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Ruggles scores 28, leads WW South over Kaneland

Wheaton Warrenville South basketball coach Mike Healy had an idea that his team was ready to play Friday night.

"We had a really good practice this morning," said Healy. "We practiced real intelligently with a good pace."

Practice certainly paid dividends for the Tigers (2-1), who knocked off Kaneland (1-3) 68-45 during the fourth day of the 39th annual Ken Peddy Windmill City Classic in Batavia.

Led by senior guard Josh Ruggles' game-high 28 points on torrid 11 of 15 shooting from the field, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range, the Tigers put the Knights away early with a 21-5 first-quarter surge.

"I thought we had real good energy," said Healy, whose team tied a 21-year-old tournament record (set by Aurora Christian in 1994) with 13 3-point baskets.

"I think we kind of feel like we can shoot the ball well," added Healy. "We really haven't done it yet (before tonight)."

Ruggles, a transfer from Wheaton Academy who is already highly regarded for his outside shooting prowess, put on a show in the first half.

The 6-2 guard connected on 8 of his 9 field-goal attempts - including his first 7 shots - en route to a 20-point effort as the Tigers grabbed a 38-22 lead at the intermission.

"All of his shots were open looks," Healy said of Ruggles, who added 4 rebounds, 3 steals and an assist. "On top of that, he made a bunch of hustle plays, too. He's a basketball player. He does a lot more things besides just shoot the basketball."

Matt Dacy chipped in with 8 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Jeran Simpson added 7 points for the Tigers, who shot 52 percent from beyond the 3-point arc (13 of 25).

"Josh obviously is a great shooter but I think we've got other shooters, too," said Healy.

WW South jumped out to a 16-0 lead and limited the Knights to just a pair of first-quarter baskets.

"I was happy with our effort and with our execution of most things," said Healy, whose team closes out the tournament tonight against St. Francis (2-1).

Kaneland, meanwhile, shot just 38 percent from the field (11 of 29) while committing 17 turnovers.

Ryan David paced the Knights with 8 points, while Zach Douglas added 7 points and 4 rebounds.

"That's two games in a row - same way with Batavia," Knights coach Brian Johnson said of his team's slow start. "We need to know what we're doing on defense. Guys are just wide open. And it seemed like they got to every loose ball.

"We've got a lot of work to do."

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