Moeller High School 2002-03 Basketball Articles

!Vloeuer ~:>; l:.-tevemna t1e1gms t'+

Mar. 26, 2003

HOME

.Page 1 ot 4

SPORTS

CLASSIFIEDS

ENTERTAINMENT

LOCALINFO -

GIVEAWAYS

SE1

PREP SPORTS Saturday, March 22, 2003 BOYS BASKETBALL Schedules & Results Leaders Standings Teams Players

GIRLS BASKETBALL Schedules & Results Leaders Standings Teams Players FOOTBALL Leaders Teams MORE PREPS Cross Country Field Hockey Golf Soccer Tennis Volleyball

MORE SPORTS Enquirer Sports WCPO Sports Post Sports

uc Xavier NKU

DIV.I STATI

Moeller 85, Cleveland Heights 74 Crusaders blow 19-point lead, win in overtime

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer COLUMBUS - Moeller had it all the way. Well, most of the way.

Except for the part where the Crusaders blew a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter, Moeller dominated Cleveland Heights in an 85-74 overtime win in the Ohio Division I state semifinals Friday night.

DIV.III STAT

"I'm just glad to live to fight one more day," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "I thought our kids showed tremendous courage to come out and dominate the overtime the way we did."

The crowd of 16,423 at Ohio State's Value City Arena saw one of the most astonishing games in the tournament's 81-year history. Certainly, it was one of the most amazing finishes.

Moeller's Andrew Brackman goes up for a shot over Cleveland Heights' U. Shawn Butler.

Brackman had 25 points.

(AP photo/Terry Gilliam) I .200M I

Moeller, led by unstoppable 6-7 junior forwards Josh Duncan (27 points, 16 rebounds) and Andrew Brackman (25 points, nine rebounds) stormed out of the box for a 157 first quarter lead. The Crusaders threw a little Greater Catholic League South defensive pressure at Cleveland Heights, taking four charging fouls in the first quarter alone.

Reading_!!J:!set s..Ygarcreek Ga1 win the Divisjo1

COLLEGE: • Class of 2003

Cleveland Heights, known as an aggressive, board-crashing team at the offensive end, was taken out of its game. For three quarters, anyway.

Moeller built a lead of 32-23 by halftime, and extended it to 61-42 before things came apart with under six minutes left.

Moeller started to turn the ball over against Cleveland Heights' pressure.

The Crusaders missed a few free throws. Cleveland Heights started

http://cincinnati.com/preps/2003/03/22/Moeller-0322.html

3/26/03

Moeller~),

uevelanct Heights /4

Page 2 of4

getting the ball inside and scoring.

"We just got a little panicky, and we made some mistakes," Kremer said. "I wasn't doing a very good job of coaching, .either. I kept telling our guys . to attack, and to play to win."

Yet, the margin started dwindling ... 6149 ... 65-59 ... and then, 66-66 to force overtime.

"It was kind of overwhelming," Moeller point guard Rob Christie said. "But we've been through so much this year, we just dug down and gutted it out."

Cleveland Heights' Darren Jones knocks the ball away from Moeller's Rob Christie.

(AP photo/Terry Gilliam)

The onslaught left Moeller's players I ZOOM I temporarily dazed. Then, while waiting for the four-minute overtime to begin, the Crusaders started to get rewed up.

"I looked at guys on the bench and saw guys who didn't want to lose," Kremer said.

As quickly as it had faded, Moeller suddenly caught fire again. After falling behind 68-66 to start overtime, the Crusaders went off on a 160 run that netted an 85-70 lead. Game over.

Moeller seeks its second state title.

MOELLER (22-4) - Duncan 12 2 27; Kimener 1 4 6; Brackman 12 1 25; Christie 4 4 13; Walther 3 1 8; Childress 1 4 6. Totals: 33 16 85.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS (22-4) - Nixon 1 0 2; Osborne 4 1 10; Grey 1 0 2; Jones 4 2 12; Battle 4 3 13; Ledwell 1 0 2; Haynes 2 0 4; Powers 3 0 9; Butler 7 0 14; Thompson 1 0 2; Boyd 2 0 4. Totals: 30 6 74.

Moeller 15 17 22 12 19 -85 Clev. Heights 7 16 17 26 8 -74

GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK Ballpark dedication, open house today Special Section: Great American Ball Park unveiled Join our Ballpark Review team New clock nothing like Crosley's REDS-BASEBALL CaseyE.gaining swing after surgery Reds Notebook: Rain-out scrambles pitching plans Baseball Notebook: Cubs closer Alfonseca injured Spring Training Games S_pring Training_Standings

http:/I cincinnati.com/preps/2003/03/22/Moeller-0322.html

3/26/03

Moeller~),

Cleveland Heights

/4

Page jot 4

XAVIER BASKr:TBALL Xavier 71, Troy State 59 DAUGHERTY: XU avoids first-round pitfalls XU Notebook: Muskies fine without West Maryland 75. NC-Wilmington 73 KENTUCKY BASKETBA_LL Kentucky 95. IUPUI64 UK. Utah meet again UK Notebook: Fitch returns to form UC BASKETBALL Bearcats see better things ahead UC's Merrill: What's the fuss?

LATE FRIDAY NCAA GAMES Butler 4 7. Mississippi St. 46 Indiana 67. Alabama 62 Maryland 75. NC-Wilmington 73 TOURNAMENT WRAPUPS Midwest: Utah plucks Oregon East: Wake fends off upset South: Florida beats jinx Previews of today's games at: Indianapolis I Oklahoma City I Salt Lake City! Spokane NIT Games: Temple advances WOMEN'S NCAA TOURNAMENT T earn standouts lead the way HORSE RACING Lion Tamer class of Turfway's Derby prep NBA NSA Games: Garnett shows Duncan MVP case LOCAL SPORTS Thomas More football player dies Ducks tie. Cyclones win OHIO HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL MQ~IIer. ReadiQfLP.lCIY_for @~ยง_today Mqeller~5,_Cieyelaml tl~ights~4

Readir19 rallies around basketball team Middletown longs for glQry_gqyยง_ Col. Brookhaven 59. Tal. St. John's 53 LeBron wants title, not Bacon revenge Alter 53. Cols. Beechcroft 45 Ohio boys state championship schedule KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Ky. Boys Sweet 16 Highlights

Return to Prep Sports front page ... ieEmail this story to a friend

http://cincinnati.com/preps/2003/03/22/Moeller-0322.html

3/26/03

.. ..

-~

' ... :

-$~;:~:,~ _.:~~: <~~-

..

--- -..---"' --·-"·--------·· ---·~:::r

scored 20 points a_s Moeller oea\ HamlitOif 81~3, Saturday in a Division I regio~al fiiihl at Wrlgbt State University's N.~tter Ceriter.

I ':J Walter made five of six three-pointers· and the· Crusaders made nine of14 treys (~5'percent);\ · .':·_While Walters was scoring on the outside, the &usaders' pair of 6-foot~7 juniors Andrew Brack-· man and-Josh Duncan dominated play under the basket as Moeller took at 17-4 frr~t-quarter lead Brackiriari flnished with 19 pointfand Duncan had iS':poizlts. - · · · · ;.:.:,r>.':~ -~·;. :1''; ·-~·, ,. .: jf'Jon Smith had 14 point's anq!:was the o_nly -~-corer fu double figures for Hainilton (20-5)... ~ ·. The Big Blue shot just 5-of-17 from the fleld (29 pe~c.eTI.t~ in the fi~s~ half, ~n;ludin~ O~of-_6 on. thie~pomters. ~- - ·'" ··· · ~- -~' _• ;l· ' -:~ , ..

J:, Moeller outrebounded Hiunilton; 38-28. : ·· T Moeller (21-4) plays Cleveland Heights (22-3) 6 p.m. Friday in_ the_ ~tate semifinals at value City Arena in Colum,b,tisf' · ' · ' · Bubba

!

I

at

Moeller manages OT win in state semi

BY MARK D. Morz SPORTS EDITOR MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

COLUMBUS -The Division I state basketball semifinals looked vaguely familiar.

Moeller High School had made a habit of putting together devastating streaks to put an opponent away - 17-0 in 2:20 against Beavercreek in the district· finals, 21-l over the last I 0: 15 against Springboro in the regional semifinals -on the way to the Final Four.

This time, · though, the Crusaders were the streak victims, blowing a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter before coming up with an 85-74 victory against Cleveland Heights March 21.

Moeller led 61-42 with 6:06 to play after Josh Duncan's tip of a missed free throw. But the Tigers tied it 66-66 with 54 sec" onds left on Darren Jones' only

basket of the game.

Neither team scored the rest of regulation.

Osborne Gardner scored on a follow-up bucket for Heights to start the overtime. Bubba Walther gave Moeller the lead back with a three-point goal.

Gardner scored in the post, 70-69, before Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie gave his team the lead for good with a driving score with 3: 10 to play. · "It was overwhelming, but we just kind of gutted it out," Christie said.

The Crusaders went on to add a trademark run of their own, tearing off 16 straight points to take an 85-70 lead with half a minute to play.

Moeller even ran a backdoor alley-oop play from Walther to Duncan, who slammed the ball home for a 77 -70 edge.

The Crusaders suffered a scare the next time down the floor, when Heights undercut Duncan on his way to the basket.

The .6-foot-7 junior all-state selec~ion came down hard, hit his head on the floor and had to leave the game, leaving some question as to whether or not he MARK D. MoTZ/~ would play in the finals.

Moeller High School junior Josh Duncan dunks for two of his Duncan finished with 27 points in the state semifinals against Cleveland Heights H points and 16 rebounds, while School rVIarch 21.. . .

Andrew Brackman scored 25 Cappelletti. "To be as young as "I'm just glad to live to f and pulled in nine boards. they are, they've got men on the another.day," said Moelle~ 1: "They're a very good team," said Heights coach Jim floor. Not kids." coach Carl Kremer.

lill;.toofnament. tlono•s··:·:~,,.-~'·i,::\,~~~-~-- :1EJ\:;f~Y

.~·

..

_

Moeller High School junior th6"~e was never -a doubt he -· forward Josh Duncan took the. would go. top- iridividual award in the- ::V'It's about heart," he said.

