Bucs sail by Vikings

By Bob Kopp

BDR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

It was a trap game – a game that you’re supposed to win but can lose if you look past it.

Reminded at Starbucks on Tuesday, Dec. 13 that Guilford has emerging talent bolstered by the addition of Darrin Sisk to the Vikings coaching staff who built a reputation at North for beating highly ranked teams with thin rosters, seniors Austin Brockmann and Austin Revolinski led Belvidere with 21 points each in a dominating 86-58 win.

After a slow start spiced with sloppy play, Head Coach Aaron Pearson sat starters early in the first quarter, caught their attention, and then let them loose in a game not nearly as close as the final score as he picked splinters from the bench to gain valuable playing time for everybody and then didn’t let anyone in the rotation sniff the court again with 4:46 remaining in the game.

With turnovers remaining the only chink in its armor, Belvidere unleashed an offensive and defensive display featuring six three-pointers (Brockmann and Revolinski had three each), control of the paint despite the host’s distinct height advantage, stingy defense yet no one in foul trouble, and the calm demeanor and precise planning of Pearson and top assistant Nate Lister.

Senior Will Morris continued his steady play and high percentage shooting with 16 points.

Senior Nate Horton whose first step may be the quickest in the conference and is good for one or two ESPN clips a contest chipped in for eight points.

Senior Xavier Dent controlled the boards and added four points followed by junior Phil Kolk (four), three-pointers by senior Jacob Rodgriguez (three) and junior Brady Hauser (three), senior Joey Hernandez (two), junior Shawn Dean (two), and junior Dominic Dozel (two).  Senior Jay Blandin and junior Kalen Murray also logged significant minutes.

Still smarting from being smacked down 60-44 in the season opener on Monday, Nov.21 at the District 205 Tip-Off Classic, Freeport came to town on Friday.  Anyone who has watched Belvidere and Freeport in action on the field, court, or diamond knows this is an intense rivalry.

Varsity action followed the sophomore game starting at 5 p.m.

Results from the Bucs/Freeport game are to come.