Spring Creek tops Midway
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on November 24, 2009 1:47 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- Spring Creek started slowly, but eventually found its stride in a 66-55 victory over Midway in "The Swamp" on Monday evening.
The Gators (2-1 overall) completed a regular-season sweep of the Raiders.
With a lengthy holiday break looming, Spring Creek struggled to produce its typical energy level in the opening minutes. Back-to-back baskets by Melvin DeVeaux and Kenneth Freeman gave the home team a 16-12 edge after the first quarter.
"I think we came out a little stagnant and I really don't know why," said second-year head coach Taylor Jones. "Our guys have done a really good job of setting the tempo in our first few games, but tonight it took us a while to get going in transition."
The Raiders used their deliberate half-court offense to stay in the game throughout the opening half. The visitors pounded the ball inside to Alex McPhail and Jonathan Farthing, who controlled the offensive glass and converted several putbacks.
The Gators' speed took over after halftime.
DeVeaux handled the ball and ran the offense as Spring Creek raced to a 10-point, third-quarter lead.
After the halftime break the Gators speed took over. John Midgette and Anthony Green benefited from the change in tempo as they combined for 12 during that stretch.
"We have the athletes to be able to play that style," said Jones. "We can go nine or sometimes even 10 deep on the bench, so I feel like we play our best when we are out and running."
Midway (1-2) pulled within four points early in the final period, but Spring Creek kept the pressure on and eventually pulled away with solid free throw shooting in the final two minutes.
Midgette paced the Gators' offense with 14 points. DeVeaux added 12 points and six rebounds. Freeman and Dontay Boseman contributed 11 points apiece.
Kyle Knowles led Midway with 13 points.
"As far as where we are at after three games, we are way ahead of last year," said Jones. "I think this team has a lot of potential and enough experience to play some very good basketball."
SC girls
Spring Creek scored one point in the opening quarter and trailed by 14 points at halftime in their 45-23 loss to Midway.
The Gators (0-3) picked up their second-half intensity and pulled within eight points on Kaitlyn Casey's layup. They could get no closer.
Amy Parker emerged the lone Gator in double figures with 10 points. Casey added six points and five rebounds.