BOYS BASKEBALL: Geneseo Traps South Seneca With 88-61 Victory
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- Written by BRYAN JACKSON
GENESEO — The #5 Blue Devils’ class C3 sectional run got off to an explosive start Monday night as Geneseo (13-6) ripped #12 South Seneca 88-61 behind huge games from senior Wes Smith and sophomore Bryan Rollins.
Smith poured in 21 first-half points and finished with 24, and Rollins scored 21 points of his own. The duo also caused a ruckus on the defensive end by snatching nine combined steals. Sophomore point guard Mo Carlon dished out 13 assists and added five points and five steals, while junior Sam Lofquist and sophomore Elton Johnson both scored eight points.
South Seneca (3-16) stayed close in the first quarter, but the Blue Devils opened up a 46-32 halftime lead, and the advantage ballooned to 71-47 by the end of the third. Senior Kevin Close lead the Falcons with 12 points and five rebounds.
Geneseo head coach Brian Stout praised Smith’s first-half effort and his team’s ability to lock down on defense as the game progressed.
“Wes kept us alive in the first half with 21 points, but as a team we came together in second half on the defensive end.”
Geneseo’s win sets up a second-round road contest between the Blue Devils and Wheatland-Chili Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Stout said Monday’s game was a good test for his young team heading into Wheatland-Chili.
“Having a first-round game is good experience,” he said. “We had those jitters in the first half a little bit, and I think those will be gone now.”
Smith acknowledged the Blue Devils’ sloppy first-half defense but said he’s confident for Friday’s game.
“If we come out and make the shots we should, and make the passes we should, we can play with anyone in this tournament,” Smith said.
