Anton Watson scores 19 points, Gonzaga Prep finds reserve energy in win over Ferris

Even though Gonzaga Prep was a little worn out from their national tournament experience over the weekend, the Bullpups found enough in reserve to outpace one of the better teams in the Greater Spokane League – handily.

The Bullpups built a 17-4 lead after the first quarter, Anton Watson and Liam Lloyd scored 19 points apiece and Gonzaga Prep handled visiting Ferris 64-39 in the first game for the G-Prep boys in their new gymnasium on Tuesday.

G-Prep (3-1, 2-0) entered play ranked No. 2 in state 4A by the Seattle Times, while Ferris (4-2, 1-1) was ranked No. 7.

The Pups went 1-1 at the Hoophall West tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona last weekend.

“We came back, we were exhausted,” coach Matty McIntyre admitted. We cut practice way short (on Monday).”

“I’m happy with the energy the kids came out with today at the start, but this is going to be a long process. We can make our lives a lot easier playing this game (rather) than the way we played tonight.”

Both teams got out to a bit of a ragged start, but G-Prep found its mojo quickly. Watson filled the lane for a twisting layin, Lloyd hit from 3 and Shaedon Byrd’s three-point play at the end of the first frame gave the Pups a 13-point lead after one.

Watson’s leaping reverse layup gave G-Prep a 28-10 lead midway through the second. The Bullpups led 33-15 at intermission, paced by Watson’s 11 points and Lloyd with 10.

Watson drilled a 3-pointer at the start of the third to push the lead over 20. Watson and Lloyd both nailed 3-pointers at the start of the fourth and the Bullpups cruised.

Lloyd was a beast on the boards, grabbing 10 before sitting much of the fourth.

“I feel like I need to fill a role since we lost Jamaari (Jones, last season’s leading rebounder who is injured),” Lloyd said. “I feel like I can do that since I have size and I’m strong.”

McIntyre was happy with Lloyd’s scoring, but he had a bigger role in the process.

“We really tried to focus in on Reece Van Lierop and try to limit his open looks,” McIntyre said. “Liam got that assignment. I thought he did a wonderful job.”

Freshman Kobe Smith paced Ferris with 16 points, while the Saxons leading scorer, Van Lierop was held to two points.