Senior Marco Picco scores 33 points!!
From Hornell High School Athletics, photo from JC’s Photography
The Hornell Red Raiders improve to 4-1 on the season with their 71-42 win over the Rochester Prep Tigers at Alfred University Friday night. Hornell took the early lead in the first quarter and were able to keep the momentum throughout the game.
Coach Kirk Scholes liked the performance he saw from his team. He commented, “Tonight was probably the most complete game we have played. We had so many contributions. I love how the boys are taking the coaching and fixing the things we see and talk about in tape and at practice. This group wants to get better and they are working hard.”
Seniors Marco Picco and Demayne Dixon had a big night for the Red Raiders. Picco scored 33 points and had 9 rebounds in the win. Dixon scored 21 points and had 8 rebounds and 3 steals.
“Marco was absolutely fantastic tonight,” continued Scholes. “Obviously, a career high with 33 points, but I loved how he got those points. He got some on cuts, offensive rebounds, post ups, mid range pull-up, and 3’s. He literally just took what the defense gave him. He just seems happy. Coach Wilkinson and I were talking at practice about how much effort we have gotten from him. He’s talking more, working hard everyday, and you can see that work coming out during games. I think he’s playing with great confidence!!
“We also got a big game out of Demayne. He had a huge 3rd quarter. I thought he played more under control tonight. He made some nice kickouts. We need his ability to get into the paint. He’s been working at his pull-up and he’s getting more and more confident.”
Sophomore Elliott Klees had a big night off the bench. He scored 6 points and had 6 rebounds, 3 assists & 3 steals. “I thought we had great bench energy,” said Scholes. “Everybody played hard. Elliott Klees gave us great minutes. He hit two big 3’s.” Andrew Flint grabbed three rebounds in the win, and Dayvonta Medas added a bucket for 2 points off the bench.
Tyrone Buchanan got into foul trouble early in the game, but he added 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Ben Woolever (7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Cody Cardamone (4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) also put up solid numbers for the Red Raiders.
Teamwork is key to winning games, and Scholes was pleased with what he saw on the defensive end. “Defensively, I just loved our gap help and help side tonight. I thought we rotated on the backside. I also liked the way we rebounded. We definitely took a step in the right direction!”
Prince Massey scored 14 points for the Tigers followed by Zaquan Cohen with 8 points.
The Red Raiders travel to Wellsville to take on the Lions Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.
