Posted: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 9:08 pm
by Peter Adelsen
Coming in to the game, the Kokomo Wildkats and Northwestern Tigers had a combined record of 16-1, but it was only the Wildkats who showed its dominance in the 12-2 win in six innings Wednesday at Highland Park.
Kokomo senior Colton Summers began the game with a six-pitch first inning as Northwestern's hitters (junior Derek Mumaw, senior Luke Miller,junior Austin Henderson) went down in order.
The Kats struck first as senior Nolan Sanburn got an RBI single to send senior Casey Shipley, who earlier stole a base, home for a run to go up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning.
Tigers junior Bryan Beachy got a two-RBI double in the top of the second inning sending senior Danny Turner and junior Abe Ridlen home to give Northwestern a one-run lead at 2-1, but that would end up being the total run total for the Tigers.
In the bottom of the second, the Kats tacked on two more runs from its seven and eight hitters in the line-up, senior Devin Schacht and senior Nick Franklin.
"You are going to win baseball games when the bottom of the order is going to hit," Kokomo coach Steve Edwards said. "I told the kids if we can get the top of the order producing consistently and the bottom of the order keeps hitting like they are we're going to be a really, really good ball club."
The Tigers had only three at the plate in the top of the third and sixth innings and produced only three hits from the third inning forward.
"(Colton Summers) did a nice job mixing it up and getting a lot of ground balls and we were behind the count," Northwestern coach Ryan Berryman said. "Sixteen of the hits we gave up, 14 pitches were up in the zone and well over half of those we were behind in the count, so good teams will turn it on you and that's what we try to do to other teams and tonight Kokomo came after us and we gave them lots of opportunities."
Summers only allowed six hits, but he did have a rough stretch in the fourth inning when senior Danny Turner got a base hit followed by hitting the next two batters, Ridlen and junior Jake Yager, to load the bases for Northwestern, but he was off the hook when junior Matt Adams grounded out to end the inning.
Beachy, Northwestern's ace pitcher, was only able to go 2 2/3 innings in the loss and allowing 5 runs off of 8 hits.
Kokomo (9-1) next plays at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Warsaw in a double-header game. Northwestern (8-1) next plays at home at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the 3-Way Invite against North Miami and Clinton Central.
Scores by inning:
1 2 3 4 5 6 Runs Hits Errors
Northwestern 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 6 2
Kokomo 1 2 4 0 1 4 12 17 0
Hitting statistics:
Northwestern-
6- Mumaw 0/3
8. Miller 1/3
>3. Richards 0/0
22. Henderson 0/3
17. Turner 2/3 (R)
12. Ridlen 2/3 (HBP, R)
4. Beachy 1/3 (2B, 2 RBI)
23. Gibson 0/2
>19. Christensen 0/1
10. Yager 0/1 (HBP)
>1. Galloway 0/0
5. Adams 0/2
Kokomo-
5. Shipley 1/3 (2R, SB)
3. Kuhns 3/4 (HR, 4 RBI)
6. Weir 2/3 (BB)
>2. Frey, pinch runner for Weir (R)
25. Sanburn 2/4 (2B, RBI, R)
19. Green 1/3 (2B, 2 RBI, BB)
17. Reynolds 1/4 (RBI)
>9. Wray, pinch runner for Reynolds (R)
22. Schacht 3/4 (2R)
24. Franklin 4/4 (2 RBI, 2R)
1. Sawyer 0/3 (R)
Showing posts with label Kokomo High School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kokomo High School. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Kats jump on Panthers in first inning on way to rivalry win
Posted: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:42 pm | Updated: 10:41 pm, Mon Apr 26, 2010.
by Peter Adelsen
RUSSIAVILLE - Coming off of an 11-1 pounding from Lafayette Jeff Tuesday, the Kokomo Wildkats bounced back with consistent hitting and excellent pitching in its win over the Western Panthers 7-3 on Wednesday.
Kokomo jumped on the Panthers in the first inning scoring three runs off of Western senior pitcher Bryson Platt. Kokomo scored on back-to-back RBI hits from seniors T.J. Weir and Nolan Sanburn. Weir drove in senior Casey Shipley and Sanburn hit a two-run blast passed the center field fence to drive in Weir and himself.
Western got back a run in the bottom of the first inning with a home run to deep left field from junior Connor Love.
From that point on, it was consistency. Kokomo had it at the plate as a team and on the mound with Weir. Weir pitched a complete game in allowing three runs on seven hits.
With a 3-2 lead in the third inning, Kokomo senior Michael Reynolds hit a two-run homer to give the Kats some more breathing room.
The Panthers responded with an RBI double from junior Connor Love to bring in junior Damon Reel in the fifth inning, but that was the last Western would score in the loss to Kokomo.
"It was a big win," Kokomo coach Steve Edwards said. "Playing in a rivalry game against Western is always competitive for us and to come out and jump on them early with that three-run home run that was big."
Edwards said after the first inning start, the biggest hit in the game was Reynold's home run in the third inning.
"Ultimately when we jump out on top of teams, we're going to have a lot more confidence," he said. "I think we showed it."
Western coach Ty Calloway said the difference in the game was consistency on the mound and hitting at the plate.
"We didn't pitch that poorly, but their batting was a little more consistent at the plate than our guys up through the line-up," he said. "(Kokomo) could put one to two, two to three hits together. We would only get one (hit) here and one there and they had less strike-outs than we did."
Kokomo (4-1) next takes the field at 6 p.m. Friday against the Frankfort Hot Dogs. Western (3-1) next takes the diamond at 5 p.m. Tuesday at home against Mid-Indiana Conference rival Maconaquah Braves.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Kokomo grad having experience of a lifetime
Posted: Saturday, April 3, 2010 12:00 am | Updated: 2:47 am, Sat Apr 3, 2010.
by Peter Adelsen
This weekend, the 32-4 Butler University Bulldogs will be battling for the NCAA Division 1 men's basketball championship in Indianapolis.
One player on that team is junior Alex Anglin, a 2006 Kokomo High School graduate. While on the basketball court for the Wildkats, Anglin was a North Central Conference all-conference guard-forward and captain his senior year when he averaged 10.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
Anglin, an accounting major at Butler, made the basketball team as a sophomore walk-on and after being fortunate to have a couple of workouts in front of the Butler coaching staff. From then on it has been a wild ride as a member of the basketball team.
"It has been a very interesting, rewarding and amazing experience from when I first joined the team to now," Anglin said.
Anglin has played in 11 games this season, but he earned his way on to a team that could be playing for a national championship on Monday.
Along the road to the Final Four this season, Anglin knew that this team was special.
"After I've seen the hard work put in and the growth of the team and its talent level, I definitely knew there was a possibility that our team could play for a national championship," he said. "We have great players and team chemistry. As a team, I guess not one person could be a NBA-type caliber (player), but as a group of five people on the court there is not one person who is greater than the other. So if we play together and everybody does their job and their role that we can play with anybody in the country."
Throughout the 2009-2010 season, the Bulldogs have played competitively with every team on its schedule. At first, it was not easy as the nation's longest current win streak at 24 may say. During the 2009 portion of the season, Butler was at 9-4, losing to Minnesota, Clemson, Georgetown and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
"We were all competitive in those games and there was stuff we could have done to win those games and we took that mindset knowing that if we played the right way we could beat any team in the country, but if we don't we could also get beat by any team in the country," he said.
From January on, the team could not lose.
"Throughout the win streak, we kept a one possession mindset that if we win every possession and focus on that possession, one game at a time, one play at a time that we can achieve what we want to achieve," he said.
The Bulldogs finished undefeated in the Horizon League to secure an NCAA Tournament bid and from then on, the team defeated Texas-El Paso 77-59, Murray State 54-52, Syracuse 63-59 and Kansas State 63-56 to come back home to Butler University as West Regional Champions.
For this year's tournament, there has been a lot of hype about brackets being busted because of mid-major teams upsetting the power teams, or in football terms, the Bowl Championship Series conference teams. In the opinion of Anglin, these upsets may not really be upsets.
"Smaller teams and teams with less money, mid-majors, they all can play basketball," he said. We were in the same pot as Murray State, which had a fantastic game against Vanderbilt and knocked them off, a SEC school. We played that team and that was our closest game in the NCAA Tournament. They are a really good team, a 31-win team. As far as upsets, those teams had a right to be there as a quality basketball team."
Another thought that has been surfacing is some people comparing Butler, a nationally ranked team for much of the season, to the movie ‘Hoosiers.'
"People are trying to have the comparison to ‘Hoosiers,' but I really don't know if it's an accurate comparison," he said. "We feel like we are one of the elite teams in college basketball and we feel like we can play with anybody and beat anybody."
With that mentality, the next step on the road is just five miles south of campus at Lucas Oil Stadium to play in the Final Four against the 28-8 Michigan State Spartans at 6:07 p.m. Saturday. With a win, they advance to the national championship on Monday to face either West Virginia or Duke at 9:21 p.m.
The atmosphere on campus
The Butler University campus is bustling with anticipation as the basketball team has made it to the Final Four.
"There is definitely a crazy Butler basketball buzz on campus, in the city and state of Indiana," Anglin said.
On Wednesday, there was a pep rally at Monument Circle where a couple thousand people came out to support the Bulldogs, he said.
On campus, the 660 student tickets were sold out in less than a minute, he said.
As for everybody else, people were standing outside Hinkle Fieldhouse at 5 a.m. Monday when tickets went on sale at noon, he said.
"Everybody is all smiles and just proud to be a Butler Bulldog, same for the alumni as well," he said.
What an experience
Alex Anglin has literally traveled internationally as a member of the Butler basketball team. He has traveled to San Jose and Salt Lake City, just during the NCAA Tournament this season. During the past year, he has traveled to Italy during the summer to play four games and visited cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence.
During the non-conference portion of the season, the team went to Anaheim to play in the 76 Classic against Minnesota, UCLA and Clemson, on that trip, the team visited Disneyland and Laguna Beach. The team also traveled to New York City to play in the Jimmy V Classic against Georgetown University. While in New York, the team visited Times Square, he said.
"It's been a great experience," he said. "I've got to experience as a team cities that we would probably never ever see unless we made a trip out with business in our careers or vacationing. As a team, you are fortunate to use the opportunity to play basketball to see cities that you would not normally see as a typical college student."
http://www.kokomoperspective.com/news/article_809d7cf8-3e84-11df-bb33-001cc4c002e0.html
by Peter Adelsen
This weekend, the 32-4 Butler University Bulldogs will be battling for the NCAA Division 1 men's basketball championship in Indianapolis.
One player on that team is junior Alex Anglin, a 2006 Kokomo High School graduate. While on the basketball court for the Wildkats, Anglin was a North Central Conference all-conference guard-forward and captain his senior year when he averaged 10.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
Anglin, an accounting major at Butler, made the basketball team as a sophomore walk-on and after being fortunate to have a couple of workouts in front of the Butler coaching staff. From then on it has been a wild ride as a member of the basketball team.
"It has been a very interesting, rewarding and amazing experience from when I first joined the team to now," Anglin said.
