The Citizens Voice, Mike Garvey: 12/28/06
Coughlin beat Nanticoke on the strength of four players in double figures, led by junior guard Jim Lavan’s 21. Caffrey said he liked his guard play and rebounding, and added that his defense took away many of Nanticoke’s good looks.
The Crusaders made the difference in the third period, which extended a 36-26 halftime lead to 18 points. Nanticoke coach Ken Bartuska challenged his team to play more up-tempo after halftime, but Coughlin avoided its pressure and attempts to strip the ball. And again, it got scoring from four different players.
“That’s how we have to play,” Caffrey said. “Everybody has to bring something to the table.”
The game looked to be iced. But the only thing that was ended up being iced was Coughlin junior Jared Berry’s left wrist. He injured it in the final minutes, and only the Crusaders’ next few games will determine how crucial a detriment that is.
The Crusaders and Comets will get a chance to improve on their victories Friday, when they meet for the tournament championship. For now they’ll take the victory, which wasn’t perfect.
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