Saxons cruise in opener

TACOMA – The matchup between two of the state’s most promising young big men was nearly a push. But Ferris’ supporting cast was clearly superior during its 61-38 victory over Kentwood on the first day of the boys State 4A basketball Tournament.

Saxon 6-foot-8 junior DeAngelo Casto scored 19 points to 17 by Conquerors 6-8, 270-pound freshman Josh Smith. They both had eight rebounds.

Smith, however, had little offensive help while Ferris had plenty, most notably point guard Shawn Stockton. The Saxons defense scored 27 points off turnovers, 20 in the first half.

Ferris played slower than it has and took select fast breaks. Stockton scored 10 of his 14 points in the game’s first 10 minutes, mainly on layins, to jump-start an offense that took awhile to get cooking.

Although they only trailed once in the game, 13-12 in the first minute of the second quarter, it wasn’t until thereafter the Saxons took command of the game.

Stockton scored on an inbounds play, then made a nifty sideways shot off the glass while challenging the Conqueror’s man-child.

“I was just thinking on the fly,” said Stockton of the layin that put Ferris ahead 16-13. “I just used my body and the rim so he couldn’t get to it.”

Casto followed with his third dunk of the half and the Saxons were off on a 14-2 run that put them ahead 26-15. Jeff Minnerly finished off the 24-5 finish to the quarter with a three-point play and basket giving them their biggest lead at 36-18 by intermission.

With a lead that big and Ferris in command of the game’s tempo, much of the second-half was spent at the free-throw line. But not before Erick Cheadle made his second 3-pointer of the game in the third quarter and Tyler Lynn hit one in the fourth as Ferris built its lead to 26 points.

Casto added seven free throws in the half and was 11 for 14 overall from the line.

“I thought early that Stockton got us settled down, which is par for the course,” said coach Don Van Lierop, whose team tied a school record with its 26th win (and so far without a loss). “And the starters did what they’ve been doing. I’m pretty happy that we executed better, although we’re still a work in progress.”

Van Lierop expressed concern going up against Kentwood freshman Smith, saying, “He is hard to move, maybe borderline impossible. He’s going to be great.”

Casto said he liked the challenge of facing someone as big as he for the first time, even if it was someone with a little more bulk. Smith, who had five blocked shots in the game, sent Casto’s first two shots flying.

“I had to readjust and figured I was faster, not stronger and tried to go around him,” Cast said. “Even when he leans on you he moves you a little bit. He’s a big boy.”

Casto said he would step away from him knowing he wouldn’t come out to challenge and take advantage of his speed.

“He’s going to be a handful,” Casto said.

The victory moves Ferris into today’s quarterfinal round against Redmond, which upset Federal Way 64-63. The Mustangs had a 13-12 record. Federal Way at 19-5 was considered a potential title contender.

“They played very well and are smart,” said Van Lierop, who added a film review would tell him what today’s approach would be.