How to beat Richards? Just ask Lyons
Lyons Township accomplished its mission -- but not a victory -- against Richards at the Class 4A Richards sectional final last Friday.
Unexpected hot shooting by Neuqua Valley's supersectional opponent thwarted an otherwise well-executed game plan by Lyons, which lost the sectional final 70-57.
"Going into the game we had a good idea what we wanted to do -- handle the ball against their variety of presses, get their two big kids in foul trouble, and do a decent job on the glass," said Lyons coach Conte Stamas.
"We did all those things. One thing we didn't anticipate was their perimeter shooting and their free throw shooting."
Lyons out-rebounded the Bulldogs, grabbed 9 offensive boards and by halftime had drawn a respective 2 and 3 fouls on Richards star big men Carl Richard and Shaun Pratl.
But Stamas wasn't banking on Richard making three 3-pointers after coming in on a 4-for-22 streak at the arc.
The Bulldogs made 9 of 15 3-point attempts to Lyons' 0-for-4; and shot 85 percent from the foul line to Lyons' 53 percent.
"It was a total story about good shooting versus poor shooting," said Stamas, whose club quickly trailed 15-4 and never came within 7 points of Richards.
"We had heard they were a streaky shooting team, but it seemed like everyone was on."
Stamas said Richards showed four different presses, including full-court man-to-man and a run-and-jump.
Despite several Division I athletes on the team, Stamas though point guard Eliud Gonzales was the key.
The crafty senior controls the ball and the tempo. If the Bulldogs need a big shot he's the one to take it, Stamas said.
"He doesn't 'wow' you, but he really gets things done," Stamas said.
Neuqua Valley would benefit, Stamas implied, if the Wildcats also could draw fouls on Richards' starters and get into its bench. While Richards has a strong top-seven rotation, Neuqua goes well beyond that especially in the backcourt.
Though Stamas called Richards the best team at its own sectional and deserving of the championship, he's got good news for Neuqua Valley fans.
"I would be surprised if they shot as good as they did against us," he said.