Published: February 27, 2008 11:45 pm            

Lewis Cass takes Southwood behind woodshed

High-percentage offense, outstanding defense key in Kings’ victory

WALTON — In a contest that looked to be close on paper, Lewis Cass began its quest for a third straight boys basketball sectional crown in convincing fashion as the Kings dominated the Southwood Knights, 61-28, in the Class 2A Sectional 39 here Wednesday night.

Cass, 14-7 overall, advances to play the first semifinal game on Friday night against Wabash, which defeated Manchester 61-59 in Wednesday’s first game. Southwood’s season came to an end with a final mark of 12-9.

The final score was every bit indicative of the game as the Kings broke down the Knights defensively time and time again and at the same time stymied Southwood’s offense with a 2-3 zone. The Kings’ defense allowed very little on the interior and extended to the perimeter to shut down the Knights’ attack for the better part of 32 minutes.

“It all started on the defensive end and this was one of the better defensive efforts we have had this season,” said Cass coach Basil Mawbey. “[Southwood] led the No. 1 team in the state [Class 2A Bluffton] nearly the entire game just a week ago before losing by two points [42-40].”

For the game, Cass held Southwood to just 10-of-46 shooting from the floor and 1-of-18 from 3-point range. The Kings also out-rebounded the Knights 39-16 and two Cass players, senior forward Rory Mannering and senior center Jacob Faust, combined to outrebound the entire Southwood squad by a count of 23-16.

On offense, the Kings hit 25-of-45 shots and of those 25 converted shots, 19 were either layups, rebound baskets or shots in the paint. Cass had little trouble breaking down Southwood’s variety of defenses for easy looks at the basket.

“We seemed to be in the right spots at the right time and we really took it to them,” said Mawbey. “We had a plan coming into the game, but those plans only work if the kids are able to execute.”

The Kings jumped to an early lead right from the opening tip. Cass hit 9-of-15 shots and grabbed 12 rebounds to build a 19-5 lead after one quarter.

The Knights played the Kings even for the first three minutes of the second quarter and trailed 23-11 before Cass closed the first half on an 11-0 run to lead 34-11 at the half.

In the third period, the Knights looked to get back in the game by employing a more aggressive offensive attack and although Southwood got some baskets on drives in the paint, Cass seemed to have an answer each time. Six more easy baskets in the quarter extended the Kings advantage to 49-25 with one quarter remaining.

Cass closed the game by outscoring the Knights 12-4 to provide the final count. Both coaches substituted freely in the game’s final eight minutes.

Faust and Mannering both recorded double-doubles to lead the Cass interior attack. Faust finished with a game-high 13 points and 11 rebounds and Mannering finished with 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Senior forward Ethan Watkins contributed 12 points and reserve sophomore Brody Edgerly also added 12 points. Point guard Jeff Marschand contributed four points and nine assists.

Southwood failed to place an individual in double figures. Senior Aaron Shaw led the Knights with eight points.

The Kings’ semifinal game Friday against Wabash will be a rematch for the two squads. Cass defeated the Apaches, 59-39, the first game of the regular season on Dec. 1.

        

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