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 "Rochester played hard, they got every loose ball, and they
were physical," Alexander said. "We were not prepared for the
game … we played like we practiced." You would have to know how
important play on the defensive end is to the Lincoln tradition,
especially over the past few years. By knowing that, you will
understand why the coach was disappointed in the defensive
effort, even in a game when his Railers (7-0, 1-0) held Rochester
scoreless for two consecutive quarters and to only 22 points for the
contest.
The Rockets (0-3, 0-2) also managed to shoot just 30 percent (9-30)
for the contest. Lincoln did not shoot much better, connecting on
just 39 percent (18-46) after blazing the nets for over 50 percent
through the first six games.
 Was it overconfidence? Did they think they would be able to play
every game like they've demonstrated so far? Whatever the reason,
one can be assured it will be addressed during the upcoming week of
practice.
The win was the 1,600th in the history of LCHS basketball, but it
certainly did not play out as many believed it would. This was a
game that many, including yours truly, felt would be decided early
on.
I believe in my preview I mentioned that it would not be a
question of if Lincoln won, but by how much. Well, give credit to
Rochester. During much of the first half, coach Josh Heberling's charges
dictated the pace of the game.
The Railers allowed Rochester to pass the ball around without
much pressure. There are many who will do a double take, seeing
that Rochester held an 8-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
To say the Railers looked flat and uninspired would be an
understatement and a disservice to the effort put forth by
Rochester. Lincoln needed a spark and the coach found one on
the bench. "Christian Van Hook was our spark tonight," Alexander
said.
The junior played his best game as a Railer, scoring the first
two baskets of the second quarter to put Lincoln up 9-8, a lead they
would not give up. Van Hook finished with a career-high 12 points
and even rebounds. Of all the players in white on Friday night, Van
Hook seemed to have that extra bounce to his step. The dozen from
Van Hook included another alley-oop dunk, and his effort earned him a
start coming out of the locker room for the second half.
Another player caught Alexander's eye on the night. "I thought
Nathaniel Smith played a strong game tonight," Alexander said. "He
didn't score much but made some good plays defensively and had some
good assists." Smitty had two very important plays in the second
quarter. At the 3:12 mark, his steal and save resulted in a
four-point play from Jordan Nelson. As the first half ended, Smith
was trapped in a double team under the basket. The senior was
athletic enough to toss the ball over the trap to a cutting Austin
Kirby, who laid it in as the horn sounded, giving Lincoln a 20-point cushion at halftime.
In the seasons I've been able to bring you my thoughts on the Railer
games, I've usually found a way to work in a mention or two about
runs. I certainly didn't think that would be a key tonight, but a
23-0 run over the course of the second and third quarters was the
difference in the game. Without that run, the Railers lose by two.
As one of my broadcast partners, Josh Komnick, noted, "I'd rather
win ugly than lose pretty." Friday night will definitely go in the
ugly category. But, a win is a win and the Railers are still
undefeated. Let's hope the contest is more of the exception and not
the rule.
[to top of second column] |
The Railers were led by Nelson's 14 points. The senior is now
just 13 points away from 1,500 for his career. The career-high
12 points from Van Hook was the only other double-figure scoring
from Lincoln. Kirby scored six, followed by Smith's five. Brant Coyne
and Jordan Gesner each added a 3-pointer.
Lincoln's next contest will be at home Friday night against
Jacksonville. It will be the first of a weekend doubleheader as
the Railers will travel to Taylorville next Saturday. Things
went a little better in the sophomore game as Lincoln won 66-24.
___ Lincoln (43)
Nelson 6 1-1 14, Van Hook 6 0-0 12, Kirby 3 0-0 6, Smith 1 3-4
5, Coyne 1 0-0 3, Gesner 1 0-0 3 Olson 0 0-0 0, Hays 0 0-0 0,
Krusz 0 0-0 0. Team 18 4-5 43.
3-point field goals 3 (Coyne, Gesner, Nelson).
Rochester (22)
Lunt 7, Houston 5, Sturdy 4, Gand 2, Grant 2, Bain. Team 9 2-6
22.
3-point field goals 2 (Houston, Lunt).
 Score by quarters:
End of first quarter -- Rochester 8, LCHS 5
Halftime -- LCHS 19, Rochester 8
End of third quarter -- LCHS 28, Rochester 8
Other notes:
-
Nelson has moved into
fourth all-time with 1,487 points, passing
Seymour Reed (1,478). The junior is 210 points behind Norman
Cook for third.
-
Lincoln has now won 10 in a row at home.
-
The IHSA released the teams that will be assigned to the
Lincoln Regional. Lincoln will be at home with Morton,
Springfield, Lanphier and SH-G.
Trivia answer:
In yesterday's
preview, I asked how many Lincoln players have
been named to the Central State Eight's all-conference teams.
The answer -- 20. They are (alphabetical order) Geoff Alexander,
Gregg Alexander, Ben Brackney, Chris Bunch, Brian Cook, Brandon
Farmer, Cory Farmer, John Harmsen, Josh Komnick, Jordan Nelson,
Adam Osborn, Jason Osborn, Justin Peisker, David Pickering, Matt
Schick, Nathaniel Smith, Josh Sutton, Chad Tungate, Erik Young
and Kyle Young.
[By JEFF BENJAMIN]
Jeff Benjamin's Railer basketball articles
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