MARKo. rVi61z;sTm Division l boys basketball "yle've worked hard all year Moeiler H,lgh School senior Joe Kim~ner (32) comes down wlth'a,f tournament;';' earning: MVP and I wasn't going to let my .rebound between three Brookhaven players in the state. finals honors· aft~r- ~veraging 25 teammates down." , - · · March 22. .- " ·__ ··... - · .::_ . · "- · · - - . and 14 rebounds in the· +Juniors Andrew Brackman Uf.lsung i3;c,~i<h~~eri tia:a tli~'ban ~itii~~'; points ' an~' Bubb~.; Walth.eJ" joined Final Four.

If the key. to the- Division 1 twd mhiutes'to play; scor~ tied · "He;S· .a kid who -nev~r Duncan on the all-tournament state basketball tournament had 65-65, and tried to hold for the- - brings attention · to himself; teain : . , ; .-.: · fallen to floor'':- and it may last shotr -- > .-- ' . <· ·· especially considering how i; Biac~art -scored 43 points · \vell have ...:. few Moeller High But after a minute of stalling; good he is,'; said Crusader iii:~; ,the - two state ,- games; School basketball fans were sur~ Moe. switched to a man-to-man coach Carl Kremer; "But he's Waither''scored 1~ 'points, ir{\ prised Joe Kirnener got down 'to defenseimd trapped on the wing/ ~iurior. He's so versatile." ( . the championship on 7-for-10 i pick it up. ·'. · _ _ Kimener came up with. a -',"··Duncan. wi:ts undercut ·and ··s~_§oting;_~·{,;''J"~:{·{,:y.·,:\(;t:if,:i· -..-.: hit his head on the floor late in .· . iT' Andrew''-i; Lavendep:- (22-•i The 'senior forward and steal, was fouled; inade'·a free Ma.deira resident did a lot of the' thfow, and the Crusaders never• · the. state.~ semifinals ]=i'rld-ay point averageL imd Branden nigh( causing 'concern among Fousf ( 14~point,):ine~rebound .dirty work in helping Moeller to __ : tr~led again: : ' the .Moeller faithful as to average}:··:··of,'_:.Brookhaven its second Division I state cham- _ "It was ju,st. kind_ of -an whether or not he could play rounded ' out the all-torirnapionship~'.'A' .• '- - _.·. . instinct,;' Kimener- said.- ''i knew fn the finals. -- - -~- ~ent squad.,.

-· · "The . unsung hero of the we needed it· _ ·_· · -Mark D. Motz ·. w~ole ~--;~ur~amenf is Joe .-.I _saw. Brack (Andrew-- . _, . He was cleared by doctoi:S Saturday morning and.. said . .

Kimener,- sa1d Moeller head _Brackman) pushing the guy to -~ ·' ;-..-:~. . -:t'. ~~---,:~:.--.'"".;:·-·.··· _coach Carl Kremer. "There's the baseline and I dropped down nothing. he didn't do for .us this to help out." year, this tournament, torught.'' _ · Kimener's statistical line in the state finals-.,..- four points and ,eight rebounds - was not enough •. to draw attention from the all. tournament , .voters, . but. -his

hero· :--

.

I

the

a

~%~~~~;8::.~-:s~~J:ial

for the

.

\Ver~ gcii;;·;.·.~ '1~/i~I~y the, g_!~t,·~, M.?,~Uefs~:o..ior poin( f guard Rob Christie ·said;..· ;~

......... , . ..i~~~t~~~~~1:J~.9~~~~~

·;__ nillf ~d · fiiialsf'phiy':··oif ·inilii:ridati()J', .·. ·~-·an~ he )old. us,..~--not to' back down ~"~- siiid ~-· )umor forward Andrew Bfackman ; finlsli'ea with I8.:Pofrifitn 8-for-9s~iloot~·: . mg· from the·. fioot'f.~'in:trteains they .

••

•

.

.·.

t .....

-

'wiio)

.

j

:'ri6~r ba~1~~-~~ii~i1~i~.~D).~~L~tr

i·: .':,,./'It's al?qiiJ. ~~" shld junior foriVard

;::Josh. Diiricantw:fio ied Moeller Wiili z3

t?i~~g,t~~~r.t:~~~~~~~{; !fZ\:;

_;':1l,l_i.~·js-__tl}.~""'~e;sr_ feeling _r~~ ~Y.~t

1· had,~' Juniof'g@!<fBubba waithetsruii:'

•· f·~ ;,E~~~~¥~k~ :~e~~~:·t?·~~ sru&~'Tljis KiefD:er

· 1

lifetime has, .fS

,'~:~do~f ~~~!~~~~~-~-~~fj.· s~

I

' BY MARK D. MOTZ: ' ..--·. ;;__'.. . i::. SPORTS ~DITOR T: '. ." .

MMorz@cmiMUNITYPREss:.<:oM. · : ·.

I ·COLuMBUS !tears ·~di~iniles and :hugs rolled across the floor like so many 'ocean waves·... · :-··,;,, : ' ·'·1·' •··:· : · Moeller High School . took~ the :Division state basketball title wlth a. ·73~65 win ·'over Brookhaven March 22 'at the SchbttetJ_st~in Cel}ter. ~;;::-:};~-~~·~:;;;,(·.

r

titi~~ -~9:9 c~.~;{fr~:·~~o w~n~r state . ~~I didn't think it wotild feel as·good,'~: head coach ~art Kremer sai~; ~c;in'f . thi?k any~ng WO_\}ld_feel ~at gqod:,But · i:his is 'every bit as goo.d:·X<'o.:_:f :: .';: .:_:' (<,:"They; _were· ·s~.c~,' di.ff'i.ren~· teams·~; ! si.ich different sea5ons. This is amazirig;· : the work these kids did. to git11er~." ;:,:._;_ :·?·; Brookhaven .-'- th~ ·defeiictfng state· 'c!lampiori: int~ the grupe with, 26-1 ·record,· riiilked frrsUn· Ohio and 1:&m~·:tJrmt;·~iii6~ by~ · USA T~daYi;~;;;,j~t~::i;.,:~;./,.:·. ~ · The :Beaitats'ohly loss.·. ;~as ·agafustUSAToday's ;. "top . ·~ st. .:,_ __ _ 'Yinceni~s(~Mar)r, h~m~.· of prep phe-' whose. Irish nomeriort .. LeBron 'won tlie Division' n title mediately 'prfoi'to the Division I contest. . . · ···"I went in there<with.the.attittide we

'l

.;_"tame.

·: The Cnis&ders · got' to the . chiunpioli:ship desp~te plowfug a. : 19-p~ip()eaq)n :.the :~ellli.finals ·againsC~: pe':elarid_'·;- Heights March . 2L , But Moeller put, · together a 17-Q run in overtime · to win 85-74 <:. :~:·:~ .;.· ' · .. i ··Duncan Id·:~iiii·.27 pointS and i6 boar&'~ill-the 'semi1lnais, < ''

•

I

...

-

.•

.-.4

-·.

'.

'.

•

while Bnickiilan'~~ed-25 and add~ nine rebourids. . ' The most recent hoops cham:., pionship added to storied tro. phy haul that also includes seven state football titles, three .. state , . bas~ball ·championships, two titles each in non-sanctioned volleyball . and lacrosse and' '· numero~s Ohio individual win~ers- most._ recently 2003 virest~ l.. irig champ ~YJln L~ns. :. ·

a

a

teamJi.:· A1cfoii

James-,

·t::..

.

""'::

J

~~

•

·~

•

~

#I

h'Carl Symme$~T.ow.nshlp~:and·,se.~;~lor· point

L.bveiaQd~;(3)i'cel~:brate their 7~7

lgMSchool In ttie

chamnlonshl~ March 22:'• •1{ ~~:

_;··,.

'l'Ertis'aders-t· Wiit·: Continued from.A1 ,";'

''· ,.

:·

..) . :_y··:·

.::~.,;

. ~-~·>:·~·:f.::.

.'..)

··-:-~_~·:··~:-;·:-~----

.::~ ~~ '"l -~

·.L,

·;

·.'

. ...

'

•' -

Ohio and- siith ,in .tlJ.~_~ati~n ~y . (in the :_ state ~semifinals and., ever had," junior guard ,Bubba and 16 boards' in, th~ sernifinais !JSAToday; • ·,:;,•:\.\-<:..;: . ~:, · :. '.'·finals) play offintimidation an~· .W~ther said,: i ·.. . ·' ~;:: . : __·· ·while BraclcJ,nan scored 2.S.and ' The Bearcats only los.s was h" t()ld us not to back down,' ' Every season ts a lifet~me,'~;,. added nine rebounds against USA Today's top team, said · junior forward Andrew Kremer said/ '.~s life~e n~: Th~ most recent h·, . h ·-. ... on ·,.St.· .. v·mc~nt- S,L. M, ary,· ,B.raekman, who fill!ls · hed w1'th 18 · · pionshi. · · · add · d t ·· · -'oop~ Akr ...been one of .·the· b. est ·a~· d..-I'.:m so_ t . c·d. am . l;l,ome ' of · prep · phenomenon points on S~for-9 shooting from . proud ofthese.kids."• -· ·. < ' ;•f hy haJt th · o~a : ~ne ·. troLeBron James, whose Irish won the ·,· floqr. , "GCL . teams, they · The· Crusaders . got to ~-e P ·. · at - ~ 0 I,D;C. u es ~even the Division II title inmledi~te!y ;Dever backdo,wn." . championship_ despite blowing 'a state football titl_es, ~ee state_ prior'to the Division Iconte&t.'': '·."····"It's about heart," said junior 19-point':lead in'the"semifirials' ~as~.ball- >~hamp1ons~1ps, ,_two ·;;,c "I went in there with the atti- ·forward Josh Duncan, who led · against ·· Cleveland · Heights titles each m non-sanctioned volthde we were-going to slay _the 'Moeller with 23 points and 12 March 21. But Moeller put.leyball and lacrosse and numeJ,"$iant/' ·•M9eller:;' &enior point rebounds in the-fmals.r1'Ws· greah;- together a ··17-0. run. in ,oveftime .· .. qus ..;.Qhio individual .\Vi,nne.rs ~J.;r ·

.

