Rocky Bayou Knights stick it to South Walton

The Rocky Bayou Christian Knights had three players in double digits to down the South Walton Seahawks 66-50 in boys varsity basketball action Thursday night in Niceville.

Destin’s Casey Ponder led the Knights with 21 points, followed by Josh Preston with 20 and Jonathan Colquitt, 13.

Paxton Dixon was the only Seahawk to hit double figures with 25 points; with 12 coming in the last quarter.

The first quarter was back and forth with the lead swapping hands five times before ending in a 12-12 tie. Dixon and Josh McGrath scored the Hawks.

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In the second quarter, the Knights pulled away early going on a seven-point run in the first two minutes. Dixon made a free throw, then Rocky’s David Denbow swished a 3-pointer. Ponder was fouled and hit both tries for a 24-13 advantage. South Walton’s Jerimiah Crittendon put a rebound back for two, then Preston put two points on the glass followed by a free throw for a three-point play. South Walton’s McGrath and Crittendon hit a couple of inside baskets. Ponder worked his way on the baseline for a bucket and then Colquitt nailed a shot at the buzzer for a 31-19 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, Rocky stretched its lead even farther, outscoring the Seahawks 20-11. Ponder had a couple of driving layups, a 3-pointer and a free throw, while Preston put it on the glass for six points. Dixon, Crittendon, Grant Burden and Stephen Stroop contributed for South Walton.

In the final quarter, the Seahawks made a surge with Dixon knocking down a couple of 3 on his way to 12 points for the period but it wasn’t enough to overtake the Knights.

Up next for South Walton is a 7 p.m. game Tuesday at home against the Bozeman Bucks.

Rocky will play at 5:30 p.m. at Niceville High on Tuesday.