Cornell falls to Trojans

By Ginna Young

In their only game of the week, the Cornell boys basketball program headed to New Auburn, in an East Lakeland Conference game Feb. 3.

“It took us a while to get going offensively,” said coach Steve Parker.

After calling a timeout midway through the first half, Parker made adjustments to the Chiefs’ strategy, starting with the defense. They went on to play their best nine-minute stretch all season, finishing the half on a 27-7 run, taking an 11-point advantage over New Auburn into the break.

“In the second half, they relentlessly pounded the ball into their 6’5” and 6’3” big men, and we were unable to stop their high-low attack,” said Parker. “We didn’t partially front the block player, who shot over us time and again.”

Cornell was outscored 41-21 in the second half and couldn’t muster enough offense to overcome the Trojans, watching the match go to the home team, 64-55. The Chiefs are now 4-15 overall on the season and sit at 1-11 in league action.

“On another positive side, we forced three more turnovers by game’s end,” said Parker. “We passed well, garnering 14 assists, we shot 66 percent from the free throw line and we nearly matched their rebound total (39), despite a size disadvantage.”

Sophomore Parker Modl led on offense for the Chiefs, putting up 17 points – 15 of those from three-pointers – 5 rebounds, 4 assists, a block and a steal, followed by senior Blake Anders, who ended with 14 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

“Blake continued his hot hand on the charity stripe, sinking both shots,” said Parker. “He is now 85 percent from the line in conference play (23-27). Blake’s team-leading 13 rebounds helped secure him another double-double.”

Junior Bentley Spangler came next, with 11 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal, while senior Dylan Bowe finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

“They face-guarded Dylan Bowe, who still finished with a well-rounded performance, stat-wise,” said Parker.

Also adding some scoring for Cornell, was sophomore Hunter Anders, with 3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, as well as sophomore Torren Parker, who added 2 points and 2 rebounds on the night.

Juniors Jayden Joas-Shaw and Carter Harycki also got on the books, with a rebound each.

“I was happy to see other players step up offensively,” said S. Parker.