Taft’s fast start, ‘D’ stymies Senn

For Sun-Times Media

Sometimes a little motivation goes a long way. Taft used that motivation, coupled with a fast start, on its way to a 67-34 Red-North victory over Senn at home on Tuesday afternoon.

“We wanted to get our bench players some playing time because they work so hard in practice,” said Taft’s Tim Reamer, who scored 15 of Taft’s 20-first quarter points. “We knew if we got off to a quick start, we could make that happen.”

Taft was able to use its pressure defense to force the Bulldogs into five turnovers, as well as numerous bad shots, as the Eagles ran out to a 20-9 lead after the first period.

It was more of the same in the second period as well. After Senn split a pair of free throws on the first possession of the second quarter, Taft held the Bulldogs scoreless for the next 5:24, running out to a 39-10 lead before Senn would score again.

Taft (12-6, 4-1) would put the clamps on Senn yet again after halftime, holding the Bulldogs scoreless for the first 3:57 of the third period. In all, the Eagles went on a 40-11 run in the second and third quarters to build an insurmountable 60-21 lead.

Taft forced Senn into 21 turnovers.

“We pride ourselves on our defense, so that was key,’’ Reamer said. “We were working on some zone plays this week in practice leading up to the game and I think that helped a lot. It helped me work on my post moves and I was able to get work on them ns it showed.’’

Reamer led all scorers with 22 points while Josh Doss added 12 for Taft. Anthony Franklin led Senn (0-7, 0-3) with eight points. Deandre Evans and Justin Gaskew each scored five points for the Bulldogs.