Jamil Wilson posted 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead the Ballard High School boys basketball team to a 64-51 victory over Owen County on Wednesday in the consolation-round final of the Forcht Bank King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic at Fairdale.
Clivonte Patterson added 15 points and nine rebounds for Ballard (6-4), which lost to North Hardin in the first round before defeating Bowling Green, Waggener and Owen County. It’s the second straight year Ballard has won the consolation bracket of the KOB.
“I’m proud of our guys digging down after a tough North Hardin loss,” Ballard coach Chris Renner said. “We got better these last three days. Our kids could have folded. I worried about that with the mojo of this team, so I’m proud of them.”
Northern Kentucky University signee Carson Williams had 25 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead Owen County (10-2).
Williams’ 3-point play gave the Rebels a 38-33 lead with 5:18 left in the third quarter, but Ballard responded with a 14-2 run to take control. Wilson’s basket capped the run for a 47-40 lead at the 1:58 mark.
The Rebels pulled within two points twice but never got closer.
BALLARD 15 12 23 14 – 64
OWEN COUNTY 10 18 17 6 – 51
Ballard (6-4) – Patterson 15, Tisby 2, Alvey 10, Wimberly 2, Wilson 21, Darby 7, Maina 5, Ramsey 2.
Owen County (10-2) – McDonald 9, Toftness 6, Tackett 2, Forsee 2, Dunaway 7, Williams 25.
3-point goals – Alvey, Darby, Maina; McDonald 3, Toftness 2, Dunaway.