The resurgence continues.
The Boone Central Cardinals continued to put a rough start to the 2011-12 season in their rearview mirror last week, winning the Ord Holiday Tournament championship and extending their winning streak to four games.
Boone Central, now 4-4, knocked off previously unbeaten Gothenburg 54-47 in the opening round of the annual holiday event, then overcame a sluggish start to thump St. Paul 54-37 in the title contest.
“This was a great tournament for us,” praised Cardinal Coach Dan Zoucha. “We have been on the verge of opening this up and we are very optimistic as we come back after the (holiday) break.
“Our schedule is very challenging and we are excited about that challenge.”
Boone Central had a challenge to begin the holiday tournament Thursday, Dec. 29, but took it right to Gothenburg, which had opened its season 6-0.
The Cardinals forged a 14-9 lead in the first quarter, then started the second half with a 13-0 run that stretched a 24-22 halftime edge to a 15-point lead.
“With Gothenburg 6-0 coming into the tournament, we knew we would have to play sound defense and take care of the ball. We felt we did both.” Zoucha commented. “We committed only 10 turnovers and also converted Swede turnovers into nine points.”
Boone Central got off to a slow start in Friday’s title tilt, but righted the ship with a 13-2 second-period advantage and continued on to a solid 17-point victory.
“After a shaky start where we failed to score on our first eight possessions and were down 8-0, we (coaches) never sensed any panic,” Zoucha noted. “We got an offensive rebound, made 1-of-2 freethrows, and it seemed the proverbial lid was off the hoop.
“Down 8-6 to start the second quarter, we outscored St. Paul 13-2 to get a little breathing room. The third quarter was very good offensively as we continued to push the ball and convert in transition.”
Leetch helped spark the second-period run with two field goals and Hedlund, who had scored five of Boone Central’s six first-quarter points, keyed the 20-point third with seven. Leetch added a three-point field goal in the third, while Tanner and Colton Mazour each scored four points.
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