Boys Basketball: First half sparks Rich South vs Kankakee

Updated: January 27, 2012 8:34PM

It was the most exciting play of the night for host Kankakee that seemingly ignited a spark in Rich South.

The Kay’s Alvin Braddock stole the ball at halfcourt and threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk in what was to that point a lack-luster offensive display by both teams.

That play apparently got under the skin of the Stars, who went on a 27-5 half-ending run to eventually cruise to as 66-43 Southland Conference win.

“We talked about that and we weathered the storm there,” Rich South coach Scot Ritter said. “Actually, I didn’t think we played real well. We got sloppy towards the end. If we want to do something we have to remain consistent.”

The Stars (16-5, 4-1) led 12-7 after a quarter and 35-12 at the half. The Kays (5-14, 0-5) would get no closer than 18 points in the second half.

Leading scorer John Ruffin broke a 2:24 scoring drought to start the game with a three-point play. Ruffin, the team’s leading scorer (13.0 points per game), didn’t start but was in the game for the remainder of the game.

“I had some disciplinary action with the coach,” said Ruffin, who finished with 15 points. “When (Braddock) dunked I told everybody to calm down, it was just two points and let’s get after it.”

Teammate Ralph Abraham got after it, finishing with 14 points while Cedric Russell added 10. Kyle Loy had all 11 of his points in the second half to lead the Kays. Leading scorer Braddock was held to 8 points and 4 rebounds, well below his averages of 19.0 ppg and 15.0 rpg.

The Kays continued to do what they’ve done all season, turn the ball over. They had 18 turnovers in the first half, six more than they had points during that span, and ended another frustrating night with 25 total.

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