PEARCY — Tristan Calhoun scored 17 points as the Bryant Hornets freshman team finished the Kameron Hale Invitational Tournament at Lake Hamilton High School with two wins in three games. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Hornets put together a 17-0 fourth quarter to dismiss the Malvern Leopard Cubs, 45-28.
Luke Curtis added 10 points and Sam Chumley 8 for Bryant, which trailed 14-8 at the end of the first quarter after Malvern ripped four 3-pointers in the period. But the Cubs only scored 14 more points the rest of the game.
The contest was tied 20-20 at the half and 28-28 going into the fourth quarter. Malvern failed to score in the final period as the Hornets surged to victory.
“Malvern came out on fire,” acknowledged Hornets coach Tyler Posey. “After the first quarter, we really settled into a defensive rhythm and didn’t let them get easy looks. Our effort from the beginning was really good and, besides the 3-point barrage, we played extremely well. We started forcing turnovers and extended the lead.
“I was very proud of the fifth and reliance this team has shown and it’s turned into our second win in a row.”
Calhoun was not only named the player of the game, he was picked for the all-tournament team.
The Hornets return to regular-season action on Thursday, Jan. 8, at home against Cabot South.
