Barrington storms back to beat Schaumburg
Barrington boys basketball coach Bryan Tucker's halftime message could not have been clearer.
The visiting Broncos turned the ball over 10 times, we're passive on offense, and showed a soft defense.
Schaumburg took advantage of Barrington's play and led 23-17 at the break in both teams' Mid-Suburban West opener.
"In the first half it looked like we only had seven practices," said Tucker. "In a normal season we would still have another week to get ready. The players got the message at halftime. I stressed taking care of the ball, and to be aggressive and play with confidence."
The Broncos outscored the Saxons 17-3 to lead 34-26 after three quarters, on their way to a 50-36 win Saturday in Barrington.
Junior guard Daniel Hong scored three 3-pointers to lead the way in the quarter. Hong finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Nate Boldt, who scored 8 points tallied 6 in the quarter including a putback basket. Will Grudzinski scored 11 points in the game.
"We struggled in the first half," said Hong. " We got coach's message at halftime. We had played too much one-on-one. In the second half we shared the ball a lot better and found the open man. We began to trust each other. I'll say one thing it was good to be back on the court."
Barrington used the first five minutes of the second half to go on an 11-0 run for a 28-23 lead. They finished the quarter to lead 34-26.
Schaumburg suffered a severe blow to its game late in second quarter when junior standout Vaurice Patterson suffered a sprained left ankle and did not return for the second half.
Balanced scoring saw the Saxons lead 15-11 after the first quarter.
Patterson's play helped the Saxons with 10 points, 3 steals and 3 rebounds. Without his play and University of Wisconsin Chris Hodges opting out of the season, Schaumburg struggled to find points.
Armen Torosian scored 6, while Elijah Brown and Cameron Nicks had 5 points each.
"We had to play a different style than what we had prepared for in the offseason," said Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler. "We now have to organize our effort to play better. We have the players to compete. They're excited about having the opportunity to play. We've taken the necessary steps to do the right thing and stay safe."
"We have a great bunch of kids," said Tucker. "They just want to play and make the most of this season. Everyone has some of the same issues. Gym times and time that we can be together. We're just following protocols and the use of masks. It's just another teaching point."