Hot Sun Kings torch Explorers

By GEORGE GEISE
Tribune Sports Editor

Link: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS/712160332/1006/SPORTS

Fans had to watch only the second quarter Saturday night to understand why the Yakama Sun Kings are the hottest team in professional basketball.

The Washington club didn't look all that special after losing the first quarter 24-20 to the Great Falls Explorers in a Continental Basketball Association clash watched by about 220 fans at Four Seasons Arena. But coach Paul Woolpert's team flashed its considerable finesse and power the second period, outscoring Great Falls 37-17 on its way to a 109-86 triumph. It was the 13th straight victory this season for the unbeaten Sun Kings, who have won the last two CBA championships and appear headed in the same direction this winter.

The Sun Kings didn't do anything spectacular in the second quarter. They kept it simple, driving relentlessly to the rim against a Great Falls team that doesn't have the size or agility to defend a well-balanced, well-conditioned team like Yakama.

The Sun Kings sank 13 of 17 shots from the floor the second 12 minutes including 12 baskets on layups or dunk shots. Desmond Ferguson added two 3-pointers and Jason Forte added one try as the Sun Kings built a 16-point halftime cushion.

They expanded the lead to 19 after three periods and the game turned into garbage time the final quarter.

As usual, Yakama got points from every corner of its roster, with seven players getting between 10 and 18 points. Guards Tim Ellis and Ray Weathers combined for 25 points, and wings Ferguson and Forte added 29. Post players Jason Sasser and Harvey Thomas — who could play small forward or big guard if needed — split up another 27 points as Yakama set a club record for consecutive victories.

Great Falls, playing another game without 6-5 shooting guard Keith Salscheider, was led by the Nates — Johnson and Green — with 16 points apiece. Shooting guard Cody Toppert was held scoreless the first quarter but finished with 15.

Tyler Hughes, a 6-11 center, came off the bench to contribute 15 points and 15 rebounds but he didn't much help in the paint.

Great Falls, which dropped to 3-11, tries again tonight at 7:05 against the Butte Daredevils, who are 2-0 against their Montana rivals this season. This will be the only 7:05 start for the club this season. All other Sunday afternoon games are set for a 3:05 tip-off.