GAME STORY: Golden Eagle beat Braves . . . finally (TheTimes24-7.com)

TERRE HAUTE — Guerin Catholic’s 88-49 rout of Terre Haute South accomplished at least two things.

The Golden Eagles were able to rest starters for part of the second half when the game became out of reach for the Braves. Plus, Guerin coach Pete Smith was able to play his bench and allow those players to get some experience.

“Our bench is coming along,” Smith said. Besides junior Matt Labus (who was a starter earlier in the season before an injury), junior Nick Sahm, junior Alex Mazanowski, freshman Matthew Godfrey and senior Stuart Schultz all saw minutes. on the floor as the squad collected 19 points from its bench.

“Manz played pretty good. He earned himself some more time,” Smith said after Manzanowski scored three points and brought down five rebounds in a little more than six minutes on the floor.

“But, he’s behind three other guys who are doing pretty well right now.”

Even with bench players playing more minutes in the second half, Guerin still outscored the Braves in both quarters, building up a 49-point lead at one point.

The rest may pay dividends tonight as Guerin returns home to play Class 2A power Indianapolis Scecina in another makeup game.

***

Despite the big win, Smith wasn’t content to win the rebounds battle handily. He wanted to dominate the boards, especially when Terre Haute South was on offense.

“They’ve really struggled at rebounding. Our goal was to shut them out,” Smith said.

Guerin outrebounded South, 37-18, on both ends of the floor, but they did allow six Brave offensive rebounds.