Thunder MBB Gain Momentum with Sweep of King’s
Posted on: Feb 2, 2015
With every game critical to playoff position down the stretch, the Thunder Men’s Basketball squad took on cross town rival King’s for two games this past weekend. Friday – visiting the Eagles – the Thunder were carried by 4 first half 3-pointers from Jason Jones Jr. and took a 39-26 lead into the break. Holding off a strong start from the Eagles in the second half the Thunder rallied and closed out the 76-59 win. The Thunder were led by Jason Jones Jr. who tallied 17 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Ryan Coleman notched his ACAC leading 13th double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds, chipping in 3 steals as well. Artez Scharer bounced back with a nice line of 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. “We continued to show improvement on defense,” said Coach Reagan Wood after the win. “We are getting complete defensive possessions more often with all 5 guys on the floor committed to getting stops. It was also nice to see a lot of guys find the score sheet as well. Any time 10 guys score for you it bodes well for getting a win.”
Night two back at the RKAC would see the Thunder lead wire to wire and defeat King’s by a score of 87-68. The win improved the Thunder’s record to 12 and 8, and they currently hold the #2 spot in the ACAC North Division. Ryan Coleman topped the score sheet for the Thunder with 20 points and 10 rebounds, his 14th double-double on the season. Artez Scharer added 19 points and 9 assists to get the Thunder offense going with Rob Haack nailing 4 three-pointers on his way to 14 points. “Team basketball carried us tonight,” remarked Coach Wood “We have lots of individual talent and sometimes we rely too heavily on it; any basketball team is better when the ball moves and everyone gets involved. The more we play games with 18 assists to 8 turnovers like we did tonight, the better opportunity we will have to win the tough ones.”
The Thunder now enjoy their first bye week of the new year and will welcome the Keyano Huskies to the RKAC on February 13th & 14th for the final home games of the season. The Thunder will be celebrating their graduating players on Saturday the 14th at 3pm. Come out and see Rob Haack and Mitch Buffie in their final home games for the Thunder.
Photo Courtesy of John McIntosh