Jaydon Hayes erupted for a career-high 40 points in a 72-67 overtime win over Titusville on Friday in the opening round of the Corry Holiday Tournament.

CORRY – Sometimes on the basketball court, the best player simply just takes over.

That was the case on Friday, as Eisenhower’s Jaydon Hayes exploded for a career-high 40 points as the Knights earned a 72-67 overtime win over a talented Titusville squad in the opening round of the Corry Holiday Tournament.

“It’s obviously nice to have a player like Jaydon,” said Eisenhower coach Ryan Williams. “It was a good win in a tight, back-and-forth game.”

Hayes’ effort was spread out evenly – he had 23 points in the first half and 17 in the second half.

What made it even more impressive for the senior forward is that he did it all from inside the arc.

In the overtime period, Cyrus Hazeltine knocked down a pair of free throws and the Finchers – Zack and Alex – each came up with a big bucket to lift the Knights (2-4) to victory.

Zack Fincher had 13 points and Hazeltine 10.

Titusville (3-4) also had three players in double figures, led by JaiQuil Johnson, who finished with 17.

The win was the second straight for the Knights after an 0-4 start, and they will meet Corry in tonight’s championship game.

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EISENHOWER (72)

Hayes 15-10-13-40, Smelko 1-0-0-2, Myer 1-0-0-2, Z. Fincher 4-4-6-13, Warren 1-0-2-3, Hazeltine 1-0-0-2, A. Fincher 1-0-0-2, Williams 0-0-0-0, Totals 26-18-25-72

TITUSVILLE (67)

Johnson 5-5-5-17, Skinner 5-4-4-14, Hynes 3-2-4-9, Hofmeister 2-4-8-8, Anthony 4-2-2-12, Davenport 1-0-0-3, Culver 1-0-0-2, Roberts 1-0-0-2, Totals 22-17-23-67

By Quarters

Eisenhower 12 20 15 18 7 – 72

Titusville 22 11 14 18 2 – 67

Three-point FGs: Titusville (6) – Johnson 2, Anthony 2, Hynes, Davenport; Eisenhower (2) – Z. Fincher, Warren

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JV: Titusville 56, Eisenhower 18

Eisenhower: Jared Martone 7 points, Owen Trumbull 5, Caleb Robinault 4, Drew Williams 2