:l

~~~~~~-~#J~~~f~~:~t~;~··f_JS;;[~~i~~~~~,J;;\~;ee~~~~-·~~·~.>~h\P:;1~12~~~i;';~7x~;~f~~r~;;r~;:t?~!~~J::~'~r~~~~~ (

j,"· ;;:,; . . . . '· . ' . /./_-.. ~--~-~-~-·1·"\~:.:J: !.~~'_>,,.: . :. '. <• •...<"·'<-·. '.·. ; : Members. of the Moeller High School· basketball team; seniors Ro~bie Christie', left, joe Ki·nllen:er)iandi:WIIIie na,r--.ft'"" 'celebrate their state tournament win during ail.assembly at tht!":scilool • .... . . .. ,,_.f". . on .. Minch 25.'' ~

j

•

•

• , __

Searcats stand ill the Way of. Crusader$".· ., > ,. - :J.;J. ~{j . :. . . . ,- .. . . . ·. .- ' · · · ·By Kevin Goheen sociated Press state poll and is Woods, 66-49, in the champion-

. '• ... ,,

' .·

I

;

'

.

.

.

·

currently ranked No. 6 in the ship game. All that did was give USA Today national poll. The some other players a chance to COLUMBUS -Moeller has lone blemish to the Bearcats re- shine. Senior point guard An~ .ts work cut out for it if its going cord is a 67-62 loss to Akron St. · drew Lavender and senior for;o win its second Division I state Vincent-St. Mary and LeBron · ward Branden Foust are both Jasketball title_ in the last five. James, who will play Kettering headed to Oklahoma to play for rears. . _.

Alter today for the Division II . the Sooners next year. · When the Crusaders won championship. Brookhaven is Neither disappointed against heir first championship back m 78-3 in the last three seasons. St .. John's. Lavender had 22 .999, they 'JiONIGHT..·.

One of those losses was a 68-50 points, while Foust had 16 points 1ad to beat · setback to Elder in the 2001 state and 13 rebounds.

• 1ationally ·. ~ Moeller (224) .. ·· semifinals, a loss that was an im~ The Bearcats are also playing · !1·""'-~~s an k e d · vs. Brookhaven petus for the Bearcats continued for their head coach, Bruce Ho~h_a khte rt. (26-1) ·<. " _,. su~~Thess.t fir t t . h ~Jd, who cfollapse_d afteh~a gfathme . E·~·."-"'~~ :~eig s o )- Division 1state :•;,. a was our s np ere . m anuary rom cm os1s o e · I o -- so ·.· and Elder knew what they were liver. The oddity of Howard's ail- _ ~~::.::;. ~hey'll try final. ' . . . doing," Brookhaven assistant mentis that he doesn't drink aloduplicate ~ 8.30 P·~· · Rock Craft said. "They showed coho!. Drew Williams, an 11-year hat feat to-·· >-_Value Cit)' Are- · .us what big-time Division I bas- assistant under Howard, is the ught'when na; Columbus ketballwasallaboutandwewent interim coach. . hey take >-Ohio News outandlearnedfromiU' ·..

"We've got assistants who n defend--- Network; WBOB-AM Moelier''riuiy-be Withouffhe -have seen them on tape but I · services of AII-Ohiojunior for- haven't watched one iota of ng cham< (1160) •ion Co~··'.·'- .. · . 'ward Josh Duncan, who suffered them/' Kremer said. "I'm going umbus Brookhaven at" Ohio a blow to the head when he fell tostayupallnighttonightwatch:tate University's Value City· hard to thE!iioor late in overtime. ing tape. I don't know that much .rena. Moeller beat Cleveland ''We're gomg to be the under- about them because we were so [eights, 85-74, in overtime Fri- dog either way,'; Moeller coach focused on Cleveland Heights." · aynight to earn its berth, while· Carl Kremer said. "My biggest· .Ifthere'sonethingworkingin :rookhaven got all it could han- concern is getting the kids rested Moeller's favor, it's history. No le from Toledo St. John's before and to get Josh healthy!' team has repeated as the big~ nally beating the Titans 59-53.

Brookhavenlostthreeplayers school state champion since ElBrookhaven ended the regu- to Division I colleges off of last derwon back-to-back Class AAA U"seasonrankedNo.l in the As: year's team that beat Winton titles in 1973 and '74. ,. Post staff reporter

.I'

·'

.

.

'.

··.

·I

.

MOeller,.Ma:son advance in DiVision I .3 , . ..;?./;.. 7./t.;~

17le Cifzcitma6 E1Zquirer _>

.

~ . ,

••• ,

Jti~li.Du~cat{scored 19 points and Andrew Brackman added 14, leading second-seeded Moeller to a 64-34 victory over Harrison in a Division I sectional game at Cin~ tas Center: Wednesday night·. , The . outcome ·;was n~ver in doubt after the Crusaders took a 17-5 first-quarter lead.

Moeller held- Harrison to 4-' · of-24 (17 percent) shooting inthe first half. · · ·· ·: '·' · ' ·· ,.T ..

Mqell~ pl~ys Mason for •fue sectional championship at 8:30p.m. Monday at'Cintas Center. : . _ .: . .'

MOEllER- Walther4 D11, Duncan 6 619. Kimenerl 02,Juenger2 04, WattO 2 2, Brackman 5 314,Stnva1111 4, Childress I 0 2, Dlerkers I 0 2. Totals: 2112 60.

HARRISON- Williamson 0 3 3, Hotopp 2 3 B, Haynes 2 0 5, McOonal2 610,1Dge I : 3, Sims 0 !1, Schmlt12 0 4. ~~e~l~~ 14 34 '·. ;' _:· :_; _::. ·... 17 15 16 12 -64

Harrison..,.;-_ _ _ _ · 5 · 6

5 18 -34

3-polntors: Moeller 6 (Walther 3, Duncan, BraCicman, Detomple); Hamson 2 (~oto.p'p, ~aynes}! -'" . ·-

'

.

·,

·

. , ·.

¥eal~me·; ' ~::>: '-~,. :' . . ,· ,,~ '.,.:.,,.;,'1) f!\

.andsefoff'afast-break layup by' . Jones to even the score, 66-66. · : .:· ' ,,., . . .,.. ,., ·,, ... ,,_,,. , .,..•. ~.''"·.:·~·····~.:!\?@~ )c r The Tigt;!rs had a chance' to win : fCOLUMBUS -For 25 minute~~ I the game in regulation but Jones' .and55.secoJ1dsFridaynight,.Mp~~~ j 17-foot shot over the o~tstretched er made all of~e pre-game.talk ~d~ !: arm of Christie hit the rpn and ~as hype concerrung the .athletic,~bility~("'· ; rebounded by Duncan. :. . ,;~; ;;.<: :and 'explosiveness ·q,c ~lev_,~J_ ~-n._~r "I ~dn'tthink it was going to'go Heightsmor~ myth~ fact a.~$,. :i !·. ~ecause I got my hand in his shooterusaders,built a 19"pomUelld·~~>i;ii~ [: ,_ mg pocket real quick," said Chris/'i(.For the fin~ 6:05 qfregulation ill:;~~ l: tie, who fmished With 13 points and ·their. Division I state semifinal bas- "' ,., six assists_:!~'He had been pulling up ketball game, however, Cleveland 1 ; , on people all night and I knew exHeights ·lived up to· all of the -~~~";:: ;: ~- . ~ctly ~hat he was going to do/', . . · lades lauded upon them. ·· " . · This marks the flflb year in a row In the end, though, the Crusad";" ·Cincinnati has been represented in erssurvivedalate24-5runbyCleve-: the Division I state title gameland Heights ._and advanced to to- . · . Moeller in 1999 and this year, St. Xanight's state'title game against~ . vier in 2000, Elder in 2001 and WinColumb~s ~r?okha,ven with an-85-;l!i ton~oods lastye~. M9e1I~~ID.ld St. . 74 overtimeVIctorybeforeJ6,423at-.i,l XaVIer each won btles. · : '" ''ohio State University's Value Cityc,,, Moeller used the aggressive ofArena. Moeller outscored the Tigers··~ ,_ fensjy~. style of C:leveland Heights 19-8 in overtime, including a 16,Q ~ against the Tigers by drawing four runthathasbeenastapleofth~QX:':tt~ charges.in the first quarter alone saders this postseason", ·, ,;·~~~(~pi!;~ and built a 15-7 lead. Cleveland . . Moeller's first-team All-Ohio ju~i Heights was called for 10 total fouls ·niorforward Josh Duncan scored ~-7~ in the first quarter, compared to just po~ts ~.d had 16 rebounds~ but~~~ . _two fqr the Crusaders. The Ti~ers availability for the c~ampions~pi! :'eventually ~ost James Alex NIXon game is unknown. W1th 1:41left In'{~; and All-Oh1o guard Jon Battle to overtime, Duncan's head hitthe·;: fouls.Battleendedthegamewith13 floor after a battle for the ball under< . ~ points. despite playing on a sprained neath the offensive basket. He laid. · ankle suffered in last Wt;!ek's regionon the floor for a couple of minutes ·~ al championship· game victory before sitting up and then being~~ ~gainst Massillon Washington:. taken to the bench. Duncan is to be,,,J Moeller outre bounded Cleveexamined this morning to deter,:;~ land Heights, 41-30, not a surprising mine his status. · ·. · , · · · · · ' . . total considering the Crus.aders' ·"I'm not even sure what to say," :_, · . ' . TERRY GILLIAM/Associat~d Press· · height advantage.· Moeller played Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "I Moller's Andrew Brackman goes up for a shot as Cleveland ;,e-X, \ fourpl~yerswhostandatleast6feet feel fortunate to play in the ch~- ... Heights' Shawn Butler defends duringfirst-quar:teractioJ;J. ·, · 7. Jumor forwar~ Andrew ¥rackpionship game. I thought our kids ~ . , . · . : ., : ' . . .· · · · · · . . , . . ' •. · ". . man. ad_ded .2~ po;Wts a.,nd llp1~ reshowed tremendous courage and : quarter,mcludingrrussmgthefront Darren Jones made JUSt four o~ 21 bounds.·. . · . : • • th e game, b. u t 1•t· was .h.IS • CLEVDANDHEIGHTSI741:Nb<oni·60-22,Gardner4·6 that' s pretty,difficult when you }os~ ; end of a bonus~~"tuati on twi . ce....,.. .-···:.. ..,· sh ot s m.

