Cougar boys dominate the Saints

DIXFIELD -- There was little doubt who was in control because Dirigo boys' basketball team rallied to remain unbeaten with a convincing 70-29 triumph against St. Dominic at Defoe Gymnasium.

Freshman Riley Robinson scored a game-high 20, while Robbie Babb added 18 points from the inside to lead the offense.

Dirigo has rebuilt from within and have been able to maintain its focus and remain unbeaten in the Mountain Valley Conference.

Against the Saints, the Cougars opened with a smothering 2-2-1 defense and forced nine turnovers in the first quarter. Kaine Hutchins (12 points, two three pointers) and Babb sparked the offensive charge throughout the first half. The pressure forced the Saints to take several poor shots, with Hunter Ross and the Frost brothers, T.J. and Tyler, harassing in the back court.

“After playing together so long with Hunter, we each know what the other is going to do on defense,” said TJ Frost, regarding his senior classmate. “We knew our guards would be back on defense after our shots. Our big guys were able to crash the boards and get second shots.”

The Cougars owned the boards with Robinson, (seven), Dylan Kidder, Gavin Arsenault (eight points, two treys) and Babb with six each.

In the second quarter, Dirigo raced away with 18 points, while limiting SD to three points on one of seven shooting. Even with the fast-paced action, there was just nine fouls called in the first half. Dirigo had a commanding 28-7 lead at halftime.

“Our guards were running well the entire game,” said Ross, who scored seven points. “Our offense feeds off good defense (transition baskets). Everyone helps each other out.”

Ross and T.J. Frost set up easy baskets, with good anticipation of SD passes that led to steals in the third quarter.

The trio of Ross and the Frost brothers combined for 16 steals and 17 assists.

The Cougars shot a solid 48 percent, made 17 of 24 free throws and turned the ball over 19 times. They maintained their pressure, holding the Saints to 27 percent shooting and 32 turnovers. SD made four treys in the third quarter and drained two treys to open the final period.

“I agree with them,” said Tyler Frost, while taking the high road.