The Sherrard Tigers pulled away from Erie for a 48-30 victory Nov. 24 in the Orion Tip Off Classic. It was the Tigers first game of the season.
"I don't think opening games are ever pretty," said head coach Ryan Kelly. "We've got a lot of experience coming back. I'm happy with what we've got. I was happy we secured the victory. You find out things you need to know. Mitch Heiar had an outstanding game. It's rare when your best offensive player is your best defensive player. I think we got things going in the second half."
The first quarter was very low scoring. With 7.4 seconds remaining in the period Austin Hammerlinck completed a three-point play to give the Tigers a 9-6 lead going into the second quarter.
Free throws from John Sedlock and Mitch Heiar along with a basket from Heiar gave the Tigers a 14-8 lead midway through the second quarter. Hoops by Friichtenicht and Heiar increased the Tigers lead to 18-9 at one point in the period. Erie managed to cut the Tiger lead to 18-13 by halftime.
Erie cut the Tigers lead to 18-17 midway through the third quarter.
But The Tigers went on a 11-0 run late in the period. Logan Frye, Austin Hamerlinck, Mitch Heiar, Jake Friichtenicht and Andy Anderson all hit baskets during the stretch. The Tigers took a 34-22 lead into the fourth period.
The Tigers didn't let up in the final period. Heiar and Sedlock hit baskets early to set the tone and Frye banged home a three pointer to secure the victory.
Scoring for Sherrard were: Mitch Heiar, 19; John Sedlock, Logan Frye, Jake Friichtenicht and Andy Anderson, six and Austin Hamerlinck, five.
Aledo, Ill. —
