Boys Basketball: Larkin pulls away from Marian Central late

Updated: November 25, 2011 7:53PM

For the second time in three games, Larkin started off slowly before pulling away late. It hasn’t mattered yet though for the Royals as they defeated Marian Central 65-46 in the third game of the Hoops for Healing Tournament at Woodstock.

“In the first half today (Friday) we had to handle some adversity and things that were out of our control,“ said Larkin coach Deryn Carter.

Marian Central (0-3) had a great start to the game Friday, but it didn’t show on the scoreboard as the Hurricanes shot 37 percent from the field in the first half.

“We had a lot of chances to pull ahead but just couldn’t get the shots to fall,” said Marian Central coach Curtis Price.

At one point in the first half, Marian Central controlled the momentum and took a five point lead after an 8-0 run. That is when Larkin (3-0) regrouped and took control. Larkin put together a run of their own and held a 26-24 lead at the break.

“At half time I told the kids we had to regroup and start playing our game, and the kids responded in the second half,” said Carter.

With two minutes left in the third quarter, Larkin pulled ahead 43-32 and never looked back. Freshmen Daniel McFadden and Drew Jones provided some excellent energy that the Royals really seemed to respond to.

“We don’t bring up underclassmen to just be young and be on the team, we bring them up to contribute,” said Carter.

Larkin had a balanced attack on Friday with Blake Grantham leading the way with 10 points. Quentin Ruff and Derrick Streety added nine points each.

“We seemed to come out a little nervous in the first half,” said Streety. “Way too many turnovers, but we played a lot better in the second half.”

The Hurricanes were led by Gerry McMaster and Ross Langlois who each scored 12 points.

The final round of the tournament will be on Saturday at Woodstock North High School. Larkin will face Woodstock North while Marian Central will face Hononegah.

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