By Cort Reynolds

KENTON__The visiting Bluffton High School boys basketball team utilized a big third quarter to pull away and defeat non-league rival Kenton 53-36 on Saturday, December 20.

The Pirates led just 24-23 at halftime, but outscored the Wildcats 19-4 in the decisive third period to build a 43-27 cushion. 

Bluffton took the final stanza 10-9 to win by 17.

The Pirates improved to 2-4 overall after registering their second road win in as many nights. Winless WBL foe Kenton fell to 0-5 after the home loss.

Speedy senior Kain Wright was the leading Pirate scorer for the second straight night as he tallied a game-high 20 points. He sank seven two-point goals and six free throws.

Wright scored eight in the first period to help shoot the Pirates to a one-point lead. He then added nine markers after halftime.

Robby Taylor splashed four triples en route to 12 points. Bean Ginther tallied six markers, while Pirate freshman guard Brody Donley and Lane Ginther added five markers apiece.

Tayvion Glispie led Kenton with 11 points.

The Pirates connected on 14 two-point goals and splashed six triples. Bluffton converted seven of 16 at the charity stripe (44 percent). 

Kenton sank 12 deuces, drained two trifectas and canned six of 16 from the charity stripe (38 percent).

Bluffton hosts its annual post-Christmas holiday tournament Dec. 27/29. The Pirates entertain Emmanuel Christian Dec. 27 in the semifinals, while Arlington (4-2) and Wayne Trace (2-3) meet in the first semifinal Dec. 27 at 5 p.m. The Red Devils are led by 6-10 senior center Calvin Willow.

The consolation (6 p.m.) and title games (7:30 p.m.) will be held Monday night, Dec. 29.