Chiefs split week’s back-to-back games
Freshman Isaiah Sanchez, Cornell, makes sure his Gilman opponent has nowhere to go on the Chiefs home court Jan. 6. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Cornell saw back-to-back action, with the boys basketball squad hosting Gilman, then heading to Birchwood to finish the week.
Jan. 6 vs. Gilman non-conference (W 60-31)
Gilman came to call for an out-of-conference clash, where scoring was fairly even in the first half. The Chiefs took a slight 23-20 lead over Gilman into halftime, but in the second half, fans were treated to a scoring barrage from the home team.
“Our key to success tonight, was winning the turnover battle,” said coach Steve Parker. “We forced 29 turnovers for a +18 differential. The rebounding was even throughout the contest. We had 36 boards to their 34.”
Once Cornell’s shots started falling and the defense kicked in, they never looked back, taking a decisive 60-31 win over Gilman.
Junior Dylan Bowe came up with 21 points – including two, three-pointers – and 9 assists, while Bentley Spangler knocked down five shots from long range, ending with 19 points. Juniors Blake Anders and Avery Turany each saw 9 points, with Turany hitting a three.
Anders played a “monster game,” coming up with 11 rebounds, 6 blocks and 6 steals, while Turany had 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 4 assists, 9 points and 3 steals.
Spangler notched 7 rebounds and 4 steals, and sophomore Carter Harycki had 2 blocks to go along with his first varsity basket, for 2 points.
“Perhaps the most impressive stat of the night, was holding Gilman to 11, second-half points,” said Parker.
Jan. 7 vs. Birchwood conference (L 49-46)
The next night was a much closer contest, as the Chiefs faced conference opponent Birchwood in an away battle. Cornell went into halftime, down by three, but the second half saw each team record 22 points – which was hardfought for by Cornell.
“We battled back against them and finished strong, after digging a 15-point second half deficit,” said Parker.
Time ran out and the Chiefs fell just short of the victory, watching Birchwood take the game, 49-46.
“We won the turnover battle but rushed and missed too many short-range shots tonight to win,” said Parker. “We also didn’t have the services of our second-leading scorer, who missed the game, due to a scheduling conflict.”
Bowe finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals, and Turany tallied 5 assists and 4 steals. Harycki had 3 rebounds and a block, while sophomore Will Peterson had 2 assists and a steal. Sophomore Joe McChesney finished with 2 rebounds and an assist.
The Chiefs now sit at 2-10 overall, with an East Lakeland Conference record of 0-5.
