Fitch runs over Rayen

The Falcons' defense caused the most trouble in a 67-41 victory.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- Mark Aikens was warming and Fitch's defense was swarming.
All in all, it was a pretty good first half for the Falcons.
"We just knew we had to come out strong," Aikens said. "I had a lot of open looks. I didn't realize I would be so open."
The Fitch senior guard scored 15 points in the first 13 minutes as the Falcons used a 35-12 halftime advantage to cruise past visiting Rayen, 67-41, in boys basketball action Tuesday.
"They play that 1-2-2 zone and they really jam the paint," Fitch coach Gary Conroy said of Rayen. "And obviously, with us you sort of pick your poison. If you want to go zone, you're taking your chances that we won't be shooting well."
Balanced attack
The Falcons shot fairly well -- they finished 23 of 52 (44 percent) from the field -- but it was their defense that caused the most trouble.
Fitch (2-0) forced 20 first-half turnovers and held the Tigers to a 15 for 44 shooting night (34 percent).
"We knew our defense could get after it," Conroy said. "To hold Rayen to 12 points was a great first half."
Aikens finished with 16 points and four steals for the Falcons, who led by as many as 36 late in the third quarter.
Senior guard Terrell Eargle had 17 points and five rebounds for Fitch and Nigel Taylor came off the bench to score 10.
"Last year our focus was on Greg [Mayes], but we've really become more of a team this year," said Aikens.
"We all work together and we've got some guys who really help out."
Expectations
And with just two returning starters, Conroy wasn't sure how the Falcons would fare early in the season.
"We've played better than I anticipated [the first two games]," Conroy said. "I thought we would struggle offensively.
"We knew what we could do, but it comes down to execution. I think we've executed very well."
Jabray Graham had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Tigers (1-1), while Brandon Crosby added seven points and nine rebounds.
scalzo@vindy.com