Crisp Cougars overwhelm Eagles in PCC opener

Saturday, December 7, 2013
Jordan Nauert kicks out a pass after driving to the basket. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

The North Putnam boys' basketball team was precise, unselfish and, at times, dominant in its 65-48 win over South Putnam in game 2 of the 2013 Boys' Basketball Putnam Classic on Saturday.

The Cougars had 16 assists on 18 made field goals, sank 9-of-18 from 3 and attempted 30 free throws in the game.

Junior Michael Roberts led the balanced NPHS offense with 16 points. Seniors Jordan Nauert (14), Bennett Hazelgrove (12), Shane Beaman (nine) and Beau Green (nine) all had big games for the Cougars.

NPHS hopped out to a 22-10 lead after the first quarter, drawing seven fouls and avoiding turning the ball over.

Playing a drive-and-kick offense, the Cougars spread the court around junior center Brandon Hall with four play-makers who penetrated and either drew a foul at the basket or passed out to an open shooter.

Hazelgrove, Nauert and Beaman had five 3s in the first quarter alone.

Senior Trey Moore had five points for the Eagles in the opening quarter, but after he picked up his second foul South Putnam had to be creative to find shots, a tactic the Cougars exploited.

NPHS alternated double-team plays in the post, flashing and retreating and mixed up its defensive attack to slow the Eagles.

South Putnam stayed in the game at the free throw line and senior Arnold knocked down a pair of 3s, but the Cougars were deliberate, changing the pace of the game after building their lead and settling in for long possessions and quality shots.

With a 15 point lead at halftime, the Cougars attempted only 14 shots after the break.

Undersized with four guards against the larger Eagles lineup, the Cougars still won the rebound battle 30-26.

Moore finished with 10 points to lead South Putnam. Sophomore Trevor Long had nine points and six rebounds, nearly all of it after halftime. Senior Derrick Mitchell had seven points and four assists.

Hazelgrove led the Cougars with six rebounds and three steals. He and Beaman both had four assists.

Hall had five points, making five-of-six free throws, five rebounds and three assists.

The Cougars (2-0) will play in the championship game against Cloverdale (4-0) at 8:15 p.m. Saturday.

The Clovers beat Greencastle (1-1) in game 1 on Saturday, 60-56.

South Putnam (1-2) and Greencastle play in the consolation game at 6:30 p.m.

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