Ranallo produces as Conant prevails
Joey Ranallo took full advantage of his first start for Conant's boys basketball team Friday night against visiting Hoffman Estates.
Ranallo, a 5-foot-10 sophomore guard, scored 9 points, had 4 assists, and 2 steals in the Cougars' 49-19 Mid-Suburban West thumping of Hoffman Estates.
"I was a little nervous at first," said Ranallo. "But we played well as a team and won and that's what counts. As the game went on I felt a little looser. We're growing as a team and we just need some more experience."
Ranallo started due to minor surgery to senior guard Josh Copher, who coach Tom McCormack thinks will be back next Thursday. If not, Ranallo will be ready.
"He's a talent," said McCormack. "Being a sophomore, he needs to grow up on the varsity level. He's learning how to direct the team and that's a step in the right direction.
"He's quick and strong and he creates a lot of havoc as the point on our press. We started two sophomores, two juniors and a senior. All these guys are learning step by step."
The Cougars (3-2, 1-0) never trailed and opened up a 12-2 lead after one quarter.
Ranallo scored 7 of his 9 points in the second quarter, which he started with a steal and layup. Conant had a 27-12 halftime lead on the Hawks (3-2, 0-1).
Conant put away the game early in the third quarter with a 10-3 run in the first 4:21 for a 37-15 lead. Sean Bourke (11 points, 5 rebounds) and Tim Manczko each had 4 points in that stretch.
"They gave us a lot of trouble with their zone defense," said Hawks coach Luke Yanule. "It was not a easy way to learn. We kind of took a step back after a nice showing at the Crystal Lake (Central) Tournament, where we took second place.
"We'll get better. It will just take some time. Our players have high expectations for themselves."
Austin Terry scored all 7 of his team-high points in the first half. Connor Schwarz added 6 points. Hoffman shot just 6-for-30 from the field while the Cougars connected on 19 of 41 shots.
"I thought we made it difficult for them to make a shot," said McCormack. "We wanted to be 1-0 (in the MSL West) after tonight and we got there."