1 5 10, Grey 1-1 o.o 2, Jones 4_21 2_2 12 , Battle 4_10 3413 • a lead like we did.'.'

1 .: '· ~. ,, .,:;., "The press didn't take Its toll un- . three-pomter that began the.come-. Ledweiii-I0-02,strlcklando-to-oo.sanderso-oo-oo,cauley . Overtimebecameanecess1y . . . 't b..e-.·'·til' th e 10ur ~ t'h, quart er, , Cleve1an d •.,· b ac k . R eserve 10rwar ~ d Donovan euuer7-IIO-O.t4,Thompson.1-2oo o-oo-oo,Haynes2-40-04,Cotton0-00-00,Powers3-40·19 2.sorct 240-o 4.rotals cause Cleveland Heights turneq up'. H~ights coach James Cappelletti Boyd scpred twice from the ~side 3 o.. 7 'ito~ 18; 1: oun~an ~~i~ ;_5 27• Klme~e~ _ : • 12 4 6 6 the defensive pressure, began to · srud. "I thought our defense stepped .. and Shawn Butler muscled his way Bla.ckman 12-2o t-3 25, chnsue 4-9 4-5 13, Walther 3-91-2 8, • the end . .,. to some k eyre boun . dson both ends. · Juenger TramorO-OO-OO,AshO-OO-OO,WattO-OO-OO,CarterO-OO-OO, makesh ots andMoeller h e1ped out ·.. up an d go t us back.m to 1"t m o..o 0•0 0 , DeTemple • o-o stovall o-o _ 00 0 ·.with some iess-than-efficient free- 'l'he fans seemed to enjoy it.... · · . Trailing 66-62 with 1:20 left in regu- Childress 1-4 4-4 6, Dlerkers 0-1 o.o o. To~ Is 33-6116-250 085.0• throw shooting. The Crusaders ·. ; Moeller point guard Rob Chris-·. lation, Butler- stole an in bounds cLE. HEIGHlS 1 16 11 26 s -74 • the sec-.·: tie ; >fur . t erW!"thfive seconds .•· pass an dthen even . t ually cappe d off. MOELLER 15 17 22 12 19 -85 ·committed 14 turnovers m s ee-pom ·Three-point goals-cle. Heights 8.Jo (Powers • , Jones 34 10• BattJe2-7,Gardner1-2, ButJero-3, N~xon0-1, smcklancto..t. ond h8lf(24 for the game)• and ,most •., left in the third quarter gave the . the·possession with a.. , basket off an 2·Haynes .

• .

• • • . . . · , ·,.

0-1, Boyd 0-1). Moeller 3-9 (Walther 1-4, Duncan 1-3.. of them were durmg the Tigers run. . Crusaders a 54-40 lead heading mto . offensive rebound. ; ., . . ·: ,,. · Christie 1-t. Brackman 0-1). Fouled out-Nixon, Battle, · t th f · ts • th fi a1 · ht · te · ..

0 M ll ' ext · · h Rebounds-Cia. Heights 30 (Buller 8) Moeller 41 (Duncan 16) Moeller rna d e JUS ree o 1 SIX_ . , . e m e1g ~u s. . · '· .. ' n oe er s n possessiOn, e Asslsts-Cie. Heights 1o (Jones ,'Moeuer (Christie : 61 free-tlu:ow attempts in the fourth ·. .. Cleveland He1ghts pomt guard tipped the ball away from Duncan Fouis-Cie. Heights 21, Moeller 1s.31A-16.423. 22 · ·

.

};·;

~.?~i·~~~~~~;Yt!!~,;11J;:J~~~·~a~.

R 1- io 'ob Christie · ··

·. · ··· · for ·a family paper; · presents. a .. · . . ·. . , :. Chris.tie_smiled, study in contrashook hts head and diction. The Moeller ._ blew them a kiss; High School senior . which drove _them to 'point guard is simulta_even wilder heights iieously the smallest · · or would it.be ·..•.. ··· ·playeron'the bask~t-' ··depths? -~of derision; ball floor and often ·'; This bothereq , - · ·the biggest presenCe. .. '-.-,.' Christie not a whit.

When the . · · > From the district Crusaders wrapped up touriiarilenfoii; the Division I boys basketball ; . Christie talke~ ·abou(the- giant state title March 22, Christie . .at the end of the road.· ·. was both laughing and crying, ' To remind hiinself little . hugging and high fiving, gain~..- guys can overcmne long odds,ing his composure and cutting::': he's got a~rmis tattoo'near his loose;)':<·,; •. ' . · :.')eft shoul~erblade:-It's.;; ..... , . . The 5-foot-8 Loveland resi~ · inscribed with the numbers of .•· ·dent gives away nearly a foot· ··. a_Bi~_levers~fro~ t~e.fu'~.(:~. · _to,6-foot-7 teammates Josh:_,_ .b.ook of SamueL1 <<: . ·.,:;~.;•. ·.·.·. .

Duncan and Andrew •. ·l · 1 ·"David put his hand into the Brackman> . 1t_•' .·.' . .· .. bag and took ouf a stone;(·;~ , ... · He heard ta~ntsres.erved for J:iurledit with the sling and ·.·. · 'tlie vertically challenged from struckthe Philistine on the.· the Columbus Brookhaven fans. forehead. The stone embedded· 'as the teams wanned up for the. itself iri his brow, arid he feU state finals.Theycalled him . prostrate on the ground~":·.

MiniMct~D.(fOompa Loompa- according to the _New \ and othef'naines not suitable . Ameritll:fl Bible translation; '

H

-·

-.:

-

i

:; '

So what was on his mind as he steppec:ito the ~·ne .f~r those. free throws?Th~ mspmng· .. story of David and Goliath?.· ~- .. "I have thissong I like ~d. ..

I was kiiid of singing the lyrics. in my head,"Christie said~·· . Whatsongt)g>_:. _· · · . . ,'"Lose):"ori~self.' By. E~nem:.~~.,->->(;~

· -:;..

,.·-

· _._

~--~-'·:_·_·_ _ . .....:. _. _ _ _ _....:..._

·_ _ t_._(

"Drpm t/y! district 7

·.·- tOU17Ullrlent on,

·

Chri;f;,dialked Clb~ut . .

,

t~, ---'Jdni~aith~~~ oif .. :

8

'ihilrocul~"~i?:,;J/>'(.:~· -~- ·).;?-~~~.h/'-

~}- ~- ·,.

..: .· .

Coach Carl Kremer provid- · ed the biggest)augh qfthe ' '' ' . ' "' ', '' postgame press conference-· ... ' opp6rtunityfn:i' s'eiz~ ~eyecy~} ' when lle jokingly said,.."Yeah, . thing you ever wanted ... one .

Robbie and I listen to him. moment/Would you' capture it' together all thetime;", .. . . . . . .. ·or just letit slip?''• .;: , ,,: ' Talk about your big upset.s _:-" .: ; Rob Christie .... the little big a.white guyfrom Detroit is ~e mart- ·captured ifwith the . btggest rappe,r .on eartl!~--~~.,. , ,.,_.:, . words of the Bible ·an his back But Eminem has so niticq .and Eminem on his mind.• •.. ,'t. gam~ he had.nq less tJ;l~f~·:.;·:·;_o·;_:f!• . N:o~ he'l~ liav·e_a champiti:' . Barbara Stretsand exctted as _ onship' ring on his ·-~,;she calledhis name for win:· · .

Not a bad · ning theA<;ademy_Awardfor ; > ·-·. .. . · be~t song- "Lose Yourselft of ::.i·' M~rk·D: course ~ froin the movie :_ ~;-,.· tor}orth~ Co,in11iur.fit\i rr•·~~·'·"· ~oundtrac~ of 8 .Mf.le::·;: .:\T~> East Group. , . .

•.• The lyncs say,, Lo~~ ;,, t£~ -,, him' at248c8600, ··· · you had one shot• ... or ~ne :: ....• , r• • •' ' · ·

SrT~11Et,~aAMP.S . . -· ..

1..-;i~;;;;,,; \ ~~•,' ~ ~;-· ~;:~ ~

,./•~

1

,

•

'

•

1

O

Mo·e·wms-.'

·:~.

)II.

-.t; .\.

·~

..:,...

~:,("';,•

•rl'

•

,l't

:J""\

1•

,;::·<···:· . :~--~:1:·. ~·· -~-~· 'f·<.-~_ •f'··>.·.-~

:hq9ps CfQWll

! ' .:,.~---:~;;. ,:".' 3-.:Zl ', <r 3;

-1.

J, -BY MARK D. M_()!Z , 0' -;:,_iI · .... , ... . ..__ SPORTS EDiTOR''., '·. ' -'•· ,(:'. . ·. '·" i- MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM ..· :: i· ".,· '·. •;; ,, ' . . ,, ·-c-,:.-,_-.-,.>· '~--' .·· I': -Only; *~'-' :numbers on the scqrel;loard m~~~.,­

cpL_pM;BUS ,.

_

:ier...·~~;:::·;~~~\· _.: \~~-~- · · :·.·.· :·; _::~:;·:··;.;1· ~~< ;·_~;;_:·-~~~-~~-::~:;.: ·', Moeller High Schgol niay not:

