Timberwolves beat Hornets, remain undefeated

Published 9:10 am Tuesday, January 28, 2014

DAVID CUCCHIARA | DAILY NEWS

DAVID CUCCHIARA | DAILY NEWS

 

The Timberwolves of the boys 13-15 Washington Youth Basketball League kept it close with the Hornets on Saturday, but eventually pulled out a victory, 35-30.

This matchup proved to be the defensive showcase of the day, as both teams played a tight half court press for most of the game. Timberwolves guard Blake Parker and Hornets floor leader Treyshon Pope, some of the smallest players in the league, were both able to force turnovers and corrupt the offensive flow.

“I really think we came out real flat tonight. We didn’t play like the team I know,” said Timberwolves Head Coach Harvey Gardner. “I told my team, ‘You have to come out and be ready to play. You can’t take any teams for granted.’ We started off real slow. After a while, we got into it, but missed free throw and turnovers—you cannot do that and be a championship team.”

The Timberwolves led by a slim margin at the break, but never relinquished the lead in the second half.

“I just tell them to stay in front of your man and don’t reach,” said Gardner. “We worked a lot of turnovers, but missed a lot of layups.”

Cadin Clark led the Hornets in scoring with eight points, while Hykeem Ruffin led the way for the Timberwolves with nine.

The Timberwolves face the Thunder Thursday at 7:30 p.m., while Hornets take on the Lakers at 8:30 p.m.