The non-league schedule is behind them and now the Cheney boys will focus on the future, that being the start of Greater Spokane League play.
The Blackhawks closed out the pre-season with a 61-37 humbling at the hands of Mt. Spokane Jan. 3 and then a 59-49 league loss to Ferris, Jan. 6.
Toss out the second and third quarters where Cheney was outscored 37-15 and the Blackhawks (0-1 GSL, 5-6 all games) played with the Wildcats (1-0, 10-1).
“I have to do a better job at making adjustments after halftime,” head coach Travis Peevey wrote in an email, referencing the 16-4 edge Mt. Spokane had in the fourth quarter.
But being outscored 21-11 in the second quarter wasn’t much of an improvement. “We need to improve at playing a full four quarters and learning how to finish games,” Peevey said. Evan Stinson led Cheney with 17 points and was the only Blackhawk in double figures.
Cheney certainly played better against Ferris and led 33-22 at the break. But coming out cold after halftime and being outscored 20-4 played large into the outcome.
“Ferris wanted it more down the stretch, they saw an opportunity to steal the momentum and never gave it back,” Peevey said.
Despite its result, the Mt. Spokane game was helpful, Peevey said. “Mt. Spokane is a great team to play to see where you’re at,” he said. “I was happy with our effort defensively, we played hard and we’re able to see what we can do when we execute the game plan.”
Newcomer transfer Gentz Hilburn topped all scorers in the game with 22 points.
Following a Jan. 10 trip to Gonzaga Prep (1-0 ,10-2), Cheney will host Central Valley (1-0, 1-10), Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
Paul Delaney is a retired Free Press Publishing reporter and can be reached at [email protected].
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