Bullpups clamp down on CV
It’s tough to score if you can’t get a decent shot, and Gonzaga Prep defenders denied Central Valley opportunities in Tuesday’s game between Greater Spokane League boys basketball teams at G-Prep.
The Bullpups (13-3, 8-1) were flawless during their 53-34 victory that kept them part of a three-way, first-place tie.
At one point in the second quarter, G-Prep prevented the Bears from getting a shot off in two prolonged possessions.
There was nothing tricky about the effort that was primarily a product of hustle.
“We have a lot of guys with good, quick feet,” said G-Prep coach Mike Haugen. “CV was being quite deliberate, but our concentration was very good.”
CV’s deliberation may have been a product of the Bullpups’ in-your-face defense.
The game’s early stages were race-horse basketball by both teams. G-Prep got the better of that, too, bolting to a 17-7 lead. The Bears (13-4, 6-3) never came back.
Except for first-half rebounding, outside of Ian Parry’s effort, Haugen said he could find no fault in the Bullpups’ effort.
They dominated every facet of the game, shooting nearly 60 percent from the field, controlling the boards and stopping the Bears with their defense.
The first 12 points came following turnovers, with G-Prep ahead 7-5. Then came Prep’s 10-2 burst and a 10-point lead, barely halfway through the period.
The lead stretched to 15 points by halftime, with eight different players scoring. Prep’s defense limited CV to five shots and three points in the second quarter, during which the Bears had two 1-minute possessions without getting a shot.
Bullpups leading scorer Michael Johnson and Parry combined for a dozen third-quarter points to double the score (46-23).
Parry, returning to form after missing the early part of the season with injury, had a double-double scoring and rebounding.
“I think our whole team came in wanting to outwork these guys,” Parry said. “Our defense was the best I’ve seen this year. Hopefully, it will carry over.”
West Valley 64, Lewis and Clark 39: Greg Bradley made four 3-pointers and Casey Sherrill two as the balanced Eagles (13-3, 7-2) won easily over the host Tigers (3-13, 2-7).
Ferris 56, Mt. Spokane 41: Jon Clift scored 11 second-half points and the league co-leading Saxons (16-1, 8-1) went on a 20-6 third-quarter run to stop the Wildcats (11-5, 6-3) in a key road win.
North Central 78, East Valley 53: The host Indians (15-2, 8-1) jumped out to an early 14-point lead to beat the Knights (3-13, 0-9) and retain their share of first. Eric Beal had 18 points and eight assists.
Rogers 63, Clarkston 55: The host Pirates (7-9, 3-6) controlled the second half to beat the Bantams (1-15, 0-9). Balanced scoring, led by Josh Taylor’s 14 points, helped Rogers prevail.
Shadle Park 62, Cheney 34: Turnovers (21) helped the Highlanders (11-5, 7-2) whip the visiting Blackhawks (4-12, 2-8). Three Shadle players finished in double figures, including Nick Gaebe in his second game back since missing 10 because of injury.
Mead 65, University 52: The Panthers (5-10, 4-5) rallied from a 43-33 third-quarter deficit against the host Titans (5-12, 2-7). They finished the quarter with a 12-2 burst, scored the first five points of the fourth quarter and final six of the game. Lucas Ashe finished with a game-high 19.