By: Brian Weitz
Evanston- Evanston center Dan Farr had the game of his life Tuesday night as the 6-1 Evanston Wildkits took advantage of CSL South rival Maine South. The Wildkits scored early and often en route to a 80-48 massacring of the 1-5 Hawks. “Conference is very important to us, we really wanted to show up and dominate early.” Said Evanston Head Coach Robert Locke.
Domination was the name of the game for the 6-1 Wildkits. Farr lead the way as Evanston stormed out of the gates, and never let up. After the first 8 minute period, Evanston already had for all intents and purposes put the game away jumping out to a 22-6 first quarter lead, triggered by the Evanston big men, Farr and senior forward Travis Clark. Farr lead the way with 8 points, doing so by making his first four shots. Clark took away any passing lane to the basket, snaring 3 steals in the first quarter alone and six on the night.
The pace Evanston established was neither one that Maine South could sustain, nor be successful trying to play at. The Hawks would to go on to turn the ball over 19 times- in the first half. On the contrary, Evanston only had 8 turnovers- for the entire game.
Evanston played a ¾ court press that Maine South guard David Chao simply could not penetrate. When the Hawks could get into their half court offense, the Kits prevented anyone from getting inside, holding the Hawks to 8 points in the paint. “We want to play a defense that’s kinda stifling” said Locke. “We want to sit back and let them make mistakes.” He added added.
Ironically, the very zone that locked the Hawks out of the key, was the reason the score was as “close” as it was. Maine South was able to take advantage of Evanston’s inability to extend their zone laterally. Maine South was able to get 14 open looks on the night and Hawk forward Matt Tarpey continually punished Evanston for leaving him alone by draining multiple threes. Evanston defensive rebounding struggles continued as they allowed the Hawks second and third chance opportunities all night long. Maine South however, could never take advantage of these oppurtunities, as they were only able to accumulate 8 second chance points.
Dan Farr had a career night for Evanston, scoring 18 points, which is a career high. Additionally he grabbed 7 rebounds. One thing that really surprised many in attendance was the success Farr had at the line. “One thing that I’m really happy about is my free throw shooting. I had kind of been struggling there, but I do not think I missed one tonight” said Farr. Coming in at 5.3 points per game, Farr credits his ability to contribute such a monster game to one factor specifically “Last weekend I committed [to play football] for the University of Toledo, and that definitely took a lot of stress off of my shoulders” said the future Rocket.
As amazing as Farr was, he was not even the high scorer on the team, that honor belongs to senior guard Zach Morton. Morton dropped a season high 19 points. Darryan Hunt and Ryan Frazier also got into double figures, netting 10 points apiece. Clark followed right behind them with 9 points to go along with his 5 rebounds and team high six steals.
Evanston will face its first real conference test against Jack Cooley’s Glenbrook South Titans. Cooley will test Evanston’s ability to defend a true big man. The two CSL South members face off Friday night in the GBS dome.