Titans finish with sixth straight win

02/04/2012

Written by Milton Herman

Arcadia took their first lead six minutes into the game Friday night against Saguaro and never let go on their way to a 65-55 win at home in the Titans’ final regular-season game.

Before the game, Arcadia head coach Luke Neibling said it would be “by far, our biggest game of the year.” The atmosphere confirmed that statement, with only a few empty seats in the house. The rambunctious student section seemed to have a chant for every component of the game.

Arcadia finished the season 16-2 in division play and 20-6 overall. The Titans avenged both conference losses, to Paradise Valley and to Saguaro.

The Titans went to strict man-to-man defense in the first quarter as they tried to contain Saguaro’s three-point shooting. They held the Sabercats to 3-of-8 from behind the arc in the first quarter.

“They’re one of the best shooting teams in state, ” Neibling said, “and I told our guys to take it personal on defense and limit open looks, and I think we did that.”

Arcadia edged a 13-12 lead after one quarter with stellar play from Larry Lewis, who had three assists and a steal to breakaway lay-up in the period.

Lewis tallied 20 points, 8 assists and 2 steals in a memorable final home game for the senior guard. He will go down as one of the greatest players to lace it up for Arcadia. He is the unofficial all-time leader in multiple categories, including scoring and steals.

“I feel extremely privileged to have a kid on my team that talented,” Neibling said. “He’ll take on the role of leader and scorer but he’ll also distribute the ball. Great player, great teammate, it has been a joy coaching him.”

The Titans built the lead to nine in the second quarter by forcing five turnovers. Chris Thompson also blocked a shot that deflated the Saguaro fans, which was the largest opposing student section of the year.

After missing a dunk in the first quarter, Thompson started the second half with a one handed throw down via a lob from Lewis. The play ignited a 13-4 run by Arcadia, and the Titans took a 50-35 lead into the fourth quarter.

The final period slowly evolved into a sloppy mess with a technical given to both sides. Saguaro hit 11-of-14 free throws in the final five minutes and eventually cut the lead to 10.

The lack of whistle-to-whistle intensity concerned Neibling.

“The guys have to understand no game is over until the final buzzer,” he said. “A couple of guys let up tonight, and we can’t have that, especially going into the sectional and state tournaments.”

Andrew Naderer put in 14 for the game. Thompson added eight.

Eleven of the fourteen varsity players were honored before the game. Andrew Bradway, David Forker, Lewis, Mitch Manor, Zack Moses, Naderer, Cole Richardson, Thompson, Ian Walker, Parker White and Terrol Wilson were all recognized for senior night. The core group of Lewis, Thompson, Naderer and Wilson have a compiled a record of 65-17 the past three seasons.

Arcadia remained unbeaten at home (9-0) for the year and finished the season on a six game winning streak.

The Titans quest for a state title begins with the sectional playoffs. They are scheduled to play Youngker High School at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday at Saguaro High School.