Eagles Turn Back Dutchmen In Finale

Sullivan jumped out to an early lead and held off Owensville on Tuesday in the 11th annual Lee McKinney Coaches Care Game.

The Eagles ended the regular season with a 9-15 record, a 5-2 mark in the Four Rivers Conference and two straight victories heading into the district tournament.

Sullivan limited the Dutchmen to just 26% shooting from the field.

The Eagles were boosted by success beyond the arc, going 6-for-9 on 3-point shots.

Kyle Lewis led the way with 17 points, including a 3-for-4 night from deep.

Sullivan’s scoring attack was balanced up and down the lineup.

Eight players got into the scoring column.

Sam Summers added six points. Sappington and Todd each had five points. Gabe and Gavin Dace each had three points. Lohden finished with three points and Aiden Kirk had two.

Lewis led the team in rebounds with five. He also secured six assists and one steal. Gabe Dace tallied four rebounds and one assist. Kirk had four rebounds. Sappington got four rebounds and two assists. Todd finished with two rebounds and four steals. Summers made two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Lohden finished with one steal.

The first points of the game were scored by a three point basket by Lohden. Owensville missed a three point shot and Sullivan picked up the rebound. They missed their opportunity and Owensville scored. Lewis landed a three point basket and Summers added a layup to the score. Watters sank a 3-point basket and Owensville took a time out with 2:25 on the clock.

Owensville's Will Lauth recorded a free throw and Lewis netted another layup to end the first quarter. Sullivan took control of the game quick with a fast 13-3 lead.

In the second quarter, Sullivan kept the same momentum and outscored Owensville again.

Todd landed an inside basket and Gabe Dace netted a monumental three point basket. Owensville's head coach Cullen VanLeer took a timeout with 6:47 on the clock. Owensville netted four unanswered points and Blaine Sappington answered with an inside shot off the glass. Garrett Crosby of Owensville landed a layup and Sappington made another good fade away inside shot. Lewis landed another three point basket and the Dutchmen answered back with a layup. Bryce Payne of Owensville ended the first half with a three point basket. Sullivan led at the half, 25-14.

Summers started the second half with a layup. Owensville answered back with a free throw and Lewis landed another three point basket. Sappington sailed a free throw and Owensville answered back a layup. Head coach Dino McKinney took a timeout for Sullivan and Gavin Dace netted a free throw for Sullivan. Owensville stole the ball from Sullivan scored on a fast break to end the third quarter. Sullivan still led, 32-19.

Owensville scored three unanswered points and Sullivan took a timeout. Summers sailed a layup for Sullivan when the action returned and the Dutchmen recorded a three pointer. Landon Valley of Owensville aced two free throws and so did Lewis. Bailey Wehmeyer of Owensville netted a basket and the ball went back and forth before Owensville scored again. Gavin Dace netted two more free throws and Lewis landed two more after him. The game ended after Lewis landed two more free throws.

Up Next

The Eagles are hosting the Class 4 District 3 tournament this week.

Sullivan received a first round bye and play Wednesday against either Salem or St. Clair.

The Eagles are the No. 2 seed.

St. James is the No. 1 seed and faces either Cuba or Owensville in Wednesday’s semifinal.

The championship game is Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Sullivan is seeking their district title since 2019 and just their second since 2003.