Pressing defense key to Posen win

January 2, 2013 Editor

0113-posenboys — POSEN FRESHMAN Travis Sharpe (top) raced by the Huron defense on the way to two of his 17 points. An effective Posen press created many turnover baskets. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

by Richard Lamb–Advance Editor

A stifling full-court press in the second quarter turned the tide in Posen’s 64-30 win over Rogers City last week. Leading 7-6 after a first quarter where both sides had trouble hitting the easy shots, Posen trapped its way to 13 consecutive points in a run where the Hurons had trouble breaking the half-court line.

The Vikings run started at the 5:27 mark of the second quarter when Brandon Dietz hit a free throw. Moments later Posen scored again on a perfectly executed inbounds play finished by Nick Hincka. Hincka had six more points in the quarter, four coming off steals and layups, the final one capping the run at the 3:20 mark of the quarter.

Paul Wilbert’s free throw ended the run and his inside hook shot with 21 seconds left cut the Vikings’ lead to 25-13 at the half.

Posen’s freshman guard Travis Sharpe answered Rogers City’s Chris Lopez’ basket with a 3-pointer and then Hincka set up Sharpe for another bucket with 6:10 showing in the third quarter to up the Viking lead to 32-15.

Brandon Darling hit a bucket but 3-pointers by Hincka and Sharpe built the lead to 41-19.

A 14-0 run in the fourth quarter put the game away for the hometown Vikings. The Hurons struggled at the free-throw line, missing 10 consecutive shots in the fourth quarter to finish the game at 4-for-20 from the line.

Huron coach Jesse Streich said the team struggled with the press, but sees signs of improvement in his team.

Hincka had 25 points and Sharpe added 17 for the Vikings while Zach Hazel had

10 and Paul Wilbert had eight points to lead Rogers City in scoring.

Posen coach Steve Hentkowski said the press made the difference for Posen.

“It helped turned the game around when we got some easy transition baskets. The guys put in an excellent effort tonight. We still have some things to work on, but I was happy with the way they played,” Hentkowski said.

In the junior varsity contest, Rogers City had a strong third quarter to power a 37-21 win. The Hurons led 6-2 after the first quarter and 15-11 at halftime. A 14-7 swing in the third quarter increased the lead to 29-18 after three.

Casey Szatkowski had 10 points while Josh Belusar, Alex Darga and Adam Belusar each scored eight points.