Gray, boys celebrate big day in style

February 5, 2006

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Colony boys basketball coach Jeff Bowker's attempt to fire up his team during the half-time intermission didn't quite get the job done.

What he couldn't accomplish the members of the Colony High Marching Band did, as they serenaded senior Ryan Gray with what can best be described as a less than enthusiastic rendition of Happy Birthday.

Inspired by the gesture Gray led the Knights to a 65-43 victory over visiting Northern Lights Conference foe Homer Friday.

&#8220Coach tried to get us going,” Gray said of the locker room pep talk. &#8220We had a slim 23-21 lead at the break and needed something to get us going. Then the band started singing and I just got fired up.”

During the first five minutes of the second half Gray put them team on his back and guided them to the perfect birthday celebration.

He started the half by scoring the Knights first six points, eventually scoring 10 of his game-high 18 in the third period. But that was not his only contribution.

He made three diving saves, keeping the ball in play. He had three steals during the third period surge, setting up lay ups for teammates Tim Egger, Tom Creasey and his brother Doug. He also pulled in five rebounds during the initial five minutes of the second half.

By the time coach Bowker called him to the bench for a breather, the Knights had blew open what was once a close game, taking a commanding 44-33 lead.

&#8220It couldn't have happened on a better night,” Gray said. &#8220Homer has gotten some big wins against conference teams already, so it means a lot for us to have this one under our belt.”

While Gray was racking up 18 points on his 18th birthday, his younger brother Doug also found his rhythm. Thanks to a pair of second half three pointers he scored all of his 13 points in the second half.

Creasey, who benefited from an over the shoulder pass from Ryan, also added 14 for the Knights.

Jeremy Andrews led the Mariners with 16 points, including three three-pointers in the first half. His hot hand cooled in the second half as the Colony defense tightened.

The Knights improve to 10-1 on the season and remain unbeaten in four conference games.

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or at darrell.breese@frontiersman.com.

Colony 65, Homer 43

Homer 11 10 12 10 - 43

Colony 16 7 21 21 - 65

Homer - Smith 0 3-4 3; Andrews 7 0-0 16; Gilbert 3 0-0 8; Isenhour 1 0-0 3; Logan 2 0-0 5; Layland 1 0-0 2; Thompson 1 1-4 3; McWilliams 1 1-3 3. Totals 16 5-11 43.

Colony - R. Gray 8 2-2 18; Registe 2 1-2 5; Egger 4 1-2 9; D. Gray 4 3-4 13; Price 3 0-1 6; Creasey 7 0-0 14. Totals 28 7-12 65.

Fouled Out - None. Three Pointers - Andrews (2), Gilbert (2), Logan, Isenhour, R. Gray (2).