The Carterville Lions boys basketball team took on the visiting Vandalia Vandals at the Carterville Junior High School for the first time in years, taking home the win 93-65. 

The game started off hot with the night’s leading scorer, senior guard Caden Hawkins, hitting back-to-back threes. Those were quickly answered by a Vandalia three-pointer. Scores from senior forward Blake Burkey and senior guard Peyton Bittle brought the score to 11-3 Lions. As the 1st quarter progressed, the Vandals cut the score to 13-9 with 2:26 left in the first. Hawkins and the Lions continued to pack on their lead. After a two-pointer from senior forward Kade Lustenberger, the Lions ended the 1st quarter leading 23-18.

Lustenberger opened the second quarter with a quick two. The Vandals answered with a three making the score 25-21 early in the second. After back-and-forth scoring, the Lions pulled away after Hawkins scored from mid-range and three on back-to-back possessions, making the score 43-36 with 1:31 left in the half. As the buzzer sounded, the Lions led 46-38 at the half.

Of note in the second half, Hawkins was fouled on a three-point shot, sending him to the line. On the second free throw, Hawkins scored his 1000th career point to seal a memorable night. The Lions will take on the Harrisburg Bulldogs on Tuesday, February 14th. All winter sport seniors will be recognized that evening. To keep up with everything going on in Carterville Athletics, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, @CartervilleAth.