January 15, 2012

Kyle Anderson (left) had 11 points, six rebounds and six assists for St. Anthony. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

St. Anthony vs St. Peter's Prep Boys Basketball Photo Gallery

JERSEY CITY – Defense and a balanced scoring distribution on offense - two traits so synonymous with St. Anthony's success over the years, it has seemingly become ingrained in the program's DNA.

Both characteristics were once against a part of a Friars team which is seemingly hitting its stride as they posted their 11th-straight win to start the season. This victory, a 61-21 clinic over in-city rival St. Peter's Prep in the Dan Finn Classic at the Jersey City Armory.

"We're definitely gelling together," junior guard Hallice Cooke said. "Everyone's playing helpside defense and we're sharing the ball. That's the best part about it."

After allowing just 14 points in the first half, St. Anthony (11-0) ratcheted up the defense to a higher level in the second half. The Friars allowed just seven points over the final 16 minutes, including just two free throws in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer from Sean Ryan in the final minute of the third quarter would be the last field goal St. Peter's Prep (7-3) would get on the evening.

As a team St. Anthony forced 19 turnovers and held Prep standout Tyrone O'Garro to just three points. The Monmouth-bound senior wing had entered the day averaging more than 15 points per game.

"With the exception of fouling in the first half I think we played great defensively," head coach Bob Hurley said. "I think we adjusted in the second half."

Adjustments were also made on the offensive end with Cooke re-inserted into the starting lineup and Tariq Carey moved into a sixth-man role off the bench.

The swith proved effective with Cooke and Carey combined for 18 points in the first half as the Friars built up a 29-14 lead into the intermission. The duo hit four 3-pointers in the first half, heeding the advice of Hurley to be more aggressive on the offensive end.

"I think kids are getting more comfortable with something they should be comfortable with - coaches telling them to shoot the ball. That's a comfort level a lot of us would like to have," Hurley said. "Hallice today took more shots than he's been taking. I thought Tariq was really effective. We kind of reversed the roles with Hallice starting and Tariq coming off the bench to give us a little more offensive hunger coming off the bench."

"I think we're playing with a lot more confidence," added Cooke. "The coaches are putting that confidence in us every day in practice and pushing us to get better."

Cooke was one of four players to score in double figures as he finished with 12 points. Carey scored 11 points and Kyle Anderson had 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Jerome Frink, who had 13 points and five rebounds to earn MVP honors for a game it looked like he wouldn't be able to participate in just 72 hours prior. Frink and St. Anthony survived a scare on Wednesday when he suffered a dislocated ring finger, originally feared to be a long-term injury.

"With Jerome, we're so fortunate," Hurley said. "He left practice and we thought he'd be gone for weeks. Went to Jersey City Medical Center, it was miraculously put back into place. We were blessed that he was back and he means a lot to us because him like Kyle have been through the wars out there."

"I thought I was going to be out until the state tournament," Frink said. "When I went to the hospital they said I should be good by Saturday and I was grateful."

Sean Cummings was selected as the MVP for St. Peter's Prep after scoring a team-high six points.

St. Peter's Prep sophomore Austin White had four poitns and two assists in the first half. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

St. Anthony vs St. Peter's Prep Boys Basketball Photo Gallery