Saugus Sends a Loud Message

Maybe it was the chants the Saugus High boys’ basketball team heard from the Canyon stands early in the game.

Whatever the reason, the Centurions became inspired en route to an 85-42 victory in a Foothill League opener Friday night at Saugus.

After falling behind, 9-4, midway through the first quarter, Saugus went on a 16-2 run and Canyon was never heard from again.

Consequently, the Centurions (10-6) served notice to the rest of the league.

“We want to be the team to beat for the league title and we sent a message,” said guard Chad Krough, who scored a game-high 20 points.

It was the second blowout this week for the Centurions, who routed Carpinteria, 96-32, in a nonleague game Tuesday.

After Brian Waite gave Canyon (9-8) a 9-4 lead with a dunk, Saugus dominated play and took a 39-16 halftime lead.

Krogh did much of the damage, scoring 15 points in the first half. He made eight of 13 shots in the game, including two three-point baskets.

“Chad had one of those special games,” Saugus Coach Jeff Hallman said. “He played well at both ends of the floor. He played as well as I’ve ever seen him.”

Krogh had plenty of help. All 12 Centurions scored.

Justin Muszalski had nine points and five rebounds, and three Saugus players had eight points each.

Canyon was hurt by 14 turnovers in the first half. The Cowboys made only 15 of 49 shots (30.6%) in the game.

The only player who scored in double figures for Canyon was Matt Nelson with 10. Waite scored only five points but had 10 rebounds.

Although impressed, Hallman doesn’t want his team to lose perspective early in league play.

“This wasn’t Carpinteria,” Hallman said. “[Canyon] was a tough basketball team and I expect it to be a lot tougher when we go there. They won’t all be like this.”