Sedlack's Knights take out ex-team

New River Ridge coach is 1-0 against former team Central.

By DEREK LARIVIERE
Published December 13, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Old habits die hard. Coach John Sedlack proved it on Tuesday night when he and his River Ridge team traveled to his old stomping grounds at Central.

Against the team he used to lead and the program he founded 19 years ago, Sedlack took home a 61-42 victory.

River Ridge (2-7) has struggled this season with Sedlack at the helm of a rebuilding effort, but in a game that had a lot of hype off the court, emotions ran high.

"Everyone around here has mentioned it today," Central coach Eric Hayes said before the game.

Central (1-9) kept the score close in the first quarter, only down 13-11 at the closing horn. Defensive breakdowns and a lack of rebounding inside led to a spark for the Royal Knights in the second quarter. River Ridge took a 33-19 lead into the locker room.

"It looked like (Central) wanted to play a little harder because it was on the opposing bench," Sedlack said. "I have to give them credit. They played with a lot of heart."

Heart was not enough as the Bears failed with execution much of the game.

The Royal Knights were led by the defensive presence of James Swanson. The forward accounted for a game-high 13 rebounds and three blocks. He also added six points.

Forward Jeff Smithson was the focal point of the offense with 18 points. Point guard Jeremy Bilancione dished out six assists on the night.

Central got another great effort offensively from its leading scorer, small forward Darryn Frazier. The swingman netted a game-high 21 points while contributing five steals and four rebounds.

[Last modified December 13, 2006, 05:21:06]