Chukar men extend win streak to five games
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Thursday, January 17, 2008 1:08 PM PST
Ontario — To say the Treasure Valley men’s basketball team is hot is an understatement.
The Chukars (6-10 overall, 3-1 league) have won five of six games and are coming off a dramatic win over Walla Walla where they overcame a 21-point second half deficit to win.
Now comes a true test in the No. 1 ranked Spokane Sasquatch and a share of first place is on the line.
“It’s the biggest game of the year because it’s our next one,” Treasure Valley Community College coach Drake Wallick said. “It sets up who’s on top and who mixed in with the middle of the pack. All it takes is a couple of losses to determine who’s the top and who’s not. We’re neck and neck with Spokane. The winner is on top of the heap.”
The Chukars will have to contend with standouts Michael Dorr, Eric Beal and Kyle Turpin for the Sasquatch, who average 80.1 points per game.
“We are playing the most efficient team in the NWAACC (Northwest Athelic Association of Community College),” Wallick said. “Spokane has 5-6 guys that shoot a high percentage. When you get that kind of combination of shooting efficiency and not turning the ball over, they are a tough club to beat.”
Even with the tough task of defeating Spokane, Wallick is optimistic his team can come out on top.
“We’re mostly a freshman team that has played some good basketball against some of the toughest teams out there,” the coach said. “I’m optimistic because I look at our team and theirs and we have stats that are similar.”
To combat the Spokane offense, look for TVCC’s pressure defense to come through to force turnovers and some transition baskets.
“What usually happens is we try to create offense with defense,” Wallick said. “That’s what we want out of our defensive pressure. We want a steal, a turnover or missed shot because they’re out of rhythm.”
On offense, Wallick has so many weapons at his disposal and can determine what he wants based on matchups.
He can throw out Robert Moss and Mychal Harris if he wants to go small and quick. Or he can add Kyle Hart and Jacob King for some height.
“We will try to find the hot hand and exploit mismatches,” Wallick said. “We need to take advantage of that opportunistic defense so we can get out and run. If you look at it on paper, its a great matchup. It’s anybody’s ball game. Hopefully we can nullify their experience and confuse them with our defensive pressure.”
The festivities start at 6 p.m. Friday with the women’s game. Saturday both teams hit the hardwood once again, games starting at 5 p.m. against Big Bend.
