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Adams jumps out to an early double-digit lead, cruises past Stoney Creek, 52-38, in district opener
Clarkston – The buildup for Monday’s district opener between Rochester Adams and Rochester Hills Stoney Creek began soon after Adams’ 59-56 loss to Stoney Creek on Dec. 12.
But it sure didn’t take much time for Adams to put one of its rivals on the ropes.
The Highlanders poured it on early in a 52-38 victory over their cross-town rival at Clarkston.
Adams (14-7) scored 22 points in the first quarter to take a 13-point lead. That cushion swelled to as many as 20 by the half, 33-13, to put the Cougars in a hole they couldn’t claw out from.
"All the kids kept talking about was that game and how much we’ve improved and how much the strength of our schedule has made us better," Hall said. "They kept talking about how Stoney declared themselves city champs.
“You know, I’ve swept a lot of games with Rochester and Stoney and I don’t ever remember getting a city championship trophy. And if you’re going to win one, it sure as hell isn’t going to be in December. So, we came out with a point today, and it was to prove who is the best team in Rochester. I don’t think we left any doubt on the floor about that."
Likewise, there was little question about who the best player on the floor was.
Junior wing Spencer Littleson scored a game-high 27 points — including 16 of his team’s 19 in the second half — and grabbed 10 boards to help Adams advance to Wednesday’s semifinal against Lake Orion (3-16).
"Just about every day," Littleson said, when asked about how often he’s thought about Monday’s rematch. "They’re a cross-town rival, so when they beat us, it’s a big deal. I’ve been thinking about this one since the last game."
"I was just making open looks," he added, on his performance. "My team would get me open and I was just hitting shots I was supposed to hit. I didn’t do anything special, I was just making the shots I was supposed to."
Senior point guard Jordan Wiley added 10 points for the Highlanders.
Stoney Creek (13-8) used a 7-0 run to start the fourth to cut the deficit to 40-33 with 6:20 remaining, but the Cougars would get no closer.
Adams responded out of a timeout with a putback, followed by a quick steal-and-score by Littleson on the ensuing in-bound pass. Stoney Creek turned it over its next trip down the floor and the Highlanders put it away from the free-throw line.
Jon Paul Sinacola gave the Cougars a spark scoring all of his 12 points in the second half.
"We got out to a slow start and we didn’t have much of an offensive rhythm," Stoney Creek coach Steve Norgrove said, "and I really think Adams took advantage of that. It’s a tribute to their defense. They took us out of a lot of what we wanted to do."
