Huntley handles Hoffman Estates

Teacher 1, Student 1.

Huntley boys basketball coach Marty Manning, who was the starting point guard for Hoffman Estates coach Bill Wandro in 1996, evened the score with his old coach Saturday.

The Red Raiders avenged a 2-point loss to Hoffman Estates last season by defeating the Hawks 40-33 in nonconference action in Hoffman Estates.

“It is a little weird coaching against coach Wandro,” said Manning of his retiring mentor. “We have a very good relationship. It was nice to get the win.”

The Red Raiders won despite a horrific offensive night. Connecting on only 15-of-55 shots for 27 percent, Huntley made only 6-of-20 attempts from 3-point range for 30 percent.

“We executed the offense we just couldn’t knock down shots,” said Manning. “(Hoffman Estates) did a good job of slowing the tempo but we didn’t panic and start throwing up wild shots. I am proud of the way we played defensively. We didn’t give them many easy shots.”

Hoffman Estates (4-15) made only 15-of-44 shots for 34 percent, but committed 23 costly turnovers.

“We had the game at our pace,” said Wandro. “We did a good job of working the ball around and making it a possession game. The kids gave a great effort which I appreciate. It is fun to coach against Marty. It seemed like he was more of a coach than me when he played here. His teams are fundamentally sound and are well coached.”

Huntley was finally able to shake the pesky Hawks in the fourth quarter. Holding a slim 32-30 lead with 3:02 left, the Red Raiders went on a crucial 6-0 run. Troy Miller, Bryce Only and Dylan Neukirch each connected on baskets as the Red Raiders turned a 2-point lead to 8, 38-30, with 1:02 left. The Hawks scored their last points of the game on a 3-pointer by Mark Roberts with 22 seconds left to make the score 38-33. Miller iced the 7-point win for the visitors with 2 free throws with 16 seconds left.

Miller, who made only 4-of-13 from 3-point range led Huntley with 13 points. Tyler Brunschon added 10 for the winners.

“It was an ugly win, but we played very good defense,” said Miller. “We got good shots but they weren’t falling. It was good to get this win for coach at his old high school.”

Austin Terry was the lone Hawk in double digits with 13 points.