Tigers edge Leigh, win Howells Holiday title
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - 2:37 am
The East Butler boys basketball team extended its winning streak to six by taking the Howells Holiday Tournament title.
The Tigers edged Leigh 46-44 in the championship game Dec. 30.
East Butler (6-2) used a strong inside game, among other things, to counteract the opposition's willingness to take outside shots.
The Tigers were outscored 42-9 from three-point range in the tournament, but held an 80-38 edge on points from two-point distance.
Ryley Cidlik finished with 20 points, six steals and four assists. Vince Aerts added 12 points and three assists. Cameron Smith had nine rebounds and five assists.
Josh Wendt and Blake Brabec scored 18 points each to lead Leigh (4-3).
The Tigers outrebounded Howells 32-22 to help overcome the Bobcats' six made three-pointers.
Cidlik led East Butler with 24 points, 12 rebounds and five steals. Smith had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Alan Vandenberg and Aerts each had six rebounds and three assists. Todd Pernicek dished out four assists.
Sam Schlautman scored 12 points to lead Howells (5-1), which defeated Coleridge 58-20 for third place. Brian Bayer chipped in 10 points.
East Butler hosts Shelby Friday and Conestoga next Tuesday.
