Cardinals go on scoring frenzy; big win over North Union, 62-27

A huge first quarter set the stage for the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura boys to capture a big win over North Union (3-5, 5-5) on Friday, Jan. 8, at home.

It was a Cardinal scoring frenzy in the opening of the first quarter, with GHV going on a 15-point unanswered run to take an early lead, 19-3.  The Warriors only connected on two shots the entire first quarter, one three-point shot and one free throw.  The second quarter was a little more balanced, as North Union managed nine points to GHV’s 11, for a halftime score of 34-13.

“We started strong and didn’t let up,” said Coach Joe Albertson.  “We were able to get the ball inside and score repeatedly in the paint against North Union’s packed in zone.”

The Cardinal onslaught continued in the third, as GHV outscored the Warriors, 17-8.  Payton James sunk a three at the end of the third quarter to go up by 30 points, 51-21.  The bench saw considerable playing time in the fourth quarter, outscoring North Union, 11-6.  The final score was 62-27.

“We forced a number of turnovers and shot better from the perimeter than we did the game before.  We are improving and we will need to keep improving as we have some big games ahead,” said Albertson.

Sam Cataldo and James Betz led the team with 15 and 12 points respectively.  Betz was 2/2 from the three-point line.  Cataldo was 7/11 on field goal attempts.  Turner Albertson sunk nine points, while Jonathan O’Connor had seven and James and Nick Joynt each had six points.

Joynt led the team under the boards with five rebounds.  Cataldo, Betz and James each grabbed four.

O’Connor, James and Harley Forry led the team in assists with four apiece.  Albertson and O’Connor had two steals apiece.

The Cardinals (7-1, 8-2) play Forest City on Friday, Jan. 15.