Ken Roberts
For The New Era
Sweet Home combined a tough man-to-man defense with patience in their offense to build such a commanding lead in the first quarter that the outcome in their home match up with Yamhill-Carlton was never in doubt.
The Huskies defeated Y-C last Friday in a non-league contest, 73-47, ending a three- game losing streak.
The Tigers scored the opening basket of the game, but after that they went empty as Sweet Home forced numerous turnovers that they often converted into easy baskets on the way to an overwhelming 20-2 lead by the end of the first quarter.
“We came out with a fire and stepped up to the challenge,” said coach Kostanty Knurowski about the pressure defense the Huskies applied. “In the grand scheme of things, a non-league game doesn’t mean much, but hopefully it will get our confidence back and establish momentum.”
On offense, the Huskies were patient against Y-C’s two-three zone, sharing the ball and making extra passes. Ryan Graville often was the Husky who got open, scoring 18 of his game high 23 points in the first half, including four 3 pointers.
“It takes five guys to make a play,” emphasized Knurowski. “Everybody was contributing. Ryan was just the beneficiary.”
Despite a temporary defensive lapse and missed shot opportunities in the third quarter that allowed the Tigers to go on an 18-4 run, Sweet Home still held on to a 13 point lead at the end of the third quarter. Sweet Home responded by posting the first 10 points of the fourth quarter, led by Jerome Coleman, who had 9 points and 3 steals off the bench for the Huskies.
Graville had a solid all around game, not only leading the Huskies in scoring, but also produced four steals and three rebounds.
“Our confidence had been shaken lately,” said Graville. “This win helped us get back on track.”
Brent Moyer was the other Husky in double figures with 10 points while Josh Riggs had the high mark in rebounds with six.
“Against Newport and Central, we will have to play better than tonight,” stated Knurowski about the upcoming league games.
“But we are not afraid to get back in the gym and work on getting to where we ultimately want to be.”
Sweet Home 20 20 12 21 €“ 73
Y-C 21 7 20 8 €“ 47
Sweet Home: Graville 23, Moyer 10, Emmert 9, Coleman 9, Kauffman 8, Riggs 6, Marchbanks 6, Miller 2
Yamhill-Carlton: Rhodes 13, Wood 9, Anderson 8, Chamberlain 6, Cooper 5, McKinney 3, Bansen 2, Duyn 1
Taft 55, Sweet Home 53
The Huskies fell for the third straight time in Val-Co League action Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Lincoln City.
Sweet Home led 28-22 at the half, but the Tigers, behind three three-pointers from Ian Hathaway, closed the gap to 39-35 at the end of the third period.
Taft exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter and even though the Huskies managed 14 of their own, it wasn’t enough to keep the hosts from winning their eighth straight game.