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Boys Basketball: New heights for Eagles ‘D’
Updated: December 23, 2011 10:52PM
INDIANAPOLIS — Bowman Academy coach Marvin Rea had seen flashes of his team’s defensive potential during recent practices.
The Eagles turned that practice potential into game execution against Southport in the IPSAC-Midwest Showcase at Indianapolis Marshall High School.
Class 2A No. 10 Bowman continuously forced Southport into difficult shots or turnovers in a 62-46 win.
The Cardinals (3-4) were limited to nine field goals over the first three quarters, committing 13 turnovers in the process. They shot just 4 of 21 from beyond the arc.
“I think today was a great team effort and everybody was mentally into the game,” Rea said. “I think defensively, for the first time, everybody stuck to their defensive principles and weren’t trying to cheat. They weren’t trying to overplay the ball … they played the way we’re practicing.”
Bowman standout DeJuan Marrero was named the game’s MVP after compiling 13 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, five steals and two blocks.
It was the assists that most impressed Rea.
“He’s accepting the double team,” Rea said of Marrero. “He’s kicking it out and getting other guys involved, playing super defense; he’s giving us what we need which is rebounding and he offers that toughness.”
Bowman big man Stephan Hawkins was often the recipient of Marrero’s unselfishness, finishing with 12 points. Hawkins was 6 of 9 from the field, including a highlight reel alley-oop in the second quarter.
“I’m looking at film and a lot of guys are open,” Marrero said. “Stephen Hawkins is 6-10, so he’s the first thing I’m looking at before my shot because all of the attention is directed to me with double-teams and triple-teams, so I’m looking for my teammates that are open and they can knock down shots.”
Bowman (2-3) led 30-20 at halftime and Southport never again cut the deficit under 10 points.
Michael Ford added 17 points for Bowman, which will prepare for a tough stretch of Class 4A opponents. The Eagles will participate in next week’s Marion Tournament, which could lead to a matchup with 4A No. 3 Munster.
That’s followed up by games with 4A No. 15 Cathedral and No. 7 Lawrence Central.
“We put our schedule together to prepare for postseason and get these guys prepared both mentally and physically for postseason,” Rea said. “We’re going to have to play team defense and play team ball, stick it out and play together.”
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