Richmond rally falls short against Connersville

Jesus Jimenez
The Palladium-Item
Richmond's Lucas Kroft (10) moves to the basket during Saturday's 42-39 boys basketball loss to Connersville Dec. 15, 2018 at Tiernan Center. Stolle will be eligible to return on Wednesday.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Richmond High School’s boys basketball team fell to Connersville 42-39 Saturday at Tiernan Center.

Seven coaches were honored at halftime as the inaugural class for the school’s new Coaches Hall of Fame.

Lucas Kroft scored 22 points to lead Richmond, going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line to extend his school-record with 40 consecutive free throws to start the season.

He also led the Red Devils with three rebounds, three assists a steal and a pair of blocked shots.

Andrew Kroft scored 10 points, while Jalen Hillard had five and Rafael Deane 2.

“They did a good job,” Richmond head coach Shabaz Khaliq said of Connersville. “They’re in the right spots – we knew they would be. They’re a very disciplined defensive team.”

Hillard also had three assists, while Andrew Kroft had a steal and a blocked shot.
Noah Belt led Connersville with 13 points, Damon Huffman had 12 and Garrison Clay 10.

Richmond (3-3) hosts Monroe Central on Wednesday, then plays Fort Wayne Dwenger Friday at Marion.

Connersville (5-2) visits Greenfield-Central on Tuesday.

Jesus Jimenez is a sports and education reporter for the Palladium-Item. Contact him at (765) 973-4465, jjimenez@pal-item.com, or http://Twitter.com/JesusFJimenezPI