have had ~e numerical pedigree:. 'f ·. t'•. ,buf o I't"s ,..... opponen . won , ""··the·. ,.,, Division I state. b;:tsketball,.t~tle· with' ·'a;;' 73-65 r·;\lictory-' . Oyer:: . · cohifubus ' Brookhaven:\ High"' School •-. March:;+ '22<:. ~t,; the· ' Schottensteiri Center:-;),. ;. : Brookhaven;- the·" _ . · :..• · ·. . •. o.-r:.;;·ors;sro\FF. ·s~te·'.cilamplori,.. _came into·, the>·:·· N.'oelh~r_High sC:~o~i Junior:_~ i ganie ~ith a 26-l ~e,cord ~d w~ . fo~ard Andre\¥ .Brackman (40) f r~ed frr~t in Ohto and stxth m puts·"a cap_ on th_e Dlvlsio~ ,I I the nation by USA-Today:, -· state basketball championship, \J So what. .. ·,. >>' . '· ;: . . . dunking the last. two points of j- . "I went in there w1th the atti~ . _a ; 73-65 . win against • iude we were going to slay the . Brookhaven. Brackman had 18 .. iant;' ·said Moeller seru.or point · points on 8-f_or~9 shooting In :,- :uard Christi-e:. ;, ,, , , . _ . · :,''We decided we would take . · i~e the Crusaderssome _breath- · th~· garrie to them, not t?. ~e ?ack:. fng.roorii at 70-65 with 18 sec.. on our ~eels, not to be mtlmldat- onds to go: . . . ·:. ·. . ·.. , . · ed;' srud Moeller head coach : . Th,e last points of the game i c~~ Kre~er. >:' . '·• •• "::&: : . i::; ;. ,, caine on a thunderous dunk by 1 ~ _ They _ve got so ~uch talent> Andrew Brackman just ahead of ; They:re number.one.m the state,, the final horri. _· ._· -· ·'· · •. · ·.· · ;number six in_ th~ country. But _.. ''Coach ·'said both the tea:ils · we'r~_·Moe~ler, ·w~·~~ fro~ ~e.· (i~/ the·. stat~- \;emifinals. and G~? ~d V:,~ pl~y~~?gh. ~~]'le~ · finais) phiy _ off inthnidation an~ everym~ht.: ·~- :r•;· /l~•· n> '' •. "· ·-~;: he told us not to 1Jack down, . . ~.Moeller ,held true ..to ItS plan, 'said Btackmiui,'. who finished. ~ng a,40-?-9 .lea~ a~. the ~~f<. with.18 points on_8-for-9 shootand weat?enng . a B,rookhaven . ing from the floor,.)'GCL t~~m.:s; run. that p~t the B~arcats ~p 5.8-, _they never back dovvn.''·~; '~ .• _·_ ' 54 after the. first poss~ss1o~ -:.~~·-2 \\ J ·They do, howeyer;):n!x Jt up. _~ the four,tli period;,~:~ \'·~:· ::: ::::·. >{::. .·. ·.;:.-The crii~aders banged inside~; .• :.t1!'f£0e~. t?ey_ ~oul4. make; 's~oring 28 points in, the. pai.nt~· runs;. s~? JUruo~. forwar4.. Jos~. _including~·; 11 ·.,:;()f;·' off~i:ls~ve ,puncan. It _was JUSt a m~tter_ of.. -·rebounds.- They out _rebounded_ , us keeping_ our composure. And:.' the Bearcats 31-20; > · ,'w~-~i~.;~~~~:~.~~: ;;···.·~;;~:;;',:'';S.;:;;:-:7~~··.::;;:~,;~~-·"I think a lot of our' rebounds· ;..: ·•. As ,_well as do~g--!h~... Ji~!~ iedto P()ints," Duncan said. ''.It's 1 ._thm~~ needed to wm gm,J..e~; !}~~.;,._about he~. You 4on't get inurn-_ \making free .throws.~,q £1aYI,nf,:•. idated .and 'you've' just got to. ' '.defense~'::··< · : :' {:•/".. ;·:.I,:_\ 'reali:ie it's another game.'' __ . ;;'.. _DuncaJ1 _ made_ a parr of .free \'< ; · 01n1can'ended with 23 points ~· throws to. tie the sco~e 65~65 '\tiid 12 ·rebounds, earning him with 2: 17 to play.. Br()okhaven tm:irnainent MVP hcincirs. · never scored againr:::;'•· ·i;-:'..;i,::'; ·.. · · ~. Walther . fiilished' with _19 ·_ ~.,Senior. ~ol"\V,lif~l Joe IqiDen~~ :;,~-points 0 ~ f,-for-.~0 shooting from; 1.cameul' \VIth a ~teal and made a -the floor .. He and Brackman :free thr~\V:,to. gi~~--_Ivl?~He,r,_,~~ · joined Duncanon th~ all-tmnna-, lead,·,~~; ~/ <: ':';)~. ·'. 'j ·~,~- · ment~ teani',•t along .. ,· with; 'F, 9~stie hit four strai~ht ~oul' Brookhaven's Andrew L~vend,er~~ .s~()~~.l:n.J~~}l~J.C~.h~.~~~n\1~~ .•10 ·: and Branden Foust,·. ' ';; :~.. ~<'"''~;·

~ob

-~·-·.:, .,,}~.!-~~~.~;~.-~.n~l.~"\;

1

·

. ,_ .· ·.: .,. ".

._::~t-·

_.

··~~~.; -;;:-,_~.,. )~.

. .. .-. MARKo. Mofz;srAFF

Moeller High S~hoofsenlor g'uard, Rob Christl~ drlyes. against Brookhaven High. School ·In thE{Diylslon OJ state _basketball finals

z~,,;,:1;~Ji?~~~1,~~tr~~t1i&;;u,t:v.~.

. ·-·· ..-- '• -· ·.·· ,.·: .. ·•;: .·L.~:, ;·:.,.,; including. Jour· straight free . · · · _ Moeller. High, School seruor :•, . · ....t · d.. R b. • Chri t'. -- · , .._ throws m the final 35 seconds to pom guar _ o s 1e may••' . · ·· · . . . , tbe th j,· · t 1· ·.· · th give Moe some breathmg room. nfl_o :bet_" Ihgg~ms.ap_ayher. :Pe?·th.ee , :,;, .when'ilie game en.ded, hew~ .a·. -com · b'matlon . or· exh austmn · and .oor, ·- · · u · · e'/J : y_._::-· ·av · · ·

big~:~b~~:.!~~it. afr~d ~{.~y~·: ~~~berance,.s~mu~tflfleou~t,Y cry~

thing;"-said:Moeller heac(coaclj;,mg and:dancmg 111frmtt ,of ~he Carl Kremer. ."If he knows· ohe•' packed Moeller stands, exhorting speed,- ~t·.~·rulisp~e(ahead,~' ·.. r.~i~ -~~~~~F.i~·s:~~~s,~-:~ the fight ·· _Christie a Loveland resident;<' .~o_ng . .\':,,·. \· ·"··~·- · :-<- . . 1· controlled fue Crusader oifelise;:~;·;. 1: :~.It'f_:~a~·~lf·;,~e;. des¢~ bed," di~hing out' assists ip the state · C~stle sru~. of the. ~eelm~ 9f semifinals as Moeller collected a .,bemg ~4 .state phampi~>Il.- My staggering 22 assistS on its 33 'j' errioti§'ri~ were· ~verywhe,re.- I've buckets ( against• J; Cleveland:--· never cri,ed like that before. : ·Heights.'"it:~ P'~¥X,'·.tr _·. ' · -· -. ' · "It \V'as'- just'"a s~gh ofrelief.

-: . He_ scored.13 pomts against We let it ~ll go out there.":':~· ·~ I~eig~ts· and added nin,e in the· ·. ' ' . ,.. .. · . '-Mark. D. Motz·

six

The Cincinnati Enquirer/GLENN HARTONG

Crusader cel~bratlon:.Mo~ll~~-players Rob Christie (left).;, and Willie DeTemple show off their Division I state bas- . : ketball title·trophy during a rally at the school gym Tues- ··-:';., day. Right: Moeller students. cheer the school flag. The. · Crusaders won the championship Saturday. . ..

·M.

'·

3 .. .· . .·

;I

·n--·· . . ,.. . . . _b-.. . ·I

. ::,.·9~

.

····.-

• •

·-k · ·t

. . ,,-.-....· ·

--·-n·-~-·--,-: -~----~-

.

'·•:~.1} . ,. ~~-- e::.:····-~--. :.;\.'.·; ·No;t~;24~-rnatiori:any: ..... . · · ·';::c.·,c·;. ·~-~ -·· :.,tjL;£t_c.-. J.t:i :~.~:0:}:> '( -·~':. ~";

·By Tom Grcieschen < ( -,;:,-:· ··•· : . -championship in 1982; ..

17le.Cinciimati E11q11irer (···y;

· :- ,

'' "'' • : The Moeller baske.tball team·

-, · :; ' "' •.. ~ : ~: ' .. -,. . (23-4) was led by' 6-foot-7 junior . Moeller. has moved into· the.··· for\Vard Josh Duncan; who was USA: Today Super 25 boys bas- ' . named MVP of the state tourna-: ketball ratings," taking position · ment after totaling 50 points. and' . No. 24 after upsetting then-No. 6 ·28 rebounds in two games. ·. :•. ··· .Columbus Brookhaven in the· 'Brookhaven ·(26-2) · fell .'to ·Ohio Division.! championship l No. 25in_!pisweek's USA Today: ·.game.':.' , .. . ·· '. · . : rankings. Brookhaven· was· try.: ':"IUs ::;t· great honor, and it's' :.ing to Qecome·the first school to: ·-somet:hini ·-our communitY will: ··repeat as" Ohio big-school'boys, ; be proud o~," Iy.\9~ller coach Carl . champi?n ·. since Elder- ffi. 197~ ' .'.-Kremer srud.· ':' ·· · ·· ' and '74. ':· ,".!.i i'' ........ :,:_-.·; :':: ·• Moeller. also ~on the state ti- :- ; .: Akron St Vmcent-St Mary re- ' , tie ill. 1999 but did not reach the~ mains No.1 in the USA Today: ~USA .Today rankings, which be-· ratings, after LeBron James led gan ··jp.·: 1982.' ·Moeller football. the Irish to the Ohio Division II :·teams niade the final USA Today championship last weekend. poll eac1t y~·from 1982-85, in-! :· -- 'Fmal USA Today ratings will eluding \1 at mythical national: ·be. released Aprill , . ·:,. ; · , <

•

••

•

•

'•

.,

\ ••

·'.

:

'·

·~~~P~.~~ers_ set

sigltts :2!!)ffi9tll.~~ croWn , ,

!9cii§~~~t~(f;~::t

1With'schoblfs.'99\.···.·····(":. . . . :. ····;',.,:. ...... ·> 'state title :Winri~rs/' :. The 1999 team went to state rB~ T~~ ~roe~c~en .: u·)·:-~{.?I:~§s;· :· r ;~;!~:=~~~~j:~r~~ ; The Cmczmzatz Enqutrer _;· <<::;.'\:., .: •· · ·· 'Ihis "earS · ..1.oa·ded WI'th'· ,.

- . · ·t.;;..- ,, .• ·· li In 1999, Moeller sili-Prlsed Ohlo :,~eJ1_!,_ap.d ~e.!!!~tias allo\\r~d ittg; _.:~

(~: ~

·:··<'·'<·:.:::~"::f.;·.·.~···>:·,_,.'>·;·.,··:·/

:·/L.

~-·:

J

..

~~;,;;...

-~ulS

basket~a}l. fans by wiiinirii the. I~ourish by not~ th~ plaYers_• :boys I)tytston I state title. J:n. 2003; · 1confonn. to a st:ict .offensiVe style>

-~~~t~~~~~h ~~l:m~ul~~~-~;; 1_1Jlan ~~~=~~~~~=~~~~ ~~~~~·· and Walther are sons offm:,

. Moeller (21-4) will play Cleve: ._land Heights (22-3) in a DiVision I ·sta~: ~P.ff,inal at. pJ>.m; today 1¢ -Ohip Sta.~ s Schottenstem Center;• 1 The. Ciuiladers fu1filled their pr~

f

mer prep c6aches. (Hughes' ,Mark

IBrackman an~ C~lerain's Jiin ~~-·· ther).- If anything 1s underrated 1t s , the defense, which allows only 50

