Blake Yarbro dominates the paint to lead Chaffee past Advance in OIT opener

The sheer size of Chaffee senior center Blake Yarbro cast a shadow over everyone in the paint.

The big man scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Red Devils to a 66-46 win over the Advance Hornets in the opening round of the Oran Invitational Tournament. on Monday, Nov. 27, in Oran, Mo.

“He definitely had a major improvement,” Chaffee head coach Josh Govreau said. “He’s one of those kids from junior high even up until his junior year, he was one that wasn't much of a threat or a force for us. It helps that he's grown. He put some time in the weight room and he’s big.”

In the first half, Yarbro was silent offensively but deadly defensively. He scored only one basket in each of the first two quarters but was there to crash the boards to help hold the Hornets to four points in the second quarter.

Yarbro then gained steam in the second half with six points in the third quarter before erupting with 15 of the Red Devils’ 19 points in the fourth quarter.

“It was good to see the second half that he finally did what he's capable of doing and that’s to get into the block and wanting the ball,” Govreau said.

Easton Fowler and Shelton Simmons each scored eight points, most of which came in the first half to give Chaffee a 29-19 halftime lead. Levi McKinnkie also scored eight points as much of the scoring opportunities went to Yarbro in the second half. As a team, the Red Devils made 9-of-12 from the free-throw line.

“It’s a benefit we have 14 kids on my roster and they're all capable of playing,” Govreau said.

Braylen Carlton led the Hornets with 21 points, while Remington Pixley and Hunter Rodgers each scored eight points. 10 of Carlton’s 21 points came in the first quarter to keep it tied 15-15.

As a team, the Hornets made only 3-of-7 from the free-throw line.

Chaffee will take on Richland in the tournament semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m.

“Our goal is to play on the last day of all tournaments,” Govreau said. “We’re gonna get all we want from Richmond on Thursday. It’s a good ball club.”

The Rebels advanced by beating Scott County Central 80-55 earlier on Monday. Hunter Sanders and Eric Williams tag-teamed to score a combined 44 points. Williams scored 14 of his 20 points in the first half and Sanders scored 18 of his 24 points in the second half.

Namarius Banks led the Braves with 21 points while Asher Britt contributed 13.

Scott County Central and Advance will tackle in the consolation round on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.