Boys Basketball: Joshua Cunningham’s first half sparks Morgan Park past Brooks

Updated: February 2, 2012 8:13PM

Joshua Cunningham was at a loss of words to describe his own excellence. “I don’t know,” the 6-7 Morgan Park sophomore said of his white-hot shooting against Brooks Thursday.

His deeds spoke volumes. Cunningham opened the first quarter by drilling three three-pointers as the host Mustangs converted eight three-pointers to build a huge advantage in cruising 86-52 victory over the Eagles.

Cunningham scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half. His early shooting helped the Mustangs (11-7, 7-2 Red-South) seize a commanding 26-4 lead after the first quarter. He made five of the Mustangs’ 11 three-pointers.

Star junior guard Billy Garrett Jr. hit two three-pointers in scoring eight of his game-high 23 points in the blistering opening frame.

“We came out early and made shots in rhythm,” Garrett said.

Shocked by the Mustangs’ start, Brooks (7-16, 3-6) appeared to settle down at the start of the second quarter by scoring the opening five points of the frame. Morgan Park simply regrouped and ended the second quarter on a 17-0 burst for a 43-9 lead at the break.

Garrett scored 13 of his 23 points in the first half.

“There was a lot of talk before the game about Brooks having some very good guards, and I didn’t appreciate that,” Garrett said. “I wanted to show that they were not as good as we were.”

Morgan Park turned the game into a showcase for its rising young stars. Not only did junior Garrett and sophomore Cunningham shine, they were ably supported by 6-7 sophomore Kierre Perkins, who scored all 10 of his points in the second half. He punctuated the rout with a spectacular dunk on a lob from Garrett to start the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Eddie Miles also impressed with eight points and six rebounds. Junior 6-9 center Xzavier Taylor, still recovering from a knee injury, added six points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots. Ten different Morgan Park players scored.

To add insult to injury for the Eagles, star sophomore guard Erick Locke suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not play in the second half. He was held scoreless in limited minutes.

Junior guard Dallas Haywood hit five three-pointers in scoring 17 points for the Eagles. Junior guard William Gates Jr. contributed 16 points.

The Mustangs completed Red-South sectional play in grand style.

“[Morgan Park coach] Nick [Irvin] said before the game he wanted us to end the [regular] season on a roll, and that’s what we did,” Garrett said. “We’re peaking at the right time.”

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