Rough second quarter sinks ’Jackets

KEMP–The Kemp Yellowjackets are still in search of their first district win after losing their contest to the Rice Bulldogs Jan. 5 at home. 
After falling behind 5-0 to begin the game, the ’Jackets got on the board on a basket by Halen Cromer. 
Kemp added a few late points in the first quarter, including a three-pointer from Dustin Tutle, but trailed the Lions 12-8 entering the second quarter.  
Kemp closed the gap early in the second quarter on two free throws by Klay Karl. Juan Galindo added a three-point shot to make it a three-point game late in the second quarter as the ’Jackets trailed 20-17. 
The Lions finished the first half on a 13-0 run to take a 33-17 lead into halftime. 
Layups from Jaden Gonzalez and Karl, along with a three-pointer from Deacon Thompson cut the Lions’ lead to 34-25 in the third quarter. Kemp held the Lions to just three points in the third quarter as Kemp trailed 36-29 entering the final eight minutes of regulation. 
Cromer added a layup, trimming the deficit to 37-34. Kemp managed just four more points in the fourth quarter as the Lions went home with a 43-38 victory.
Karl led the ’Jackets with 15 points in the loss to the Lions with Tutle adding seven points for Kemp.