POLSON BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Krell's big night

POLSON - The Pirates (2-1) had the right game plan against

Hamilton: get it to their 6'6" senior post Tyler Krell and let him

terrorize the Broncs around the basket. It worked last Saturday

night to the tune of career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds by Krell

and a 75-62 victory for Polson.

POLSON - The Pirates (2-1) had the right game plan against Hamilton: get it to their 6'6" senior post Tyler Krell and let him terrorize the Broncs around the basket. It worked last Saturday night to the tune of career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds by Krell and a 75-62 victory for Polson.

"That was a point of emphasis for us, getting the ball in to the post," Pirate head coach Brad Pluff said. "We thought we could have some success there."

The crowd busted out the glowsticks for their Polson team, but it wasn't the only light show that night as the Pirates came out with a purpose. Polson started the game with a 10-0 run, that included eight points from Krell and finished the first quarter with a 24-9 lead.

"I liked the way we came out," Pluff said. "The intensity level is right where it needs to be. I was happy with the way the kids executed the game plan."

Polson started the second quarter on an 11-2 run and went into the lockerroom at halftime 37-21. The Pirates also came out strong in the third quarter with a 10-3 run but let up a bit down the stretch. Despite a late 12-1 run by Hamilton, Polson still won handily, 75-62.

"I felt like we got a bit sloppy," Pluff said. "I understand it's difficult to remain focused when you're up by a lot but we've got to finish out better against teams."

Still, it was a good win for several reasons. Krell was able to gain some confidence and show his incredible potential after being saddled with foul trouble two weekends ago at the Tip-off Tournament in Flathead County. He shot an eye-popping 14-for-16 from the field and he played tough while Polson's guards showed a nearly ESP-like knack at getting him the ball. Rebounding was exceptional by the Pirates as not only Krell hauled in the boards but junior Riley Sampson and senior Ian Laimbeer as well.

Laimbeer hauled in nine rebounds while scoring five points. Sampson tallied seven rebounds and scored nine points, while showing no shyness toward contact, rolling up the sleeves and getting down to business around the hoop. The Pirates, as a team, outrebounded Hamilton 40-14.

"Riley is just a horse for us," Pluff said. "He did all the dirty work for us."

Pluff said he liked what he saw from junior guard Zack Camel, who ended the game with 12 points. Camel had a balanced game and looked like he was everywhere on the court on Saturday. Polson also go good play from senior point guard Vince DiGiallonardo, who scored six points and again played quarterback on the court.

"Vince got the ball inside, took care of the ball and ran the team well," Pluff said.

The Lake Show continues this Thursday, when they'll host conference foe Frenchtown at 7:30 p.m.

"The season starts on Thursday for us," Pluff said. "Conference games determine the seeding at divisionals and you can't afford to lose conference games at home."

While Frenchtown is a newcomer to the Northwestern A Conference this season, Pluff thinks the team will be better than last year's two-win squad. He'd like to see his team continue to focus on the inside game and improve their defense against the Broncs.

POLSON @ HAMILTON

Ham. - 9 - 12 - 16 - 25 - 62

Polson - 24 - 13 - 18 - 20 - 75

Pirates scoring - Tyler Krell 31, Vince DiGiallonardo 6, Will Davey 5, Ian Laimbeer 5, Zach Camel 12, Cody Fischer 6, Brady Hislop 1, Riley Sampson 9