10:03 AM, Dec. 21, 2011
Drew Allred
For The Spectrum & Daily News | ST. GEORGE - The Hurricane Tiger defense scared the Wasatch Wasps into submission Tuesday at the Dixie Great 8 tournament. Like a momma bear defending her cubs, the Tigers defended their hoop and walked out of Burns Arena with a 53-44 victory, and a scared opponent.
Wasatch touted 3A's top scorer, Matt Pelo, who came in averaging 22 points per game. By the end of the third quarter, visually frustrated by Hurricane's constant pressure, Pelo only had three points. The Tigers' Taylor Parker skillfully handled the job of guarding Pelo most of the night.
"I just worked hard, denied the pass, and watched his hips," Parker said. "He's a good player so you've always got to stay on him."
Besides sticking to Pelo on defense, Parker had a stellar game offensively. Parker's scoring contributions really helped as the down-low duo of Boston Gubler and Colton Marshall somewhat struggled to finish at the basket. Parker led all scorers with 17 points on the night and seemed to have a breakout game for the Tigers.
"I just think I'm getting into better shape, it's kind of been hard getting back into shape from football," Parker said. "I've been shooting a lot, getting into shape and getting on the court more so my legs can be fresh."
The whole Tiger squad looked fresh as their lengthy defense altered shot after shot and smothered the Wasps offense. In the last few minutes of the first quarter, Hurricane set the tone for the entire game by blocking four shots, three of which were jumpers. Hurricane led 18-14 after one quarter.
In the second quarter, Hurricane's defense held Wasatch to only seven points and built a 30-21 halftime lead.
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