Anglin has played in 11 games this season, but he earned his way on to a team that could be playing for a national championship on Monday.
Along the road to the Final Four this season, Anglin knew that this team was special.
"After I've seen the hard work put in and the growth of the team and its talent level, I definitely knew there was a possibility that our team could play for a national championship," he said. "We have great players and team chemistry. As a team, I guess not one person could be a NBA-type caliber (player), but as a group of five people on the court there is not one person who is greater than the other. So if we play together and everybody does their job and their role that we can play with anybody in the country."
Throughout the 2009-2010 season, the Bulldogs have played competitively with every team on its schedule. At first, it was not easy as the nation's longest current win streak at 24 may say. During the 2009 portion of the season, Butler was at 9-4, losing to Minnesota, Clemson, Georgetown and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
"We were all competitive in those games and there was stuff we could have done to win those games and we took that mindset knowing that if we played the right way we could beat any team in the country, but if we don't we could also get beat by any team in the country," he said.
From January on, the team could not lose.
"Throughout the win streak, we kept a one possession mindset that if we win every possession and focus on that possession, one game at a time, one play at a time that we can achieve what we want to achieve," he said.
The Bulldogs finished undefeated in the Horizon League to secure an NCAA Tournament bid and from then on, the team defeated Texas-El Paso 77-59, Murray State 54-52, Syracuse 63-59 and Kansas State 63-56 to come back home to Butler University as West Regional Champions.
For this year's tournament, there has been a lot of hype about brackets being busted because of mid-major teams upsetting the power teams, or in football terms, the Bowl Championship Series conference teams. In the opinion of Anglin, these upsets may not really be upsets.
"Smaller teams and teams with less money, mid-majors, they all can play basketball," he said. We were in the same pot as Murray State, which had a fantastic game against Vanderbilt and knocked them off, a SEC school. We played that team and that was our closest game in the NCAA Tournament. They are a really good team, a 31-win team. As far as upsets, those teams had a right to be there as a quality basketball team."
Another thought that has been surfacing is some people comparing Butler, a nationally ranked team for much of the season, to the movie ‘Hoosiers.'
"People are trying to have the comparison to ‘Hoosiers,' but I really don't know if it's an accurate comparison," he said. "We feel like we are one of the elite teams in college basketball and we feel like we can play with anybody and beat anybody."
With that mentality, the next step on the road is just five miles south of campus at Lucas Oil Stadium to play in the Final Four against the 28-8 Michigan State Spartans at 6:07 p.m. Saturday. With a win, they advance to the national championship on Monday to face either West Virginia or Duke at 9:21 p.m.
The atmosphere on campus
The Butler University campus is bustling with anticipation as the basketball team has made it to the Final Four.
"There is definitely a crazy Butler basketball buzz on campus, in the city and state of Indiana," Anglin said.
On Wednesday, there was a pep rally at Monument Circle where a couple thousand people came out to support the Bulldogs, he said.
On campus, the 660 student tickets were sold out in less than a minute, he said.
As for everybody else, people were standing outside Hinkle Fieldhouse at 5 a.m. Monday when tickets went on sale at noon, he said.
"Everybody is all smiles and just proud to be a Butler Bulldog, same for the alumni as well," he said.
What an experience
Alex Anglin has literally traveled internationally as a member of the Butler basketball team. He has traveled to San Jose and Salt Lake City, just during the NCAA Tournament this season. During the past year, he has traveled to Italy during the summer to play four games and visited cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence.
During the non-conference portion of the season, the team went to Anaheim to play in the 76 Classic against Minnesota, UCLA and Clemson, on that trip, the team visited Disneyland and Laguna Beach. The team also traveled to New York City to play in the Jimmy V Classic against Georgetown University. While in New York, the team visited Times Square, he said.
"It's been a great experience," he said. "I've got to experience as a team cities that we would probably never ever see unless we made a trip out with business in our careers or vacationing. As a team, you are fortunate to use the opportunity to play basketball to see cities that you would not normally see as a typical college student."
http://www.kokomoperspective.com/news/article_809d7cf8-3e84-11df-bb33-001cc4c002e0.html
Kats aiming toward state title run
Posted: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 3:54 pm | Updated: 3:55 pm, Wed Apr 7, 2010.
by Peter Adelsen
After a disappointing end to last season losing in the sectional, the Kokomo Wildkats baseball team (22-8, 10-4 NCC in 2009) has high expectations for this season.
The Kats, preseason ranked 4th in class 4A, are bringing back 11 seniors, most with three or four years of experience on the varsity level with the 2009 North Central Conference champions.
"We have a lot of experience with our kids and most of the success that we've had over the last couple years has been because of the kids who are now seniors," Kokomo coach Steve Edwards said. "We have our top four pitchers back and we have basically eight of our nine starters back offensively."
The top four pitchers returning are seniors T.J. Weir (8-0 with .95 ERA in 2009), Colton Summers, Nolan Sandburn and junior Nick Lorenc.
In the opening game of the season, Summers threw a perfect game and struck-out seven batters against the Eastern Comets at Highland Park on only 68 pitches in the 6-0 win.
"We had a lot of excitement the first game, but I don't think anybody expects to see a no-hitter on the first game of the season," Edwards said. "He had command of all of his pitches and Colton was throwing all of his pitches really well and was hitting his spots and kept hitters off balance and that's pretty good against a number five ranked Eastern team in 2A."
Offensively in the opening game, the team had 11 hits. Weir hit a home run and a double, senior Nick Franklin went 3 for 3 with two doubles, senior Devin Schacht had two hits and senior Dylan Green had two hits in the win.
This year's goal, like the past seasons, is to win the North Central Conference, win the sectional and move on to the state tournament.
"We're very deep on the mound and we've been looking for this since 2007 when we were state runner-up," he said. "Last year and this year were years where we were looking at doing some damage. We fell short last year, but this year we have high expectations to advance in the tournament and do some damage in the tournament."
http://www.kokomoperspective.com/local_sports/high_school/kokomo/article_80e49ad0-427f-11df-84ce-001cc4c03286.html
by Peter Adelsen
After a disappointing end to last season losing in the sectional, the Kokomo Wildkats baseball team (22-8, 10-4 NCC in 2009) has high expectations for this season.
The Kats, preseason ranked 4th in class 4A, are bringing back 11 seniors, most with three or four years of experience on the varsity level with the 2009 North Central Conference champions.
"We have a lot of experience with our kids and most of the success that we've had over the last couple years has been because of the kids who are now seniors," Kokomo coach Steve Edwards said. "We have our top four pitchers back and we have basically eight of our nine starters back offensively."
The top four pitchers returning are seniors T.J. Weir (8-0 with .95 ERA in 2009), Colton Summers, Nolan Sandburn and junior Nick Lorenc.
In the opening game of the season, Summers threw a perfect game and struck-out seven batters against the Eastern Comets at Highland Park on only 68 pitches in the 6-0 win.
"We had a lot of excitement the first game, but I don't think anybody expects to see a no-hitter on the first game of the season," Edwards said. "He had command of all of his pitches and Colton was throwing all of his pitches really well and was hitting his spots and kept hitters off balance and that's pretty good against a number five ranked Eastern team in 2A."
Offensively in the opening game, the team had 11 hits. Weir hit a home run and a double, senior Nick Franklin went 3 for 3 with two doubles, senior Devin Schacht had two hits and senior Dylan Green had two hits in the win.
This year's goal, like the past seasons, is to win the North Central Conference, win the sectional and move on to the state tournament.
"We're very deep on the mound and we've been looking for this since 2007 when we were state runner-up," he said. "Last year and this year were years where we were looking at doing some damage. We fell short last year, but this year we have high expectations to advance in the tournament and do some damage in the tournament."
http://www.kokomoperspective.com/local_sports/high_school/kokomo/article_80e49ad0-427f-11df-84ce-001cc4c03286.html
Bronchos knock Kats out of IHSAA tournament
Posted: Sunday, March 7, 2010 12:05 am | Updated: 12:27 am, Sun Mar 7, 2010.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats stormed out to an early 10-point lead Saturday, but in a game of runs, the Lafayette Jeff Bronchos made the final run in the fourth quarter to get a 67-61 victory to become the Kokomo Sectional champions and advance to the Marion Regional.
The Kats continued its recent hot shooting, led by sophomore D.J. Balentine's 7 points, in the first quarter as they took an early 13-3 lead that forced the Bronchos to call a time-out with 2:31 to go in the period. From that point on, the Brochos went on a 6-2 run to close out the quarter with two 3-pointers from junior Nick Stacy to cut Kokomo's lead to 15-9.
The second quarter was a three-point shootout between the teams. Kats' freshman LaBradford Sebree and Bronchos' senior Jesse Berry each knocked down three 3-point shots, but the lead would change as Jeff would hit five-total three pointers to Kokomo's three in the quarter to take a 30-28 halftime lead. Berry scored 15 points in the quarter after being shutout in the first quarter.
After Jeff took a four-point lead in the third quarter, the Kats stormed back again to retake the lead led by senior T.J. Weir's 9 points and Balentine's 4 points. At the end of the third, the Kats lead 45-42.
Kats' sophomore Armon Bridgeforth started off the fourth quarter with a made lay-up and followed it up with a three-pointer assisted by Weir to take a 50-42 lead with 7:01 remaining. After two free-throws by both teams, Jeff's Berry followed up his own miss with a lay-up and on the next possession hit a three-pointer to cut Kokomo's lead to 52-49 with 5:45 to go. On Kokomo's next possession, senior Brock Barbary extended the lead with a lay-up, but seconds later Jeff junior Colin Bultinick hit a three-pointer to bring Jeff to within two points (54-52) with 5:06 remaining.
Jeff then went on a 6-0 run to take a 58-54 lead with 2:51 remaining. Kokomo could only take tough shots and foul down the stretch to give them a shot at a win, but it was not enough as their season came to an end.
"When there was still plenty of time, we kind of panicked a little bit, I thought," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "The guys laid it on the line, but their effort was just tremendous."
McCauley was proud of his team's efforts throughout the game and that of Jeff's, as well.
"We don't have any regrets," he said. "We did the very best we could. I thought Lafayette Jeff more so won the game than we lost the game. Our guys battled and did not give Jeff the game."
The Kats ended its season as North Central Conference champions for the first time since 2003, sharing it with New Castle.
Kokomo had two players in double-figures scoring. Weir and Balentine each scored 15 points. Barbary had a near double-double with 10 rebounds (3 offensive) and 9 points.
Jeff had two players in double-figures scoring, as well. Berry led the Bronchos with 33 points on 10 of 19 shooting, including five 3 pointers. Stacy joined him with 14 points. Senior Roddy Richardson led the Bronchos in rebounding with 11, including 5 offensive rebounds.
Jeff advances to play Muncie Central at noon Saturday at the Marion Regional.
