Clovers stumble against Eastern Greene

Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Cloverdale's Chuck Strunk (20) goes up between two Eastern Greene defenders during Tuesday's home contest

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale boys' basketball team is going through a time no team wants to find itself in. Injuries have caused the Clovers to field a short bench and it's more about making it through the rough patch than it is about winning at the moment.

The Clovers welcomed the Eastern Greene Thunderbirds to town Tuesday, along with their 6'6" forward J.T. Yoho, who is bound for Wright State after his senior season. They struggled from the field, while Eastern Greene scored at a blistering pace and lost 76-37.

"That's probably the best team we've played so far," Cloverdale head coach Pat Rady said following the game. "There's no question in my mind. They're just an outstanding team and (J.T.) Yoho is a tremendous player and they're well coached. Andy (Igel) goes a tremendous job."

Yoho caused the Clovers problems throughout the first half, scoring 16 points to lead Eastern Greene. He wasn't alone with double-figures, as teammate Tyler Brough knocked down three three-pointers in the half to post 11 points in the half.

Cloverdale struggled with Eastern Greene stifling defense and committed numerous turnovers, which led to easy buckets for the Thunderbirds. CHS senior Mitch Williams helped the Clovers keep pace early as he scored eight points in the opening quarter.

Trailing 25-11 after one quarter, Cloverdale watched as Eastern Greene continued to press them on defense and knock down shots on offense and grow its lead to 43-20 at halftime.

Things didn't improve much in the second half for the Clovers as the Thunderbirds extended its lead to 30 points at 59-29 after three quarters of play. Cloverdale ultimately lost to Eastern Greene 76-37, dropping to 1-7 on the season.

Zach Dorman gave the Clovers a lift off the bench in the second half, scoring nine points. In addition to Dorman's nine points, Williams led the team with 11 points, with Joe Fidler adding seven points. Kade Schroer scored six points, with Chuck Strunk and Brandon Dorman adding two points each.

As Rady pointed out, the Clovers are struggling with their depth right now. He said they'll use the break to try to get things back on track.

"We've got to maybe regroup over the break here and try to get ready on such a short time," Rady said. "This is why you kind of wish you had two weeks off, but we don't. We don't have that luxury, so we'll give them a few days off and get away. Then on Dec. 26 we've got to come back and get ready."

The Clovers will face off against Cascade in the opening game of the Eagle Holiday Classic at South Putnam Dec. 29 at 6 p.m.

Rady noted the Cadets are having one of their best seasons in a while and will be a challenge for his team.

At Cloverdale

Eastern Greene 25 18 16 17 -- 76

Cloverdale 11 9 9 8 -- 37

Individual Scoring

Eastern Greene -- Brough 19, Yoho 16, Crowe 10, Cobine 10, Hutchison 6, Stille 6, Frye 3, No. 21 2. Totals: 33-64 FG, 2-2 FT, 76 TP.

Cloverdale -- Williams 11, Z. Dorman 9, Fidler 7, Schroer 6, Strunk 2, B. Dorman 2. Totals: 13-35 FG, 8-11 FT, 37 TP.