Boys Basketball: Herscher’s fast start sinks Dwight

Updated: February 22, 2012 9:32PM

From the time Jordan Ruckman won the opening tip back to Spike Engelman, Herscher was in control of its Class 2A Seneca Regional semifinal Wednesday night against Dwight.

Herscher capitalized on its height advantage and 11 Dwight turnovers in the first quarter to grab a 21-4 lead and roll to a 64-39 victory to earn a spot in Friday’s championship game.

“They turned the ball over the first few times and our kids kind of fed on it,’’ Herscher coach Todd Schwarzkopf said. “They were like blood in the water. They just went after it.’’

Herscher (25-1) was ahead 31-13 at halftime and 51-23 going into the final quarter.

“You cannot simulate the length, the athleticism and the quickness they have in practice,’’ Dwight coach Chris Gibson said. “We couldn’t do that. We were kind of shell-shocked at the beginning.’’

Ben Wenzelman, one of three 6-foot-5 starters for Herscher, had a game-high 18 points and five rebounds. Justin Ruckman had 15 points and twin brother, Jordan, contributed 10 points all playing just three quarters.

“Converting the turnovers is a big thing, not just getting the turnovers,’’ Schwarzkopf said. “They did a nice job of finding each other and got easy buckets.’’

Dwight already had seven turnovers midway through the first quarter and fell behind 14-0.

“We thought the game plan might be if they could hang around a little bit, they would really move the ball and lengthen their possessions,’’ Schwarzkopf said.

Troy Hogan led Dwight (10-19) with 14 points and Matt Hooker had eight points and five rebounds.

“There’s no question these kids don’t give up,’’ Gibson said. “The first time we played them they beat us by 39. The kids scrapped and fought and battled all the way to the end. That’s what this group does.’’

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