Red Raiders poised for strong FVC 2nd half
HUNTLEY — Huntley’s boys basketball team sought a renewed focus for Fox Valley Conference games after an overtime loss to Dundee-Crown.
The Red Raiders achieved their goal with a two wins – a 55-48 triumph over Hampshire Jan. 23 which followed a 45-37 victory over Cary-Grove Jan. 19.
Seniors Omare Segarra and Bryce Walker led the charge against Hampshire, with 19 and 17 points, respectively. The winners improved to 14-9, 7-4 and in third place in the FVC. HHS will host Jacobs Jan. 26.
“We played solid defense in the second half, getting some timely stops down the stretch,” Huntley coach Collin Kalamatas said of the win over Hampshire.
The coach had praise for Segarra and Walker.
“Segarra and Walker were aggressive all night long, attacking the rim and creating opportunities for teammates,” Kalamatas said. “Both of them are really starting to play better basketball this year and it could not be coming at a better time.”
The leading scorers were assisted by Ethan Blackmore’s seven points and six from Ryan Sweeney.
C-G game
Against C-G, the Red Raiders saw a lesson in late-game determination as Huntley played best at the end in a 45-37 victory. The winners outlasted C-G 16-7 down the stretch.
“We challenged the team at the start of the fourth quarter to get consecutive stops on defense and we did,” Kalamatas said. “It was a good bounce back win for us.”
Christian Wilson led the scoring with 12 points, while Segarra had nine points and six rebounds and Jeff Cruishank pitched in eight points.
Kalamatas praised the defensive effort against C-G by senior Ethan Blackmore. Another key was winning the battle of the boards.
The Red Raiders were up to the task against the Trojans and Segarra said it’s a matter of believing.
“We had trust in one another,” Segarra said.
The Red Raiders bounced back from a heart-breaking loss to Dundee-Crown the game before. Dundee-Crown had handed HHS a close 50-48 overtime loss Jan. 17.
Grafton Township Food Pantry effort
Raider Nation, a student group at Huntley High School, will host a “Chuck a Duck” fund-raising event to benefit Grafton Township Food Pantry Jan. 26. The fun will take place at halftime of the boys’ game with Jacobs.
