The REPORTER
University’s boys took the floor Friday, Jan. 30 at Anderson Preparatory Academy for their first game in three weeks. Any concerns about the Trailblazers showing any rust from the layoff were quickly dispelled as University scored 39 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 79-36 win over the Jets.
The Blazers did trail 5-2 just 90 seconds into the game before exploding for 22 unanswered points over the next 2:50 to take a commanding 25-5 lead midway through the opening quarter.
Josh Henderson got the run going scoring at the rim off a Faisal Mohamud assist before hitting a three pointer from the right win off a kick out from Cooper Cammack to put University on top 7-5. The Trailblazers then stole the ball on four consecutive possessions to score eight points in a 37 second span and force a Jets timeout. Blake Gray, Josh McGee (twice) and Mohamud had the baskets. Anderson Prep turned the ball over 11 times in the first quarter.
Seven Trailblazers scored in the first quarter that ended with a three-point play from Noah Cortez with 0.6 seconds remaining. University led 39-13 after the opening eight minutes. Henderson had 10 points in the quarter with McGee adding eight, Peter Morales six on a pair of three pointers and Gray and Mohamud scored five each.
The pace slowed down in the second quarter but University kept the defensive intensity dialed up forcing 10 more Jets turnovers and holding the hosts to just four points as the Blazers led 55-17 at halftime. Henderson added eight more second quarter points while McGee had four more.
The second half was played with a running clock as 15 Trailblazers saw playing time with 10 denting the scoring column.
Henderson made 9 of 10 field goal attempt for a game-high 22 points. McGee had 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting. Mohamud had 12 and Gray 10 to put four Trailblazers in double figures.
Cammack led the way on the boards with a team high nine rebounds. Henderson, Gray and DJ Willis each pulled down four rebounds.
University had 21 steals on the night with Mohamud leading the way with five steals and Henderson had four as eight Blazers recorded at least one steal. Gray led with six assists.