COUNTRY CLUB HILLS | T.F. South coach John O'Rourke was excited to see just where his Rebels were as the season winds down and teams prepare for the state tournament. After Friday night's showing, it's clear the Rebels need a little more work.
T.F. South (14-10, 7-5) was dominated on the boards and struggled to keep up with the Hawks all night on their way to a 68-46 South Suburban Blue Conference loss. Robert Ryan had nine points and six rebounds for the Rebels. Kenny Doss added seven points and six rebounds for T.F. South.
"I was looking forward to tonight's game," O'Rourke said. "To see where we were at and how we would rebound after a tough loss. For us to come out and play this way, I'm very disappointed."
Hillcrest jumped all over the Rebels early and T.F. South struggled to get back in the game. The Rebels trailed by 13 at the half and -- after a furious end to the third quarter -- the Rebels still trailed the host Hawks by 13. It was as close as T.F. South would be the rest of the game.
"The first half we were in the game, we just need to box out better," Ryan said. "Next time we need to play harder with better teams like Hillcrest. They're good and a top team around here."
Donald Hardaway and Ira Crawford both scored eight points for the Rebels, while no T.F. South player was able to reach double digits in scoring. The size and speed of the Hawks was too much for the Rebels. Along with being beaten on the boards, the Rebels were unable to match the intensity of Hillcrest.
"We were out-hustled and out-manned for pretty much all four quarters of basketball," O'Rourke said. "We had to rebound to stay in this game and do the little things. We did nothing."
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