Prairie Ridge rolls past Cary-Grove
First-year Cary-Grove boys basketball coach Adam McCloud just needed to sneak a quick glance at the turnover and shooting statistics to understand fully why his Trojans dropped a 53-30 decision to host Prairie Ridge in the Fox Valley Conference opener for both teams in Crystal Lake Saturday afternoon.
The Trojans committed 26 turnovers, 13 in both halves, and connected on just 11-of-38 shots for 38 percent. Cary-Grove (3-2) made 2-of-10 from 3-point range for 20 percent.
"We prepared in practice for Prairie Ridge's pressure, but it is very hard to simulate," said McCloud. "They are so quick and fly to the ball. Their players were always in the right spots. We weren't patient and forced our offense a lot."
PR coach Corky Card was impressed with his team's defensive effort.
"We came out with good energy right from the start and executed the defense very well," said Card. "We forced a lot of turnovers and got a lot of easy baskets. I really like the way we communicated."
The Wolves' (3-3) unselfishness was evident. Connecting on 22-of-35 shots for 63 percent, Prairie Ridge collected 16 assists.
"We did a great job of attacking and dishing off to the open man," said Card. "We made very good decisions and had a really good flow on offense."
The Wolves' balanced scoring attack was paced by Kyle Loeding with 15 points including a 3-pointer while Brian Dorn chipped in with 13 points.
Senior point guard Trevor Potter, who missed the first 4 games of the season because of PR's run to the Class 6A football state championship, scored 7 points with a game-high 9 assists to go along with 5 steals.
"We really missed Trevor in our first four games," said Card. "He hasn't missed a beat since joining the team. In this day and age, you need a point guard who can score and pass. He does both very well."
James Queen (4 assists) also scored 7 points for the winners.
Zach Beaugureau had 12 points and Matt McCumber for the Trojans.
"PR did a good job of Zach," said McCloud. "He rushed some shots. He is our best shooter and has the green light to shoot anytime. Matt didn't play last year and has a lot of talent. He is realizing there is a huge difference between playing sophomore and varsity basketball."
PR, which jumped off to a 5-0 lead, never trailed in the game. The Wolves' biggest advantage was 50-25 after a basket by Jack Hoyland with 1:33 remaining.