The Huntley boys basketball team went into Friday night’s game hoping to add another win to its 4-2 record.  Losses to Carmel Catholic High School and Fremd High School put a dent in the Raiders’ 3-0 start to the season.  Despite high hopes, a poor Huntley performance led the Crystal Lake Central Tigers to a 54-46 win.

Huntley played solidly in the first three quarters, going into the half trailing 26-21 and pushing the score to within one point.  However, poor decision making and a multitude of turnovers allowed the Tigers to pull away.

“We are just as talented as Central,” said coach Marty Manning.  “We just matched up terribly today.”

Central seniors Corban Murphy, Brad Knoeppel, and David Panicko led the Tigers’ offensive onslaught with 15 points, 14 points, and 13 points respectively.  On the other side, Huntley seniors Bryce Only and Jake Wagner totaled 13 points and 14 points while junior Zach Gorney put up 11 points.

Central played a stronger, more aggressive game than Huntley.  They used their size advantage to push the Raiders around and dominate the floor.  Knoeppel especially disrupted Huntley’s offensive game.

“Obviously we’re smaller, but that’s no excuse,” said Huntley guard Tommy Regan.  “We need to play better in the boards.”

The Raiders are obviously missing the post presence provided by injured star Amanze Egekeze.  Their play style relies mostly on outside shots, a style that requires constant focus and good performance.  Huntley needs to alter its play style if it continues to play as poorly as it has.

“I really hope we’ll improve,” said Manning.  “Our plans just aren’t working.”

Egekeze will be returning in January.  We will see how much he can help the Raider offense.

Huntley’s next game will be Saturday Dec. 22 at Elgin High School.