Larkin hangs on to beat Cary-Grove

Updated: November 23, 2011 9:27PM

The only criticism from Larkin’s first game of the season was that it got off to a slow start before cruising to a victory over the Woodstock Blue Steaks.

On Wednesday, the Royals got off to a quick start, taking a 19-8 lead after the first quarter against Cary-Grove. It was the rest of the game that Larkin had to step up its play as the Royals went on to defeat Cary-Grove 56-48 in the second round of the Hoops For Healing Tournament at Woodstock High School.

Larkin (2-0) started off hot from the field and was able to force several Trojans turnovers which keyed their fast getaway.

“We needed that fast start,” said Larkin coach Deryn Carter. “We were facing a little adversity in this game, but were able to hang on for the win.”

Cary-Grove (0-2) was able to stay in the game thanks to a 29-24 rebounding advantage over Larkin.

“They (Cary-Grove) dominated us on the glass in this game,” said Carter. “Luckily we hit some shots and ended up with the win.”

Junior Quantice Hunter led the Royals on Wednesday. Hunter poured in 23 points and was an impressive 8-for-12 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Derrick Streety added 11 points for Larkin.

Cary-Grove got past its struggles of the first quarter and made the rest of the game very close.

“Our kids couldn’t handle the pressure in the first quarter,” said Cary-Grove coach Ralph Schuetzle. “Larkin deserves a ton of credit for the way they played today. They seemed to answer every run we made with a huge 3-pointer. We still haven’t gotten in to the offense we want to play in both games so far this season.”

Larkin’s defense played a huge factor in the Royals victory. Cary-Grove turned the ball over 18 times and most of those were a result of the Royals pressure.

“We have to do a lot better job of protecting the basketball,” said Schuetzle. “Our guards have to start handling the ball a lot better if we are going to be the team we want to be.”

Cary-Grove was led by senior Ryan Arquette, who scored 17 points and was 6-for-10 from the field. Senior Zach Taylor added 13 points for the Trojans.

“We were really shaky in the beginning,” said Taylor. “Once we settled down in the second quarter we played a pretty even game.”

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