Bucs answer early question in rout of taller Janesville

By Bob Kopp

BDR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

While Belvidere basketball will not be out-coached, out-skilled, or out-toughed in 2016-2017 with an unselfish team chemistry accentuated by balanced distribution of the rock, the question early in the season has been how the Bucs will fair against teams with a formidable size advantage.

That question may have been answered in the 61-23 rout of Janesville Parker.

The Vikings came to town with 12 of 13 players over 6′ and seven over 6’5.”

Led by top prospect 6’7″ junior Chris Galvan, the Bucs faced their biggest and most beefy opponent in the young season.

BHS answered that question with an emphatic exclamation point; holding Galvan to three points and never looking back after stunning quarter advantages of 15-2 (first), 40-14 (second), and 55-15 (third).

Head Coach Aaron Pearson may have his deepest roster in years and subbed substantially throughout the game; clearing the bench and not returning any starters to the game with 2:36 left in the third.  A scout for first conference opponent Auburn sitting next to me noted the early dominance of Belvidere has allowed Pearson to rest starters for the long championship haul as he piles up precious minutes with a coveted rotation.

Senior Austin Brockmann had the hot hand in the first half and finished with a team-leading 12 points with two three-pointers followed by senior Joey Hernandez whose 11 points included three bombs and junior Phil Kolk who knocked down the other three in his 11 points.

Senior captain Austin Revolinski had lots of unwanted rest in the Bucs’ dominating performance and finished with eight points.

Senior Xavier Dent did his usual vacuuming job on the boards at both ends and chipped in for eight points.

Rounding out the scoring, junior Shawn Dean scored four points followed by seniors Will Morris (three), Nate Horton (two), and Jacob Rodriguez (two).

The Bucs completed their run in the highly competitive School District 205 Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, Nov. 26 with games against Proviso West (10 a.m.) and Hyde Park (6 p.m.).

NIC-10 action began at perennial powerhouse Auburn on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.