On a night dedicated to honoring the past and future of Pulaski County athletics, Hidden Valley spoiled the Senior Night festivities at the Cougar Den, using a nearly perfect performance from the free-throw line to secure an 81-68 victory.
The pregame atmosphere was exciting as the Cougars recognized the senior members of the boys basketball, swim, and indoor track and field teams for their contributions to the school. The stands were further packed for Rec League Night, with youth players from the Pulaski County Parks and Recreation basketball programs invited to witness the high-stakes matchup.
While the emotion of the senior ceremonies carried the Cougars to an early lead, the Titans eventually silenced the home crowd, earning the 81-68 victory. Hidden Valley finished the night a staggering 26-of-28 from the free-throw line.
Steele Torrence led all scorers with 33 points, including a 7-of-8 mark from the stripe. Wyatt Clarke followed closely with 22 points, going a perfect 5-for-5 on free throws. Wynn Womeldorf also reached double figures with 10 points (4-for-4 free throws).
Pulaski County looked poised to defend their home court early. Behind 18 points from Jalere Harlow and 17 from Justus Hash, the Cougars took a 20-15 lead after the first quarter and entered the locker room at halftime up 38-35.
However, the tide turned in the third quarter. The Titans began to find their rhythm, outscoring the Cougars 22-15 in the period to take a 57-53 lead. In the final frame, as Pulaski County fought to bridge the gap, Hidden Valley’s consistency at the line allowed them to extend the lead to as many as 13 points, eventually outscoring the Cougars 24-15 in the fourth to seal the win.
The disparity in free-throw production proved to be the undoing for the Cougars. While Hidden Valley made 26 free throws, Pulaski County converted on 5-of-6 as a team. Despite a competitive effort from the Cougar starters on their milestone night, the Titans’ ability to convert under pressure in a loud, packed environment was the deciding factor.
In the junior varsity matchup, the Pulaski County Cougars set a blistering pace early to overwhelm Hidden Valley in a 69-39 victory.
The Cougars’ offense ignited for 22 points in the opening frame, establishing a five-point cushion that they would relentlessly expand throughout the night. By halftime, Pulaski County had doubled Hidden Valley’s output, leading 41-20.
Braylen Anderson led the charge for the JV Cougars with a game-high 13 points, including a strong second-quarter performance where he accounted for 8 of the team’s 19 points. Pulaski showcased deep scoring depth, with Malachi French (9 points), Ade’ Jackson (8 points), and Keilen Vaughan (8 points) all contributing to the lopsided total.
Hidden Valley’s JV squad was led by James Hill, who finished with 8 points, and Treydon Quallis and Slade McClure, who each added 7. Despite a 16-of-25 (64%) shooting performance from the free-throw line by the Cougars, the Titans were unable to narrow the gap, managing only 9 points in the final period.
Varsity Score Box
Final Score: Hidden Valley 81, Pulaski County 68
Top Scorers:
HV: Steele Torrence (33), Wyatt Clarke (22), Wynn Womeldorf (10)
PC: Jalere Harlow (18), Justus Hash (17), Boone Blevins (13)
Free Throw Shooting:
Hidden Valley: 26-of-28 (92.8%)
Pulaski County: 5-of-6 (83.3%)
JV Score Box
Final Score: Pulaski County 69, Hidden Valley 39
Top Scorers:
PC: Braylen Anderson (13), Malachi French (9), Ade’ Jackson (8), Keilen Vaughan (8)
HV: James Hill (8), Treydon Quallis (7), Slade McClure (7)
Free Throw Shooting:
Pulaski County: 16-of-25 (64%)
Hidden Valley: 11-of-16 (68.7%)