Jamesville-DeWitt (DeWitt, N.Y.) 76, Webster Groves (Mo.) 64: Ninety-five pounds and two inches separate Tyler Cavanaugh from Jamesville-DeWitt teammate
DaJuan Coleman. Being Cavanaugh's teammate since 6th grade, the junior has become accustomed to being the sideshow to his current roommate and top-tier Division I recruit.
But on Sunday, it was Cavanugh leading the Red Rams to victory by making crucial baskets in the second half while making a big defensive stop preventing the Statesman from rallying against one of New York's finest.
"We came into this game knowing they were a pressuring defense team and you saw in the second quarter we struggled a little," Cavanaugh said. "So we made little adjustments at halftime and did a much better job in the second half breaking the press."
DaJuan Coleman had 23 points
and 20 rebounds.
Photo by Lonnie Webb
Cavanaugh gave the Red Rams a 56-52 lead with 5:55 remaining by connecting on two free throws. After
Pete Drescher (10 points) extended the lead to six, Cavanaugh strongly contested a field goal attempt by Demetrius Robinson at the other end sparking a 12-4 run for Jamesville-DeWitt to clinch the win.
The uncommitted junior scored 12 of his 26 points in the third quarter after James Kenner (13 points) tied the game at 30 early in the opening minute of the third.
"He really got us going in the third quarter with those two 3s," said coach Bob McKenny." "He hasn't shot well early this year. It was nice to see him finally knock some 3s down."
Rayshawn Simmons led Webster Groves with 21 points.
Cavanaugh combined with Coleman (23 points, 20 rebounds) to outscore Webster Groves 30-10 inside the paint in the second half.
"Coming into these big games everyone is on DaJuan because he is such a great player and he's proven himself,"
Cavanaugh said. "I'm fortunate enough to play with a guy like that because he draws a lot of attention."
Coleman was unstoppable in the Webster Grove low post with Kentucky coach John Calipari in attendance. The 6-10, 280-pound forward said he tries to not think about the presence of big-time coaches.
"I really try to not think about it too much," Coleman said. "I just try to play my game."
Coleman said the Wildcats are currently in his top three along with Ohio State and Syracuse.
The junior said his fellow classmate's performance helped him dominate down low.
"It helped me a lot because it took a lot of pressure from me being double-teamed," Coleman said. "Every day he pushes me in practice, and he was talking about it all night about controlling the flow."
Cavanugh said he has been recruited mainly by mid-major teams such as Fairfield, Siena, Colgate, Albany, Vermont, Boston College, Michigan and Yale, but his coach believes he has the potential to play at an even higher level.
"He's a great player," McKenny said." I think he's going to be better than a mid-major."