Scores by quarter:
Kokomo 15 13 17 16 =61
Lafayette Jeff 9 21 12 25 =67
Other sectional championships Saturday:
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
West Lafayette 50, Frankfort 40
(West Lafayette advances to play Andrean at the Chesterton Regional.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst 64, Norwell 47
(Elmhurst advances to play Yorktown at the Blackford Regional.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mt. Vernon 57, Shelbyville 37
(Mt. Vernon advances to play Greensburg at the Shelbyville Regional.)
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood 59, Lewis Cass 51
(Southwood advances to play the winner of Adams Central/Fort Wayne Luers at the Tipton Regional.)
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Guerin Catholic 66, Tipton 53
(Guerin Catholic advances to play Carroll at the Tipton Regional.)
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Lafayette Central Catholic 79, Tri-Central 55
(Lafayette Central Catholic advances to play Monroe Central at the Frankfort Regional.)
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats stormed out to an early 10-point lead Saturday, but in a game of runs, the Lafayette Jeff Bronchos made the final run in the fourth quarter to get a 67-61 victory to become the Kokomo Sectional champions and advance to the Marion Regional.
The Kats continued its recent hot shooting, led by sophomore D.J. Balentine's 7 points, in the first quarter as they took an early 13-3 lead that forced the Bronchos to call a time-out with 2:31 to go in the period. From that point on, the Brochos went on a 6-2 run to close out the quarter with two 3-pointers from junior Nick Stacy to cut Kokomo's lead to 15-9.
The second quarter was a three-point shootout between the teams. Kats' freshman LaBradford Sebree and Bronchos' senior Jesse Berry each knocked down three 3-point shots, but the lead would change as Jeff would hit five-total three pointers to Kokomo's three in the quarter to take a 30-28 halftime lead. Berry scored 15 points in the quarter after being shutout in the first quarter.
After Jeff took a four-point lead in the third quarter, the Kats stormed back again to retake the lead led by senior T.J. Weir's 9 points and Balentine's 4 points. At the end of the third, the Kats lead 45-42.
Kats' sophomore Armon Bridgeforth started off the fourth quarter with a made lay-up and followed it up with a three-pointer assisted by Weir to take a 50-42 lead with 7:01 remaining. After two free-throws by both teams, Jeff's Berry followed up his own miss with a lay-up and on the next possession hit a three-pointer to cut Kokomo's lead to 52-49 with 5:45 to go. On Kokomo's next possession, senior Brock Barbary extended the lead with a lay-up, but seconds later Jeff junior Colin Bultinick hit a three-pointer to bring Jeff to within two points (54-52) with 5:06 remaining.
Jeff then went on a 6-0 run to take a 58-54 lead with 2:51 remaining. Kokomo could only take tough shots and foul down the stretch to give them a shot at a win, but it was not enough as their season came to an end.
"When there was still plenty of time, we kind of panicked a little bit, I thought," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "The guys laid it on the line, but their effort was just tremendous."
McCauley was proud of his team's efforts throughout the game and that of Jeff's, as well.
"We don't have any regrets," he said. "We did the very best we could. I thought Lafayette Jeff more so won the game than we lost the game. Our guys battled and did not give Jeff the game."
The Kats ended its season as North Central Conference champions for the first time since 2003, sharing it with New Castle.
Kokomo had two players in double-figures scoring. Weir and Balentine each scored 15 points. Barbary had a near double-double with 10 rebounds (3 offensive) and 9 points.
Jeff had two players in double-figures scoring, as well. Berry led the Bronchos with 33 points on 10 of 19 shooting, including five 3 pointers. Stacy joined him with 14 points. Senior Roddy Richardson led the Bronchos in rebounding with 11, including 5 offensive rebounds.
Jeff advances to play Muncie Central at noon Saturday at the Marion Regional.
Scores by quarter:
Kokomo 15 13 17 16 =61
Lafayette Jeff 9 21 12 25 =67
Other sectional championships Saturday:
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
West Lafayette 50, Frankfort 40
(West Lafayette advances to play Andrean at the Chesterton Regional.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst 64, Norwell 47
(Elmhurst advances to play Yorktown at the Blackford Regional.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mt. Vernon 57, Shelbyville 37
(Mt. Vernon advances to play Greensburg at the Shelbyville Regional.)
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood 59, Lewis Cass 51
(Southwood advances to play the winner of Adams Central/Fort Wayne Luers at the Tipton Regional.)
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Guerin Catholic 66, Tipton 53
(Guerin Catholic advances to play Carroll at the Tipton Regional.)
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Lafayette Central Catholic 79, Tri-Central 55
(Lafayette Central Catholic advances to play Monroe Central at the Frankfort Regional.)
Kats defeat Berries to advance to sectional championship against Bronchos
Posted: Friday, March 5, 2010 11:26 pm | Updated: 11:46 pm, Fri Mar 5, 2010.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After getting out to a 10-point cushion at the end of the first quarter, the Kokomo Wildkats went on to defeat the Logansport Berries Friday at Memorial Gym to advance to the Sectional 7 championship game.
The Kats began the game with hot shooting from senior Brock Barbary who scored 10 points in the first quarter, including two 3-pointers, to give Kokomo a boost. Kokomo caught fire during the final four minutes of the quarter to increase its lead from 7-4 to 19-9 on a 12 to 5 run. As a team in the first quarter, Kokomo shot at 57 percent, while Logansport shot at 25 percent.
Kokomo and Logansport played even throughout the second and third quarters until foul trouble doomed the Berries in the fourth quarter. The closest the Berries got to the Kats in the fourth quarter was when senior Nate Champion converted a three-point play to bring the score to a 49-40 Kokomo lead with 5:13 to go in the game. The Kats went on to win the game by adding points at the free-throw line as they drove to the basket down the stretch to increase the lead to 20 points with 56 seconds remaining. The Kats went on to end the Berries' season by a 68-52 final score.
"Brock Barbary got us off to a tremendous start and I'm really pleased with that," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "D.J. (Balentine) showed a lot of toughness by coming in and making some plays. It was a total team effort."
Barbary's 23 points and 9 rebounds led the Kats in each category. Sophomore D.J. Balentine's 16 points in double-figures scoring joined him in double-figures scoring.
Champion led the Berries in scoring with 21 points and was tied with the most team rebounds with 7. Senior Jared Jennings also had 7 rebounds. Also in double-figures scoring was freshman Antonio Penney who scored 14 points.
Scores by quarter:
Logansport 9 10 14 19 =52
Kokomo 19 10 12 27 =68
Kokomo will play Lafayette Jeff at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for the Sectional 7 Championship at Memorial Gym. The Jeff Bronchos defeated the Harrison Raiders in the second game Friday 60-51.
In this game, the Bronchos began with an 8-0 lead to only vanish when the Raiders began the second quarter on a 6-0 run to cut Jeff's lead to 14-13 at 6:58 to go in the second quarter. The game remained close throughout until 1:51 to go in the game when Jeff got a 53-47 lead with senior Jesse Berry's basket. From that point on, the Bronchos stretched its lead from the foul line to defeat the Raiders.
Senior Blair Banker's 18 points led Harrison in scoring.
The Bronchos had two players in double-figures scoring. Seniors Jesse Berry and Roddy Richardson scored 28 and 18, respectively.
Scores by quarter:
Lafayette Jeff 14 15 10 21 =60
Harrison 7 16 14 14 =51
Other sectional semi-finals Friday:
(Bolded teams advanced to sectional championship game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
West Lafayette 38, Western 37
Frankfort 81, Northwestern 77
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Norwell 53, Peru 51
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst 61, Fort Wayne-Wayne 52
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mount Vernon 52, Hamilton Heights 37
Shelbyville 55, Rushville 52
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood 57, North Miami 46
Lewis Cass 64, Wabash 38
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Tipton 85, Sheridan 48
Guerin Catholic 74, Madison-Grant 62
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Tri-Central 63, Clinton Prairie 60 (OT)
Lafayette Central Catholic 78, Rossville 49
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After getting out to a 10-point cushion at the end of the first quarter, the Kokomo Wildkats went on to defeat the Logansport Berries Friday at Memorial Gym to advance to the Sectional 7 championship game.
The Kats began the game with hot shooting from senior Brock Barbary who scored 10 points in the first quarter, including two 3-pointers, to give Kokomo a boost. Kokomo caught fire during the final four minutes of the quarter to increase its lead from 7-4 to 19-9 on a 12 to 5 run. As a team in the first quarter, Kokomo shot at 57 percent, while Logansport shot at 25 percent.
Kokomo and Logansport played even throughout the second and third quarters until foul trouble doomed the Berries in the fourth quarter. The closest the Berries got to the Kats in the fourth quarter was when senior Nate Champion converted a three-point play to bring the score to a 49-40 Kokomo lead with 5:13 to go in the game. The Kats went on to win the game by adding points at the free-throw line as they drove to the basket down the stretch to increase the lead to 20 points with 56 seconds remaining. The Kats went on to end the Berries' season by a 68-52 final score.
"Brock Barbary got us off to a tremendous start and I'm really pleased with that," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "D.J. (Balentine) showed a lot of toughness by coming in and making some plays. It was a total team effort."
Barbary's 23 points and 9 rebounds led the Kats in each category. Sophomore D.J. Balentine's 16 points in double-figures scoring joined him in double-figures scoring.
Champion led the Berries in scoring with 21 points and was tied with the most team rebounds with 7. Senior Jared Jennings also had 7 rebounds. Also in double-figures scoring was freshman Antonio Penney who scored 14 points.
Scores by quarter:
Logansport 9 10 14 19 =52
Kokomo 19 10 12 27 =68
Kokomo will play Lafayette Jeff at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for the Sectional 7 Championship at Memorial Gym. The Jeff Bronchos defeated the Harrison Raiders in the second game Friday 60-51.
In this game, the Bronchos began with an 8-0 lead to only vanish when the Raiders began the second quarter on a 6-0 run to cut Jeff's lead to 14-13 at 6:58 to go in the second quarter. The game remained close throughout until 1:51 to go in the game when Jeff got a 53-47 lead with senior Jesse Berry's basket. From that point on, the Bronchos stretched its lead from the foul line to defeat the Raiders.
Senior Blair Banker's 18 points led Harrison in scoring.
The Bronchos had two players in double-figures scoring. Seniors Jesse Berry and Roddy Richardson scored 28 and 18, respectively.
Scores by quarter:
Lafayette Jeff 14 15 10 21 =60
Harrison 7 16 14 14 =51
Other sectional semi-finals Friday:
(Bolded teams advanced to sectional championship game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.)
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
West Lafayette 38, Western 37
Frankfort 81, Northwestern 77
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Norwell 53, Peru 51
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst 61, Fort Wayne-Wayne 52
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mount Vernon 52, Hamilton Heights 37
Shelbyville 55, Rushville 52
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood 57, North Miami 46
Lewis Cass 64, Wabash 38
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Tipton 85, Sheridan 48
Guerin Catholic 74, Madison-Grant 62
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Tri-Central 63, Clinton Prairie 60 (OT)
Lafayette Central Catholic 78, Rossville 49
Kokomo, Logansport meet for second time in sectional semi-final
Posted: Thursday, March 4, 2010 4:45 pm | Updated: 4:51 pm, Thu Mar 4, 2010.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Two North Central Conference foes will collide 6 p.m. Friday at Memorial Gym for the second time this season.
