Barnett-Morales' big night lifts Hoffman past Round Lake
To say Sheldon Barnett-Morales of Hoffman Estates was impressive Wednesday would be an understatement.
Barnett-Morales scored 27 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, stole the ball five times and had a blocked shot in the host Hawks' 80-60 nonconference boys basketball win over Round Lake.
"I played good defense and played hard to give my team a chance to win this game," said Barnett-Morales. "I felt I could take advantage in the post. We had good communication on the floor. We had good chemistry tonight. We've had it all season but it really showed tonight."
The Hawks, now 4-5 after a 1-3 start, had their best offensive night and worst defensive night of the year.
"The players in our locker room were very happy with the 80 points we put on the board," said Hoffman Estates coach Luke Yanule. "But, in the same breath we were disappointed that we gave up 60."
The way the contest started it looked like the two teams would be in the 90s.
Rudra Patel scored 13 of his 22 points in the first quarter including three 3-pointers. Barnett Morales added 10 points as the Hawks led 29-24 after the first quarter.
The Panthers hung tough with junior Kevonne Peterson hitting 12 of his 14 points in the first quarter.
"We knew this was going to be a transition game," said Round Lake coach Jay Iden, who saw his team fall to 3-5. "We like to play up-tempo also but you knew the game couldn't keep going like that.
The break pedal went down in the second quarter as Round Lake scored 5 points while the Hawks tallied 12 for a 41-29 halftime lead.
Sophomore Hakim Williams (20 points) tried to keep Round Lake in the game but could not match Barnett-Morales, Patel, and Philip Ziecina, who scored 6 of his 10 points in the third quarter.
"It was good to get off to a good start like we did tonight," said Patel. "We've been starting out games by digging holes for ourselves and then trying to get out. We showed what we are capable of doing what we did tonight. This was a confidence builder for us going into the Barrington game Friday."
Yanule was impressed by the way Barnett-Morales played in the win.
"He's the energizer bunny on this team," said Yanule. "He's really developed into a good player because he has slowed down his game. He picks his spots now where he knows when to be aggressive."
"I've been more aggressive in other games this season," said Barnett-Morales, "but tonight it was there for me and I felt good on the floor. We just have to have a good practice Thursday."
The Panthers are up and coming with Peterson, Williams and sophomore Isaiah Nixon, who scored 11 points.
"We have to build on small goals," said Iden. "We want to try to string two or three game win streaks to get us going. We're a young team with interchangeable parts. We just have to make sure we have five guys on the floor who play together."