Wilcats are movers, shake Minooka

Defense also boosts Plainfield Central

Keeping the opponent from moving the ball while moving the ball well themselves proved to be a successful formula for Plainfield Central in its 45-33 victory over Minooka in a Southwest Prairie Conference battle Dec. 12 in Plainfield.

In improving to a 4-2 record overall, 2-1 in the conference, coach Josh Virostko of Plainfield Central saw his team turn in a first-rate defensive effort. From midway through the first quarter to midway through the second, Central shut out the Indians for 8:06 of playing time.

Central also managed to keep one of Minooka's top offensive weapons, Jacob Butler, under control. Butler tallied just eight points for the Indians now 3-4, 2-2.

"We tried to challenge the kids all week, and they accepted the challenge today. They (Minooka) have a lot of offensive weapons, and hopefully we can be proud that we took some of them out of it," Virostko said. "It was a great team effort. It wasn't just one guy who stopped Butler. He takes at least two or three. I think we made him work for everything, and I was proud of our guys for that, too."

Central's defensive pressure resulted in Minooka turning the ball over 24 times, including 14 turnovers in the first half.

"If we work hard, we can be a good defensive team. Last week against Oswego, we didn't play well defensively, and we got lit up. We had a major letdown defensively. Other than that, our defense has been pretty solid. If we continue to do that, we'll be in games," Virostko said.

For the Wildcats, Jeff Allen led the way with 13 points. Teo Ervin scored 11, with eight of his points coming in the fourth quarter when Central increased its lead from four to the winning margin of 12 points.

A boost came from Deadre Owens whose six points came on two 3-point field goals. Owens' first 3-pointer came with 3:03 remaining in the first, pulling Central into a 7-7 tie after trailing early. Owens' second long shot came with 4:48 to go in the game and increased Central's lead to 31-27 just when Minooka seemed poised to mount a comeback.

Central moved the ball well offensively, demonstrating patience and an ability to find the open man throughout the contest. Numerous times, the Wildcats would make as many as six or seven passes before getting an open shot. The efficient ball movement helped to keep Minooka from getting into a rhythm of its own and also assisted Central in managing the clock.

However, there was one offensive flaw: Central missed numerous wide open shots after the deft ball handling. Central shot 36 percent from the field, making 16 baskets in 45 attempts.

"We've got to find a way to put the ball in the hoop better. I think we got some good shots, especially in the first half. We've got to just knock them down. You can't just yell at a guy and say, 'Put the ball in the hoop, just make it.' We've just got to hit them," Virostko said.

"We counted five times (that) we had a great drives or openings, but we just didn't make it. We also want to create offense off our transition. In the first half, we had four transition layups and didn't score. That's not acceptable. We have to start hitting the open shot."

The shooting did improve for Plainfield Central as the game progressed. After leading by just 26-22 at halftime, the Wildcats slowly built its lead to as many as 13 points late in the contest.

"In the second half, we did a better job. Kids knocked down some shots. That's going to be key for us," Virostko said.