Apaches enter post season with a win
By Tony Nelson
The Apache men ended up with a 6 – 21 overall record and 3 – 7 conference record, but records don’t matter any more because it is time for the post-season.
The Apaches ended the season with a win to give them some momentum going into the post-season. They toppled Triton 74 – 60 in the last regular season game.
"We played well, we were aggressive, and we rebounded," said coach Mike Riley. "We had very spread scoring," the coach said noting that Derek Baird had 18 points, Lacey Tyler 16, and Craig Olson, Brandon Kays and Butch Caretto each had 11.
On Feb. 9, the Apaches, flu ridden and injured, lost to DuPage by 9 points. But they had great performances by Olson and Baird.
"Olson shot really well," Riley said. Olson hit 5 three’s and ended up with 19 points. Baird had 17 point and 3 three’s.
About earlier losses to South Suburban and Rock Valley, on Feb. 4 and 6, the coach said: "Against South Suburban we played well and we were very competitive, but we had some injuries that hurt us. At Rock Valley we just didn’t go to play, and it was probably our worst loss of the season."
"Our strength is definitely our shooting," Riley said, adding that Olson has hit 54 three’s out of 109 attempts. "This (Olson’s record) has to be one of the tops in the nation."
Tyler is shooting 63 percent on his two-point attempts and 50 percent over. Baird has shot 42 percent on three’s and 46 percent overall.
"Our weaknesses lie in our rebounding and ball-handling," Riley said. "We have only outrebounded other teams three or four times. Our ball handling has led to many turnovers throughout the year. "
The Apaches helped their rebounding second semester by adding 6’7" Jon Worgess who, along with his 10 points, is also averaging 6 rebounds per game. But they have lost Eric Heyward and Dave Munson to ankle injuries.
"We have contributions from everyone. We don’t have single stars," said coach Riley.
The regional tournament started Feb. 16, with the Apaches possibly facing Joliet first, a game played after press time. If the Apache men won that game they will play Feb. 18 in order to qualify for the championship on Feb. 20.
"Anyone can win this regional tournament," Riley said.
"We beat conference champion Harper on their own floor earlier in the year," the coach said, adding that the championship game is at Harper.
The Apaches have played most of the other teams in the regional two times, so they have seen what the other teams can do.
"There is no question that we all know each other," the coach said. "Everyone’s record is 0-0, so we have to take it one game at a time."
After this season, the Apaches will lose Tyler, Caretto and Dave Sharp.
About next season, Riley said, "We need point guards and rebounding. We have shooters already."
the Apache 2/18/99