MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington men’s basketball team opened the annual Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic with an 82-71 win over Pikeville Friday night inside Platt Arena. The victory pushes the Foresters to 4-1 on the season, marking their third straight win, while the Bears drop to 1-1.

It also served as a bit of payback, as UPike handed HU a 71-66 loss in the opening round of the 2023 NAIA National Tournament. Tonight, the script flipped.

Kaden Johnson was the difference-maker. The 6-11 center delivered a career night, erupting for 25 points on 10-for-12 shooting while adding 10 rebounds for the double-double. He also tallied two steals and a block, dominating both ends of the floor.

The Foresters shot a blistering 55.2% (32-for-58) from the field and committed just six turnovers, thriving once again as a strong second-half team. All six ties and ten lead changes occurred before halftime, highlighted by a 12-0 UPike run that pushed the Bears ahead by nine, 32-23. HU regrouped to lead 38-37 by the break, then caught fire, shooting 78.6% in the second half to gradually pull away.

Jackson Paul played a crucial role in closing the door late, scoring seven points in the final seven minutes to keep the Bears at arm’s length while steering the offense with poise. He finished with 11 points and nine assists.

Joining Johnson in double figures were Matthew Spears (15 points, 5 boards) and Miles Good (13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), while Landon Biegel chipped in eight points and Cade Brenner added six points off the bench on a pair of threes.

Pikeville was led by Zion Blevins’ 13 points, while Bradley Bunch (11) and Keynan Cutlip (10) also reached double figures.

Huntington returns to Platt Arena on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. to face Spartanburg Methodist. The game will include recognition of the 2025 Hall of Fame induction class at halftime.