Central removes gorilla from its back

By Dan Truttschel/Sports Correspondent

The Westosha Central boys basketball team removed a monkey from its back Jan. 9.

In fact, it was more like a gorilla.

For the first time since the 2008 season, a streak that dates back 10 games, the Fal-cons earned a Southern Lakes Conference win over Water-ford with a dominating 57-31 decision.

The victory improved the Falcons to 4-6 overall and 2-3 in the SLC heading into a non-conference game Monday night at Kenosha Reuther. Results of that matchup were unavailable by press time.

“We haven’t beaten them in six years, and they are ahead of us in conference, so this was another huge win,” Central coach Dave Sjong said. “Hopefully it gives us some confidence the rest of the season.”

The Falcons last victory over the Wolverines came in a 57-40 decision Jan. 25, 2008.

Central quickly took control, as it jumped out to a 16-6 first-quarter lead. The second period was much of the same, and by the time halftime rolled around, the Falcons had a commanding 30-9 lead.

“We hit some shots early versus the zone,” Sjong said. “We rebounded the ball really well, and we didn’t turn it over in the backcourt. So, we got more possessions and capitalized on them.”

Sjong said his team leaned on a constant, its overall size advantage, to attack Water-ford’s defense. Ben Graveley, who had 16 points, scored eight in the first quarter.

“With the lead, we forced them out of their zone, and we executed our man defense really well,” Sjong said. “Ben (Graveley) and Glenn (Karsten) crashed the offensive boards and had quite a few put backs.”

While the offense was clicking, the Falcons’ defense never let Waterford get any-thing going through the first two quarters.

That part of Central’s game continues to improve, Sjong said.

“We are getting better with our rotations and recognizing where shooters are on the floor,” he said. “That is making it more difficult for teams to get open shots. (Ron) Hall, Karsten and Graveley defensively rebounded really well.”

Karsten had 12 points to go with Graveley’s 16, while Jordan Easthon added 11.

Following Monday’s game with Reuther, the Falcons will be idle until next Tuesday, Jan. 21, when they host Burlington in a 7:15 p.m. SLC matchup.

Sjong is hopeful his team can use last week’s success over Waterford as a springboard through the rest of its schedule.

It certainly can’t hurt.

“Hopefully, this gives our guys some confidence that we are capable of playing with all the teams in the conference if we limit turnovers and execute our game plans,” Sjong said.

 

 


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