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Clover boys take WCC title after beating South Putnam
After the thrilling contest in the girls' game, the boys' basketball game between South Putnam and Cloverdale was a one-sided affair Friday.
The Clovers forced 28 Eagle turnovers and utilized a 31-5 first quarter to ease past the hosts 77-35.
KJ Coleman led Cloverdale 20 points while Marquise Moore, Cooper Neese and Branston Scott also reached double figures.
The Clovers profited from 18 steals and 19 assists, creating "chaos" on defense according to head coach Pat Rady.
"We challenged the players to be ready right from the start and to be focused on causing chaos," Rady said. "Coach (Patrick) Rady gave them a challenge based on VCU's 'Havoc' defense because he said we want to cause 'chaos.'
"I thought we had a lot of chaos in the first quarter and created a lot of problems for them handling the ball. We also anticipated extremely well."
Rady also noted the good passing work the side did.
"I thought the ball had eyes tonight," Rady said. "We got it to the people that were open, had some breakaways and the person with the ball led him well with a good pass.
"My hat's off to the players. They came out focused on playing good basketball tonight and I think they did that."
South Putnam did respond with 20 points in the fourth quarter to build some momentum heading into its trip to Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Saturday against Lighthouse Christian Academy.
Eagle head coach Greg Dean said the finish was important to finding a positive from Friday's game while still enjoying the trip to Indianapolis.
"Number one, they need to take it all in," Dean said. "You don't get this opportunity every day, especially after they were snowed out last year.
"I know the kids are looking forward to it, the coaching staff is looking forward to it and I want the kids to enjoy it first and foremost. After that, they just need to come out and compete as hard as they can."
At South Putnam
Cloverdale 31 17 16 13 -- 77
South Putnam 5 8 2 20 -- 35
Statistics
Scoring
Cloverdale --33-59 FG, 3-11 3-FG, 8-14 FT -- Coleman 22, M. Moore 18, Neese 15, Scott 11, J. moore 5, White 3, Hall 2, Lotz 1, Duff 0, Heavener 0, Winders 0, Pfaff 0
South Putnam --15-43 FG, 2-7 3-FG, 3-9 FT -- Menke 12, Long 11, Schroer 5, Carmichael 4, Long 2, Parks 1, Stewart 0, McHugh 0, Parks 0, Freeman 0, Clearwaters 0, Lesko 0
Rebounding (Offensive)
Cloverdale 26 (10); South Putnam 25 (8)
Assists
Cloverdale 19; South Putnam 8
Steals
Cloverdale 18; South Putnam 6
Blocks
Cloverdale 3; South Putnam 2
Turnovers
Cloverdale 15; South Putnam 28
Fouls
Cloverdale 9; South Putnam 13