CARROLL — Perry fell into an early hole that only grew deeper as Friday’s Raccoon River Conference tilt with Carroll progressed, with the host Tigers eventually winning by a 62-44 margin.
The loss spoiled the season opener for the Perry boys and new head coach Denny McDonnell, who did not see his team connect on a 3-point shot until the third quarter. By then Carroll had scorched the nets behind the arc, en route to a 14-3 edge in triples during the game.
The Tigers were 59-43 losers to Kuemper Catholic Tuesday but had the advantage of a game under their belt, while the Bluejays were on the floor for the first time and were playing without point guard Rashon Ivory, who is expected to return Tuesday against DC-G.
Perry fell behind, 15-5, after eight minutes of play and were outscored, 16-9, in the following stanza to face a 31-14 deficit at the half.
The Jays finally knocked down some shots in the third quarter, but Kolby Molinsky and Cooper Ross continued their barrage from long range, helping the Tigers post a 51-26 lead after three quarters.
Molinsky hit six treys to lead all scorers with 18 points, with Ross draining five triples as part of a 17-point effort. Peyton Ross had 11 points, Zach Promes seven, and Justin Mohr, Payton Raymond and Soren Jensen three apiece.
Janier Puente’s 16 points paced Perry, with Drew Levan adding a career-high 13. Kyle Nevitt had eight points and Tanner Duffy five, with a Mark Campos basket closing the Bluejay scoring. Perry finished 13-of-20 at the free throw line while Carroll sank 4-of-7 foul shots.
Perry will host DC-G Tuesday in a girl/boy set, with both Perry teams visiting Carlisle Dec. 9. Both twin bills will start with the girls games at 6 p.m.
