The Stormers stormed to a 2-0 start this season by dismantling Kishwaukee and Sauk Valley, showing great defense, hustle and good team chemistry. They played two games in Dixon, Illinois on Friday and Saturday. Kishwaukee College was their opponent on Friday and Sauk Valley Community College was the opponent on Saturday.Hoping to build off a 19-12 season a year ago, Kishwaukee, who handed MATC its first loss of the season last year, was no match for The Stormers. Kishwaukee shot 12-24 (50%) in the first half yet they were still down 35-47. The Stormers shot well from three point range 7-15 (46.7%) and also shot the ball well in the first half, 19-38 (50%). In the second half Kishwaukee made a small push, but due to the smothering defense and strong shooting, 13-25 (52%), the Stormers were able to keep the lead and hand Kishwaukee its first loss of the season. Kenny Foster led a balanced attack for MATC which saw four of its starters score double digits.
Foster scored 15, along with 6 rebounds. Rishaad Alexander hit 14, Dareen Moore added 13, Garett Abnur scored 13 and Patrick Zemanovic added 10 points off the bench. Brice Powell and Grant Olson led Kishwaukee with 20 and 17 points, respectively. Powell also grabbed 13 rebounds. The Stormers bench outscored Kishwaukee’s bench 23-5. As a team, Kishwaukee grabbed 36 total rebounds compared to 41 by MATC.
“We had a game plan going in, making sure that we controlled the boards and controlled our possessions,” said a satisfied Coach Randy Casey.
They shared the ball as well; Rishaad Alexander handed out seven assists with only two turnovers. Kenny Foster also handed out six assists.
Emil Clayton and Jon Umoren had two assists each to lead Kishwaukee.
On Saturday MATC faced Sauk Valley Community College. The game was close early. There were six lead changes.
Sauk Valley found themselves down 54-47 at the half. The baskets were falling easily for our team in the first half, shooting a blistering 19-32 (59.4%).
They also shot 7-15 (46.7%) from the 3-point range. Sauk Valley shot 19-40 (47.5%) and 6-14 (42.9%) from the three point range.
In the second half both teams shot sub-par. The Stormers shot 14-43 (32.6%) and 3-13 (23.1%) from the three-point line. Sauk Valley shot 12-35 (34.3%) from the field and 3-12 (25%) from 3-point range. The Stormers played good defense, and kept the ball alive with offensive rebounds. They had 23 offensive rebounds, along with 52 total rebounds. Darren Moore had five offensive rebounds, making a total of 12 all together.
Kenny foster once again led the Stormers with 27 points. MATC continues to have strong play from its starters. Garnett Abner added 19, Darren Moore scored 16 and Patrick Zemanovic added 11. Dustin Fritsch paced Sauk Valley Community College with 21 along with 9 rebounds. Stanley Moore added 19.
The Stormers are quietly creating quite the storm around campus. There are big expectations for this team. The team is playing together, despite so many new additions. They are becoming a defensive force.
They forced a total of 41 defensive stops on Friday against Kishwaukee, and 43 stops against Sauk Valley on Saturday.
They also forced Kishwaukee to shoot 41.7 percent from the field. Sauk Valley shot 41.3 % from the field. The Stormers forced 11 turnovers against Kishwaukee and 14 against Sauk Valley.
“In the first game we had 13 turnovers and the second game we had 11 turnovers” stated Coach Randy Casey.
Controlling the rebounds and limiting turnovers was the key to the victories. “I told our guys if we win these battles (turnovers and rebounds) that we would have a chance to win the game. If going through the year we can control both those things, we will have a chance to be in every game” explained Coach Casey.
The Stormers left Kishwaukee and Sauk Valley in a path of destruction. Be sure to root them on, I know I will. Go Stormers!