The Logansport Berries (15-5, 4-3 NCC) will try to avenge its previous loss to the now 17th ranked Kokomo Wildkats (15-5, 6-1 NCC) that possibly cost them a conference title in the Sectional 7 semi-final game where only the winner moves on.
In the first game on Feb. 11, the Widkats caught fire from behind the three-point arc in the second quarter and never looked back as they took first place in the NCC with their 74-60 win over the Berries. The Kats were led by senior Brock Barbary's 24 points and as a team shot 55 percent from the field. The Berries struggled from the field as they shot at 37 percent and their leading scorer senior Nate Champion shot a measly 29 percent, but still scored 18 points.
"We are going to need a lot of guys to step up," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "We would love to have the same type of offensive production we had in the first game, but if we don't we're going to have to rely on our defensive rebounding."
Kokomo also led in rebounding 40 to 26. However, Logansport had fewer turnovers with 6 to Kokomo's 16.
"We're going to have to have the same type of defensive and rebounding effort that we did the first game," McCauley said. "(Logansport) created some turnovers throughout the game that caused us some problems. I think we're going to have to do a better job of preparing to take care of the ball better and making some adjustments there on offense in order to limit our turnovers."
Like the first time the team's met, this game will have big implications and this time only one team will be able to play again this season.
"They had NCC implications the first game and this game is just as big, if not bigger," he said. "Now you are fighting for your season, so it's going to be an intense game and a game that Logansport wants very badly and so do we."
In the second game of the Sectional 7 semi-final, Lafayette-Jefferson plays Harrison at 8 p.m. at Memorial Gym.
Other Sectional semi-final games Friday:
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
Western v. West Lafayette, 6 p.m.
Northwestern v. Frankfort, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Peru v. Norwell, 6 p.m.
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst v. Fort Wayne-Wayne, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mt. Vernon v. Hamilton Heights, 6 p.m.
Rushville v. Shelbyville, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood v. North Miami, 6 p.m.
Lewis Cass v. Wabash, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Sheridan v. Tipton, 6 p.m.
Guerin Catholic v. Madison-Grant, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Clinton Prairie v. Tri-Central, 6 p.m.
Rossville v. Lafayette Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Two North Central Conference foes will collide 6 p.m. Friday at Memorial Gym for the second time this season.
The Logansport Berries (15-5, 4-3 NCC) will try to avenge its previous loss to the now 17th ranked Kokomo Wildkats (15-5, 6-1 NCC) that possibly cost them a conference title in the Sectional 7 semi-final game where only the winner moves on.
In the first game on Feb. 11, the Widkats caught fire from behind the three-point arc in the second quarter and never looked back as they took first place in the NCC with their 74-60 win over the Berries. The Kats were led by senior Brock Barbary's 24 points and as a team shot 55 percent from the field. The Berries struggled from the field as they shot at 37 percent and their leading scorer senior Nate Champion shot a measly 29 percent, but still scored 18 points.
"We are going to need a lot of guys to step up," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "We would love to have the same type of offensive production we had in the first game, but if we don't we're going to have to rely on our defensive rebounding."
Kokomo also led in rebounding 40 to 26. However, Logansport had fewer turnovers with 6 to Kokomo's 16.
"We're going to have to have the same type of defensive and rebounding effort that we did the first game," McCauley said. "(Logansport) created some turnovers throughout the game that caused us some problems. I think we're going to have to do a better job of preparing to take care of the ball better and making some adjustments there on offense in order to limit our turnovers."
Like the first time the team's met, this game will have big implications and this time only one team will be able to play again this season.
"They had NCC implications the first game and this game is just as big, if not bigger," he said. "Now you are fighting for your season, so it's going to be an intense game and a game that Logansport wants very badly and so do we."
In the second game of the Sectional 7 semi-final, Lafayette-Jefferson plays Harrison at 8 p.m. at Memorial Gym.
Other Sectional semi-final games Friday:
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 20 at Frankfort
Western v. West Lafayette, 6 p.m.
Northwestern v. Frankfort, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 22 at Norwell
Peru v. Norwell, 6 p.m.
Fort Wayne-Elmhurst v. Fort Wayne-Wayne, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 27 at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
Mt. Vernon v. Hamilton Heights, 6 p.m.
Rushville v. Shelbyville, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 39 at Lewis Cass
Southwood v. North Miami, 6 p.m.
Lewis Cass v. Wabash, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 40 at Taylor
Sheridan v. Tipton, 6 p.m.
Guerin Catholic v. Madison-Grant, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 53 at Tri-Central
Clinton Prairie v. Tri-Central, 6 p.m.
Rossville v. Lafayette Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Kats finish season strong with victory over FW Elmhurst
Posted: Saturday, February 27, 2010 12:16 am
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats finished the season on a six-game winning streak with their 71-64 victory over the 3A 9th-ranked Fort Wayne-Elmhurst Trojans Friday at Memorial Gym.
In a tight game throughout, it featured some major streaks.
The game began with a slow moving first quarter. At the end of the quarter, the Trojans' junior Pervis Hall made two free throws to end the quarter leading 13-10. Those two free throws began an 8-1 run that continued to the beginning of the second quarter to a 19-11 lead at 6:19 to go. The Kats then went on a 12-4 run to tie the game at 23-23 at 3:54 to go until the half.
The Wildkats then took the lead on two made free throws by sophomore D.J. Balentine with 3:22 to go in the quarter. The lead was shortlived as Trojan senior Kristian Gayday hit a three-pointer to retake the lead at 26-25. The Kats answered with a free throw from senior Brock Barbary to tie the game at 26-26. From that point on, the Wildkats went on a 5-1 run until Elmhurst's Hall hit a three pointer as the second quarter expired to cut Kokomo's lead to 31-30.
The third quarter had 8 lead changes and three ties as Kokomo outscored Elmhurst 15-14 to take a 46-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Wildkats played their best in the fourth quarter as they increased the lead through excellent play offensively and defensively.
The Trojans took a 49-48 lead at 6:08 to go on two made field goals, but from that point on the Wildkats closed the game with tough play in creating open shots and lay-ups to gradually increase their lead to 10 points with :16 to go at 69-59. The Kats went on to win 71-64.
"The guys executed very well late in the game," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "We had some nice back cuts, layups and some broken plays. The guys did a real good job making plays down the stretch. I'm really proud of them."
For Kokomo's four seniors, T.J. Weir, S.J. Moultrie, Brock Barbary and Braxton Shelton, it was a great way to conclude their senior season.
Kokomo was led by Balentine's 21 points and was joined by Weir and junior Cheyse Swain in double figures with 17 and 10 points, respectively. Swain also led the team in rebounds with 10, including five offensive rebounds.
Elmhurst was led by Hall's 19 points and was joined by seniors Evan Cleveland's 17 points and Kristian Gayday's 12 points.
Kokomo (15-5, 6-1 NCC) next takes the court against conference rival Logansport Berries Friday at 6 p.m. at Memorial Gym in sectional play.
Fort Wayne Elmhurst (14-5) next plays either Fort Wayne-Wayne or Bellmont in the Norwell sectional Friday.
Scores by quarter:
FW-Elmhurst 13 17 14 20 =64
Kokomo 10 21 15 25 =71
Other games Friday:
Eastern 67 (12-8, 2-5 MIC)
Tri-Central 57 (8-12, 3-2 HHC)
Maconaquah 47 (8-12, 2-5 MIC)
Jay County 62 (10-8, 1-2 Olympic)
#2-3A Peru 61 (19-1, 7-0 MIC)
Hamilton Heights 41 (12-7, 4-3 MIC)
Western 61 (13-7, 4-2 MIC)
#4-2A Tipton 72 (17-3, 6-0 Hoosier)
Tuesday (March 2) Sectional games:
Maconaquah at Norwell, 6 p.m.
Tipton at Taylor, 7 p.m.
Twin Lakes v. Western (at Frankfort), 6 p.m.
Wednesday (March 3) Sectional games:
Eastern v. Madison-Grant (at Taylor), 7:30 p.m.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats finished the season on a six-game winning streak with their 71-64 victory over the 3A 9th-ranked Fort Wayne-Elmhurst Trojans Friday at Memorial Gym.
In a tight game throughout, it featured some major streaks.
The game began with a slow moving first quarter. At the end of the quarter, the Trojans' junior Pervis Hall made two free throws to end the quarter leading 13-10. Those two free throws began an 8-1 run that continued to the beginning of the second quarter to a 19-11 lead at 6:19 to go. The Kats then went on a 12-4 run to tie the game at 23-23 at 3:54 to go until the half.
The Wildkats then took the lead on two made free throws by sophomore D.J. Balentine with 3:22 to go in the quarter. The lead was shortlived as Trojan senior Kristian Gayday hit a three-pointer to retake the lead at 26-25. The Kats answered with a free throw from senior Brock Barbary to tie the game at 26-26. From that point on, the Wildkats went on a 5-1 run until Elmhurst's Hall hit a three pointer as the second quarter expired to cut Kokomo's lead to 31-30.
The third quarter had 8 lead changes and three ties as Kokomo outscored Elmhurst 15-14 to take a 46-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Wildkats played their best in the fourth quarter as they increased the lead through excellent play offensively and defensively.
The Trojans took a 49-48 lead at 6:08 to go on two made field goals, but from that point on the Wildkats closed the game with tough play in creating open shots and lay-ups to gradually increase their lead to 10 points with :16 to go at 69-59. The Kats went on to win 71-64.
"The guys executed very well late in the game," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "We had some nice back cuts, layups and some broken plays. The guys did a real good job making plays down the stretch. I'm really proud of them."
For Kokomo's four seniors, T.J. Weir, S.J. Moultrie, Brock Barbary and Braxton Shelton, it was a great way to conclude their senior season.
Kokomo was led by Balentine's 21 points and was joined by Weir and junior Cheyse Swain in double figures with 17 and 10 points, respectively. Swain also led the team in rebounds with 10, including five offensive rebounds.
Elmhurst was led by Hall's 19 points and was joined by seniors Evan Cleveland's 17 points and Kristian Gayday's 12 points.
Kokomo (15-5, 6-1 NCC) next takes the court against conference rival Logansport Berries Friday at 6 p.m. at Memorial Gym in sectional play.
Fort Wayne Elmhurst (14-5) next plays either Fort Wayne-Wayne or Bellmont in the Norwell sectional Friday.
Scores by quarter:
FW-Elmhurst 13 17 14 20 =64
Kokomo 10 21 15 25 =71
Other games Friday:
Eastern 67 (12-8, 2-5 MIC)
Tri-Central 57 (8-12, 3-2 HHC)
Maconaquah 47 (8-12, 2-5 MIC)
Jay County 62 (10-8, 1-2 Olympic)
#2-3A Peru 61 (19-1, 7-0 MIC)
Hamilton Heights 41 (12-7, 4-3 MIC)
Western 61 (13-7, 4-2 MIC)
#4-2A Tipton 72 (17-3, 6-0 Hoosier)
Tuesday (March 2) Sectional games:
Maconaquah at Norwell, 6 p.m.
