Four Finish in Double Figures as Concordia Defeats Smoky Valley, 66-43

Paced by 22 points from Junior Guard Peyton Retter, the Concordia High School Boys Basketball team finished with four in double-figures and defeated Smoky Valley, 66-43, on Friday, December 8th.

Concordia opened the game racing out to an 11 point first quarter lead following three made three-pointers by Retter.  Senior Guard Joey Henderson added a triple, while Senior Center Jonathan Turner, in his first varsity appearance of the season, got in on the scoring with 7 points through the first eight minutes and the Panthers held a 21-12 lead heading to the second period.

The Panthers shot 55.6 percent from the field in the first-half, including 66.7 percent from inside the arc, to grab a 16 point halftime lead at 37-21.

Concordia struggled to protect the ball in the second-half, finishing the game with 20 turnovers.  Smoky Valley took advantage and scored 15 points in the third quarter, and the Panthers led 54-36 entering the fourth.

Concordia's defense held Smoky Valley to 7 points in the final period.  The Panthers shot 26-of-52 (50.0 percent) from the field, including a 9-of-23 (39.1 percent) showing from behind the arc, in surpassing 60 points for the first time in six games, dating back to last season.

Retter scored 22 points off six made three-pointers.  He also had 7 assists and was named our Nex-Tech Wireless MVP of the Game.

Turner and Sophomore Post Chane Parker both logged 12 points.  Turner added 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots, while Parker posted 14 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive side, and 2 blocked shots.  Parker received our H&R Block of the Game.

Henderson ended the night with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

Senior Guard Payton Breese scored 3 points and had 7 assists and 3 steals.

Winners of back-to-back games, Concordia has improved to 2-1 on the season and will open North Central Kansas League play against the Marysville Bulldogs at home on Tuesday, December 12th.  Marysville is out to a 4-0 start with wins over Hiawatha, Sabetha, Valley Heights and Clay Center.  Tipoff to Tuesday's game is scheduled for 7:30 pm and the game can be heard on 1390 KNCK, 98.3 FM and NCKToday.com.