Focused Huntley humbles Rockford Jefferson

BELVIDERE - Anyone worried that Huntley's boys basketball team wouldn't be focused during its regional championship game against a makeshift Rockford Jefferson squad needn't have worried.

The Red Raiders came out razor sharp and never let up, coasting to a 77-29 victory and the title in the Class 4A Belvidere North regional on Friday.

The Raiders will face Rockford Auburn on Tuesday in the Elgin sectional semifinals.

The J-Hawks were missing head coach Todd Brannan, three starters and several bench players. They'd been suspended in the wake of a fight that occurred at the end of Tuesday's regional semifinal win against Rockford East. There was some question as to whether Jefferson would be forced to forfeit; the J-Hawks were allowed to play, but the ragtag lineup was no match for the Red Raiders.

Amanze Egekeze, who was held to just 11 points in Tuesday's semifinal victory, exceeded that in the first quarter. He finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a block in just over a half.

Riley Wicks added 14 points and Zach Gorney 11 for the Raiders (21-7).

Everyone got in on the action as 15 Red Raiders played and 13 scored. Connor Boesch had 6 points and 5 rebounds, Brad Spoeth added 5 points, and Dan Janus chipped in 4 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Huntley led 26-2 late in the first quarter and 43-8 by halftime.

"I thought our focus was pretty good," said Huntley coach Marty Manning of his team's preparation for the game. "It seemed in practice that our guys were focused, and as coaches we made an effort to make sure they were focused on the game."

"During Thursday and Wednesday practices, we played it like they had no one suspended," said Gorney. "During the game, we played like they had all their guys, and it helped us get out to the big lead."

The Raiders continued to build the lead in the second half, even as Manning rotated in more subs.

"We talked about getting second chances," said Egekeze. "Every rebound was ours and every loose ball was ours."

Huntley shot 63 percent for the game while holding the J-Hawks to 29 percent.

The Raiders controlled the boards, 24-15, and forced 20 Jefferson turnovers.

Tyler Young led Jefferson with 8 points.