Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CARTERVILLE — After trailing 31-23 at the half, Herrin outscored Carterville 33-18 in the second half to beat the Lions 56-49 in the SIRR Ohio opener for both teams.
Chance Estes’ driving basket capped a 14-4 Tigers’ run to open the third quarter, giving Herrin a 37-35 lead. After Carterville answered with back to back buckets from Colton Hawkins, the Tigers scored the final five points of the quarter to take a 42-39 advantage to the fourth. Kyrese Lukens put the Herrin on top stay with a tiebreaking 3-pointer for the final points of the quarter.
Jared Staple Jr. led a balanced attack for Herrin with 17 points. Lukens added 15 with Madox Billingsley adding 13 for the Tigers, who improve to 6-1 on the season.
Kaden Wilson led the Lions with 16 points, while Hawkins added 11. Carterville falls to 4-2 and will step back out of conference play in the upcoming weekend hosting Goreville Friday night before traveling to Nashville Saturday.
The Tigers also venture out of conference Tuesday night to welcome Carbondale, before returning to Ohio play Friday night with a visit to Murphysboro.
