Clovers oust Eagles, 70-46

Friday, January 26, 2007
South Putnam's Adam Nees drives by Cloverdale's Ryan Dean during the Clovers' 70-46 win over the Eagles Friday.

The Cloverdale High School boys' basketball team has been on a tear recently and Friday's game at South Putnam was no different.

On Friday, the Clovers continued their hot shooting streak as they knocked off South Putnam on the road, 70-46.

"We got the ball in the paint with dribble penetration," Cloverdale coach Pat Rady said. "I was pleased.

The Clovers never tailed in the contest, getting ahead by as many as 15 in the first quarter. The Clovers went on a 13-0 run late in the quarter forcing South Putnam coach Brian Gardner to call a timeout.

South Putnam's Ben Anderson scored the final bucket of the period to pull the Eagles within 13, 22-9.

Cloverdale forced South Putnam into 11 first-quarter turnovers.

"We've harped on that," Rady said.

The Clovers continued to build on their lead in the second period but the Eagles managed to stay within striking distance.

However, at the midway point of the second quarter, Cloverdale extended its lead to 15, 36-21, with two free throws and consecutive buckets by Craig Blair, who finished with a game-high 22 points.

By halftime, Cloverdale had a 41-23 lead.

South Putnam got as close as 16 points near the five-minute mark of the third period, but could not get closer.

The Clovers built their lead to 25, 60-35, midway through the fourth quarter after a bucket by Christian Cheatham.

Despite picking up the 24-point win, Rady said he believed both teams played well defensively Friday.

"Those were two teams that were very defensive minded going at it," he said. "I've got to give credit to South Putnam. They played aggressive. That was two ball clubs putting it out on the line."

Cloverdale forced South Putnam into 29 turnovers but committed 19 as well.

"As fast as we're playing, we're going to have a lot of turnovers," Rady said. "We'd like to have 12 or less."

Gardner was unavailable for comment following the game.

In addition to Blair's 22, Michael Neese finished with 21 points while Cheatham added 15.

South Putnam was led by Anderson's 14 points. Noah Boswell also came off the bench to provide 10.

The Clovers will face Owen Valley at home today while South Putnam faces Riverton Parke on the road today as well.

At South Putnam

Cloverdale 22 19 13 16 -- 70

South Putnam 9 14 10 13 -- 46

Cloverdale -- Neese 9-19 0-1 21, Blair 7-11 7-8 22, Cheatham 6-13 3-4 15, Trinkle 2-4 0-0 4, Dean 1-1 0-2 2, Gregg 1-3 0-0 2, Shoulders 1-4 0-0 2, Hacker 0-0 2-2 2. Totals 27-55 FG, 12-16 FT, 70 TP.

South Putnam -- Anderson 6-8 0-0 14, Nees 1-3 0-0 2, Cash 2-4 2-2 6, Frame 0-6 0-0 0, Parker 2-5 0-0 4, Boswell 3-4 4-7 10, Hammond 0-1 0-0 0, Tomaw 0-0 0-0 0, Sebanc 0-1 0-0 0, Chestnut 1-3 0-1 2, Welty 0-0 2-2 2, Masters 3-6 0-0 6. Totals 18-41 FG, 8-12 FT, 46 TP.

3-pt. FG -- CHS 4-10 (Neese 3-7), SPHS 2-7 (Anderson 2-3). Rebounds -- CHS 28 (Cheatham 7), SPHS 23 (Masters 6). Blocks -- CHS 5 (Cheatham, Trinkle 2), SPHS 2 (Cash, Tomaw). Assists -- CHS 11 (Trinkle 4), SPHS 11 (Anderson 3). Steals -- CHS 8 (Neese 5), SPHS 5 (five players with one each). Total Fouls -- CHS 14, SPHS 16. Fouled Out -- None. Turnovers -- CHS 29, SPHS 19.

Next Games -- The Clovers (11-4, 4-1) face Owen Valley at home today. South Putnam faces Riverton Parke on the road today.

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