Saturday, December 22, 2001
The Spartans scored just 16 points in the second half against East Liverpool.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- Josh Reed scored 20 points Friday as the East Liverpool High basketball team defeated Boardman, 56-42, at Spartan Gymnasium.
Scott Scales and Shawn Walton added 12 points each for East Liverpool.
It was a tale of two halves for the Spartans (4-2).
Jumping out to a 20-14 lead after the first eight minutes of play, they struggled to a 26-21 halftime lead, then could manage just 16 second half points.
"The tale of two halves has been our story all season," Spartans coach Dan Gorski said. "Our offensive execution and shot selection just wasn't there for us tonight.
Second half woes: "We've had no trouble getting out of the gate, but have struggled in the first six games in the second half," Gorski said.
The Potters (6-1) seemed to have the momentum early with a fast-break attack that produced everything but points.
Junior Matt Marks quietly scored seven of his team-high 16 points to give his squad the early advantage.
"We felt that it was to our advantage if they pressed us to night," East Liverpool coach Nick Aloi said. "Given that fact, we still didn't take advantage of the situation.
"We were out own worst enemy in the first half as we didn't convert our free throws, especially our one and one's, and couldn't finish the fast break we were able to start."
Reed had just two of his game-high 20 points prior to the intermission.
Spartans led early: The Spartans held the Potters without a point during a four minute and 20 second stretch in the second period.
"Josh Reed was denied the ball by a stingy Spartan defense in the first half," Aloi said. "His play in the second half, however, was a big key to our victory tonight."
The Spartans opened up a 29-23 lead on a Mike Finamore three-point bucket at the 7:02 mark of the third period.
But the Potters went on a 17-3 run to open up a 40-32 lead (nine points coming from Reed) then never looked back.
Reed added nine of his team's 11 points in the final stanza, with Marks scoring all eight of the Spartans' points in the final period.
Boardman suffered through a four minute and 16 second scoring drought.