Hudson Davis (31), of North Union, drives to the basket for a layup as an Elgin defender attempts to block his shot. Davis stepped up to start Friday’s game as the Wildcats dealt with injuries. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
With two starters out for North Union, it was up to the bench to pull off Friday’s 62-25 win over Elgin.
The final score had NU coach Brian Terrill a little surprised.
“I honestly didn’t think it was going to be that easy with two starters (Aaron Krebehenne and Owen Davis-out until Tuesday) out,” he said. “A lot of times when this happens things are choppy, but I thought the younger kids stepped right in.”
NU’s Preston Crabtree opened the game with a pair of three-pointers from the wing that took North Union out to 6-0 lead.
The Wildcats also looked to Zach Vernon in the post to tally a few easy buckets for a 12-5 spread.
The Comets were able to take advantage of the Wildcats’ inexperience on the floor to keep the game close at 16-7 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was all defense for the Wildcats.
Hudson Davis, who has been the Wildcats’ sixth man all season, started the game and came up with a pair of steals in the quarter.
NU imposed a strong press that set a trap for the Comets at mid-court.
Davis also added a tip-in after a Crabtree shot tmissed the target.
Davis’ score pushed NU out to a 21-9 lead.
Terrill said Davis, a senior, has been a real team player who thas embodied the team’s motto.
“He has worked really hard,” the coach said. “He is a good team player and great example of our motto, ‘we greater than me.’ That is the best way to describe him.”
The Wildcats also had to lean on their freshmen.
Mason Bright answered the call when he found a groove for a pair of three’s in the second stanza.
His trifectas launched the Wildcats to a 30-11 lead at the half.
Terrill said Friday’s game was real measure of just how far his team has come.
“I think this was a measuring stick for how much we have improved,” he said. “I think the kids have accepted their roles and everybody is now trying to elevate their play within their roles.”
North Union continued to pile on the points in the second half, while holding the Comets to only 14.
The Wildcats had no problem getting offense from every player in the rotation.
NU worked ahead to a 49-16 lead by the end of the third quarter.
The Wildcats kept their foot on the gas in the fourth set to close out the regular season with a win.
The Wildcats finished with a 17-3 record and will now move on to the post season.
As the No. 4 seed, they are scheduled to host the winner of the No. 8 Centerburg vs. No. 22 Columbus International Feb. 27.