Leyden knocks off Fenton

When you can score in this many ways, you don’t need much defense.

Of course, Leyden’s boys basketball team also had plenty of that on Tuesday.

Hitting Fenton from multiple directions, the Eagles cruised to a 66-47 victory in nonconference action.

While Leyden (5-2) has been solid most of the season, this still ranks as one of the team’s better efforts. Three players in double-figure scoring and 17 forced turnovers paved the way.

“It was a team effort, and that’s what we’ve been trying to emphasize in practice,” said Eagles guard Alex Herrera. “Everyone needs to step up, not just one or two guys. If we play hard like this we can be a real good team.”

The game started decently for Fenton (2-6), which broke out to leads of 6-0 and 10-7. That was about it for any kind of consistent offense, however, as Leyden’s 1-2-2 pressure defense began to take its toll.

The Eagles forced 7 first-quarter turnovers to set the tone for a strong defensive night. Closing the period on an 11-0 run, they grabbed control at 18-10.

By halftime Leyden’s offense continued to pour it on by ripping out to a 36-23 lead. Considering the Bison average only 47 points a game, their second-half prospects looked dim.

“We’re not going to win many games giving up 36 in a half,” said Fenton coach Dennis Cromer. “We did exactly what we wanted to do the first three or four possessions, and after that they made a slight adjustment and we did not respond.”

In addition to transition baskets off turnovers, Leyden hit five 3-pointers and worked for 6 three-point plays. Putbacks came often from post player Brian MacNamera, who had 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Nine players scored for the Eagles, creating a difficult defensive situation for Fenton. Herrera, who made three 3s, scored 14 points while backcourt mate Omar Lazoya hit the other two 3-pointers and tallied 13 points. Jonny Woolf added 8 points off the bench.

Fenton, which used a 13-0 fourth-quarter run to dent Leyden’s biggest lead of 62-32, was led by Jeremy Shimanek’s 12 points and Colin Wallace’s 11.

“It was nice to see a bunch of different people get involved,” said Leyden coach Bill Heisler. “We got down 6-0, but once we hit one we got in a rhythm and asserted our will.”