Devils' comeback sinks Shamrocks
~January 8, 2008~
Story and Photos by Michael Orr

Eau Claire's Dominic Robinson- Neal guards Dreher's Derrick Hallback in the open court.

With balanced scoring and a tremendous defensive effort by Marquel Goodman, the Dreher Blue Devils came from behind to defeat the scrappy Eau Claire Shamrocks. Trailing after each of the first three quarters, Dreher dominated the fourth quarter to pull away late in the game and win 56- 47 January 8, 2008.

Neither team was particularly sharp in the game's early minutes as each team's two- three zone defense prevented the other from easy or open shots. While Dreher tried to pound the ball inside to its powerful frontcourt players, Case Stiglbauer and Kenneth Joyner, Eau Claire tried to quicken their pace and penetrate the Blue Devils' zone before kicking out for open jump shots. The Shamrocks found a recipe for success late in the quarter as Stanley Young made a long three- pointer leaving Eau Claire ahead 11- 8 after one.

In the second quarter, Dreher took advantage of its size early to gain a measure of control as Stiglbauer scored three quick baskets. The Shamrocks countered with three- pointers by Young and Willie Perlotte to keep pace. Dreher's Goodman was a force defensively, adamantly blocking Shamrock shots and pushing Eau Claire farther from the basket. With ten seconds to play in the first half, a deep shot by David Kearse pushed Eau Claire to a 24- 22 lead going into the halftime break.

Eau Claire's David Kearse (#3), Roland Washington, and Dreher's Case Stiglbauer chase down a loose ball.

Goodman was forced to the bench early in the third due to foul trouble, re- energizing the Eau Claire attack. Though Dreher was clearly more effective, particularly inside with Sylvester McCrae and Chris Brown, the Shamrocks stayed afloat. Young continued to pour in outside shots that kept the Blue Devils from running away with the game. Roland Washington was able to assert himself inside late in the quarter and helped push Eau Claire ahead 38- 35 entering the final quarter.

Dreher opened the fourth quarter with a flourish in back- to- back fast breaks, giving the Blue Devils their first sustainable lead at 42- 40.

Eau Claire switched to a one- two- two zone three quarter court press to force Dreher into turnovers, but the Blue Devils moved with ease across the court. Joyner and Brown combined for 11 points in the quarter and Goodman reassumed his position as defender of the rim, blocking several shots in spectacular fashion. Late free throws allowed Dreher to extend its lead, which was never relinquished.

Five Dreher players scored at least eight points with none scoring more than Chris Brown's 12. The Blue Devils will play rival A.C. Flora Friday, January 10. Eau Claire, who was led by Stanley Young's 22 points, will travel to Blythewood January 10.