Tipton at Taylor, 7 p.m.
Twin Lakes v. Western (at Frankfort), 6 p.m.
Wednesday (March 3) Sectional games:
Eastern v. Madison-Grant (at Taylor), 7:30 p.m.
Kats prepare for regional-like game against FW-Elmhust Friday
Posted: Thursday, February 25, 2010 6:13 pm | Updated: 12:34 pm, Fri Feb 26, 2010.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After winning a share of the North Central Conference last week, the Kokomo Wildkats welcome the 3A 9th-ranked Fort Wayne-Elmhurst Trojans in a regional-like match-up 8 p.m. Friday at Memorial Gym on senior night.
The Wildkats are using the game to see where they are heading into the IHSAA tournament.
"It will be a great measuring stick to see where we're at here toward the end of the season and as we go into our sectional," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Both teams have played competitive schedules and have gotten themselves ready for the tournament. So this will be the last opportunity to make improvements. It will definitely be a great test for us."
Kokomo (14-5, 6-1 NCC) is coming into the game on a five-game winning streak with wins over three NCC opponents, Logansport, Huntington North and Richmond.
Elmhurst (13-4, 7-2 Summit) has won nine out of its last 10 games, including its last win over 4A's 10th ranked Homestead, 65-60.
Like the rest of the season, the winner of game will have to do its best to defend and rebound.
"They are a great offensive rebounding team," McCauley said. "They are a great offensive team. They have great slashers and have a couple shooters. They are just very athletic, so we'll have to really defend and block out and rebound. If we can control those two areas, we'll have a better chance of winning."
Kokomo is going to have to defend senior forward Evan Cleveland, Elmhurst's top scorer. Another Trojan standout is center Antonio Wilson, who is a solid rebounder and a blocking threat.
In Kokomo's last game in a win over Richmond, juniors Cheyse Swain and Parker Salinas combined for 34 points and 17 rebounds.
For Wildkat seniors Brock Barbary, S.J. Moultrie, Braxton Shelton and T.J. Weir, Friday will be their final home game.
Friday will also be the first time the Wildkats and Trojans have met since the 1967-1968 season.
"It's kind of a regional or semi state type of situation where there is not a lot of familiarity between the teams," McCauley said.
Other games Friday:
Eastern (11-8, 2-5 MIC) at Tri-Central (8-11, 3-2 HHC), 7:30 p.m.
Maconaquah (8-11, 2-5 MIC) at Jay County (9-8, 1-2 Olympic), 8 p.m.
#2-3A Peru (18-1, 6-0 MIC) at Hamilton Heights (12-6, 4-2 MIC), 7:30 p.m.
Western (13-6, 4-2 MIC) at #4-2A Tipton (16-3, 6-0 Hoosier), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday (March 2) Sectional games:
Maconaquah at Norwell, 6 p.m.
Tipton at Taylor, 7 p.m.
Twin Lakes v. Western (at Frankfort), 6 p.m.
Wednesday (March 3) Sectional games:
Eastern v. Madison-Grant (at Taylor), 7:30 p.m.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After winning a share of the North Central Conference last week, the Kokomo Wildkats welcome the 3A 9th-ranked Fort Wayne-Elmhurst Trojans in a regional-like match-up 8 p.m. Friday at Memorial Gym on senior night.
The Wildkats are using the game to see where they are heading into the IHSAA tournament.
"It will be a great measuring stick to see where we're at here toward the end of the season and as we go into our sectional," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Both teams have played competitive schedules and have gotten themselves ready for the tournament. So this will be the last opportunity to make improvements. It will definitely be a great test for us."
Kokomo (14-5, 6-1 NCC) is coming into the game on a five-game winning streak with wins over three NCC opponents, Logansport, Huntington North and Richmond.
Elmhurst (13-4, 7-2 Summit) has won nine out of its last 10 games, including its last win over 4A's 10th ranked Homestead, 65-60.
Like the rest of the season, the winner of game will have to do its best to defend and rebound.
"They are a great offensive rebounding team," McCauley said. "They are a great offensive team. They have great slashers and have a couple shooters. They are just very athletic, so we'll have to really defend and block out and rebound. If we can control those two areas, we'll have a better chance of winning."
Kokomo is going to have to defend senior forward Evan Cleveland, Elmhurst's top scorer. Another Trojan standout is center Antonio Wilson, who is a solid rebounder and a blocking threat.
In Kokomo's last game in a win over Richmond, juniors Cheyse Swain and Parker Salinas combined for 34 points and 17 rebounds.
For Wildkat seniors Brock Barbary, S.J. Moultrie, Braxton Shelton and T.J. Weir, Friday will be their final home game.
Friday will also be the first time the Wildkats and Trojans have met since the 1967-1968 season.
"It's kind of a regional or semi state type of situation where there is not a lot of familiarity between the teams," McCauley said.
Other games Friday:
Eastern (11-8, 2-5 MIC) at Tri-Central (8-11, 3-2 HHC), 7:30 p.m.
Maconaquah (8-11, 2-5 MIC) at Jay County (9-8, 1-2 Olympic), 8 p.m.
#2-3A Peru (18-1, 6-0 MIC) at Hamilton Heights (12-6, 4-2 MIC), 7:30 p.m.
Western (13-6, 4-2 MIC) at #4-2A Tipton (16-3, 6-0 Hoosier), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday (March 2) Sectional games:
Maconaquah at Norwell, 6 p.m.
Tipton at Taylor, 7 p.m.
Twin Lakes v. Western (at Frankfort), 6 p.m.
Wednesday (March 3) Sectional games:
Eastern v. Madison-Grant (at Taylor), 7:30 p.m.
Kats defeat Berries with hot shooting, take lead in NCC
Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:53 pm | Updated: 12:36 am, Fri Feb 12, 2010.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats caught fire from behind the arc late in the second quarter and never looked back as they took first place in the North Central Conference with their victory over the 17th-ranked Logansport Berries 74-60 Thursday at Memorial Gym.
"It was a huge game," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Anytime you can have a conference opponent come in to your home floor, you really want to take care of business. The guys are really coming together and they are really understanding the significance of each game now and I'm really proud of their effort and they way they finished."
The turning point in the game was at 2:45 to go in the second quarter when Kokomo took a two-point lead at 28-26 with sophomore D.J. Balentine's made basket. Prior to this point in the game there were seven ties and 10 lead changes. Balentine's shot began an 11-0 run by the Wildkats to give them an 11-point lead at the half. The run was keyed by two made three-pointers by Balentine and a three pointer made by senior Brock Barbary.
The Kats shot 65 percent from the field in the first half on 15/23 shooting including 7/10 from three-point range.
The Kats continued their scoring and picked up on the defensive end to increase their lead in the third quarter. The quarter began with the Kats scoring ten points before Logansport scored their second field goal of the frame. Kokomo finished the quarter up on Logansport 50-36.
The Berries gradually made it a closer game in the fourth quarter as they got as close as seven points (57-50) with 3:46 remaining, but the Kats increased their lead from the foul line and by taking good shots to increase their lead. Logansport senior Garrett Baldini scored the final field goal of the game from three-point range with nine seconds to go to cut Kokomo lead to 14 points as Kokomo went on to win 74-60.
With a win next week over Huntington North, Kokomo has a shot to win the conference title as Muncie Central (9-8, 2-3 NCC) defeated Anderson (9-7, 3-2 NCC) Thursday. Kokomo is now in a conference tie with New Castle (13-2, 4-1 NCC) as they defeated Richmond (12-5, 1-4 NCC) Friday.
"It makes the Huntington North game the championship game for us and that's what we wanted to do. Our balance offensively is just tremendous," he said.
Kokomo targeted its defense on Logansport senior Nathan Champion, an Indiana All-Star candidate. Champion finished with 18 points on 6 of 21 shooting, including 2/8 from three-point range.
"Our guys did a good job on understanding that Nate Champion is an outstanding player and they knew where he was at all times," McCauley said.
Kokomo (12-5, 4-1 NCC) finished with four players in double-figures scoring. They were led by Barbary's season-high 24 points and he was joined by Balentine's 15, junior Parker Salinas' 13 and senior T.J. Weir scored 12.
Logansport (13-3, 3-2 NCC) had two players in double figures. Champion led the Berries with 18 and freshman Antonio Penny scored 11.
For the game, Kokomo shot 55 percent from the floor as Logansport shot at 37 percent.
Kokomo out-rebounded Logansport 40 to 26 and each team had 11 offensive rebounds.
Kokomo could play Logansport again at the Kokomo sectional in a couple weeks.
The Wildkats next take the court at Huntington North on Feb. 16 at 7:45 p.m. in a make-up game. The Berries host Muncie Central on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Scores by quarter:
Logansport 18 8 10 24
Kokomo 18 19 13 24
Other games Thursday:
Eastern 52 (9-7, 2-4 MIC)
Lewis Cass 58 (6-11, 1-5 MIC)
#15-2A Taylor 51 (11-5, 4-2 MIC)
Maconaquah 46 (6-9, 1-5 MIC)
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), ppd to Feb. 13
Saturday games:
Lewis Cass (6-11, 1-5 MIC) at Wabash (2-15), 2:30
Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC) at Pioneer (7-9), 7:30
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), 2:30
Upcoming games- Tuesday:
Western at Taylor, 7:30
Northwestern at Hamilton Heights, 7:30
Northfield at Maconaquah, 7:30
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats caught fire from behind the arc late in the second quarter and never looked back as they took first place in the North Central Conference with their victory over the 17th-ranked Logansport Berries 74-60 Thursday at Memorial Gym.
"It was a huge game," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Anytime you can have a conference opponent come in to your home floor, you really want to take care of business. The guys are really coming together and they are really understanding the significance of each game now and I'm really proud of their effort and they way they finished."
The turning point in the game was at 2:45 to go in the second quarter when Kokomo took a two-point lead at 28-26 with sophomore D.J. Balentine's made basket. Prior to this point in the game there were seven ties and 10 lead changes. Balentine's shot began an 11-0 run by the Wildkats to give them an 11-point lead at the half. The run was keyed by two made three-pointers by Balentine and a three pointer made by senior Brock Barbary.
The Kats shot 65 percent from the field in the first half on 15/23 shooting including 7/10 from three-point range.
The Kats continued their scoring and picked up on the defensive end to increase their lead in the third quarter. The quarter began with the Kats scoring ten points before Logansport scored their second field goal of the frame. Kokomo finished the quarter up on Logansport 50-36.
The Berries gradually made it a closer game in the fourth quarter as they got as close as seven points (57-50) with 3:46 remaining, but the Kats increased their lead from the foul line and by taking good shots to increase their lead. Logansport senior Garrett Baldini scored the final field goal of the game from three-point range with nine seconds to go to cut Kokomo lead to 14 points as Kokomo went on to win 74-60.
