by Brian Turrel
Turner boys basketball head coach Sean Reilly added a backcourt press in practice this week. It paid off in a big way, dominating the Bishop Ward Cyclones and powering an 81-34 victory at home on Friday night.
Ward started the game well, posting a 6-1 advantage in the first two minutes of action. Once the Golden Bears lined up the press, the momentum immediately turned in their favor, and the game became a rout.
Unable to break the press, or to set up their offense when they got past midcourt, the Cyclones put up only seven points in the remainder of the first half.
The Bears, feeding off the steals from the press, made easy, open baskets in transition. Russell Reed and Jaylin Richardson combined for six three-pointers in the first half, while Fred Poe got to the rim for four baskets. Turner held a 46-13 lead at halftime.
With the game well in hand, Turner backed off the defensive pressure in the second half, but continued to use their height and speed to maintain control.
Five Golden Bears reached double digits in scoring, led by Reed with 18 points. Richardson, Donald Rollen and Davion Scott each added 12, while Poe scored 11.
Ward was led by freshman Ja’Ron Byrd with 11 points.
Turner now holds a 3-3 record (2-1 in the Kaw Valley League). They play Basehor-Linwood at home on Friday, Jan. 12. Ward is still looking for its first win of the season, 0-4 in the league and 0-7 overall. They play at Piper on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
