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Hersey routs Elk Grove

After enjoying a couple of 20-plus scoring efforts earlier in the season, Hersey's Ethan Roberts said it wasn't easy to miss seven games due to a bad ankle sprain in practice about a month ago.

"It was hard just having to watch the games," he said. "It's nice when you can get out there and affect the outcome of the game."

That was certainly the case for Roberts on Friday night as the 6-foot-4 junior scored 13 of his game-high 16 points in the first 12 minutes of Hersey's 61-27 Mid-Suburban East boys basketball triumph over visiting Elk Grove.

It was his third game back and second full game since suffering the injury.

Roberts, who transferred to Hersey from Memphis (TN) this school year, connected for three 3-pointers in the first half and one in the second half.

"He's such a game-changer for us," said Hersey senior guard Scott Rogowski, who chipped in 6 points along with teammates Andrew Wagner and James Nolan. "He has so many aspects to his game to help us out. It's a nice relief having him healthy again."

"I'd say he's at about 95 percent," said Hersey coach Austin Scott, whose club improved to 9-17 and 4-5. "We're blessed to have him. He's a great player and a better person."

Junior Brandon Burns drove in for a layup to give Elk Grove a 2-0 lead before Roberts connected from long distance.

The game went back and forth with the Grenadiers enjoying their last lead at 8-7 when senior guard Mark Matos connected from 17 feet out.

Hersey then played the perimeter game and went on a 22-0 run.

It started with Roberts' 17-footer, and was followed by 3-pointers from Griffin Ginder (12 points) and Rogowski. The big rally also included two of Robert's four 3-pointers.

By the time Nolan drove for a bucket with 3:37 left in the half, Hersey was on top 30-8.

Roberts' final basket was a 3-pointer to end the third quarter to put Hersey in front 47-26.

"We were just working hard," Roberts said of the Huskies' second win this season over the Grenadiers. "We had a game plan and just had to execute it.

"I've just been trying to get back to 100 percent because I want to help us win as many games as we can."

Rogowski was hardly surprised by Roberts' output that also included a nice assist to Ginder for a layup early in the second half.

"He has great vision," Rogowski added. "And he proves in practice day in and day out that he is our best scorer. I have all the trust in him."

In all, 11 Huskies scored in the contest including Daniel Clawson, TJ Stearns, Clay Augustyn, Ben Randall and Dave Zagorski.

Senior Devin McKinney led Elk Grove (4-24, 0-9) with 9 points while Matos added 7.

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