Another notch in the Cross County Conference championship run has been eliminated last week, as the Bethel boys’ basketball team defeated Tri County North 79-56 to remain undefeated at 7-0 in the CCC. With the win, the Bees are now 10-1 overall.

“I think some of the kids think I am perfectionist,” Bethel coach Brett Kopp. “I don’t think we played well at either end. We are at our best when we look for the best shot. I am saying this scoring 79 points and win by 23, and sometime I wonder if I need to sit back and let them take care of business.”

Taking care of business is what Bethel did last week against the Panthers, as they jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead in the opening two minutes. Ryan Rose and Caleb South each scored at the rim and a three point play from Jesse Nickel gave the Bees the quick lead.

Tri County North fought back to make it a two-point game with a 6-0 run midway through the opening period, before Bethel closed out the first quarter with six consecutive points in the final two minutes, giving the host Bees a 17-9 lead.

Bethel had another run in the second period to take a 28-14 lead, and pushed it to 30-16 when Rose scored with 3:26 left in the half. The Bees offense then went silent as the Panthers went on a small run to close the deficit to 32-22 at the half.

“I am not much of not of a guy to yell and scream, but I talked to them to share the ball and play defense,” Kopp said. “If we don’t do that against Roger Bacon (played earlier this week) it won’t be pretty. Great teams dominate the teams they are supposed to dominate. We have a lot to work to do on defense.”

“We talk to every kid about making the right basketball play. Once we figure out the difference between selfish and unselfish we will be a better team. In the second half we made better plays.”

Scoring for the Bees included South 22, Rose 19, Kendal James eight, Terry seven, Anderson six, Jacob Evans and Nickell each with five, Alex Allen with three, Nate Rimkus and Christian Wright each scored two.

Bethel battled National Trail on Friday night trying to maintain their lead in the conference. After the North game, Bethel was undefeated in the league, while Franklin Monroe, Miami East and National Trail each only have one loss.

The Bees defeated National Trail 58-53 to continue their unbeaten streak in the conference.

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