Palatine began their MSL-W conference fight with the Broncos by playing a zone style defense, but it was Barrington's shooters getting hot and into the offensive zone during the second half that proved too much for the Pirates.

"[Palatine's] zone made us uncomfortable and we were impatient to start," Barrington's coach Bryan Tucker said.  "Once they were relaxed and settled in we were able to move the ball and it allowed us to start attacking."

The Broncos  (15-6, 5-2), now winners of seven straight,were having a tough time finding the bottom of the net early during Friday's heated conference match-up with Palatine, but the Pirates were unable to capitalize on Barrington's nearly four minute scoring drought.

"We didn't really execute in that first half," Tucker said.  "We seemed tight and rushed." 

"I thought we really competed well defensively in that first half," Palatine's coach Eric millstone said.  "We were concerned about Barrington's rebounding and we made it a point of emphasis to crash hard and attack with all five guys." 

Palatine's senior guard PeterBony not only started the game's scoring but was all the offense for the Pirates during the first frame and single handily kept Palatine close to end the first at 8-6.  Bony continued his torrid offensive pace and had the ball move through his hands on each score during the first half, scoring 8 in the opening half and dishing two early assists on his way to a team high 15.

"[Bony] did a nice job offensively keeping us in the game," Millstone said of his versatile guard.  "He is a kid that creates offense on his own." 

After the Pirates (hard-luck losers of 10 of their last 12 contests), tied the game at eight early to start the second period, the last time Palatine would be close, Barrington ended the frame on an 11-4 run. 

The Bronco's sophomore guard Brad Zaumseil scoredthe last five points in the half and lead Barrington to a 19-12 advantage.  Zaumseil ended with11 points and was one of three Broncos with double digits. 

Zaumseil, who many could easily forget is an underclassman due to his physicality on the court, maturity, and decision making, picked up the offensive slack as the Broncos continued to struggle from the field and Barrington's coach Tucker couldn't have been more pleased with the consistency.

"[Zaumseil] generates so much offense and creates so many scoring opportunities for everyone else," Tucker said of his electric guard.  "He shows such poise for a sophomore; and just sees the floor so well."

Whether it was solving the Palatine zone, settling into the offensive groove or halftime adjustments, the Broncos came out of the locker room at halftime and went on a quick 15-6 run that all but put the game away. 

"[Barrington's] skill just took over that second half," Millstone said.  "It becomes difficult once they have a lead."

Barrington's senior guard Greg Gerrard found his shot and poured in eight during the Bronco scoring spurt and helped his team to a 39-22 third quarter lead.  Gerrard would remain in the hot shooting zone and opened the fourth quarter with two quick baskets on his way to a game high 16 points.

It would appear the countless hours before and after games in the trainers room, the weight room and the gym are paying off for this Bronco guard who seems to be back to doing what he wants on the court when and where he chooses.  This physical guard has little difficulties digging in down in the post, taking opponents off the dribble as he penetrates the lane, or stepping back to hit the jumper and it couldn't come sooner as the playoffs are quickly approaching.

"[Gerrard] is a great competitor who leaves his heart on the floor every game," Tucker said.  "He had a nice game and is moving better."   

The Pirates attempted a comeback during the opening stages of the fourth quarter but Barrington's junior forward John Schneider would get hot on both ends of the court and would end Palatine's hope. 

Schneider, who stayed aggressive through out much of the game, had a great move in the paint that was rewarded with his successfully converting the three point play.  Schneider would score five in the frame.  Schneider real presence was felt on the defensive end with his four rebounds in the period and key block.  Schneider ended the game with 10 points and contributed four blocks on the game as he helped Barrington to their largest lead of the night at 19 points, 50-31.

Palatine's junior forward Tom Hauert chipped in seven  for the night but it was not nearly enough as the Pirates fell to Barrington 50-34.

The Broncos have a quick turnaround as they will host South Elgin (9-9) at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29.  Hopefully not a trap game for Barrington but a tune-up game for their contest with Fremd in a week (Feb. 4) for first place in the MSL-W.