ANTIOCH -- In Warren High's 11 previous victories this prep boys basketball season, the Blue Devils' margin of victory has been on average around eight points per win.
In those 11 victories against plenty of quality opponents, there hasn't been much chance for longtime Warren coach Chuck Ramsey to give his bench a lot of playing time.
That all changed in a non-conference game here on Friday, as Warren used 15 different players in a 66-19 thumping of the host Sequoits (1-11).
"We've had a lot of close games this season, so this was a good opportunity to get everyone in the game," said Ramsey. "On the other hand, it didn't give our starters a chance to get much continuity.
Warren's starting five didn't give Antioch a chance to breathe in the opening eight minutes, as the Blue Devils forced seven turnovers while outscoring the Sequoits 22-2.
Senior guard Brandon Paul put in 10 points in the period, including a pair of crowd-pleasing slam dunks.
"I thought our starters played hard early and we played pretty good defense," said Ramsey.
Against Warren's second and third string in the second quarter, it was much of the same, as the Blue Devils took a 35-4 lead into the break.
Marquise Thomas (9 points), Dennis Babenko (4 points) and Matt Dickinson (7 points) were among the bench players who stood out for Warren (12-1).
Warren's starters returned to start the second half, but were quickly replaced with 4:12 left in the third quarter with the Blue Devils ahead 46-4.
Antioch finally reached double digits in the fourth quarter -- sparked by the hustle and determination of senior Eric Smith (5 points, 10 rebounds).
James Poliquin and David Duncan also chipped in with eight points each for Warren, which will host Conant tonight in another non-conference contest. PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: WARREN 66, ANTIOCH 19
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