Boys basketball: Crown Point holds on to beat LaPorte

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:52AM

CROWN POINT — There’s a simple hope that lingers on the minds of coaches and players alike during a retooling season: Let’s make the right steps to improve.

And after many of their key pieces graduated, the Crown Point boys basketball team has been no exception this season. But now, with a majority of the schedule already played out, Bulldogs coach Clint Swan has had some time to enjoy the maturity exhibited in the last couple games.

After a gritty win over Duneland Conference rival Merrillville on Friday, the Bulldogs again broke out of a close situation on Thursday night against another DAC school, LaPorte. With a one- to two-point lead throughout the first three quarters, the Dogs capitalized on every advantage in the final eight minutes of a 61-51 home victory.

“It’s huge for us to pull out a win in the fourth, I think we’re showing that we’re no longer a young team,” Swan said.

As the growing continues —including increased production at the free throw line and less turnovers — younger players like sophomore forward Bret Barclay exhibit the proof. While juniors Tom Bardeson (two 3s) and Zach Plesac (four 3s), led the effort with 20 points each, Barclay’s career-high 13 rebounds set a tone.

“I felt that was the biggest way that I could help my team is get rebounds and prevent second chance scoring,” Barclay said.

Though CP (8-8) outscored LaPorte (8-10) 19-10 in the fourth, late into the frame their lead slipped to 55-51. From there Plesac scored four free throws (including two awarded on a technical foul against Slicers coach Tom Wells) to lock up the win.

“Zach’s over 90 percent from the free throw line, so to put him up there was a no brainer,” Swan said.