A loud “oh” echoed throughout the Prairie Ridge gym as Huntley’s star forward Amanze Egekeze threw down a breakaway dunk in Huntley’s 76-51 victory over Prairie Ridge on Friday.  He’s finally back.  Egekeze played his first game back from an injury against Crystal Lake South on Tuesday and left the crowd in awe in Friday’s game.

Despite the huge impact of Egekeze’s return, he wasn’t the main story of the game.  Huntley guard Jake Wagner broke Prairie Ridge’s zone defense with his outside game.  Racking up 32 points and making nine three-pointers, he led the team’s offensive assault and pushed the Red Raiders to a win.

“My teammates did a good job finding me when I was open,” said Wagner.  “Our offense was just flowing well.”

Right he was.  The rest of the Raider offense followed Wagner’s example and pushed past the Prairie Ridge defense.  Junior Zach Gorney and senior Tommy Regan both added 11 points for Huntley while senior Bryce Only put up nine.

“[Wagner] was huge for us,” said coach Marty Manning.  “He carried us offensively and helped push through the zone defense.”

Huntley has found a groove in the past few games.  Friday’s victory marked the sixth win in a row for the Raiders.  The streak started at the State Farm Classic in Bloomington.  After losing the first game against North Lawndale, Huntley took down Plainfield South, T.F. North, and Thornwood.  Friday night’s victory, as well as wins against McHenry and Crystal Lake South, make it look like Huntley has really pulled themselves together.

“I think we really gained confidence down in Bloomington,” said Manning.  “We’re developing identities for ourselves both offensively and defensively.”

It looks like the Raiders have a lot to look forward to.  Egekeze will help fill the void in Huntley’s post presence and Huntley seems to have figured out both their offensive and defensive play.

Huntley’s next game will be Tuesday Jan. 15 at Barrington High School at 7 p.m.