Running behind a combined 45 points from seniors Bryce Saxton and Deion Gatson, Cassopolis started out 2016 on a positive note by beating visiting Eau Claire 72-38 Tuesday night.

Cassopolis started out the evening on an 11-2 run in the opening three minutes, which was capped off on a Gatson backdoor alley-oop from Saxton.

After an Eau Claire timeout, the Beavers were able to get a couple of baskets and looked to cut the lead, however, an 11-0 run soon followed with two minutes remaining and the Rangers finished the first quarter with a 23-11 lead.

Gatson and Saxton had 21 of the 23 points in the first quarter.

The opening minutes of the second quarter had Eau Claire get into the flow of the game and cutting the Cassopolis lead to six with 3:46 left in the half.

A slight adjustment from Cassopolis coach Ricky Evans following a timeout was just what the Rangers needed, finishing the half on a 17-2 run and a 47-26 lead.

Gatson had 24 points in the first half, which surprised Evans.

“I’m surprised he hadn’t done it sooner,” he said. “But it’s good that he was able to get it going tonight. Now the others can start to follow his lead.”

As fast paced as the first half was, the second half slowed down.

At one point Eau Claire had possession for a full two minutes, which got the Cassopolis crowd a little riled.

Cassopolis was also able to get the second and third unit players in for some quality game time.

“It’s good that the guys got in today,” Evans said. “Our starters do a great job of playing defense, we just need to continue to make sure that our bench players do the same thing.”

Gatson finished with 27 points, Saxton with 18 points and fellow senior Alex Emerson had 10 points.

Nine players scored for the Rangers who moved to 3-2 on the young season.

Cassopolis hosts White Pigeon Friday night.

In the varsity action, Cassopolis edged Eau Claire 43-41.

 

CASSOPOLIS 72, EAU CLAIRE 38

At Cassopolis

EAU CLAIRE 38

Robert Head 4, Daveon Dyson 4, Javion Thomas 17, Devin Griffis 2, Kyrek Alexander 4, Austin Dohm 1, Daniel Jones 6. TOTALS: 14 9-17 38.

CASSOPOLIS 72

Deion Gatson 27, Bryce Saxton 18, Alex Emerson 10, Shane Los 2, Marquise Curtis 2, Kiambo Gary 3, Xander Smith 4, Brandon Anderson 2, Matthew Pittman 4. TOTALS: 29 9-15 72.

 

Eau Claire      11       26       32       38

Cassopolis      23       47       62       72

3-point baskets: Eau Claire 1 (Dyson), Cassopolis 5 (Saxton 3, Gatson, Gary); Total fouls (fouled out): Eau Claire 12 (none), Cassopolis 14 (none); Varsity records: Eau Claire 1-4, Cassopolis 3-2.