Bulldogs rule over Governors

HAMMOND — Crown Point jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in a seasonfinale 79-60 win over host Morton. The Bulldogs were impressive offensively, establishing the low post game early and capitalizing on their 3-point shooting.

“It was a good game and I am very pleased the way our kids played against a good team on senior night,” Crown Point coach Clint Swan said. “We were able to establish our interior game through Nick Jeffirs and Bret Barclay, and coupled that with good shooting from the perimeter.”

Crown Point (12-8) looked to Jeffirs and Barclay early in the game in the low post, as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 19-10 lead after the first quarter.

Crown Point continued its offensive attack down low, as well as from the perimeter, but Morton stayed close due in part to the hot shooting of senior Rayan Elabed. Elabed scored 13 of his game-high 25 points in the second quarter to keep Morton within striking distance, down 38-29.

CP came out in the second half and established its consistent scoring with four players ending the game in double figures. Jeffirs led the way for the Bulldogs with 22 points followed by Grant Gelon and Thayne Bukowski with 17 points each and Barclay with 10 points.

Morton (8-12) was led by Elabed with 25 points and showed their tenacity, never quitting throughout the game.

“I am very pleased with our performance,” Morton coach Kevin Dermody said. “We battled through the entire game but give them credit. They don’t miss from the free-throw line and we fell behind early, but it is a good game that will help prepare us for the postseason next week.”

Crown Point is now focusing on sectionals next week.

“We have shown improvement through the season and we look to build on that in preparation for next week,” Swan said.