Boys Basketball: Crete-Monee shuts down Rich East
Updated: December 27, 2011 8:24PM
Crete-Monee is having a pizza party courtesy of its coach Tom Cappel.
The veteran coach has promised to make good on his promise of free pie after his team held Rich East under 40 points.
The Warriors just managed to accomplish that feat but came away with an easy 54-39 victory over Rich East Tueday in the quarterfinals of the McDipper Tournament at Rich South.
``Well it’s time for me to buy them pizza, but I’m happy to do it,’’ Cappel said. ``I don’t know why it takes us so long to kick it in, but it does.’’
Crete (9-2) trailed 9-4 early on as Ronald Lawton and Anthony Perkins combined to score seven of the Rockets’ points. To make matters worse for the Warriors, LaQuon Treadwell found his way to the bench with two fouls after scoring 27 points in the previous night’s victory.
Mark Conner came in for Treadwell and immediately started to reverse Crete’s fortunes. With his team trailing 11-7. the 6-4 junior started a 14-0 run that saw his team go ahead 21-11 with 5:26 left in the first half. Conner scored eight points during that run and finished with 12.
``I’m proud just to play any part on this team,’’ Conner said. ``I will do whatever is needed whether it’s scoring point or getting rebounds or whatever.’’
``He’s gonna be a great player who can play at the college level,’’ Cappel said. ``Once he learns to turn his energy level up, he will get there.’’
Rich East could only draw as close as 23-19 with just under two minutes left in the first half. Lawton converted a layup on his way to 17 points for the Rockets (5-8).
Marvie Keith hit three treys in the second half and dished out six assists for Crete, finishing with 14 points. Jordan Perry added 10 points.
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