July 1, 2008 — Guidance stormed back from a 14-point deficit at the half to defeat Speak the Word 83-72 Monday night in the Continental Basketball Summer league.
The game at the Central High School gym saw the veteran Guidance squad outplayed by the youthful Speak the Word squad in the first half. However, a more physical and defensive-minded Guidance in the second half wore down their younger rivals to pull out the victory.
The game started with the teams exchanging the first three baskets to be tied at six apiece midway through the first quarter. But a balanced attack, led by Craig "Big Smooth" Williams with nine points, allowed Speak the Word to go on a 22-12 run to close out the first quarter with a 10-point lead at 28-18.
The second quarter was sloppy early, and Guidance was able to get to within seven at 37-30 at one point. But they could get no closer, and Speak the Word was able to close out the half with an 11-4 run to head into the locker room with a 14-point lead at 48-34.
At the start of the third quarter it was obvious that Guidance had a different game plan in mind as they came out with some very physical play. It got so rough at one point that the referee had to call a time out to warn both teams. When play resumed, however, it was obvious that Guidance's physical play had rattled the young Speak the Word team. From a deficit of 10 points at 55-45, Guidance went on a 12-0 run to take their first lead since the first quarter at 57-55 and they would not trail again.
The Speak the Word shooting drought ended with a basket by Claudell Williams, but a 7-0 run by Guidance — highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers by Ryan Rollins and Calvert White — ended with Guidance now up by seven at 64-57. They outscored Speak the Word 30-8 in the third to take control of the game.
Led by an eight-point fourth quarter by veteran forward Houston "Bolo" Penn, Guidance was able to ice the game, outscoring Speak the Word 19-15 in the period for a final score of 83-72.
Guidance offensively had five players in double figures, led by White, who netted 18 points with seven rebounds and eight assists, and Bolo Penn, who chipped in with 14 points. For Speak the Word, Craig Williams led the way with a game-high 19 points and eight rebounds, and teammate Jermaine Mulley chipped in with 13 points, four assist and four steals.
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