By Dennis Bowling
Beecher Coach Tyler Shireman knew the Bobcats would be up for a challenge when playing Chicago High School Agriculture Science, but the Bobcats’ offense really struggled against the Cyclones on January 26.
Beecher’s bright spot was junior Ethan Rydberg, a 6-foot guard, who led with eight points and had three assists, as the Cyclones beat the Bobcats, 60-36, in a non-conference contest in Chicago.
Coach Shireman was not at all happy with the outcome of the game against the Cyclones, “We lost by 24 points and shot poorly. I would have liked to see some of our shots go into the basket, then it would have been a different game for us.”
At the close of the first quarter, the Bobcats outstanding junior guard Adyn McGinley rolled his right ankle and did not return for the remainder of the game. Shireman reported he will be all right. Junior Jack Hayhurst, also a dependable outside shooter, did not have his shooting touch, either.
“We have no shame at all, and we got better tonight,” said Shireman. “We have to learn how to play against a physical team. We love to compete.”
Rydberg (8 points), a soccer and basketball standout, picked up accolades of praise from Shireman, “Ethan played really well. He was quick and has been coming on strong in the past few games. He never backs down from a tough defender.”
“This game will make us tougher for post season play,” Rydberg remarked. “We have to learn how to play physically and work on boxing out on defense. It was a tough environment.”
McGinley (6 points) summarized the Bobcats play against the very quick Cyclones, “They have the height and some quick players,” he said. “I am very proud of my guys. We fought hard.”
“They played tough defense on us,” he continued. “Jack (Hayhurst) had an off night, but Ethan (Rydberg) came on strong and set the tone for us. He was able to find some open teammates.”
“Rio (Llamas) stood his ground around the basket and was able to battle their tall players, while Orlin (Nesbitt) has really grown up before our eyes,” he noted.
Senior Llamas had four points and six rebounds, with sophomore Nesbitt finishing with six points. For the night, junior Zachary Johnson’s basket gave the Bobcats an 11-10 first quarter lead, but the Cyclones held a 26-17 half time advantage, and owned a 39-26 advantage at the close of the third stanza.
Beecher now is 20-3, although they have won 17-of-19 contests. The Cyclones are 16-5 overall.