~~~~~~;~:~::~~:~·~ :.~~~~~~ff£i~i~;~t~

i games fi.~m another state titl~. ··: .•._:•. ,_to win and did, taking the. Greater:· t·<· Comparisons to the '99 fe~ Catholic League Soutl:l. charilpi6~·

· a,i-e inevitable. Those Cru~aders ship. But Moeller :finished No: 4 in upset Shaker . HeightsJ ranked · .the final Enquirer's Division r !ilia No. 9 nationally by USA Toaay fi· c~aches poll after losing itSregulai'~: the state finals. This year Moeller :season :finale to I.aSall¢;:·:~: _,,.,,,, · ·probably ;would face ·Columbti~' :. , ·"That kind ofmotivated us fOr' , Brookhaven .•.-: ranked Nq. tt. by'; .th~ tOuniament," K:~nier' said:·(' "': · USA Today ,.. should it reach the . Duncan, a recrwting targ~!iJor~! final Saturday.<·· . · · · · most inajor colleges, is a big'inim~' .~· Oth~rwise, there are few com,· .who can play with his back to·the mon thfeads between the1999 and basketor shoot 3-pointers. The rap2003 teams. · . . · idly improving Braclciniin and 3::w;'It's · tvyo i totally difi~r~n(: ;pointsp~cialistWalt:1_1¢r.ilreeapa?!:: teams," satd Carl Kremer, then· of_20-pomt games any time out· •· · and now Moeller's coach. "In '99 ''We're pretty confident, but we we were the distinct underdog in don't take anything for granted,~ at least five of our seven tourna-' .Duncan said.. "Teams have been inent gaill.es. This year,' people~· shooting at us ally~, so I think w_e ,usually have .cast us as the favor;.' ,~ handle anything we see. this 1 ite. Th!-s year we're big, and fou{ v,veekend." ,,.:. ·:<>- .. < .....;. . years ago we weren't that big." - · . IGmener,,wlio thriVes as a role· > ~~ 19~9 t~am was led by Mike . player, was in eighth gra.de: whe~ M.ons~rez, a unique talent as a 6- Moeller won the 1999 title; . , , foo~:~_ti point guard. , Monsen~z~ ''That was .a great. run, and I .(no~· at Butler)' and then-sophO:.'_ :went to a lot ofthose·'gaines," he· more forward Matt Sylvester said. "Nowit'stimefoi:'ustodoit." ! (Ohio-State) both were around 6-5 , . Cleveland Heights, tonight's i then, but the Crusaders' center. ·opponent, is physical and crashes (Brad Hutzel)· stood just 6-3 and ' the offensive boards. The Tigers· ;the guards· were · 6-foot Chris •· , had 26 offensive rebounds in one. ~elsch and 5-.9 Je~emy Dtin~. · : . , ~ecent fame and 30 .in im?J:h~P ": ; . Jeremy Duncan 1s no relation to , .."Weve got to block theiJ1 out,··1 Jo~hDimcari, theCruSa.ders' Kreiner said~. "30 offensiVe rei ~s~. Josh Duncan, a 'junior, was. · bounds ... some teams don't get named first:team all-state and leads·. , t11at many total in a game.? ·~ :. . ·· i Moellerwithan18.0scoringavei'age. : ·: Cleveland Heights is led by an"· i. 'J.'he 2003Crusader§l are big, state gu!lJ'd Jon Battle, a 6-1 senior ,f~aturiilg the 6-7 Duiicari, Q-7 ju~ , wh~ averages 25.7 points a game;· ,.ruor Andiew Braclcinan (15 ppg), · Juruor guard Darren Jones averand 6-3 senior Joe IGmener (3.0 ages 10 points. The Tigers go 6-6, ppg) starting up front. Senior 6-4 and 6-3 across the front line point guard Rob Christie (7 ppg)' and are. brawny, with. Osborne is the only starter under 6 feet .Gardner, James Alex Nixon, and __standing 5-:B.~)unior shootin~ ,J!atold Hain~s. _e~c~ a~eraging guard Bubpa · )Val@ir · (11.0); e1ghtto 10 pomts a game. •·· stands 6-2., ........ --T ·'' ' ,,.. ,. · · ' · .Y 1

current· .

iFo()tball~basketb8,1l~~

sWeep· . · . ·.~,B~~ G€~··''1Js~ii~t . ' ·, .· •, ·. . . f·t;c s-3«.fdi· ..· · .......· · ..

3

··~t!:·':l.;·,·

Only reaglie to .:,J\.i .. ·•. do ·sO. iri Division Fi.L~·;

O< •••

.· :;·Tom·.~·:/·i~r.·

.

Groeschen'··~:

~:~~~:~~J

football and. basketball champion• ·,h.·: ship~in the'.scm'le school year. i'\1' , Moeller (basketball)· and Eldef (foo~ball) r.eighlng sta~" ,._ -=~~:~ champs. It's only the second time · the Cincinnati area has won both ' 1 major big-school titles in the same school year. The other' tiine was the 1987-88 seasori, when 'public . schools Princeton (football, 1987}' and Woodward (basketball,1987:'' · 88'season) won Division I titles> ' i PaulSchildrrieyer, GCLpresb '( dent for 22 years, said the charripP ·onshipsunderscore the GCL's be-: lief that it is the top boys league iri[ Ohio. The league alsowori the:~'\.:. state swiinriling title (St Xavier) X· this seasori, and GCL North member Dayton Chaininade-Julieime'' ·. 'won the Division II football title; '' "It says a lot for the competi- . tion' we play imd the coaches we· have," Schildmeyer said; · ·· Don't forget the GCL' s sister league, the Gil·ls Greater Cincin~ . nati League, which this season: . has won the 'state golf title (Mount Notre Darrie)'and two volleyball championships (Vrsullne in Divi~ si<;m I,' Alter in Division ID. .: :::::: Public schools.·someffmes ruf:'' gue that Catholic'schools have built-iii advantage with their po-, :. tent elementary school programs; 'and thatprivate schools draw stu~ dents fromallove'dowil~ · ,> :, :; .. "I don't think there's an'advan~· tage," Schildlleyer said. "The reason. our league is strong is be- ·: ·.• cause of the iliscipline, the . , : _ {coaching and the competition we' play, We'll playanybody, and ourc ·schedules prepare our teams for the tournaments.~ . '· · . · . , Reading, this year's Division III basketball champion, is the first .: Cinciimati-area public school to . .win an Ohio boys basketball title ."since Lakota ..., which smce has . i' split into East and West- won the Division! ~nampionship in 1992.

~ ~\

· r.~eP.St .

are

/liCJri~e£.\st" S u lour ba.V\ Wednesday, April 23, 2003

. .. ~·.

>~:.Moeller _. :__··

· ·· ·-

"-':'-· · {

·•,;_

.:

.

:·-,,

;.: -;;. ; '

recognition.:: _

·if::'·;~.-,·:.:-:·:!>.~ ·:··~t:r:nd-vi :-~;

•.,_-;! -.,_:-~:;~;_;~:

--:~.-

:;·:·

--~--·,f

• .;.:

a:

Moeller

sycamore Township Trustee Dick Kent~--leh;'''J)'resentS_ High School basketball coach Carl Kremer and Principal Dan Ledford with a resolution honoring the basketball team. for,, their Division I state championship: resolution was · ';:, ·' ' · · ,.,,, ·' · · '-:' .. - ' '· pre!)ented}'pril 7. . '..

The

...:;:· .-.:·:;·.'.,

:' .:

....

'C·~·- ,.- ... ·:··y-~

·ttam~s

~'j

··-r }-·o.i: .. _,.Jn~

~~!~~i~ .-m·o··''·m ..

"n

·:ie·· --,·n···-t-··s· ..

·:.