With a win next week over Huntington North, Kokomo has a shot to win the conference title as Muncie Central (9-8, 2-3 NCC) defeated Anderson (9-7, 3-2 NCC) Thursday. Kokomo is now in a conference tie with New Castle (13-2, 4-1 NCC) as they defeated Richmond (12-5, 1-4 NCC) Friday.
"It makes the Huntington North game the championship game for us and that's what we wanted to do. Our balance offensively is just tremendous," he said.
Kokomo targeted its defense on Logansport senior Nathan Champion, an Indiana All-Star candidate. Champion finished with 18 points on 6 of 21 shooting, including 2/8 from three-point range.
"Our guys did a good job on understanding that Nate Champion is an outstanding player and they knew where he was at all times," McCauley said.
Kokomo (12-5, 4-1 NCC) finished with four players in double-figures scoring. They were led by Barbary's season-high 24 points and he was joined by Balentine's 15, junior Parker Salinas' 13 and senior T.J. Weir scored 12.
Logansport (13-3, 3-2 NCC) had two players in double figures. Champion led the Berries with 18 and freshman Antonio Penny scored 11.
For the game, Kokomo shot 55 percent from the floor as Logansport shot at 37 percent.
Kokomo out-rebounded Logansport 40 to 26 and each team had 11 offensive rebounds.
Kokomo could play Logansport again at the Kokomo sectional in a couple weeks.
The Wildkats next take the court at Huntington North on Feb. 16 at 7:45 p.m. in a make-up game. The Berries host Muncie Central on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Scores by quarter:
Logansport 18 8 10 24
Kokomo 18 19 13 24
Other games Thursday:
Eastern 52 (9-7, 2-4 MIC)
Lewis Cass 58 (6-11, 1-5 MIC)
#15-2A Taylor 51 (11-5, 4-2 MIC)
Maconaquah 46 (6-9, 1-5 MIC)
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), ppd to Feb. 13
Saturday games:
Lewis Cass (6-11, 1-5 MIC) at Wabash (2-15), 2:30
Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC) at Pioneer (7-9), 7:30
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), 2:30
Upcoming games- Tuesday:
Western at Taylor, 7:30
Northwestern at Hamilton Heights, 7:30
Northfield at Maconaquah, 7:30
Kats aim for conference lead Thursday against Berries
Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:00 pm
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats welcome the 17th-ranked Logansport Berries to Memorial Gym 7:30 p.m. Thursday in a game that could come a long way in deciding the North Central Conference championship.
Currently there is a four-way tie for the conference lead between Logansport, Kokomo, New Castle and Anderson, which all have 3-1 NCC records.
"This week is the biggest game of the year," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Both teams are competing for the North Central Conference championship. Obviously they want to win it to solidify their position and we want to do the same."
The Berries (13-2, 3-1 NCC) travel to Kokomo (11-5, 3-1 NCC) after losing at New Castle 58-65 on Jan. 29. Prior to that loss, Logansport had been on a nine-game winning streak, including wins at Anderson, McCutcheon, at Western and at Marion. Also for their first win on the season, the Berries defeated Peru to give class 3A's second-ranked team its only loss.
Kokomo began the season hot as it got wins over Muncie Central, Marion and Lafayette Jeff. As of late, the team has gotten victories over Tipton, Harrison and Lebanon.
Logansport is led by senior Nathan Champion, an Indiana all-star candidate. In his last game in a loss to New Castle, he scored a team-high 23 points.
Champion is joined by a tough supporting cast of Jared Jennings, Jordan McGuire, Tyler Raisor, Nick Winstein and Antonio Penny.
"They all do a very good job of complimenting him well," said McCauley. "I think team defense is going to be crucial. For us, continuing to play well offensively and playing together and moving the basketball are going to be important keys."
The Wildkats have also been playing team basketball. In their win over Lebanon Saturday, Kokomo had a season high in assists with 16. Sophomore D. J. Balentine led the Kats with 19 points and junior Parker Salinas added 16 points in the victory.
"Hopefully we can continue off our momentum and keep building toward this North Central Conference race and hope we are playing our best as we go into the sectional," he said.
Other games Thursday:
Eastern (9-6, 2-3 MIC) at Lewis Cass (5-11, 0-5 MIC), 7:30
#15-2A Taylor (10-5, 3-2 MIC) at Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC), 7:30
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), 7:30
Upcoming games- Saturday:
Lewis Cass (5-11, 0-5 MIC) at Wabash (2-14), 2:30
Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC) at Pioneer (7-9), 7:30
Upcoming games- Tuesday:
Western at Taylor, 7:30
Northwestern at Hamilton Heights, 7:30
Northfield at Maconaquah, 7:30
Tuesday (Feb. 9) game finals:
Eastern (9-6, 2-3 MIC) at Elwood (2-14), postponed to Feb. 20 at 7:30
Wednesday (Feb. 10) game finals:
Hamilton Heights (11-5, 3-1 MIC) at Madison-Grant (11-4), postponed
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
The Kokomo Wildkats welcome the 17th-ranked Logansport Berries to Memorial Gym 7:30 p.m. Thursday in a game that could come a long way in deciding the North Central Conference championship.
Currently there is a four-way tie for the conference lead between Logansport, Kokomo, New Castle and Anderson, which all have 3-1 NCC records.
"This week is the biggest game of the year," Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. "Both teams are competing for the North Central Conference championship. Obviously they want to win it to solidify their position and we want to do the same."
The Berries (13-2, 3-1 NCC) travel to Kokomo (11-5, 3-1 NCC) after losing at New Castle 58-65 on Jan. 29. Prior to that loss, Logansport had been on a nine-game winning streak, including wins at Anderson, McCutcheon, at Western and at Marion. Also for their first win on the season, the Berries defeated Peru to give class 3A's second-ranked team its only loss.
Kokomo began the season hot as it got wins over Muncie Central, Marion and Lafayette Jeff. As of late, the team has gotten victories over Tipton, Harrison and Lebanon.
Logansport is led by senior Nathan Champion, an Indiana all-star candidate. In his last game in a loss to New Castle, he scored a team-high 23 points.
Champion is joined by a tough supporting cast of Jared Jennings, Jordan McGuire, Tyler Raisor, Nick Winstein and Antonio Penny.
"They all do a very good job of complimenting him well," said McCauley. "I think team defense is going to be crucial. For us, continuing to play well offensively and playing together and moving the basketball are going to be important keys."
The Wildkats have also been playing team basketball. In their win over Lebanon Saturday, Kokomo had a season high in assists with 16. Sophomore D. J. Balentine led the Kats with 19 points and junior Parker Salinas added 16 points in the victory.
"Hopefully we can continue off our momentum and keep building toward this North Central Conference race and hope we are playing our best as we go into the sectional," he said.
Other games Thursday:
Eastern (9-6, 2-3 MIC) at Lewis Cass (5-11, 0-5 MIC), 7:30
#15-2A Taylor (10-5, 3-2 MIC) at Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC), 7:30
Northwestern (10-5, 2-2 MIC) at #2-3A Peru (15-1, 5-0 MIC), 7:30
Upcoming games- Saturday:
Lewis Cass (5-11, 0-5 MIC) at Wabash (2-14), 2:30
Maconaquah (6-8, 1-4 MIC) at Pioneer (7-9), 7:30
Upcoming games- Tuesday:
Western at Taylor, 7:30
Northwestern at Hamilton Heights, 7:30
Northfield at Maconaquah, 7:30
Tuesday (Feb. 9) game finals:
Eastern (9-6, 2-3 MIC) at Elwood (2-14), postponed to Feb. 20 at 7:30
Wednesday (Feb. 10) game finals:
Hamilton Heights (11-5, 3-1 MIC) at Madison-Grant (11-4), postponed
Kats maintain poise with victory as Shamrocks make second-half comeback
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 11:45 pm | Updated: 12:13 am, Wed Dec 30, 2009.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
From what looked like a blowout, turned into a nail biter for the Kokomo High School Wildkats defeating the Westfield High School Shamrocks 73-65 at Memorial Gym Tuesday.
The first quarter featured six lead changes as Westfield tried to use its size to its advantage with 6’8” senior forward Jeff Howard scored six points and fellow 6’6” senior forward Michael Stockton scored four points in the frame. Kokomo responded with junior forward Parker Salinas scoring six points and sophomore guard Armon Bridgeforth scoring 5 points. The Kats led after the first quarter, 16-14.
The Kats began the second quarter on a 7-0 run to get a seven-point lead at 23-16. Westfield ended the run at 5:40 to go in the quarter when junior guard Maurice Fuller hit a three pointer, but that didn’t phase the Kats as they played team basketball to increase their lead to 13 points in the quarter. If the opening run wasn’t enough, the Kats ended the quarter on another 7-0 run to end the quarter with a 40-29 lead.
The third quarter was not as kind to the Wildkats as Westfield began to close the gap starting the period on a 7-3 run. Little by little the Shamrocks chipped away at the lead as Westfield got Kokomo out of rhythm. The Kats ended the quarter with the lead, 53-47.
The Shamrocks continued its come-back in the fourth quarter, but they could never get the lead. They got as close as one point down 62-62 with 2:02 remaining.
“We can’t let good teams hang around, or better yet, you can’t let good teams get a lead on you like we did,” Westfield coach Eric Rauch said. “We had our opportunities afterwards to close the gap, get it to one. And we just didn’t take advantage of it.”
Just a matter of second later at 1:50 to go Westfield’s Howard fouled out with 11 points. On the inbounds pass after the foul, Kats’ junior forward Cheyse Swain scored a quick layup to increase the lead to three at 64-61 and take all the momentum. Swain saved the momentum as he blocked a Westfield corner three-point shot with a half-minute to go to essentially seal the win for the Kats. From that point on it became a free-throw contest as the Kats defeated the Shamrocks, 73-65.
“We knew it was going to battle and we were going to play for 32 minutes,” Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. “I am real proud about how our guys maintained their poise and composure. “
The Wildkats had five players scoring in double figures. Salinas led the Kats with 16 points. He was joined by Swain’s 13 points, senior guard T.J. Weir’s 12 points, sophomore guard D.J. Balentine’s 11 points and senior guard Brock Barbary’s 10 points.
The Wildkats dominated the rebounding category by outrebounding the Shamrocks 32-22. Swain led the Kats in rebounds with 11 total, including four offensive rebounds.
“We had the two biggest guys on the floor and we didn’t put a body on people,” Rauch said.
The Shamrocks had three players in double-figures scoring and were led by Fuller’s 21 points. Stockton scored 18 points and Howard scored 11 points.
Howard led Westfield with six rebounds.
The tenth-ranked Wildkats (6-1) next take on the Peru High School Tigers on January 8 at Memorial Gym. Westfield (4-3) next faces Fishers High School on January 8.
