fouled out: Beaver.

SYMMES VALLEY (1-1): Tyler Smith 0 0 5-5 5, Brice Sexton 0 0 0-0 0, Jacob Johnson 0 0 4-6 4, Kirt Shipley 3 2 0-0 12, Chris Capper 0 0 0-1 0, Matt Tibbs 0 0 4-8 4, Kyle Meadows 6 0 5-9 17, Michael Humphrey 7 1 1-4 18. Totals: 19-42

(3-8)

19-33

60. Fouls: 23. Fouled out: Humphrey. Rebounds: 37 (Meadows 11, Capper 10). Assists: 12 (Smith 4, Johnson 4). Steals: 12 (Johnson 3, Smith 3). Blocked shots: 6 (Meadows 5, Capper 1). Turnovers: 19.