By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
Sylvania ended Glencoe’s title run rather abruptly on Feb. 22. The Rams whipped the Yellow Jackets, 61-45, in Northeast Regional boys basketball semi-final action at Jacksonville State University. Glencoe finished the season at 21-9, while Sylvania improved to 21-11.
Glencoe fought back to tie the match in the final minute of the second quarter. Zachary King connected on a jumper with 49 seconds remaining in the frame to give the Rams a 29-27 lead at intermission.
Glencoe guard Austin Hancock praised the offensive play King, who netted 13 points for the Rams.
“He is really quick. I probably took too many risks trying to steal the ball and he got around me a few times. I got a couple of fouls off that. He is a good, all-around ballplayer.”
Sylvania’s offense exploded in the second half, as the Rams shot 62 percent from the field as opposed to 48 percent in the first half.
The Sylvania defense that made the real difference in the second half. Glencoe’s shooting percentage dropped from 41 percent in the first half to 33 percent in the second half. No Yellow Jackets scored in double-figures.
Hancock, who averages nearly 17 points per game for the Yellow Jackets, managed only nine against the Rams. He praised the play of the Ram defense.
“They played me tighter in the second half. If we would’ve moved the ball around better more guys would’ve gotten open shots. We just didn’t move the ball around as well in the second half.”
Sylvania outscored Glencoe in the second half, 32-18, to seal the win.
Scott Bradley was a bright spot in the gloomy Yellow Jacket offense. The 6’2 center came off the bench to net nine points and grab seven rebounds.
Glencoe head coach Ryan Barkley commented on the play of Bradley and the amount of minutes he played.
“I felt we had a good matchup on the post with Scott. There was no issue with any other player. It’s all about matchups.”
Sylvania led at the end of the first quarter, 19-13.
Hancock and Bradley led the Yellow Jackets with nine points each, while Chance Cassidy and Christopher Tinker each chipped in six.
Barkley’s summary of the game was simple.
“In the first half we did a good job of attacking the high post,” Glencoe head coach Ryan Barkley said. “In the second half they adjusted and we didn’t do as well as I hoped. Hats off to Sylvania, they played great tonight.”