Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern picked up its eighth straight victory on Thursday, beating Franklin Central 71-64 on the road in a Hoosier Crossroads Conference game.

The Royals led 19-16 after the first quarter, but the Flashes took the lead in the second period, going up 35-33 at halftime. Southeastern used a 22-point third period to get back in front 55-53 by the end of the third, then outscored Franklin Central 16-11 in the fourth.

Four Royals players reached double figures. Vinny Buccilla led the way with 15 points on five 3-pointers. DeAndre Rhodes, who committed to play football at Indiana State this week, added 14 points. Kole Hornbuckle and Mabor Majak each had 12 points, with Hornbuckle making all three of his 3-point attempts.

Rhodes led the rebounding with eight, while Majak collected seven. Southeastern had 22 team assists, with Buccilla dishing out six. Rhodes and Hornbuckle both handed out five assists and Majak had four assists.

The Royals improved to 4-2 in the HCC, currently second behind Brownsburg’s 4-1 record. Southeastern is 12-5 overall and plays at Homestead on Saturday afternoon.