Croton's Huge Third Quarter Leads to Rout of Yonkers

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The Croton-Harmon Tigers have been known for their pressure defense in the past several years. That press helped the Tigers dominate the third quarter en route to a 53-24 drubbing of Yonkers on Monday in the first challenge game of the 13th Annual Slam Dunk Tournament at the Westchester County Center.

Tigers coach Bill Thom scouted his opponent and knew the Bulldogs did not have much depth on the roster. So when the second half started, he switched to a full-court press to tire out the opposition.

“That was the harder of the three combinations,” Thom said.

Croton led Yonkers, 27-17, at the half. The Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 17-2 in the third quarter to widen the lead considerably, thanks in large part to the press that flustered Yonkers.

The coach’s youngest son, junior guard Ian Thom, was named MVP of the game despite having what his father/coach called one of his worst shooting performances of the season.

The younger Thom agreed.

“I couldn’t hit the chippies today,” Thom said.

Thom was 5-18 from the floor, including 3-9 from beyond the arc. He led all scorers with 15 points and added four rebounds. He also played, by far, the most minutes for the Tigers with 28.

The junior said he was just pleased to get the win and was humbled by the recognition.

“A lot of great names have come through this tournament,” Thom said. “And it’s a pleasure to be honored.”

Yonkers outrebounded Croton, 40-32, but could not seem to find the basket all afternoon. The Bulldogs were 9-42 (21.4 percent) overall from the floor and missed all 16 of their three point attempts. Senior Alex Gallinari, who played 31 of 32 minutes, was just 2-18 shooting.

Two years ago at the Slam Dunk Tournament, Croton defeated Valhalla in a challenge game. The Tigers found themselves back at the Westchester County Center in the postseason and Coach Thom believed the win earlier that year played a role in that success.

He hopes the same will be true this year.

“It’s good for the kids to get a taste of what it’s like,” Thom said.

 

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