FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Feb. 3, 2024)- The Fort improved to 16-7 (4-3 KJCCC) on the year as the Hounds defeated KJCCC rival Highland (13-9, 3-3 KJCCC) in a close 75-72 home victory on Saturday evening at Arnold Arena.

Fort Scott went an impressive 53.6% (30 of 56) from the field en route to a decisive victory. Four Greyhounds scored in double digits. Guiding the Hounds was Denymh Smith, who posted a 19-point performance, backed by a nine-of-15 shooting overall, six assists, and two steals on defense. Denis Kadric tallied a 16-point effort, going six of nine with two crucial buckets from three. Four steals supported BJ Francis's 13-point total to add to the Hound's 12 total. 

In addition to Kadric's deep shots, Davion Sargent scored two buckets from three-point land as he collected 13 points. Despite the Hounds being collectively slightly off from downtown, posting a 26.3% field goal total beyond the three-line, compared to Highland's 32% outing, Fort Scott's five total threes proved crucial possessions towards the final product. Sargent and Derrick McDonald pulled four rebounds each to build toward the Fort's 26 total boards. 

In the first half, Fort Scott outscored Highland 31-30, holding on in a high-scoring second half on the way to the Hound's second consecutive win after toppling Allen County 87-79 this past Wednesday on the road.

The Hounds and Scotties evened out on offensive rebounds, each earning ten. Regarding scoring, Highland was led by Bubba Leavell's game-high 22 points, supported by three other double-digit scorers. Even with five total team blocks, three by Chris Flippin, Highland couldn't overcome the Greyhound's synergistic offensive playstyle that saw Fort Scott get off seven more shots than the Scotties' 49 total attempts.

Fort Scott looks to improve their winning streak to three next Wednesday as the Hounds are back on the road to take on Labette at 6:00 p.m. (CST). You can follow all the latest news and updates on the FSCC men's basketball program on X (Twitter) @fsgreyhounds and fsgreyhounds.com.

Coach Cochran stated, "This team is buying to the unselfish style of basketball that led to us shooting over 70% in the second half. As we closed the first round of the conference, we could not be more excited about the direction we are headed. I cannot thank the community enough for supporting our program and making Arnold one of the toughest places to play in the Jayhawk Conference."