Walker, Owen J. Roberts dominate Daniel Boone, 60-26
BIRDSBORO — Bobby Walker displayed his offensive versatility Friday night. The sophomore from Owen J. Roberts hit two 3-pointers late in the first quarter, then delivered six points on drives to the basket midway through the third quarter.
The early baskets helped created ample space for Walker, who scored a game-high 15 points, and the Wildcats to operate as OJR downed Daniel Boone, 60-26, in non-league action Friday night.
“We’re playing very well right now,’ said Walker. “Our focus has really improved.’
Jake Kuhn scored a team-high nine points for the host Blazers (1-10). Ty Dorang contributed eight points.
Ryan Michener added 14 points for the Wildcats (7-4), who posted their fifth straight victory. Avery McDougal scored all nine of his points in the first half to help them take a commanding 36-15 lead at halftime.
“This team is starting to play with a lot of confidence,’ OJR head coach Kevin Kirby said. “Our shots are starting to fall. We have run an excellent offense all season, but we weren’t seeing results until recently.’
Owen J. Roberts utilized a significant size and experience advantage to extend an early 10-8 lead. Walker scored eight of his points during an 18-1 run. Dawson Stewart’s layup less than two minutes into the second quarter staked the team to a 28-9 lead.
Daniel Boone pulled within 28-15 midway through the second quarter on four consecutive free throws by Dorang.
But the Wildcats ended the second with eight straight points. Avery McDougal and Michener each delivered four points for a commanding 36-15 halftime lead.
The lead grew to 47-20 at the end of the third quarter. Walker converted a three-point play on a drive to the basket, and added two more foul shots and another layup to cap the scoring.
On certain offensive sets, the Wildcats positioned Walker on the same side of the floor as two of their post players, according to Kirby.
He said that if the defense collapses inside, Walker can hit an outside shot. Or, if they extend to prevent him from shooting, Walker can ably make the necessary pass to the low post.
“Bobby is a real smart player,’ Kirby said. “He knows how to read the floor, get to the basket when he can, or shoot the ball.’
Lopsided losses have been a recurring theme for the Blazers this season, according to head coach Ian Gendreaux.
“We couldn’t contend with Owen J. Roberts’ size,’ he said. “It’s been that way for us in several games this season. We’ve played more zone defense than I would like.’
According to the coach, five of Daniel Boone’s top seven players are sophomores. He said three of those 10th graders regularly start for the junior varsity and varsity team.
“They can really benefit from the minutes,’ Gendreaux said. “We have a lot of work to do.’
