Summary: If you read this blog on a regular basis (all the tens of you), your familiar with with the emphasis on the lack of a killer instinct which has been referenced often. This ability was on full display Friday night. The first quarter was a feeling out quarter. East Canton seemed in shock or overly psyched up towards the beginning of the game. I might attribute this to the sellout crowd at Streetsboro or the pressure of the polls. Either or neither way, after one quarter the score was 16-14.
The Hornets smelled blood in the second quarter, outscoring the Rockets 29-13. They seemed to be the agressor, getting all the loose balls and dominating the glass on both ends. Burfield was doing his typical work with 17 in first half (he ended with 23) and Slater, with his feathery touch, scored 14 of his 15 for the game in the second period. Streetsboro's Jay Lugo was in foul trouble in the first half and was unable to play extended minutes or be very aggressive.
Streetsboro opened the third quarter by letting East Canton know that they were not going to lay down. They picked up man-to-man in the full court and really bothered East Canton with their pressure and traps. This is the first time all year any team has been able to put the Hornets on their heels with extended pressure. East Canton seemed to be surprised that their half time lead wasn't insurmountable. Frankly, they weren't ready for the heat Streetsboro brought. In the third quarter Streetsboro cut the lead to 8 to get back within striking distance.
By the 5:06 mark in the fourth East Canton's lead was all the way down to two. Fouls and foul shots had a lot to do with the finish of this contest. With under 4 minutes remaining, and the score 60-63, a questionable foul call led to free throws. The player fouled had to be replaced after suffering from leg cramps. His substitute shooter missed the front end of the 1 and 1. Then again with 3 minutes remaining, Streetsboro missed another front end of a 1-and=1 with the same score.
Smith was fouled with 2:35 remaining and converted 1 of 2 FT's. I offer a quick word on Smith. He hurt his ankle against Rootstown and had not practiced in either of the 2 practices since that game. It was unclear if he could play in the game but tested out the ankle in warm-ups and started the Streetsboro game. He came up lame in the 3rd quarter but returned in the 4th under dire circumstances and effectively finished the game. He scored only 9 points but it was a gutty, Willis Reed-like, sacrifice for the team (Yes, I did just make that comparison).
After Smith's FT's, Lugo knocked down a 15 footer to cut the lead to two. Streetsboro stole the ball but Bradley took a charge to give the ball back to EC. Slater converted 1 of 2 FT's to push the lead back to 3. Streetsboro wouldn't score again the rest of the night. Cartwright hit Smith to push the lead to five and Bradley finished it off with ¾ FT's. Bradley had a rough ball-handling night but scored (11 points), passed (6 assists) and converted FT's (7/8) in such a manner to have a solid night.
The JV lost to Streetsboro by a score of 44-58. Shultz scored 18 points for the second straight game and Kennedy added 14.
Bits Of Randomness
In the 4th quarter Slater grabbed a loose ball and wanted to go up for a score. However, two Rockets were holding onto some of the ball and a lot of his arms. He went up for the shot and the ball barely left his hands but the two Rockets, hanging on for dear life, were hoisted up in the air like rag dolls. The play resulted in a jump ball but I enjoyed the show of brute strength.
Jay Lugo led Streetsboro with 18 points, 10 of which coming in the 3rd quarter
East Canton hit 6 3-pointers compared to Streetsboro only hitting 1
The scrappiness was on full display last night. It was shown by Cartwright's ever present defensive impact, Bradley's 5 steals (and 2 charges taken) , Slater's 11 rebounds and Smith's 9 rebounds
http://www.cantonrep.com/highschool/x1672013557/High-school-boys-basketball-results-for-Jan-15
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8 comments:
Sam, has Slater officially made it out of your doghouse with his 15, 11 and a sweet undershirt last night?
I received quarterly reports last night from Sam. I was impressed by the halftime score but let down by the third. As always big ups to Burfield. No one should ever doubt Smith's toughness. He is ready to be there for his team. Good job again to Slater. Congrats to the entire hornet squad. Matt, I have to say that your coverage always tops the repository. Good luck tonite against the gmen!!!!
Thanks! I'm not sure how much of a compliment that is.. The Rep's entire coverage for the game was:
"Ryan Burfield finished with a game-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers, as East Canton stayed unbeaten."
It's better than nothing, but the lady working the concession stand could offer more insight.
great description of the game. I'm in texas so it's great to find a site to read abot the games! Go hornets!!! 9-0
Slater is out of the doghouse. I am trying to think of the last player to accomplish that feat....but cannot. My doghouse was always hard to get into (although the current coach is much more 'player friendly") but impossible to get out of. Perhaps being on the other side of the big blue line has softened me.....much like the Big Macs have to my physique.
Tremendous first half effort by the Hornets when everything was going right, and great poise and toughness the second half when everything was going wrong. I do not think last night fits the "no killer instinct" mode that I agree has been present. I saw two pretty evenly matched teams. The same plays we were making by fractions of an inch half one were made by Streetsboro by fractions of an inch half two. It is a great example of why basketball is such a beautiful game.
GAME DAY!! GET SOME!!!!
Some of my favorite things, as seen from my corner of the gym:
1. Hornets were "out-cooled" for the first time this year. Lugo's hair was waaaaaaay cooler than Zell's. Might have to go zig-zag corn rows for the rematch.
2. There is now an audible mumble of dread from the opposing fans every time Burfield is open. i could not hear them but i saw many a 'boro fan turning to his neighbor, jestering towards the court, saying some very angrily, and then throwing their hands into the air in disgust........it was fun.
3. Hornets are attracting a lot of new fans. While they aren't really sure what to do yet, at least they are there. Once they start cheering...look out! Students were much too subdued. With all the coffee, mountain dew, and red bull I see them with at school, it is inexcusable. Perhaps the AD's son should lead the section as he jumped off of his 6' perch on the volleyball stand three times during the fourth quarter.
4. How many different road uniforms did Coach buy?!? I think they have looked different every road game. Is this Oregon??? I say, pick one uni and stick with it. My personal choice......the ultra sweet purple unis they sported at Rootstown.
5. Love the "Willis Reed-like" reference, even though our players will have to look it up. I would also like to read things like "Dominique Wilkins-like", "Havlichek stole the ball-like", "Jordan-esque", and "Stockton and Malone-ish" on future posts. Helps the youngsters know the game wasn't invented by LeBron James. (James Naismith)
6. Sadly, Zell Bradley's streak of flopping successfully at least once a game was halted at 24.
Sam: You are right. LeBron did not invent the game, he has just perfected it.
Correction: Bradley got 2 flopping calls last night to bring his streak to 25. You must have been updating Ken out in the hallway when these took place.
Re-Correction: Zell took the first real charge of his career at a game changing time.
He did re-ignite the streak by flopping 35 seconds into Saturday's game.
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