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February 21, 2024

Huntley senior Ethan Blackmore plays tough defense for the Red Raiders against Crystal Lake Central.
Steve Peterson
Huntley senior Ethan Blackmore plays tough defense for the Red Raiders against Crystal Lake Central.

Sports • February 21, 2024

Red Raiders set for regional challenge

By

HUNTLEY — Huntley concluded the boys basketball regular season by checking off a big priority.

The Red Raiders achieved a 20-10 regular record season as they edged McHenry, 53-47, Feb. 16. HHS finished in sole possession of second place in the Fox Valley Conference with a 13-5 league record, behind unbeaten Crystal Lake South.

HHS will also go into a Feb. 21 clash in the Class 4A Rockford East regional against Rockton Hononegah as winners of eight of their last nine games.

“We didn’t want to talk about 20 wins too early, because you have to get 19 wins before 20,” Huntley first year head coach Collin Kalamatas said. “But we really emphasized it during film session (before the McHenry game). Looking back, this summer we started with a big roster of 18 varsity players and we all came together.”

The game against the Warriors came down to the end, in the hands of seniors Bryce Walker and Omare Segarra. After missing two free throws, Walker immediately came up with a steal. Segarra, who tallied 13 points, made three free throws in the final seconds.

“Walker has an amazing talent for doing something great if he has made a mistake,” Kalamatas said.

“I know the players and coaches have faith in me to make the play,”  Walker said.  “Huntley is known for 20-win seasons and playing well in the playoffs,” Walker said.

Segarra and Walker lead Huntley in shooting. Segarra tops the team in points per game at 10 points per contest, shooting 50.6 % from the field, and 66% from the free-throw line. Walker is next at 9.2 points per game, 64 % for free throws.

The final Friday of the regular season included nine Red Raider treys. Senior Ryan Sweeney had the hot hand early for the second straight game, with three. Christian Wilson also had three treys in a 12-point game; Segarra added one as did Ethan Blackmore.

Huntley gained two 10-point leads on the Warriors, the last happening at 48-38 with six minutes remaining on a Wilson three-pointer. Huntley’s patience on offense helped keep the Warriors from gaining a tie down the stretch, although they cut the lead to two points.

Regional tournament

The Red Raiders prepared for their Feb. 21 IHSA Regional clash with Rockton Hononegah at Rockford East at 7:30 p.m.  The winner advances to the regional final Feb. 23 at East. Hononegah finished the regular season at 11-16, 8-10 and sixth in the Northern Illinois Conference.