Jacobs repeats as Hinkle Holiday Classic champs
Lock down defense and unselfishness on offense.
Those statements aptly describe host Jacobs' dominant 74-48 victory over Barrington in the championship game of the Hinkle Holiday Classic Thursday night. It was the Golden Eagles' (11-2) boys basketball team's second straight Hinkle Holiday Classic title.
The Broncos managed only 16 baskets in 55 attempts for 29 percent while committing 16 turnovers. Barrington stayed within striking distance of the Golden Eagles by connecting on 15-of-16 from the free throw line for 93 percent.
The Jacobs offense ran like a well-oiled machine with 24 assists. The Golden Eagles made 30-of-49 from the floor for 61 percent and were 10-of-15 from 3-point range for 60 percent.
"It is almost good to have a quick turnaround with games like we had in the tournament," said Jacobs coach Jim Roberts. "We have a routine and the kids were really locked in on defense. They were really prepared for this game. Our defense was outstanding. The kids are really buying in on the defensive side. We contested shots and passes and Barrington had trouble running their offense. On offense, we shared the ball and made the extra passes. Barrington is
a solid team with skilled players. It was just our night."
Ryan Phillips, an all-tournament selection for the second straight season, paced the Eagles with 23 points, including three 3-pointers, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. The senior guard also had his first dunk of the season.
"One of our main goals this season was to repeat as champions," said Phillips. "We played great tough gritty defense. Coach Roberts had a great game plan and we stuck to it. We ran the fast break very well and we did a great job of sharing the ball and we got easy baskets. Barrington is a great team. It was just our night."
Phillips got plenty of help as Nik Balkcom scored 11 points with a trey and 4 assists and Ajani Rodriguez also added 11 points with two 3s and 6 assists.
Kam Mack scored 8 with a pair of 3s and Dan Murray scored 7 with 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
"Jacobs played very well and they have a lot of threats on offense," said Barrington coach Bryan Tucker. "They share the ball and they finish. They executed tonight and we didn't play very well. Give them credit. Jacobs played very well."
Jacobs seized control of the game in the second quarter.
Holding a slim 6-point 18-12 lead early in the second quarter, Jacobs broke the game open courtesy of a 10-0 run spearheaded by 3s from Phillips and a pair of layups by Balkcom to give the Golden Eagles a 28-12 advantage with 1:36 left before intermission.
Jacobs' biggest lead was 63-31 on an 18-footer by Jalen Ramsey with 4:55 remaining.
Jake Parsons was the lone Bronco (10-3) in double digits with 10 points.