JCHS stays undefeated (01/19/2009)

FOUNTAIN CITY - Craig Teagle wasn't happy with the way his team was playing in the first half. But he chose against a timeout, wanting to let his players see the result for themselves.

That result was a one-point deficit to a 4-7 opponent.

But after the quarter break the Patriots started playing their kind of basketball, opening on an 8-0 run. The Jay County High School boys basketball team added a 9-0 run to start the final period and took a 52-35 victory over the host Northeastern Knights.

"In the first quarter we were taking shots on one pass, two passes and three passes, and we're not a very good basketball team when we do that," said Teagle, whose team improved to 7-0. "When you shoot early on the offensive end, you're not nearly as good a defensive team."

With that point across, JCHS was more patient to begin the second quarter. The 8-0 run spanned more than four minutes as Northeastern went scoreless for the first 4:26 of the second quarter, committing three turnovers in the first 2:30 of that stretch.

The Knights went scoreless for the first 5:05 of the fourth quarter, with Jay County scoring seven of its nine points in the run at the foul line.

"We are not putting the ball in the basket," said Northeastern coach Clay Bolser, whose team shot just 36 percent. "From a coaching standpoint, it's hard for me to walk in and be disappointed, because I thought our defensive effort was tremendous. They had to work for every single basket that they got.

"I'm extremely proud of our kids, but it's my job to get them to put the ball in the basket."

Jay County's lead was seven points at the close of the third quarter, but they're run to open the fourth put them in command and free throws finished off the Knights. Jacob Westlake had five points, including a 3-point play during the run.

Adam Garringer keyed the 16-of-18 (89 percent) effort from the foul line, going 9-for-9 as part of a 22-point effort.

He also grabbed a team-high six rebounds

"He's playing well," said Teagle. "And late he stepped up and hit free throws. He had an outstanding offensive game.

"And he continues to get better at the defensive end. ... He's got the ability to be a great defensive player."

Eric Homan added 10 points, and Trey Dunn chipped in four. Kyle Simmons finished with five assists for the Patriots.

David Roeder was the lone Knight in double figures with 13 points. He also had five rebounds as his team slipped to 4-8 on the year.

Derek Blunk scored eight points.

"Jay County is obviously an awfully good basketball team," said Bolser. "They create a lot of problems just with the fact that they're so disciplined. They take advantage of every mistake that you make.

"They're extremely disciplined. They shoot the ball well. They do a great job defensively. You have hats off to coach Teagle and the kids for the way they play."

Junior varsity

Jay County saw its lead dwindle to four points, but made some key plays in the final minute to defeat the Knights 41-32.

The Patriots led 31-17 with seven minutes to play, but Northeastern closed to within 34-30 with just over a minute left. However, Garrett Krieg hit a pair of free throws, Brad Horn buried one and Drew Houck turned in a three-point play to put the game away.

Horn led JCHS with 18 points, and Krieg followed with nine. Houck added six points.

Caleb King led the Knights with 16 points.

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