Fred Stabbert III | Democrat Sullivan West’s Ronj Padu had 10 first half points for the Bulldogs, who won their first league game against Liberty on Thursday night.

Sullivan West spurts to first victory

Story by Fred Stabbert III
LIBERTY — January 14, 2014 — Led by a 17-0 first quarter outburst, the Sullivan West Bulldogs picked up their first win of the season with an impressive 56-44 victory over homestanding Liberty.
The Bulldogs, who had three tough losses to start the season, used their fast break offense and tenacious man-to-man defense to stifle the Indians and even their OCIAA Division IV record at 1-1. With a subsequent victory against Oxford in the consolation game of the Walton Tip -Off Tournament on Saturday, Sullivan West improved its overall record to 2-3 overall.
“We played really well,” Sullivan West head coach Bruce Nober said. “We set the tone defensively right from the start [en route to a 31-12 first half lead].”
Nober said instead of applying front court pressure to the Liberty guards, he packed it in and concentrated on stopping second shot opportunities and easy baskets around the hoop.
“We also shot the ball well and made the extra pass,” Nober said. “We played really unselfishly.”
Leading the first half charge was Ronj Padu, who netted 10 of his 15 points in the first half. Jiron Kevii, who finished with a game-high 16 points, had eight points in the first quarter, including two three pointers.
Leading the way for Liberty (1-4, 0-2 OCIAA) was Stephen Johnson with 14 and Chris Santiago with 12.
Busy Week
The Bulldogs have three games on the docket this week, all at home.
Last night the Bulldogs played non-league rival Eldred. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs will host Monticello and then take on league opponent Fallsburg on Friday night.