McGuinness Festival: Deer Creek turns a corner?

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

A little more tired than I thought. Two long days of basketball at Bishop McGuinness. Here’s what you can read in Sunday’s paper:

Deer Creek boys basketball coach Matt Bailey doesn’t want to put too much importance into a win in mid-December, but Saturday gave him a taste of what his team is going to see the rest of the year.

On first glance, the Antlers are going to be OK. Facing the constant pressure of Millwood, Deer Creek stayed composed to earn a 61-38 victory at the McGuinness Festival.

“Our kids did a great job and that comes from the leadership of Jalen (Burnett) and Garrett (Hermanski),” Bailey said.

Deer Creek was coming off an emotional overtime loss to McGuinness and had to play only 15 hours after completing that contest.

Sophmore Joel Blumenthal bounced back after a poor shooting night against the Irish to lead the way with 17 points Saturday. Hermanski added 14.

Deer Creek trailed 9-8 after the first quarter but outscored Millwood by 10 in the second quarter and seized control.

Millwood’s Michael Ervin had 10 points, while Kevonte Richardson added nine.

McGuinness 58, Western Heights 39 (boys)

The Irish outscored Western Heights 32-14 in the second and third quarters to pull away from the visiting Jets and go 2-0 in the Festival.

Guard Miles Newcomb led the way with 22 points, including connecting on six three-pointers. Center Matt Christiansen added 17 points.