·

.

~~~rr~t~i;:a~~:,

.celebrate.:titl.es-> · · ;;, •

. ' : j /:\

·;:·:;?,·'.::': j':;i5~I£J

By Tom Groeschlm ·' · · · -· The Cincinnati Enquirer

·

: . . :.; ,; ' c-: , ,

Stat~' -~t~pi~~s Mo~~~/~~-~~~~~':

fug this week are celebrating ·Cincinnati's l?e~t pr~p basketballweekend in 15 -years>- 1·,:·,,~\ •.. :-.: ,..

·.· ._;,•

''i'••'·· ': ·

·· ' Moeller won the Division I boy!) state. · ·· · title and Reading won ' ·· the Division ill championship last' Saturday in'· .Columbus, marking the · first time sincel988 that · . Greater Cincinnati won.. more than one <;hampb. ·, Dnship. ·In 1988,: Woodward ,(Division .. I) .. and • • __ ·,~~~tat~~e~0i:;::.~.-:"f'J.J.-:.:;

'·· ·, Moeller v@'h~~~l it~- te~ at t11e ,sch.ool today at.9:30.a.m._Reading bon~. ored its players at an assembly Monday. . -· ; ."Our kids played to !win, and we never ·backed-;j.down," ·-MQeller ·coach Carl .Kremer ~d.t'ne}lad a lot of heroes all .season.~~;~ ·. :2 ;: :~J:~;i:"f·t~cl~;;..~~i .r~,1,.1 :i ·· ·:--'-·

Champs-:iiGomb:JL.

';;~t~o~ ~~~l~~;;,E ::'

~~, ..

d'

Moeller (23-4), ranked No.-9 -the,: final Division: I state 'Ye;ll", upsetNo:'l-ranked Cv•wuJJu<~ :Brookhaven'i73-:65 :tor· its ;stat~titl~irifo~ye;p:s. Brookha~et~}~-1 was the 4efending ~tate ch~pton,;4'i 1· :Reading (24-3), \inranked~ -son in Division l

:you never-Imew,who:was' I!'Oin stepup:1;! <ReadingcoachRich'Bensma ~·somebody always did.~;; · ·;: · AI; Moeller, iliere could be.anqth-t' erch~pionship . .three?-'scorers>are-;back,~land~·;all'ii.Moeller's

maq7'l:4eJ.\5sociated Press~;.~?,~-&~[ past Columb.~s·· Broo~~~.yeoJ.~~~~l~~ · F~rward Derek Aden and guard tllaplf.mt team lasLweekend.:~:,~J.~~:%!l~\1?;Denzf3l .Lyles-(20) dunng S~!YJr;~'~~~Launs Barnes, who fllso made ilie •. 'Josh Duncan,'a. ()..foot-7 forward,~~'' day's championship game:!\'l\:~~l\M!tJi:all-toumamentteam, also will gracl'Mls 'iil!Jlled. Mosf;Valua1:1Ie;;RiaY,eri,1'' !j[,r;., ,.: ~;).,\: '; ~;~~~~<?:.~I;J,~~~\:~r#i~~~f.!l!;,{~~uate. Adeq scored 17 points in ilie -on -tl1e"• all7toumament teaJI1;~!Du,n~Ifinior· forw~d;; ariQ. P,2'junioi~~pcmN%title game, -while Barnes. pad nine. ~~':Wlu>)c(]red 50 points·and;had,~,ing'\guard -B\lbba4!Waliliei{~joitJ.~d!f;ifpoints off the bench: ;~-·· ;,28, rebounds. in _two tournament . Duncan "on . ilie . all-tournament · Reading's title was ilie school's :games, ·also was the only junior team. Brackman sj:ored 43 pointS ,eighili team championship. The namedto the AP Division I all-state · in ilie two games and' :WaliliE)r to.:. '. school has won six state baseb~ titeam for the regular season;''.. ' '·: ·,taled 27 points, including 19.it1 the.'C tles (1942-44-46-57•7 4-80)- ai1d ·orie . ~dreWBrackrnan,alsoa6-7jli- 'titlegame.' ·'· ·'' · ·• ·.,;.,.,,,.boysgolfchampion!ihip(1949).·

·>

A

Division Istate championship: Moeller 73, Broo~haven 65 "' .

·., ..

:~ '

·_: ... ,.

·,,1·

·'

·-·'

.M...,;~·~;1,,~. .~;q~;J:e=·•·····~··•···*a···· ···s··d· ·o· · : ~~~'. +'C:e· · . dl.a;n· •t.J' f:<. . •ll . . ' . , ······; . . ~:l'.ljl .1:111: . ·~ ' . ···k· · -·e·

.·; .: /crusaderS beat . , ,

Christie .said, shouting to be heard ·. "I knew I' was going to piay, no . Brookhaven was trying to beabove a postgame celebration on.·: doubt about it," Duncan ·said. "I come the first school to Win consec- · the co~rt. 'We weren't ?o~g to. can't even explaiJ;l this right now: utive O_hi? ~ig-school titles .since le I e "·' . ·. ·: ';;• ' '. . . ' ' ' ' , ', ' ' ' ' lose thiS game:~· ' • What a great feeling." '' ' . Elder did It m 1973 and 1974. ' ·l · Moeller all~state fony;rrd · Josh• ,Moellerlqst all of a 13-poi.llt third· Brookhaven was led by senior . . Recapping · l . 1;, . ·. · . ,. : , ., . · Duncan,,. cleared to play after suf-. quarter lead, but recovered towiti point guard Andrew Lavender; the · Moeller's playoff l . ··. · . · • 3 _:J,_;fo(}'1 fering ~-;head injury Friday night, : going away. Brackqlan sealet:l it Ohio Division I playerof the year. victories:~<: .. ' ,· · .. i ' ... j _·:.By Tom Groeschen ..••...· '>: ·.· •.. . led 'the_ Crusaders; with._~3 po~ts .·with a bre~away dunk a~ the buzz- Lave11d~r. (23 points) and Brookha• Moeller 60, ; i• ·,,. ( ·The C:i 11 cimzati E11 quirer · and 12 rebounds. TWo other Jl,l· · er, · sending Moeller's pla:yers ven seruorforward Branden Foust Harrison 34 ' ·<:. ,. : . - ' . '· . , . ''· · niors, · guard Bubba Walther (19 ·.sprinting onto the co_urt for tl1e tra~ ' both have signed with Oklahoma.

• Moeller ~4, : 1 · j' ' .COLUMBUS -Moeller upset · points) and forward Andrew Brack- ditional victory pile-up. : •.••.•..-·. · · Walther said Moeller respected· Mason 55 :.. · . :. i .··.Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 .to ·.man (18),followed Duncan.in the ... ":rvioell~r Higq School just'does. but did not fear the great ones. · a Moeller 57 •.: i >·win '.tl1e Ohio Division .I state bas- ·scoringcolunm. . ···not· quit," Christie ;said, "We kept.· ·, 'They're good, but we lmew we · Beavercreek ·.j •. ketball titl~ Saturday n,ight, stirring .·' . Christie had nine points and four· reminding ourselves. of all the hard , could play. with them," Waltl1er • Moeller 53, ,~ .·· j •mem?ri.es ·of J:!le.surprise c,~ruppi~ assists, and hit four key foul shots work it took to get.ushere.".: '·: said. "I think having seen them be;Springboro 34 ·<,' >'·;:j· :?nslup It won; m 1999. ·.· ·'~ ,·~. : · to stretc~ Moeller's _lead from 66-65 Moe~e~. ·coach Carl Kremer fore ga~e us some confiden:e. ~d • Moeller 81; .~ :. · . : <-. ··.It was the second time,~m four. t~ 70-65 m, the wanmg seconds. . . called 1t, .A courag~ous, Moeller, now we r.e state chru_nps .. , tt's JUSt Hamilton ·43 • ·· • j :. years that Moeller (2~) beat a , ' A~endance 'Yas-16,24? a~ Qhio GCL perfo~ance,'' refernpg to t~e ._anunbeli~vable feeling." , .• Moell 85 . : :· USA T?4ay top-10 team m the .state. s~~e .s Value. Ctzy Ar~na •. Wlth,the . Crusaders .. '.Greater CatllOliC COLUMBUS BROOKHAVEN (26-21 Spencer2-4 2-2 6; · e. . ' .. •, . : ;.finals. · .Columbu·s · ·Brookhaven · · DIVISIOn I game culminating a day League affiliation. It was Moeller's Comley 4-6 0-1 s; Foust s-s 1-4 II; Lyles s-1s o.o U;• Clevelal)d Herghts · · · · · . · d · · . all. b f & h . ·hi · · · · 'tl . · · . d th Lavender 9-19 2-2 23' Peny 2-2 1-2 s. Totals: 27-52 6-11 . ·: .· r•'•<.'i' • ·.....·. ·. j' . (26-2) was rate No. .6 nation y y· .o ~our state c ampwns p games. second ti e m four years an .. e 65..

• · • 74 0 day. In. 1999 ' . 2-5 4;MOELLER (23-41 Duncan 7-16 8·10 23; Klmener H • M "" 73 ·,, ' . : \ USA,., J. 0 . ' Moe11e~ upset' '···nuncan. ..~.'ti'all'y. was '· .questi'0 n- '' GCL' . .s fifth . b'Ig-schO,?I state champ!Brackman 8-91-218; Chnstie 2-8 4-4 9; Walther 7-10 oe ef, .• . • , : • ·,No. 9 Shaker Heights ,to: wm the able after hitting his head on the onship smce 1993. · · 2·2 19; carter o-o o-o o; Childress o-2 o.o o; Dierllers o.o Columbus ·. .. .: · h · hi · · ... !c- •• •. ·:<"'·. .· · ..

• I t · F 'd y' mifin.. al Will . ·• . M.0ellerwas.ran · ked N. 0. 9 an d o.o 3'pointers:C85-14(lavender3,Spenc·er2),M6-12 o. Totals: 25-46 17-23 73. .. . '· . -1.· _.;•;'J ·: .. .oC ampl()nS p....,.,,._. · COurt . aem n a.sse .

Bro..ok~a.ven .

65 : .

'The way .we I.ooke.d at i~ we , over Cleveland Heights · . but re..

Brookhaven was No 1 m' the final (Walther 3, Duncan, Brackman, Chnstie). Rebounds: cs 20 ·.L .., ,.. ,,.,. , : . ·. .

• " · . . . . ~· · .

• (Foust 5) M 31 (Duncan 12). Assists: CB 10 (Foust 4) •M 9 >• .•. :::,~··· ::;,. '1.!: . were going to take down the giant," . ceived the. OK ' after . doctors Associated Press state poll of the. (Chnstie 4). Personal fouls: CB 16, M 11. Tum~yeis: cs' 9, M "'" ·· · · fr : M ll · · d R b h k d him S d · gul 14. Attendance-16 246. :Wt!$: ¥ .:;. '· . : • oe er seruor. pomt · guar o ; c ec e atur ay morrung. re ar season.; . ·· · ·

Road to j .· · ·. .· .. · ._ tl. t•tl ;'•':;,. .. j J. 'top· -ranked

