The Huntley boys basketball team went into Friday night’s game with three wins under its belt, but despite leading for the majority of the game, lost to Carmel Catholic High School 38-31 in overtime.

The first few minutes set the tone for the rest of the game.  The two teams alternated possessions, missing shot after shot and giving up turnover after turnover.  The result:  a very frustrating and low-scoring game.

Huntley’s defense put up a strong showing, but the offense struggled to get anything going.  The Red Raiders were able to manufacture points in Crystal Lake Central’s Coaches vs. Cancer Thanksgiving Tournament, but the Carmel defense kept them from putting up the numbers they needed.

“Our defense was fantastic,” said coach Marty Manning.  “Our offensive effort was very poor, but I was very proud of our defense.”

Senior guards Bryce Only and TJ Adams led the team’s offensive effort with nine points each, but the team still lacked the scoring it needs.

“Our defense was outstanding,” said Adams.  “Our offense was not so good, but that can be fixed.”

Ball control was another problem for Huntley.  Several bad passes and unnecessary turnovers led the team further down the path to defeat.

“We just had too many bad decisions and turnovers,” said Manning.

Friday night’s defeat will remain in the Huntley players’ heads, but they need to avoid having a negative attitude.  Huntley’s future is not as bleak as many might believe.  The loss of junior Amanze Egekeze has definitely caused a lack of a post presence and now, senior Tommy Regan is injured with a broken finger.  Regan broke his finger in practice on Tuesday and his loss will cause a decline in the team’s three-point game.  However, Regan will be back in a couple weeks and Egekeze will be back in January.  These two players will likely jumpstart the Raider offense.

Huntley’s next game will be Friday, Dec. 7 at Jacobs.