Honkers hammer Yreka in Corning tourney

When you start out scoring the game's first 16 points like the Honkers did Thursday, you sure better win the contest.

When Yreka pulled to within four points in the second quarter, things could have gone horribly wrong for the Honkers, but Willows High weathered the brief storm for a 58-37 win over Yreka in the 11th annual Corning Shootout at Corning High.

"Alex (Alves) got into some foul trouble and they began making shots," said Willows coach Darrell Schonauer of the second-quarter surge by the Miners.

The Honkers responded to go into the locker room holding a somewhat comfortable 26-15 lead, an advantage that was never tested during the second half.

Schonauer admitted it was not his team's best performance, saying, "It's their first game back from break and it shows. They're out of shape."

Ryan Welsh was in good enough shape to lead all scorers with 21 points, eight of which came in the first quarter.

Schonauer also explained that after Yreka had closed the gap in the second period, they began getting the ball down low to 6-8 Ryan Amaru, who scored 19 points, mostly from close range.

The coach also pointed out that the Honkers penetrated more after allowing Yreka back into the game, and wound up getting easier shots.

Despite the early foul trouble, Alves added 13.

The Miners were led by Jeremy Cox's 12, and also got 10 point from Jayson Sadowski.

The tournament concludes Saturday.

CONTACT Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com