The Hornets’ Rusty Morris hauled in a missed ‘Cat free throw late in the game and went coast-to-coast for the game’s winning bucket as Hundred knocked off the Paden City Wildcats to open the 2011-12 season with a 63-61 thriller.

Paden City held a 15-12 advantage after one period of basketball, but the Hornets tacked on 17 points, while holding the Wildcats to 10 markers to take a 29-25 lead at the break.

The Hornets extended their lead to 52-43 after three periods of play and were up as much as 18 points in the fourth frame before the visitors closed the gap. Paden City had the lead late in the game before missing several charity tosses that Hundred took advantage of to pull out a stunning victory.

It was Gregory Hostetler’s first varsity game as the Hornets’ Head Coach and he was elated after the game. “You can see this rookie coach didn’t handle the final period very well,” he quipped. “if we would have lost it would have made me sick after holding a large double-digit lead. That is a young but scrappy ball club the Wildcats have. They are well coached and we were just fortunate that there was no more time on the clock. My hat’s off to them, but my guys are also young and fought hard all game long and I’m just happy as I can be for them.”

“We just ran out of time. If we make our foul shots, we win,” said PCHS Head Coach Fred King. “We are still a little wet behind the ears, but we learn from this game and move forward and try to get better every day.”

The Hornets were paced by Rusty Morris, who scored 20-points, including four three-point baskets. He also grabbed eight boards in his first varsity start. Greg Stewart just missed getting a double-double, with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Kirk Shriver dropped in 11 markers, including a trio of baskets from beyond the arch.

In addition, senior captain Mitch Moore netted nine points and grabbed seven rebounds, while dishing off three assists. Chris Varner played a good game on the point, dishing off four assists and hijacking several basketballs. He also tacked on seven points. Hornet freshman Courtland Armstrong got into the mix by scoring a deuce.

For the visiting Wildcats, a pair of freshmen scored 43 of the ‘Cats 61 points. Kennedy Cain led the way with 23 points, while Zach Heasley knocked in 20 markers, including a pair of three point baskets. They grabbed eight rebounds apiece, while another freshman, Craig Allen, followed with six-points. Jamie Billiter netted four points, while Kane Pyles, Brandon Cross, Geoffrey and Drew Bidwell all tallied two points each for Paden City.