Scores by quarter:
Westfield 14 15 18 18 =65
Kokomo 16 24 13 20 =73
Other scores from Tuesday:
McCutcheon 61, Western 58
Maconaquah 68, North Miami 64 (Miami County Tournament)
Peru 52, Whitko 35 (Miami County Tournament)
Wednesday games:
Taylor at Sheridan
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Hamilton Heights Classic with Hamilton Heights
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
From what looked like a blowout, turned into a nail biter for the Kokomo High School Wildkats defeating the Westfield High School Shamrocks 73-65 at Memorial Gym Tuesday.
The first quarter featured six lead changes as Westfield tried to use its size to its advantage with 6’8” senior forward Jeff Howard scored six points and fellow 6’6” senior forward Michael Stockton scored four points in the frame. Kokomo responded with junior forward Parker Salinas scoring six points and sophomore guard Armon Bridgeforth scoring 5 points. The Kats led after the first quarter, 16-14.
The Kats began the second quarter on a 7-0 run to get a seven-point lead at 23-16. Westfield ended the run at 5:40 to go in the quarter when junior guard Maurice Fuller hit a three pointer, but that didn’t phase the Kats as they played team basketball to increase their lead to 13 points in the quarter. If the opening run wasn’t enough, the Kats ended the quarter on another 7-0 run to end the quarter with a 40-29 lead.
The third quarter was not as kind to the Wildkats as Westfield began to close the gap starting the period on a 7-3 run. Little by little the Shamrocks chipped away at the lead as Westfield got Kokomo out of rhythm. The Kats ended the quarter with the lead, 53-47.
The Shamrocks continued its come-back in the fourth quarter, but they could never get the lead. They got as close as one point down 62-62 with 2:02 remaining.
“We can’t let good teams hang around, or better yet, you can’t let good teams get a lead on you like we did,” Westfield coach Eric Rauch said. “We had our opportunities afterwards to close the gap, get it to one. And we just didn’t take advantage of it.”
Just a matter of second later at 1:50 to go Westfield’s Howard fouled out with 11 points. On the inbounds pass after the foul, Kats’ junior forward Cheyse Swain scored a quick layup to increase the lead to three at 64-61 and take all the momentum. Swain saved the momentum as he blocked a Westfield corner three-point shot with a half-minute to go to essentially seal the win for the Kats. From that point on it became a free-throw contest as the Kats defeated the Shamrocks, 73-65.
“We knew it was going to battle and we were going to play for 32 minutes,” Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. “I am real proud about how our guys maintained their poise and composure. “
The Wildkats had five players scoring in double figures. Salinas led the Kats with 16 points. He was joined by Swain’s 13 points, senior guard T.J. Weir’s 12 points, sophomore guard D.J. Balentine’s 11 points and senior guard Brock Barbary’s 10 points.
The Wildkats dominated the rebounding category by outrebounding the Shamrocks 32-22. Swain led the Kats in rebounds with 11 total, including four offensive rebounds.
“We had the two biggest guys on the floor and we didn’t put a body on people,” Rauch said.
The Shamrocks had three players in double-figures scoring and were led by Fuller’s 21 points. Stockton scored 18 points and Howard scored 11 points.
Howard led Westfield with six rebounds.
The tenth-ranked Wildkats (6-1) next take on the Peru High School Tigers on January 8 at Memorial Gym. Westfield (4-3) next faces Fishers High School on January 8.
Scores by quarter:
Westfield 14 15 18 18 =65
Kokomo 16 24 13 20 =73
Other scores from Tuesday:
McCutcheon 61, Western 58
Maconaquah 68, North Miami 64 (Miami County Tournament)
Peru 52, Whitko 35 (Miami County Tournament)
Wednesday games:
Taylor at Sheridan
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Hamilton Heights Classic with Hamilton Heights
Kats look to learn from loss in preparation for Westfield
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:00 am | Updated: 5:08 pm, Mon Dec 28, 2009.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Coming off the first loss of the season, the tenth-ranked Kokomo High School Wildkats look to turn that negative into a positive Tuesday when they face the Westfield High School Shamrocks at Memorial Gym.
“We need to make sure that we’re becoming better defensively, but it was a tough loss, but in the sense that we can learn from it,” Kokomo Wildkats coach Brian McCauley said. “It will make us better come tournament time. If we can learn from it, it would be a positive thing.”
Kokomo (5-1) lost to the Noblesville High School Millers 46-52. After being down 40-24 early in the fourth quarter, the Kats went on a 12-0 run to get as close as 40-36. Sophomore guard D.J. Balentine led the Kats with 21 points, 17 of them in the second half.
The Westfield Shamrocks (4-2) are on a three-game winning streak with wins over Lafayette Jeff High School in overtime, Tipton High School and Taylor High School.
“We had a tough game against them last year and they are just a very, very tough inside team,” McCauley said.
The Shamrocks’ Jeff Howard grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 11 points in his last game beating Taylor 55-42. Junior guard Maurice Fuller scored 18 points in the game.
“They just really had their way with Taylor, so they are playing well right now,” he said. “They were able to see us against Noblesville and they have had quite a bit of time off in preparation for us.”
This will be the Kats’ third game during the winter break and the Shamrocks have not played since December 19. McCauley says it has been a transition for the Kats during the late December games.
“We haven’t been in school, so they have had some time off, so that throws off their normal routine,” he said. “And so we are going to really focus in practice to make sure we are prepared for Westfield, who is a dangerous team.”
The Kats are 1-1 all-time against the Shamrocks. Last season, Westfield defeated the Kats 73-68 in overtime. In the 2007-2008 season, the Kats beat Westfield 64-58.
Other games Tuesday:
Western at McCutcheon
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Other games Wednesday:
Taylor at Sheridan
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Hamilton Heights Classic with Hamilton Heights
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Coming off the first loss of the season, the tenth-ranked Kokomo High School Wildkats look to turn that negative into a positive Tuesday when they face the Westfield High School Shamrocks at Memorial Gym.
“We need to make sure that we’re becoming better defensively, but it was a tough loss, but in the sense that we can learn from it,” Kokomo Wildkats coach Brian McCauley said. “It will make us better come tournament time. If we can learn from it, it would be a positive thing.”
Kokomo (5-1) lost to the Noblesville High School Millers 46-52. After being down 40-24 early in the fourth quarter, the Kats went on a 12-0 run to get as close as 40-36. Sophomore guard D.J. Balentine led the Kats with 21 points, 17 of them in the second half.
The Westfield Shamrocks (4-2) are on a three-game winning streak with wins over Lafayette Jeff High School in overtime, Tipton High School and Taylor High School.
“We had a tough game against them last year and they are just a very, very tough inside team,” McCauley said.
The Shamrocks’ Jeff Howard grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 11 points in his last game beating Taylor 55-42. Junior guard Maurice Fuller scored 18 points in the game.
“They just really had their way with Taylor, so they are playing well right now,” he said. “They were able to see us against Noblesville and they have had quite a bit of time off in preparation for us.”
This will be the Kats’ third game during the winter break and the Shamrocks have not played since December 19. McCauley says it has been a transition for the Kats during the late December games.
“We haven’t been in school, so they have had some time off, so that throws off their normal routine,” he said. “And so we are going to really focus in practice to make sure we are prepared for Westfield, who is a dangerous team.”
The Kats are 1-1 all-time against the Shamrocks. Last season, Westfield defeated the Kats 73-68 in overtime. In the 2007-2008 season, the Kats beat Westfield 64-58.
Other games Tuesday:
Western at McCutcheon
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Other games Wednesday:
Taylor at Sheridan
Miami County Tournament with Maconaquah and Peru
Hamilton Heights Classic with Hamilton Heights
Wildkats pounce on Giants in second half, breeze to victory
Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 11:25 pm | Updated: 11:37 pm, Fri Dec 18, 2009.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After a tight first half, the Kokomo High School Wildkats found their stride in the second half Friday to open a 21-point lead on their way to beating their archrival Marion High School Giants at Memorial Gym, 66-50.
The first quarter featured nine lead changes as the Giants pounded the ball down low to senior forward Davron Williams who scored 11 points in the frame. The Wildkats responded with balanced scoring led by sophomore guard D.J. Balentine and senior guard T.J. Weir with 5 points each. The Giants led after the first quarter, 18-14.
The second quarter began with the Giants turning the ball over to the Kats, which led to the Kats cutting the lead to two points. From the final basket in the first quarter to halfway through the second quarter, the Wildkats went on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 18-18. However, the Giants responded to lead at halftime, 28-22, on the backs of Williams adding four more points and junior forward William Barnes with 6 points.
The tide began to turn for Marion in the second half.
The Kats began the third quarter on a 10-0 run to take a lead that they would never relinquish. During the run Balentine scored 6 points off of two 3-point baskets, senior guard Brock Barbary added four points and Weir added two free throws. The Giants did not score until Barnes made a basket three minutes into the period. The Kats dominated the quarter by outscoring the Giants 20-9. Williams, the leading scorer for the Giants in the first half, scored his only point off of a free throw with 1:19 remaining in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Kats continued to apply pressure on the Giants as they grew a 21-point lead through tough defense that led to turnovers. The Kats also penetrated toward the basket to lead to open shots. The Kats were led in scoring in the quarter by Barbury, Weir and junior forward Cheyse Swain with 8 points each.
As an exclamation point to the victory, Balentine tossed an alley-oop to Swain for a slam dunk with just under a minute to the game off of a fast break.
As if the crowd was not already loud, the audience erupted in cheers for the final minute after the dunk.
The Kats went on to defeat the Giants 66-50 for the first time since the 2004-2005 season.
“We really did a good job of taking away Marion’s inside presence and then increasing our ball pressure in the second half and that’s really what turned the game,” Kokomo head coach Brian McCauley said.
The Kats had four players in double-figures scoring. They were led by Barbary and Balentine with 16 points each. They were joined by Weir with 15 points and Swain with 12 points.
Kokomo also set a season high in assists with 15 as a team and were led by Balentine with 7 assists.
“If we can continue to have this kind of balance, we’re an awfully tough team,” McCauley said. “I am really pleased with our ball movement and the way we shared the basketball.”
The Giants were led in scoring by Williams with 24 points and he was the only player in double-figures.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Giants’ Barnes and senior guard Michael Marble shot 54 percent and 40 percent, respectively, beyond the three-point arc. For the game, Marble shot one of seven from three-point range and Barnes was scoreless beyond the arc. Coach McCauley was proud of that fact.
“I was pleased at the way we slowed them down in the post in the second half and I was really proud of our ball pressure and the way we got out on shooters,” he said.
Twelfth-ranked Kokomo in 4A (4-0) travels to Lafayette Jefferson High School to play their former conference foe Bronchos Saturday. Marion next plays the Golden Eagles at Oak Hill High School on December 22.
Kokomo leads the North Central Conference at 2-0. Marion drops to 0-1 in NCC play.
Scores by quarter:
Marion 18 10 9 13 =50
Kokomo 14 8 20 24 =66
Other area scores from Friday:
Hamilton Heights 81, Western 68
Peru 62, Eastern 28
Taylor 50, Lewis Cass 41
Northwestern 68, Maconaquah 54
Saturday’s games:
Kokomo at Lafayette Jeff
Eastern at Clinton Central
Frankfort at Western
Mississinewa at Maconaquah
Noblesville at Hamilton Heights
Northwestern at Pioneer
Rochester at Lewis Cass
Taylor at Westfield
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
After a tight first half, the Kokomo High School Wildkats found their stride in the second half Friday to open a 21-point lead on their way to beating their archrival Marion High School Giants at Memorial Gym, 66-50.
