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Hain powered YSU to easy romp over Warren Wilson
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Youngstown State’s Ryan Weber drives around Warren Wilson’s Tyler Triplett during the Penguins’ home opener Thursday at YSU’s Beeghly Center. YSU downed the Owls, 104-58, to remain undefeated at 4-0.
By Joe Catullo Jr.
sports @vindy.com
Youngstown
Nobody on Warren Wilson’s basketball roster is taller than 6-foot-6 and Youngstown State sophomore Bobby Hain took full advantage.
In Thursday’s 104-58 win, Hain utilized his 6-foot-10 frame in every opportunity that was presented. Hook shots and layups came natural, he rarely jumped for rebounds and finished with a double-double by halftime.
“That’s what I used. I just used my size,” Hain said. “I knew I could come out and get some easy little hook shots.”
Hain finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds (seven offensive), his third career double-double. The other aspect is Hain only played 22 minutes. A strong second-half surge allowed the starters to rest for most of the second half.
“I thought we played a great second half,” YSU coach Jerry Slocum said. “I was a little disappointed in the first half with our defensive intensity. I thought our guys did a good job in the second half, especially into the first media timeout.”
From the beginning of the second half to the 10:29 mark, YSU (4-0) bolted to a 29-5 scoring run. The Penguins increased their lead over Warren Wilson (2-6) to 73-35.
“Coach just said that we had to start playing,” Hain said. “We started playing together, and things were moving good. We just got open shots and worked together.”
The surge allowed YSU fans to see some new faces on the court. Freshman Marcus Keene played the most, scoring seven points and tallying six assists in 22 minutes. Keene averaged 25 points per game last year at Warren High School in San Antonio, Texas.
“He brings some solid offensive play to us, something that we really haven’t had in terms of really good offensive play from our bench guys,” Slocum said. “He’s got a long way to go at the defensive end, but he’s a special offensive player.”
Other players included freshmen Jalon Plummer (seven points) and Kyle Steward (four points) and sophomore Larry Johnson Jr. (four points).
“I love it when they score,” Hain said. “Larry had a couple of good moves down low. Kyle had two nice dunks. It looks good. Games like that gives them experience for bigger games if we get into foul trouble or anything like that.”
Kendrick Perry finished with 18 points and four steals in 21 minutes. Kamren Belin added 17 points and five rebounds in 25 minutes.
Justin Gonyea led the Owls with 14 points. Ty Johnson finished with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds
The victory was the finale of a four-game stretch in the Kennesaw Tournament. YSU won all four of its games, including the first three in Georgia.
Next on the schedule is a trip to the University of Massachusetts on Sunday, a team that has already defeated Boston College and LSU.
“I think UMass might be the best team we’re playing this year,” Slocum said. “They’re coming off two huge wins for them. Very, very gifted team. It’s going to be a great test for us.”