Blackhawks turnovers lead to opening loss to Rogers

Cheney commits 17 miscues in 64-54 non-league setback

Fueled by the 3-point shooting of senior forward Gavyn Betholf, the visiting Rogers Pirates used a 16-8 second quarter run to open a 36-21 halftime margin en route to sending Cheney High School to a 64-54 defeat in the Blackhawks season opener last Wednesday.

For Blackhawks third-year head coach Gregg Smith, the tale of the tape wasn’t in shooting, but in ball control. Specifically, 17 Cheney turnovers that came at inopportune times, although a stat one might expect in a first game.

Down 15 at the half, Smith said the Blackhawks showed some...