MEN’S BASKETBALL

Saturday afternoon’s matchup between the #RV Huntington men’s basketball team and Trinity International featured just one lead change and fortunately the hosts were on the right side of it.

After being down by as many as 16 in the first half, HU methodically chipped away at the deficit to finally establish a lead six minutes into the second frame on the way to a 96-76 win over the Trojans as part of the Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic.

It was Lane Sparks’ three in the corner with 14 minutes to go that finally gave his team its first lead of the afternoon at 60-59. His long ball sparked a 24-5 run highlighted by two Joel Dyer triples and a pair of Ben Humrichous dunks to make for an 82-64 advantage by the 5:39 mark.

HU grew it to as many as 20 points a handful of times after that which proved the final spread of the game. Huntington’s efficiency once they took the lead was notable as they missed just eight shots and coughed up the ball four times to explain the turning of the tides.

Despite a rough start to the game, Huntington had already trimmed it to six, 53-47, by halftime. Their early game woes revolved around the inability to take care of the basketball. In their first two games, the Foresters averaged 8.5 turnovers but on this given night, they had already piled up 12 in the opening 20 minutes. The last 20 minutes saw Alford’s crew commit just five miscues.

Zach Goodline and Lane Sparks poured in 26 and 22 points respectively to spearhead HU’s offense. Additionally, Sparks led Huntington in rebounding with seven and collected three assists and three steals.

Humrichous also filled the stat sheet by posting 16 points, six rebounds, five blocks, two assists and two steals. Rounding out HU’s double-digit scoring was Hank Pulver with 12.

Trinity International got 15 points from Kyonte Thomas. Jaden Thomas added 14 points while Brandon Lawani and Colby Cross chipped in ten apiece.

With today’s win, the Foresters remain perfect on the year at 3-0. Alford’s squad has a week’s break before playing in the Southern Oregon Classic next weekend where they will face #6 William Jessup on Friday and Southern Oregon on Saturday.