The first quarter featured nine lead changes as the Giants pounded the ball down low to senior forward Davron Williams who scored 11 points in the frame. The Wildkats responded with balanced scoring led by sophomore guard D.J. Balentine and senior guard T.J. Weir with 5 points each. The Giants led after the first quarter, 18-14.
The second quarter began with the Giants turning the ball over to the Kats, which led to the Kats cutting the lead to two points. From the final basket in the first quarter to halfway through the second quarter, the Wildkats went on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 18-18. However, the Giants responded to lead at halftime, 28-22, on the backs of Williams adding four more points and junior forward William Barnes with 6 points.
The tide began to turn for Marion in the second half.
The Kats began the third quarter on a 10-0 run to take a lead that they would never relinquish. During the run Balentine scored 6 points off of two 3-point baskets, senior guard Brock Barbary added four points and Weir added two free throws. The Giants did not score until Barnes made a basket three minutes into the period. The Kats dominated the quarter by outscoring the Giants 20-9. Williams, the leading scorer for the Giants in the first half, scored his only point off of a free throw with 1:19 remaining in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Kats continued to apply pressure on the Giants as they grew a 21-point lead through tough defense that led to turnovers. The Kats also penetrated toward the basket to lead to open shots. The Kats were led in scoring in the quarter by Barbury, Weir and junior forward Cheyse Swain with 8 points each.
As an exclamation point to the victory, Balentine tossed an alley-oop to Swain for a slam dunk with just under a minute to the game off of a fast break.
As if the crowd was not already loud, the audience erupted in cheers for the final minute after the dunk.
The Kats went on to defeat the Giants 66-50 for the first time since the 2004-2005 season.
“We really did a good job of taking away Marion’s inside presence and then increasing our ball pressure in the second half and that’s really what turned the game,” Kokomo head coach Brian McCauley said.
The Kats had four players in double-figures scoring. They were led by Barbary and Balentine with 16 points each. They were joined by Weir with 15 points and Swain with 12 points.
Kokomo also set a season high in assists with 15 as a team and were led by Balentine with 7 assists.
“If we can continue to have this kind of balance, we’re an awfully tough team,” McCauley said. “I am really pleased with our ball movement and the way we shared the basketball.”
The Giants were led in scoring by Williams with 24 points and he was the only player in double-figures.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Giants’ Barnes and senior guard Michael Marble shot 54 percent and 40 percent, respectively, beyond the three-point arc. For the game, Marble shot one of seven from three-point range and Barnes was scoreless beyond the arc. Coach McCauley was proud of that fact.
“I was pleased at the way we slowed them down in the post in the second half and I was really proud of our ball pressure and the way we got out on shooters,” he said.
Twelfth-ranked Kokomo in 4A (4-0) travels to Lafayette Jefferson High School to play their former conference foe Bronchos Saturday. Marion next plays the Golden Eagles at Oak Hill High School on December 22.
Kokomo leads the North Central Conference at 2-0. Marion drops to 0-1 in NCC play.
Scores by quarter:
Marion 18 10 9 13 =50
Kokomo 14 8 20 24 =66
Other area scores from Friday:
Hamilton Heights 81, Western 68
Peru 62, Eastern 28
Taylor 50, Lewis Cass 41
Northwestern 68, Maconaquah 54
Saturday’s games:
Kokomo at Lafayette Jeff
Eastern at Clinton Central
Frankfort at Western
Mississinewa at Maconaquah
Noblesville at Hamilton Heights
Northwestern at Pioneer
Rochester at Lewis Cass
Taylor at Westfield
Wildkats show toughness coming into game against rival Marion
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 6:25 pm | Updated: 6:49 pm, Thu Dec 17, 2009.
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Off to their best start since the 2002-2003 season, the 12th ranked Kokomo Wildkats in class 4A face their historic rival Marion Giants on Friday at Memorial Gymnasium and then they travel to play former conference foe Lafayette Jefferson on Saturday.
Kokomo comes in to this weekend with wins over Western, Fishers and conference foe Muncie Central. The Wildkats have had to play tough all the way to end in their last two games by winning by only two and six points, respectively. The Kokomo win over Muncie Central was their first win over the Bearcats since the 2002-2003 season.
Kokomo has not defeated the Marion Giants since the 2004-2005 season. Marion began their season with a loss to South Bend Adams (43-45), then defeated class 4A’s eighth-ranked Lawrence North 66-65 and followed it up with a win over 1A’s fourth-ranked Monroe Central on Tuesday.
“Marion has a very good schedule, this is the first year for their head coach (Todd Grace) and they’ve gotten better and better every game,” Kokomo Wildkats coach Brian McCauley said.
With close, hard-fought wins in their last two games, Kokomo is as well prepared as they could be going into the game against Marion. The team made a fourth quarter come-back to defeat Fishers and never trailed Muncie Central, as Kokomo had to fend off a come-back.
“The guys are showing a lot of poise and toughness,” McCauley said. “We did a good job maintaining our poise until the end of those games.”
Against Muncie Central, sophomore D.J. Balentine had career highs in points and rebounds, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Kokomo travels to face former conference foe Lafayette Jeff Bronchos on Saturday. Jeff, with a 5-1 record, is coming off wins against Rossville, Frankfort, McCutcheon, Harrison and Logansport. Their one loss was in overtime at Westfield.
Check out Kokomo Perspective's "Game of the Week" coverage of the Marion-Kokomo game Friday night at KokomoPerspective.com along with other local scores.
Other games this weekend:
Friday at 7:30 p.m.:
Eastern at Greentown
Hamilton Heights at Western
Lewis Cass at Taylor
Maconaquah at Northwestern
Saturday at 7:30 p.m.:
Eastern at Clinton Central
Frankfort at Western
Mississinewa at Maconaquah
Noblesville at Hamilton Heights
Northwestern at Pioneer
Rochester at Lewis Cass
Taylor at Westfield
By Peter Adelsen staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments
Off to their best start since the 2002-2003 season, the 12th ranked Kokomo Wildkats in class 4A face their historic rival Marion Giants on Friday at Memorial Gymnasium and then they travel to play former conference foe Lafayette Jefferson on Saturday.
Kokomo comes in to this weekend with wins over Western, Fishers and conference foe Muncie Central. The Wildkats have had to play tough all the way to end in their last two games by winning by only two and six points, respectively. The Kokomo win over Muncie Central was their first win over the Bearcats since the 2002-2003 season.
Kokomo has not defeated the Marion Giants since the 2004-2005 season. Marion began their season with a loss to South Bend Adams (43-45), then defeated class 4A’s eighth-ranked Lawrence North 66-65 and followed it up with a win over 1A’s fourth-ranked Monroe Central on Tuesday.
“Marion has a very good schedule, this is the first year for their head coach (Todd Grace) and they’ve gotten better and better every game,” Kokomo Wildkats coach Brian McCauley said.
With close, hard-fought wins in their last two games, Kokomo is as well prepared as they could be going into the game against Marion. The team made a fourth quarter come-back to defeat Fishers and never trailed Muncie Central, as Kokomo had to fend off a come-back.
“The guys are showing a lot of poise and toughness,” McCauley said. “We did a good job maintaining our poise until the end of those games.”
Against Muncie Central, sophomore D.J. Balentine had career highs in points and rebounds, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Kokomo travels to face former conference foe Lafayette Jeff Bronchos on Saturday. Jeff, with a 5-1 record, is coming off wins against Rossville, Frankfort, McCutcheon, Harrison and Logansport. Their one loss was in overtime at Westfield.
Check out Kokomo Perspective's "Game of the Week" coverage of the Marion-Kokomo game Friday night at KokomoPerspective.com along with other local scores.
Other games this weekend:
Friday at 7:30 p.m.:
Eastern at Greentown
Hamilton Heights at Western
Lewis Cass at Taylor
Maconaquah at Northwestern
Saturday at 7:30 p.m.:
Eastern at Clinton Central
Frankfort at Western
Mississinewa at Maconaquah
Noblesville at Hamilton Heights
Northwestern at Pioneer
Rochester at Lewis Cass
Taylor at Westfield
Wildkats claw Panthers on way to opening win
Posted: November 25, 2009
By Peter Adelsen
At the end of the first quarter it appeared as though it may end up being a tight game to the finish.
Instead in the annual Thanksgiving Eve boys’ basketball opening game, Kokomo High School pulled away from Western High School from the second quarter on to beat the Panthers 83-61 Wednesday night.
Through one quarter at Memorial Gym, Kokomo led Western 17-13 as the lead changed hands five times with one tie at 10-10.
The second quarter, however, was not as kind to Western as Kokomo used to press to force turnovers and its depth to tire the Panthers. On top of that, Western began to struggle from the free-throw line.
“Fatigue set in a little bit for us,” Western coach Andy Weaver said. “To beat a team like this on the road, you’ve got to have a complete game.”
At halftime, the Wildkats led the Panthers 35-26.
At the beginning of the third quarter it appeared like Western may get back into the game, but Kokomo began to use the press against the Panthers to get their lead to 23 points, 65-42 at the end of the third quarter.
Kokomo dominated the rebounds at both ends of the court and shot well beyond the three-point arc, which cushioned their lead. Western also became impatient in selecting good shots, which helped Kokomo grow its lead. The Wildkat defense also stepped up the pressure on Western, which led to easier baskets for the team.
“Our press caused Western some trouble,” Kokomo coach Brian McCauley said. “Once we were able to get better ball movement on offense that led to more scoring. Therefore we could set up our press better and that led to some turnovers and some easy baskets for us and created a tempo that was advantageous for us.”
In the fourth quarter, both teams traded baskets as Kokomo went on to win 83-61.
Kokomo finished with five players in double figures in scoring. Sophomore guard D.J. Balentine led the Wildkats with 19 points on 50 percent shooting and five of eight beyond the three-point line. Senior guard T.J. Weir and sophomore guard Armon Bridgeforth each scored 13 points each. Junior forward Parker Salinas scored 11 points and senior guard Brock Barbay scored 10 points. Junior forward Huston Clark led Kokomo in rebounding with 10, including three offensive rebounds.
“We had great balance and if we can consistently do that, we could be a tough team to beat,” McCauley said.
Western had two players in double-figures scoring. Senior guard Matt Reida led the Panthers with 13 points and junior guard Drew Larrick had 12 points. The Panthers’ leading rebounder was junior forward Brandon Larrick with five, including three offensive rebounds.
Kokomo’s bench also outscored Western’s bench 27-19 on their way to a victory.
“Tonight we stepped right on into the fire, so we have to go on and learn from here,” Weaver said.
Kokomo’s next opponent is at Fishers High School on December 5. Western’s next game is December 4 when they host Northwestern.
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