By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
YEATESVILLE — Danvonte Phelps seemed to have a smile on his face the entire game, and for good reason. Phelps erupted for 21 points in leading the Creswell Tigers to a 76-34 win over the Terra Ceia Knights in Tuesday’s seventh-place game of the 30th annual WDN/PotashCorp Aurora Holiday Tournament.
Phelps was one of four players to score in double figures for Creswell (4-5), who jumped out to a 22-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
“We were working on a lot of things, but we still have some things to work on,” Creswell coach Wayne Rodgers said. “We did play a little better offensively tonight.”
Garry Blount had 18 points, Justin Phelps 17 and Xavier Owens 12 for the Tigers.
The Tigers were certainly unselfish, as four players had at least eight points by halftime. The Tigers led 40-17 at that point.
While Terra Ceia (6-6) struggled to keep up with the Tigers, coach Roger Klaassen was glad his Knights gained some valuable experience in the tournament.
“This is absolutely going to help us,” Klaassen said. “To learn how to play at that level and that speed is what I’m after. It’s a hard lesson to learn. We took our hits, but I think we’ll be better for it.”
Danvonte Phelps scored eight points in the third quarter, as Creswell used a 17-5 run in grabbing a 57-22 advantage. The Tigers were able to coast from there.
Jacob Latham paced the Knights with nine points, all coming from behind the arc.
One of the few highlights for Terra Ceia was when Devon Rhodes knocked down a 3-pointer.
Derrick Chesson had six points and Thaddeus Van Essendelft five for the Knights.
“Thaddeus really handled the ball well,” Klaassen said. “I was able to get some players off the bench some more time, and that helps them.”
Creswell 22 18 17 19 — 76
Terra Ceia 7 10 5 12 — 34
Creswell (76)
Danvonte Phelps 21, Garry Blount 18, Justin Phelps 15, Xavier Owens 12, Hill 8, Honablew 2.
Terra Ceia (34)
Latham 9, Chesson 6, Van Essendelft 5, Van Staalduinen 4, Lilley 3, Rhodes 3, Howell 2, Boerema 2.