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Mincher, Tigers too much for Rebels
By Steve Wilaj
NEW WATERFORD
Right at the end of pregame warmups — just moments before game-time — Springfield’s Graham Mincher knocked down 3-pointer, after 3-pointer, after 3-pointer.
“So I was like, ‘You know, I’m feeling it guys. Get me the ball and I’m gonna hit,’” the junior guard said. “That’s what I did.”
Mincher carried that hot hand right into live action, connecting on his first four 3-pointers and scoring Springfield’s first 14 points as the Tigers defeated Crestview, 80-52, on Friday to remain undefeated (19-0, 14-0 ITCL).
Paced by Mincher — who finished with a game-high 27 points — Springfield raced out to a 30-8 lead after the first quarter.
“Tonight was probably the best we’ve come out with pretty much making every shot,” Mincher said.
Mincher finished the first eight minutes with 15 points, while Jordon Peterson added nine first-quarter points. In all, the Tigers shot 10 of 13 in the first quarter — including 7 of 9 from beyond the arc.
“We were moving the ball well,” said Springfield coach Eric Fender. “Graham was hitting and then when they started taking him away, Jordon stepped up and hit some shots. We did a nice job tonight of moving the basketball from one side to the other.”
The Tigers stayed hot and led 44-18 at halftime and 63-30 after three quarters.
Mincher had 22 points at halftime and finished 8 of 10 from the field and 7 of 9 at the foul line. Peterson finished with 15 points and Mark Schuler added 10.
Springfield shot 60 percent as a team (26 of 43).
“Defensively, we were making them uncomfortable,” Mincher said. “We forced some turnovers and we were all hitting and clicking on offense like we usually do. But we just couldn’t miss in the first quarter, really.”
Crestview (6-13, 5-9) — which shot 19 of 50 — was led by Elijah McCallum’s 14 points and Aaron Muntean’s 10 points.
“They have multiple guys that shoot it well,” Rebels coach Herman Miller said. “We tried to scheme some things defensively, but they do a lot of really nice things. Even after we went man, they still scored it in different ways. It’s a good squad.”
Next up for Springfield on its quest to an undefeated season are matchups with McDonald (Tuesday) and Girard (Friday). The Tigers host both games.
“I just mentioned to our guys that we have big games coming up,” Fender said. “It’s all high-level competition for us and it will be a good measuring stick for us heading into the tournament.”