Curry helps take Homestead past FW Wayne
Homestead took a quick lead and then managed to hold off Wayne in its 69-56 Huntington North sectional semifinal victory. The Spartans jumped out to a double digit lead in the first quarter behind strong outside shooting and then rode…
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Continue ReadingHomestead took a quick lead and then managed to hold off Wayne in its 69-56 Huntington North sectional semifinal victory. The Spartans jumped out to a double digit lead in the first quarter behind strong outside shooting and then rode Tahj Curry the rest of the way. The senior was impressive and nearly had a triple-double as he finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and a steal. His play coincided with a strong shooting night from three for the Spartans as they went 8-for-17 from deep.
On the other hand, Homestead allowed Wayne to stay close until late in the fourth quarter by going to a conservative offensive gameplan. The Spartans had a 15-points halftime lead shrink to six points in the fourth quarter as Wayne employed a trap and full court press. The Spartans attempted to pick it apart slowly but instead opened the door for Wayne. The Generals even had chances getting their fingertips on passes that would have led to a fastbreak layup to close the lead further but couldn’t capitalize. Instead, Homestead finds itself in the sectional championship game again this season despite everyone it last from last year’s state championship squad.
Well, I mean it’s a great group of kids,” Homestead head coach Chris Johnson said. “They battle. Not afraid, even though looked it a little bit and played on our heels in the second half, but they know how to win. These kids, I told them all along they’re winners. They know how to battle.”
Homestead top stats:
Tahj Curry – 20 points (10/16 from FT), 11 rebounds, 8 assists
Brandon Durnell – 18 points (7/10 from field), 7 rebounds
Parker Mangas – 14 points (2/3 from 3), 2 rebounds
Wayne top stats:
Troyon Smith – 21 points (10/11 from FT), 3 assists
Craig Young – 10 points (5/8 from field), 4 rebounds
Michael Foster – 9 points (4/8 from field), five rebounds
Player of the Game:
Tahj Curry – 6’4 SG – Senior
This isn’t even a question of who was most important to Homestead and in the game. Curry nearly had a triple double and did just about everything for the Spartans in this one from converting important baskets to finding the open man. The senior leader’s only bad mark was a struggle at the foul line (he went 10-for-16) but his skills made up for that with everything else he did in the game.
Up next:
Homestead takes on Muncie Central in the sectional final Saturday night.
Wayne finishes the season 7-15.