Huron boys basketball team routs Pioneer, 60-29, and clinches SEC Red title
Huron's Andre Bond, right, hustles up the court past Pioneer's Jeremiah Strode during the second quarter of the River Rats' 60-29 win at Pioneer Friday.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Just before tip off, with both fan bases abuzz inside a filled-to-capacity Pioneer High School gym, the stage was set for Huron and Pioneer to put on a show Friday night.
Eight minutes later, Huron had already drawn the curtains.
The River Rats took a 16-2 first-quarter lead and never let up in a 60-29 Southeastern Conference Red Division championship-clinching win.
"It definitely feels good," said Huron's A.J. Mathew, who scored a game-high 17 points. "Of course we wanted to win the SEC championship, but we also wanted to approach it like it's every other game.
"We prepared like we always do and we came out and executed."
Particularly on defense. Huron's pressure had the Pioneers' offense playing hot potato, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter alone. And when Pioneer did get to the hoop, scoring against Huron still wasn't easy.
This was most evident minutes into the game, when Pioneer's James Kelly rose for a one-handed dunk only to be denied by a swat from Huron's Kyle Baker, who finished with four blocks.
"It was a great defensive effort. I thought our kids played with great intensity," said Huron coach Waleed Samaha. "We were diving all over the place, going after every rebound, every loose ball, and that's how we want to play.
"The kids are hungry and they looked like it tonight."
Lon Horwedel is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at lonhorwedel@annarbor.com. Follow AnnArbor.com photography on Facebook at AnnArbor.com Photo and on Twitter at @AnnArborPhoto.
Comments
tater
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
As a member of the first Huron graduating class that actually took classes in the building, I have mixed emotions. I would never have dreamed back then that a Huron team would trounce Pioneer like this, but it sets up a very intense revenge game in the tournament. It may have been better if they had only beaten them by ten or so. OTOH, I can't really be sad about seeing Huron hand it to Pioneer like that. Ultimately, though, it's great to see Huron have a team that is mentioned around the state as a contender for the MHSAA Championship, and even better to see them establish dominance over Pioneer.
lefty48197
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Obviously, the River Rat coaching staff has assembled an excellent program. I wish them all the best in their quest for a State Championship.
81wolverine
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
Whoa! That was quite a spanking that Pioneer got on their home floor no less. Give Huron a lot of credit for coming ready to play. It'll be interesting to see how far Huron can go in the playoffs.
DagnyJ
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
Coach Waleed Samaha deserves a ton of credit. Every year he pushes his players to be the best the can be, and year after year the players do just that5.
tim
Sat, Feb 26, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
Great game, Rats! That was a fun game to watch. Best of luck in the post season!!!