Turnovers cost Hamilton boys hoops dearly in Class 2 State Semifinals defeat to Hayti

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Turnovers, that will be the story of the Class 2 State Semifinal game between the Hamilton and Hayti boys basketball teams.

Hamilton turned the ball over 24 times and Hayti scored 32 points off those turnovers in a 75-48 defeat for the Hornets.

Hayti beat Hamilton in every scoring category. The Indians had 29 bench points compared to just 2 for the Hornets and had 19 second chance points compared to Hamilton's 13. Hamilton was out-rebounded 27-23.

Senior Jacob Miller did his best for the Hornets, leading all scorers with 30 points and 8 rebounds. But it just wasn't enough. Hudson Creekmore added 9 points for Hamilton.

"That's by far the most athletic team we've seen, and they're skilled with their athleticism," said Hamilton Head coach Doug Burnett. "They're athletic and they know what they're doing. For us, when you love each other, and you want to compete for each other and you play for Hamilton, you play for Penny, you play for the Hornets. When a group of kids buys into doing everything together, it makes for a special group. Nothing's ever changed. Wins and losses this whole year, they've always been together. Everything they do is together. It's our breakdown every time and it's not just something we say, it's something that we live it."

"We couldn't come out on top in this one, but we want to be one of the two teams that go home on a win," said Miller. "So that's kind of the goal for right now and come out tomorrow and enjoy our time together."

"Tommorrow's going to be a great opportunity for us, it's my last game playing with Jacob and Isaac (Bales-Rodriguez). I just want to make the most memories I can," said Creekmore. "We can also build for next year. This might be the only chance we'll be here, we just have to take that mindset, work hard every day and try to get back here next year."

Hamilton drops to 23-9 on the season and will now face Clopton on Saturday, March 14th in the Class 2 Third Place Game in Columbia. If the Hornets win, it'll be the highest finish in school history.