Rodney Klein
LYNN, Ind. – Lincoln Head Boys Basketball Coach Rodney Klein celebrated his 200th win on Wednesday night as the Golden Eagles defeated Randolph Southern 51-27.
“It is very special,” said Klein, who was doused with water by his team as he entered the locker room.
“I couldn’t ask to spend it with a better group of guys,” Klein continued. “I’ve been very blessed over the years to coach a lot of good players and a lot of good teams I just can’t think of a better group that I would like to celebrate with. They are special kids to me.”
Battling through a slow start for both teams, the Golden Eagles were able to build a 13-4 advantage after the first period.
“We didn’t start out very well of establishing the ball inside,” Klein said. “We made a few bad passes early.”
“We didn’t shoot well, but we played solid defense,” Klein added. “We contested every shot and we controlled the glass.”
Lincoln was able to expand its margin to 24-10 by the intermission. The Golden Eagles led 35-15 after three frames.
“It’s hard to win on the road no matter who you play,” Klein said.
Garrett Pumphrey led Lincoln with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks. Hunter Ferris added eight points and seven rebounds. Chase Southerland finished with seven points.
Lincoln won the JV contest 54-44 with Cameron Gwin leading the way with 19 points. Hayden Pierce added 16 points.
The Golden Eagles (6-1) visit Eastern Hancock next Friday.
Box Score
LINCOLN (6-1) – Bryant Hilbert 0 1-2 1, Caleb Craig 1 0-0 3, Chase Southerland 3 0-0 7, Hunter Ferris 3 2-2 8, Garrett Pumphrey 8 5-7 21, James Pugh 1 0-0 3, Josh Gardner 2 0-0 5, Austin Wampler 0 0-0 0, Austin Lanich 1 0-0 2, Seth Morris 0 0-0 0, Garron Laymon 0 1-2 1, Luke Isaacs 0 0-0 0. Team – 19 9-13 51.
RANDOLPH SOUTHERN (2-5) – Jaden Retter 0 0-0 0, Jordan Saylor 0 3-4 3, Alex Wigginton 1 0-0 3, Zach Jessee 1 2-6 4, Caleb Wissel 6 0-0 12, Caleb Tomey 1 0-0 3, Landon Bowlin 0 0-0 0, Ethan Patterson 0 0-0 0, Hunter Spain 0 0-0 0. Team – 10 5-10 27.
Lincoln 13 24 35 51
Randolph So. 4 10 15 27
3-pointers – Lincoln 4 (Craig, Southerland, Pugh, Gardner), Randolph Southern 2 (Wigginton, Tomey). Rebounds – Lincoln 35 (Pumphrey 9, Ferris 7), Randolph Southern 31 (Wissel 9). Turnovers – Lincoln 12, Randolph Southern 15. Fouls – Lincoln 11, Randolph Southern 9. Fouled out – None. JV Score – Lincoln 54, Randolph Southern 44.