By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Defending champion Springfield New Covenant, lifted by a stifling second quarter, hurdled Exeter 88-72 to win the boys portion of the McAuley Warrior Classic on Saturday.
New Covenant (10-5 overall) and Exeter (8-11) entered 2-0 in the four-team, round-robin event.
McAuley, fueled by Garrett Wagner, erased an early deficit to race past College Heights 62-39 for third place.
Class 2 New Covenant outscored Exeter 32-11 in the second quarter to lead 52-30 at the half/.
New Covenant coach Hilly Beck said defense (the Warriors utilized full-court pressure) was the key in turning around the game.
“It picked up in intensity to create several turnovers that resulted in easy baskets,” Beck said. “Our defense has to pick up for us to be successful.”
Said Exeter coach Scott White: “The second quarter killed us. Their pressure got to us for several turnovers. For three quarters, we did what I wanted.”
New Covenant, which got 42 points off the bench, received 18 points from Nick Petree, 15 from Chace Smartt, 14 from Austin Cassity and 11 from Luke Letsinger.
Exeter’s Zach Wubker tossed in 26 points with 15 in the fourth period. He totaled six 3s.
A 24-7 advantage in the second period gave McAuley a 30-20 halftime lead.
Wagner, a 6-0 senior, scored 31 points and drilled seven treys.
Said McAuley coach Chuck Williams: “Our defense stepped up its intensity. That was the key. They (the Cougars) were forced into turnovers and we wound up getting open looks.”
College Heights coach Skip Walker didn’t disagree with Williams about his defense.
“But the fact we couldn’t sustain our offense also was a key,” he said. “We didn’t rebound well in the second half, either.
“Wagner was outstanding,” Walker said. “He really hurt us. He was the difference.”
McAuley statistics had Wagner with 7-for-11 accuracy from long-range.
Sam Maher added seven rebounds and Austin Metts four assists to support Wagner.
McAuley pulled away from the Cougars with a 20-9 advantage in the fourth behind Wagner and Nick Bertoncino.
Evan Belk, who had three treys, was the only player for CHC to reach double figures with 17.
