Honkers trump Trojans on home court

The Willows High varsity boys basketball team put some pep in their step on Tuesday, thumping the visiting Durham Trojans at home 51-44, and bringing their record to 13-6 (4-0 Sacramento Valley League).

Willows' solid defense is what kept the Honkers ahead during the night, as the home team kept the Trojans' main scoring weapon, Will Sevdy, under wraps as much as possible. No small feat, especially considering that Sevdy averages 20 points per game, but the Honkers were up to the task.

Ryan Welsh led the Honkers in the first quarter, taking the ball into the key and through to a well-defended Trojans basket. Despite the size of the Durham team, Welsh managed to penetrate into the paint and racked up three points in the opening quarter as well as 14 for the game.

The contest came alive however, when Nathan Boyd drained a three-point shot that gave the Honkers a four- point lead over the Trojans, and enlivened the crowd.

Alex Alves was a huge catalyst for the Honkers, getting to rebounds on both the offensive and defensive ends. Alves did an outstanding job keeping a close eye on Sevdy during the matchup, while also following his own team's shots to get to important rebounds.

Alves hit a last-second jumper to end the first quarter with the Honkers up 10-7 on Durham, and finished with 13 points on the night.

Both teams came out to score in the second quarter, more than doubling the points they put up on the board during the first.

Ryan Amaru was everywhere during the second period, proving that he is becoming more and more consistent as the season progresses, both in grabbing rebounds and taking the ball to the hoop. Amaru finished with nine points.

As the first half wound down, a three-point shot from Sevdy pulled the Trojans closer, but Willows was able to remain on top 27-22 at halftime.

Welsh scored seven of his 14 points after the break, as the Honkers looked to increase their lead in the third quarter. Amaru and Bryce Jones took to the line after being fouled back to back, with Amaru getting the plus one after hitting a jumper. Both players hit their free throws perfectly, and after Welsh hit another jump shot, the Honkers retained their highest edge over the Trojans at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth period, Willows' strong defense served them well. Durham played at a face pace and the Honkers matched that and then some. Willows held the Trojans scoreless for the first four minutes.

After the high speed matchup, Willows coach Darrell Schonauer was positive about the rest of the season, saying, "We played well tonight, we have been playing great. We work on everything constantly, as the season goes on, improve on our abilities after every game. We are always getting better."

Willows squared off against Pierce at home Friday, and plays at Trinity Tuesday.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com