Big Blue struggles against conference rival Colerain

By Tyler Waddell, The Ledger

HAMILTON — After dropping six of its first 10 games, the Colerain High School boys’ basketball team is now finding a groove.

 

The Cardinals won a tightly contested Greater Miami Conference battle against Hamilton, 51-43, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the HHS gym.

 

The victory improved Colerain to 7-6 overall and 2-6 GMC. The Cardinals are on a three-game winning streak.

 

“We’ve been playing harder lately, which has helped us find a way to win the last couple games,” Colerain coach Kevin Higgins said.

 

Despite holding only a one-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals showed confidence when in pressure situations.

“Our guards put unbelievable pressure up top,” Higgins said. “We got most of our steals at half court, resulting in most of our points.

“The guys have been playing with a lot more effort, and they never stop attacking.”

Colerain featured a dismantling full-court press throughout the game, giving Hamilton’s guards a tough time.

“Certain guys don’t want to handle the ball, and they exploited that tonight,” Big Blue coach Tim Robinson said. “We have to make better decisions off the press.”

Senior centers Breon Boyd and Torrell Sutton led Big Blue. The two combined for 24 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks.

“They (Boyd and Sutton) played very hard, they’re our best scorers and rebounders,” Robinson said. “Boyd usually comes off the bench because of his stamina, but he always gives us a huge lift.”

But Colerain was ready for whatever Hamilton’s big guys had to throw its way. Higgins knew he’d have match-up problems inside with Boyd and Sutton standing at 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8, respectively.

 

 The Cardinals adjusted.

“(Boyd and Sutton) are huge and were really patient in the post,” Higgins said. “We did great on the perimeter commanding their guards. We hurt them on the inside too, though, controlling the offensive boards.”

HHS fell to 3-11 and in the 1-7 GMC and has lost the last five of its last six meetings with Colerain. Big Blue are losers of three straight and are tied with Sycamore (5-9, 1-7) for last place in the conference standings.

“The season hasn’t gone the way we wanted,” Robinson said. “Our guys haven’t quit in practice or on the court, but at some point, you need results in the W column.”

Hamilton plays host to Mason (12-2, 6-2) on Friday before traveling to conference-leader Middletown (10-4, 7-1) next Tuesday.

 

Follow this reporter on Twitter @Tyler_Waddell.