Defensive work a strength for HHS hoops
HUNTLEY — Fans attending Huntley High School basketball games hear boys players often shout “d up” from the team’s bench, with a couple of claps. Through a 19-6 record, 11-2 FVC, the Red Raiders are average surrendering an average of 43 points per contest.
HHS senior Ty Goodrich is one of the many reasons the Red Raiders shine on the defensive end. HHS will clash with long-time friend and rival CLS led Cooper LePage Feb. 3 at CLS.
Red Raiders coach Will Benson has been pleased with the squad’s defense so far.
“Our defense has been pretty solid this year,” Benson said before a win over Cary-Grove Jan. 27. “It’s actually gotten better over the last week. We have started to consistently execute defensively relative to the scouting report. We have to do these things on every possession if we want to have success. We also have been a good rebounding team which is extremely important. Your defense doesn’t matter if you can’t finish the possession with a rebound.”
Goodrich, a 6-1 guard, son of Justin and Rita Goodrich, answered survey questions for My Huntley News.
Describe how you learned the principles of good defense fundamentals.
Ty Goodrich: “I believe to be a good defender, you have to dedicate a lot of your time in the weight room during the off-season. Getting bigger and stronger has been one of my priorities during the off-season because it helps you guard guys who may be a taller and faster than you.”
Describe your role defensively, whether it be mostly inside, outside, or both?
Goodrich: “This year, I have had to guard players of all positions. Most games I guard a perimeter guard, but in general, we are a small team so when one of our bigger guys gets into foul trouble, I have to step up and guard someone down low.”
Who has been the toughest in the FVC to guard and why?
Goodrich: “In my opinion, the toughest guy to guard in the FVC is Cooper LePage because he can score at all three levels. He can knock down three-pointers and is fast enough to put the ball on the floor for a mid-range jumper or take the ball all the way to the hoop where he is strong enough to finish inside.”
Is there a lot of team pride – recognition, after a good solid game of defense?
Goodrich: “Being disciplined on the defensive end is something that our coaches have engraved into our brains, so after someone has a good defensive game the coaches give them recognition in the locker room and acknowledge their part in helping the team win.”
Which NBA or college level player’s defense so you admire most:
Goodrich: Makal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns.
Any key basketball mentors early on?
Goodrich: “For sure my dad. He is never too tired to rebound for me and he would do anything to help me get better.”
Player you watched last year to get ready for your role this season?
Goodrich: Adam Guazzo(Class of 2022).
What would you like the legacy of this season’s Red Raiders to be?
Goodrich: “Huntley has been close, but hasn’t won the FVC championship in over 10 years or so. I think if our team is able to break that streak and win conference it would be special.”
FVC battles
Some games belong to the offense and Huntley’s three-point shooting. Such was the case in the 62-56 win over C-G Jan. 27. Noah Only led with 21 points and Lucas Crosby contributed 19, with nine in the fourth quarter on five-of-six at the free-throw line. Only made seven three-pointers, Ian Ravagnie (10 points) and Mark Roesner two each and Ethan Blackmore and Crosby had one.
Loss to Hampshire
The rival Whip-Purs edged Huntley at HHS, 39-36 in a FVC game Jan. 31. Only was the lone double digit scorer with 11 points. FVC leader Burlington Central also lost that night so HHS and B-C were 11-2 FVC with five remaining. The Rockets beat the Red Raiders in the first round.
