Hill College Surges Past Kilgore in Blalock Classic Showdown

UPDATE: In a thrilling opener of the Evelyn Blalock Classic at Kilgore College, Hill College defeated the host KC Lady Rangers 66-57, showcasing a pivotal performance from Kiah Goynes. The game, held at the Masters Gymnasium, marked a dramatic start to the tournament that also featured Midland College’s nail-biting 69-64 overtime victory over Panola College.

The action continues today, with Panola College set to face Hill College at 11 a.m., followed by the KC women taking on Midland at 1 p.m.. Fans are eager for what promises to be another day of intense competition.

Goynes ignited the game with a hot start, scoring 20 points, including three 3-pointers in the first quarter. Her clutch shot in the final moments tied the game at 53-53, setting the stage for a decisive finish by Hill. The Lady Rebels surged ahead following a pivotal three-point play by Journee Chambers, who added 10 points and five assists to her team’s effort.

Kilgore College rallied under pressure, narrowing the gap to just two points at 58-56 with a 3-pointer from Janiya Murphy. However, Hill’s defense held strong, closing the game with a commanding seven-point run. The loss was tough for Kilgore, with Ja’Sani Green leading the team with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

In the earlier game, Midland’s thrilling comeback against Panola was spearheaded by Diana Szakolczi, who scored 17 points, and Latisha Wilson with 14 points. Despite trailing at halftime, Midland’s gritty performance in overtime sealed their victory, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

As the Blalock Classic continues, all eyes will be on the KC women as they aim to bounce back against Midland. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce—basketball fans won’t want to miss a moment of this exciting tournament!

Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from the remaining games at the Blalock Classic, a key event for local collegiate basketball.