Swenson, Cary-Grove hold off Larkin
With top scorers Mark and Paul Tometich graduated, Cary-Grove boys basketball coach Ralph Schueltze is looking for someone to pick up the scoring slack.
Senior guard Chris Swenson is one of those players Schueltze is looking for increased offensive production from in 2008-2009.
Swenson, a key reserve a year ago, scored 10 points to lead the Trojans to a 45-36 win over Larkin in the finale of the Hoops for Healing Tournament held at Woodstock High School Saturday.
"Chris has a different role this season," said Schueltze. "We lost most of our top scorers to graduation. Chris really worked on his scoring in the summer and we need him to be more of a scorer this season."
Swenson is ready for a different role this season.
"I really tried to improve my shot over the summer," said Swenson. "I shot a lot of 3s and I know I have to score more this season."
Holding a slim 16-14 at halftime, the Trojans (3-1) seized control of the game in the third quarter.
Using a full court press, Cary-Grove started the second half on a 11-2 run. Forcing Larkin (2-2) into 4 turnovers, the Trojans turned the miscues into layups. Swenson connected on a pair of layups, while Pete Pellizzari and Chad McCarron scored on a layup apiece. Matt Nelsen's 3-pointer completed the run and the Trojans led 27-16 with 5:05 left in the quarter.
The Trojans' biggest lead of the game was 15, 34-19, after a putback from Brandon Coleman with 32 seconds left in the third quarter.
Larkin (2-2) refused to quit and got back in the game courtesy of some hot shooting from 3-point range.
With Ryan Smith canning three 3-pointers and Brandon Cooks connecting on a shot from beyond the arc the Royals went on a 15-6 run to pull Larkin within 40-34 with 3:11 left.
The Trojans iced the game by making 5-of-7 from the line in the final minute.
Pellizzari added 9 points for the winners. Smith led Larkin with 12 on four 3-pointers.
"The kids gave a great effort," said Larkin coach Larry Hight. "We got it down to six and had a couple of tips that wouldn't go down. We couldn't get over the hump."