News  > Boys Varsity > Rush Henrietta Reaches AAA final

02.27.07

R-H reaches AAA final

Top seed uses strong 2nd half to easily defeat Gates Chili


James Johnson
Staff writer

(February 27, 2007) — Now we know what happens when Rush-Henrietta's three leading scorers are on their games at the same time.

The Gates Chili Spartans found out Monday night at Blue Cross Arena, of all places.
Dane Miller, Ricky Reed and Ozell Franklin each scored more than 20 points and Rush-Henrietta produced a 35-point fourth quarter during a 91-54 romp over Gates Chili in a Section V Class AAA tournament semifinal.
On a night when teams had trouble shooting and dribbling on the arena's larger court, the top-seeded Royal Comets (20-2) looked as if they had more fun than frustration.
"We played a great second half," Rush-Henrietta coach Chris Reed said. "We locked down on defense and then got into a rhythm on offense.

"Dane, Ozell and Ricky played well. When they play well at the same time, we're pretty tough.
"That doesn't happen all of the time. It did tonight."

Miller, a sophomore listed at 6-feet-6 inches tall, had a huge statistical game. He scored 28 points, with 21 rebounds, 14 of which were on the defensive end. Miller also blocked seven shots before he fouled out.
"It's great to play with him," Reed said.

"If one of our guards isn't open, he can start our transition game off of rebounds.

"If one of the guards on the other team gets by you, he's always down there for the block or for the rebounds."
Reed sped up the court to score 25 points with five assists. Franklin made three 3-pointers in scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

The Royal Comets led 38-27 at halftime and simply ran away from No. 4 Gates Chili (10-11), which received a game-high 30 points and nine rebounds from 6-6 senior center Jeremy Washington.
"Things just spiraled out of control in the third quarter," Gates Chili coach Todd Esposito said. "They beat us up on the boards (46-37). We got outplayed.
"They're a pretty talented team, strong inside, and they shoot the ball well from the perimeter."

Rush-Henrietta will face either No. 3 East (15-5) or No. 2 Fairport (17-3) in Section V's AAA final at 9 p.m. Saturday at Blue Cross Arena.
"I think we deserve it," Miller said of Rush-Henrietta's berth in the final round. "We've played real hard and practiced real hard this season."

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com 

 

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