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When big games loom on the schedule, inexperienced teams can become susceptible to trap games by looking past the opponent at-hand towards the powerhouse it prepares to face.
Luckily for Inter-City Baptist fans, the Chargers are not an inexperienced team.
Despite looking sluggish at times after a week off, Inter-City defended home court and built some momentum heading into a big showdown with Southfield Christian on Friday by defeating Oakland Christian 58-41 in Allen Park Tuesday night.
The Chargers did not look as crisp as usual on the offensive end, but strong showings from Nathanael Packwood and Evan Kraatz helped Inter-City dispatch their league opponents.
“Our guys played hard,” Inter-City Coach Mark Kraatz said. “They played hard and they played tough and that could have been a trap game for us.
“They are historically well-coached and do a good job and we were able to work hard and work through our rust spots.”
A rebounding disadvantage prevented the Chargers from getting a quick start and the home team took a 10-9 lead after eight minutes.
Packwood took it upon himself to consistently hit the boards in the second quarter and led the Chargers to a 15-6 quarter advantage with six points.
Inter-City went into the break with a 25-15 lead and was led by Packwood with 10 points. Evan Kraatz added eight.
The Chargers distanced themselves further in the third quarter with a balanced scoring effort that saw six different players score at least two points.
Oakland Christian climbed to within 10 points with two minutes left in the quarter before Inter-City closed with a 10-2 run for a 43-26 lead entering the fourth.
The Chargers led by as many as 20 early in the fourth, but Oakland’s John Van Noord made three triples in the fourth to help the visitors get within 14 points on a few occasions.
“There was some rust,” Kraatz admitted. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t play as well as we could, but we needed it.”
Despite the hot hand, Inter-City’s lead and defensive pressure ended up to be too much for the visitors and the Chargers tallied their eighth league win of the season.
While Coach Kraatz was pleased with his team’s intensity, effort and defensive pressure, he wants to see more out of his players on the offensive end.
“I just want to get better offensive efficiency,” Kraatz said. “Every possession, it counts.”
Packwood led the Chargers with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
“It was nice to see Packwood get involved like that,” Kraatz said. “He was our most efficient player tonight.”
Evan Kraatz had another solid all-around showing with 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Luke Barber had eight points, four rebounds, and three steals, Derek Doran scored six and Troy Kazlaskas had five points and five rebounds.
Van Noord had 13 points and five rebounds for Oakland Christian while Preston Lasala.
Inter-City (12-2, 8-1 Michigan Independent – Blue) will host Southfield Christian in a battle of league titans at home on Friday. The road gets no easier the following week when the Chargers host University Liggett on Tuesday.
BOYS' BASKETBALL: Inter-City ready for tough stretch after win over Oakland Christian (PHOTO)
Inter-City's Evan Kraatz had 15 points and six assists in the Chargers' win over Oakland Christian on Tuesday night. Photo by Larry Caruso.
Luckily for Inter-City Baptist fans, the Chargers are not an inexperienced team.
Despite looking sluggish at times after a week off, Inter-City defended home court and built some momentum heading into a big showdown with Southfield Christian on Friday by defeating Oakland Christian 58-41 in Allen Park Tuesday night.
The Chargers did not look as crisp as usual on the offensive end, but strong showings from Nathanael Packwood and Evan Kraatz helped Inter-City dispatch their league opponents.
“Our guys played hard,” Inter-City Coach Mark Kraatz said. “They played hard and they played tough and that could have been a trap game for us.
“They are historically well-coached and do a good job and we were able to work hard and work through our rust spots.”
A rebounding disadvantage prevented the Chargers from getting a quick start and the home team took a 10-9 lead after eight minutes.
Packwood took it upon himself to consistently hit the boards in the second quarter and led the Chargers to a 15-6 quarter advantage with six points.
Inter-City went into the break with a 25-15 lead and was led by Packwood with 10 points. Evan Kraatz added eight.
The Chargers distanced themselves further in the third quarter with a balanced scoring effort that saw six different players score at least two points.
Oakland Christian climbed to within 10 points with two minutes left in the quarter before Inter-City closed with a 10-2 run for a 43-26 lead entering the fourth.
The Chargers led by as many as 20 early in the fourth, but Oakland’s John Van Noord made three triples in the fourth to help the visitors get within 14 points on a few occasions.
“There was some rust,” Kraatz admitted. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t play as well as we could, but we needed it.”
Despite the hot hand, Inter-City’s lead and defensive pressure ended up to be too much for the visitors and the Chargers tallied their eighth league win of the season.
While Coach Kraatz was pleased with his team’s intensity, effort and defensive pressure, he wants to see more out of his players on the offensive end.
“I just want to get better offensive efficiency,” Kraatz said. “Every possession, it counts.”
Packwood led the Chargers with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
“It was nice to see Packwood get involved like that,” Kraatz said. “He was our most efficient player tonight.”
Evan Kraatz had another solid all-around showing with 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Luke Barber had eight points, four rebounds, and three steals, Derek Doran scored six and Troy Kazlaskas had five points and five rebounds.
Van Noord had 13 points and five rebounds for Oakland Christian while Preston Lasala.
Inter-City (12-2, 8-1 Michigan Independent – Blue) will host Southfield Christian in a battle of league titans at home on Friday. The road gets no easier the following week when the Chargers host University Liggett on Tuesday.
Last Updated: 2/6/2013 2:15:58 PM EST