EAST SUBURBAN CONFERENCE Papp, King spearhead Bristol to 11th victory

The Panthers remained unbeaten in the ESC with an 83-62 win over Southington.
By SAL MARINO
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
SOUTHINGTON -- The Bristol High boys basketball team remained unbeaten in the East Suburban Conference with an 83-62 victory over Southington on Thursday.
The Panthers (11-1, 9-0) were led by Joe Papp with a career-high 27 points, while John King added 17, Craig Geisy 15 and David Whitt 10.
The score was tied four times in the first quarter, with Southington (8-4, 6-3) taking a 20-19 lead into the second period.
Dave Motz scored seven of his team-high 18 points during the first eight minutes, and Tom Block had seven of his 14 points.
Papp countered with six points and King tallied seven.
Versatile: King finished with a team-high 10 rebounds and he had 11 assists and also made a pair of 3-pointers.
"Every team we play from here on out is going to give us trouble," said Bristol coach Scott Groves. "We aren't looking at our poll standings.
"Every time we get on the floor, teams are going to give us trouble. We know Maplewood, Southington and Lutheran East will be our toughest opponents of the season. We'll have to focus every time out."
3-pointers: The Panthers pulled away in the second half by out-scoring Southington 43-31, and a lot of that effort had to do with four 3-pointers.
Bristol went on a 16-5 run early in the third period, building a 56-36 lead, and the Panthers were ahead 60-42 as the quarter ended.
Geisy had seven of his 15 points during the third period and Whitt had five of his 10.
"It was a good game for us," said Southington coach Mike Karr. "We are a young team and have a lot to learn.
"Our losses this season have been by winning teams with three losses."
Midway through the final period, Papp scored six straight points to give Bristol a 70-45 lead. Southington's Tom Block had five points during the quarter.
"Foul trouble hurts us," said Karr. "We missed too many shots and when Max Slater fouled out, that hurt our height advantage."