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Harding too much for Canfield in AAC
By Ryan Buck
CANFIELD
An overwhelming effort and a balanced effort from a 10-player rotation led the Warren Harding basketball team to an 86-50 All-American Conference victory over Canfield on Friday night at James W. Watkins Gymnasium.
Five Raiders were in double figures, led by Shakem Johnson’s 21 points. Point guard Gabe Simpson, meanwhile, scored 19 points and dished out eight assists, center Derek Culver scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and guard Tiryn Frank scored 14 points.
Harding (4-0) forced 26 Canfield turnovers in a dominant performance.
“All of these guys have had big nights at various points in their careers,” said Harding coach Andrew Vlajkovich. “They’ve enjoyed those, but there’s no doubt they have a lot more fun when the ball’s moving and they know what good basketball is.”
After a free-flowing first half, which saw both teams shoot the basketball well and push the tempo and the ball into the open floor, the Raiders took control of the contest early in the third quarter.
Canfield forward Mason Mangapora brought the Cardinals to within eight points at 40-32 at the 6:30 mark of the third quarter, but that was as close as they’d get.
Culver responded with a short turnaround jumper on Harding’s next trip upcourt and, after a Canfield turnover, Simpson dashed through the Cardinals’ defense as he took the ball the length of the court for a layup.
Vince Ferrier stopped Harding’s run with a basket to bring Canfield back to within 10, but the onslaught ensured quickly thereafter.
Frank scored an easy basket in transition with 4:55 left in the third, after Canfield missed a 3-pointer and Simpson, a speedy and savvy point guard, followed that with a highlight-reel crossover into the lane and a reverse layup.
A Johnson basket in traffic followed another Canfield miscue and Simpson again raced ahead of the pack for a transition basket moments later as Harding built a 52-34 lead with 2:30 left in the third.
The Cardinals (3-2) never recovered from the 10-0 Harding run, which showcased the Raiders’ athleticism and pace, unmatched in the area.
“Our guys have to play a perfect game to beat a team like Harding,” said Canfield coach Todd Muckleroy. “Let’s be honest about that. But I think that once things start to go their way, you’re forced to play their game and if you want to have a chance to win a game or keep it close, then we just kind of fell into their tempo and that’s a fight [Harding is] going to win every time.”
The Raiders’ defense, meanwhile, stifled any hopes Canfield could envision of a comeback.
Simpson and Frank patrol the perimeter and Culver affects every post movement. Johnson’s length and speed diminish passing angles and drives from slashing guards.
“It’s no secret we’re trying to pressure,” Vlajkovich said of his defense, which rotated between full-court, three-quarter court and half-court traps. “We know that when we go hard, we’re susceptible to giving up a bucket or two and even though it doesn’t make me happy, we know that our pressure can wear on you.
“We know the big run’s coming.”
Mangapora led Canfield with 13 points and Ferrier scored 12. Canfield made six 3-pointers.