Locking it down: Central’s defense takes QND out of game in second half of key WCC matchup

CAMP POINT, Ill. — When asked, Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett has no problem pointing out what is special about senior center Gavin Blewett.

“Gavin brings such huge energy, and he stepped up big for us tonight,” Barnett said.

Correct on both accounts, Coach.

The 6-foot-2 Blewett produced game highs of 14 points and seven rebounds Friday night, helping Central remain unbeaten with a convincing 42-32 victory over Quincy Notre Dame in West Central Conference play.

The “huge energy” Barnett spoke of, while an intangible, was evident for all to see in the second half. 

Blewett, an active presence at both ends of the floor, scored all 14 of his points during the final two quarters and inspired a strong defensive showing from Central with his body-to-body approach along the baseline. 

Blewett’s effort set a definitive tone, especially on defense, that allowed the Panthers to maintain a double-figure lead the entire fourth quarter and most of the second half. 

Offensively, Blewett has averaged 15.3 points over his last three games and represents one of the Panthers’ top three scoring threats. Nick Moore, who was averaging 20 points per game, was limited to seven by QND, but hard-working point guard Drew Paben contributed 11. 

“It was a physical game, a very physical game … and our defense was solid the whole game,” Blewett said. “Our offense started slow in the (third quarter), but overall we had a solid second half.”

Central (7-0) has held all of its opponents to less than 40 points and five to 30 or fewer. Central is surrendering just 31.2 points per game.

“We had put in a lot of work on defense the last few days,” Barnett said. “Our goal was to hold Notre Dame under 35.”

Notre Dame coach Kevin Meyer had nothing but praise for the Panthers.

“A lot of credit goes to Central,” Meyer said. “They shot well, hit their free throws and every time we had a run, they answered.”

Meyer said he did not feel QND (5-3) got caught looking ahead to Saturday night’s game with arch rival Quincy High School (9-0), which is the No. 3-ranked school in this week’s Class 4A state poll. QHS downed United Township 50-34 on Friday night.

“I don’t think it was so much looking ahead as it was looking back,” he said. “I think our kids remembered Central beat us last year, and I think they were thinking about that. I also think we got complacent … and we were hesitant to shoot.”

The only player to score in double figures for QND was senior Connor Young with 14 points. Noah Lunt had six rebounds.

An exhausted Paben admitted it was a grueling night, thanks to QND’s pressure defense. And while speaking of defense, Paben made sure to emphasize he felt the Panthers’ own defense was the deciding factor overall. 

“Our defense locked it down in the second half,” Paben said. “I think our defense helped us control the flow of the game.”

Paben was able to handle his duties on both ends of the floor despite being in foul trouble much of the game. Barnett pointed out Paben “took a couple of charges” at key points, despite playing with three fouls he picked up relatively early in the game.

“Drew is so strong, and he never backs down,” Barnett said.

While Central is far from a finished product according to its coach, the Panthers are progressing quite nicely.

“Just find a way to win,” Barnett said. “We’re on track where we need to be defensively, but on offense, there’s still some work to be done. It will come though.”

Central tries to stretch its unbeaten streak Saturday against Bowling Green (Mo.) at 10:30 a.m. in the 16th Rumble on the River Shootout at John Wood Community College.

“I told the kids right after (Friday night’s) game, we get to do it all over again in about 13 1/2 hours,” Barnett said.