.• big·-schoolteam· ··· ·

>-

52.

r

I

••• ··.'

. .

'

'.

·.

"Moell•r. Wins~ 2htl ,'titll '·-i,: ',,,.,

3.:..,. ;I. t.f _:;:(}3 ,.·.

Crusaders add:. r. ·.. - . ._ ·-. , . : to·,. ~C,L .IJ1Y§ti qy~-

·

.T,hecrus~deric234)~on.16of

'

therr final17 games. Brookhayen

~6it~f~:{ ~~ri:fe~eio~_grne

~~i~~~;~~~~~,,~: ':a~i~ii~~~~

· COLUMBUS~Pop'cultureis nior'guard Bubba Walther was 7" everywhere, even a:tthe free- :of-lOfrom the field for 19points, throw line of a state basketball 'and junio.r forward Andrew. charilpionsh~p· game' with less Brackman added 18. Walther and thanfi.mi'ii:t,ite to plaiand the Brackman also were'hamed to' game's'otitcoiri..~ h~ngirig iri the, .the all-tournament tearn:t.;iP~ · balance. '•:r:i"~ ,,. · · . :~: '"· ·,;·::.;;v. , ' Brookhaven didn't make sa· a~ Moelief"sen{or pof~t things easy for Moeller: Just as it. guard Rob Christie SE!ttled in and did Friday mght in ari 85-74 semiprepared for a pairoffreebies, fma:lovertimeWinagainstClev~, against' defending state chariJ.~j- land Heights, the Crusaders saw pion: and top~ranked Columbus' tl].e~, 6pporien~ e~ase a d.ouble~di~ Brookhaven on Saturday night;· git deficit in the second half. Cle-· was he thinkirig about how mak~. veland Heights rallied from 19: ing both shots would· give t4e" points down withsixmiriutes left~· Crusaders a three-pointleadwith to force overtime. This time;• 34.3 seconds left to 'play? No. •··· Brookhaveh- outscored Moeller~ Was he concentrating on the 27-14in thethirdquarter,:'fudud- · proper arch he needed or visua- fug al6-4 rim in the fma:l3:27 of lizing a: postgame celebration? 'llie'perlod, to'wipe6u{irliatha( No. . . ,. . . .... ···:.: ".1, beenasmuchasa13-pointMoeiF "I was listening to one. of my er advantage;~ ;:·: . ~,:,~;~o;r.,. ~;~: · ;,';~.;: favorite songs and goirig through . , The Bearcats have two Okhi~";; the words in my head,.'! said homa~hound play.~rs)n 5~fobt-8 Christie. :"It's 'Lose Yourself. by 'poil}.t guard Andrew Lavender Emiriem." ,_ : . ~,.,,. ~ t-'' ,. 'and 6-7 fo!Ward Branden Fotisf The technique worked as. andbotnperformedliketheyl::ie~ Christie made both free throws long playing t>'ri one of colleg'e and then two more Hi seconds lat- . basketball's biggest ·stage's: Lay-' er to help Moeller win its second · ender equaled Duncan for game~ Division I state championship in high sc;oririg honor~ and had foilr': the last five seasons:.;.:. a 73-65 vic~ steals. Foust made five of his six tory·at Ohio State University's shots for, 11 points t{{go along Value City Arena: Combined with five rebounds, four assists" with Reading's win in the Divi~ 'ana three.steak~.- :c:_·, }(-" ;!': sion III state final, this marks the· Crun . ~iffi;~;:jn .th · : frrst time since 1988 that two Chi~ ~ cinnati-afea teams have'won a· state championship iil the same' year.Woodward won the Division .. ·:_.... >. -.. ·~-}~:0:#.~-";:r~-~-_;..;::-· -.- ._:.?f,,;::·: I title backthen~ wbile Badin; . With Moeller tra:iliilg 63-61, s~: went 28-0 in winning the Division· nlor fo:iWill-d Joe Kitriener beat a III championship.:' • · ..

Brookhaven player fo~ a loose; It was also the fifth·consecu~· ball on the defensive end andwas• tive,year.at least one team from able to call timeout before'going' the Greater_Catliolic League's out of boimds with 3:23left On' tWo divisions - the big-school the 'ensuing possession, puncall: South or smaller~school North~got ar.0~4J~ou~t for a basket t?' . won a state championship. In the' tie the score~ Kremerealled Ki-~ . past 11' seasons, nine of the 10 mener,who ~pded the gamevvith' GCL schools have combined for four points, eight rebounds, eight' championships, three run~ three assists and orie big steal; ners-up and 18 state tournament: ' th~ te~· ;tU,isung hero. ~: · ~ ·• ·..: . berths. That kind ofs'uccess and league-Wide' competition"proved to be an: advantage for Moeller. · .-~'We decided we were going to the game to them," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "Our" whole thing was we weren't in' awe of them. They're a great team but we weren't irt-a:we because we~re Moeller, we're from the . GCL and nobody'~ intimidati~g

! "I "deflected tlie ball so (the· ·:Brookliave'tfplayer) couldn't get Ito it and he never saw me come :from behind/' Kimeri'ersaid. "My job on thi~team is to do t.he little·: fthings:·I .ne~t! t(j take charges; _I

tb:Ut:~~dr~~lifMM~t ~Jl: i'don'Frri:ind~doing' an·or: thO"sE!'

thin

~we

\c: · .

because that's>what I do

\l~~~m~~Jt~te$}~~~ . ~· .-.

(2&.21: Spencer _2-4 2-2

,s; Co_rriley.'4-6 IJ.1'8, foilst.S-6·1-4 1Hyles .5-15 0,0 12; lavender9-19 2-2 23;WakefieldiJ.OIJ.OO,JonesiJ.OIJ.OO; · 'McGee 0-0 0-0 o; Peny"'2'.21-2 -s, · o.o o.

Totals 27-52 5-11·65??-f:,~~;, ·:· i". MOEllSI(22-41: Duncan ' 2-5 4, lirackmanB-91-21B,'C~nsile 2:84-4.9 -10 2-219, Carter o-:o M o, ChildresS 0-:2 0-0 o, Pierkers 0-0:.

0-0 0: Totals 25-46 17-23 .73:<!~,~--,:Y\:#~·~?c . - '·

;-~::~;r,~~ii!~~~~~:~ti1N"}~"W'-~!

:~~;liJ~li;p~~m'goiil?a;.;;,kii~Wn~~:<~;,~~li~~~~:~~r~4:: ·c~r

t~cornley;·

.

.31 (Duiicam (Kimener 3). ·

·~~c:!6if_4,6_.i"~::,';;'."C•·

'.

s

take

us."

,;,. i,,!-<~~,~~· . ; .. :. . .-:-_,

. ~--·; _·;· : .·•. ·:. <:. ,·.< .: ...:f.,.,:.,

,: . JAY

Moeller's Rob Christie tries tO' drive the Ian·

Brookhaven's Denzel Lyle? (2bhtur[ngt~e .Pivision,JfiDal_; .,,, :•:.,.

.Ci:usaderS. crush, Big Blue,•. head:t<tstate'~! .

'

D. Mo,rz ., , :·

BY MARK

i.: :. ··SPORTS EDITOR < , MMOTz@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM .

FAIRBORN - Oh, Bubba, ·what a game.'. . · '. _, •, . · i• Bubba Walther, that You. could just as easily say; .

"Oh; ··. Brackman'? . · or. ;. "Oh,

is.: . .

ouncan:~~:,~·.:~:} ~;-~~:f:~--~-;. ·<~;-~. ;<.:~~> .:~::~1:,· · : .. Jleck, yQu. co.u1(_eyen say, __ "Qh,De'f,empl~.'' .. :... ·· ·._, · .. 1,·.

Suffice it to say nothing went wrong·.· fori the·· Moeller· High ·.

School' basketball . team March 15 ': hi, the . Division. I. reg!onaf . finatS;l~!;'; \ ~~-}: ~?:}·~;~.•• : :; ~ ·· 'T··

;_y;

·

The Crusaders ran away with : ·a.n~ 8 i=-43·~·:"vicict~ .... , ·•.·••.• t •. c·J•···· _ry._,"""a-arri'sT~ .g .... _, ..

Hamilton to propel them into the.'

Final. Four for the fist-time since the'stafe championship season of··.;

.1999. f!:oi·:·,:::it ·.{;;<' ; ' . <·.·:.··· .:,::·.

The Crusaders (20-4) meet Cleveland Heights (22-3} at 6 : p.in;· ·.:·March~<2f:··:}n·. :t~e: : Schottensteiri; Center at Ohio .• ; State University;:,,.,, •'~ _..,,;r . • · .· The wilmer goes on to· plaY' for' the ''siate . championship ,a( 8:30 p.m:· March.,22 against··· either Columbus:: Brookhaven (2_4-1), th_· _e _top-drnked' team; irf , -" ~-- '0~. ,-, ··~,- ~ r·'''•'•""l'; '"'!'<"'"' '<-• .·nw+•?·t ·., •. .-:'!t'""i:<""l>"' M'·'~· ·sTAFF ' 1 ·. .~·. f ~;-g. t;, "'t "".1~ ~ ~' ARK "o'"• M"'TZ/' 0 the state, or- Toledo St.,. John's· .... --.· . ' -,- ·\,.,, ·"' "~· . :.i'':: ·.,·<• • •. •.·.......,,:>1•~·-o.·•·,,.. '· · ,,.• (21 _4 )... .

Moeller High School junior forward An~rew, Brac~man (40) !ays the ball In for two o~ h!.s 19 points, . Walther led the way in the against HamUton in the Division I regl-~n~_l,b~ske~b.~l:l .~-n~.~~ ~.~r~~,~~;~:~~:, ;;:.';,·.,.::,:<·~:~.~~,;~~;i,;.;,,,/, •. ~e~io'n~ttJinal,:. ;~itli{ 2Q.,; pO~!,l~~;t: ~ery hot"teamr~ 18 ,: and' . a".· game-high '.• eight :·. .' Moeller. led 17-4 after a quar~ ,ms~\lding,;fl ~~~<?.r~6.perfo~allc~t-~,;~:.HQ.W,bot?~, ; ., .'·c·:·~···•-1,:. '"t ': reb?unds::::'.,: ';'' ;·:, ·:~}·· ·.·· . ·''.'';·:j~·<'';~::.-~(aitd 33~p.-a.t th~h~l['~·:~~:< i'·· .. : from the thiee-pomt lirie. And. One example. Moeller shot 64 , And ·:~_then·:·; there .:. was:~·:, .;;::"I;m' very' 'proud' of oiir 'kids :co_nside~ably ~eyondi~".:' ~.;:·~::·', · •· per~e1lt ·from t.Jlree-pop-t( ~ange~· ~e_Temple:·~illie DeTe~ple.~'::~·.:~' ~rid we're 8 ~ protiq to ·be· going i .·. He. made his last)hree stand- Hamilton ··on the other hand •.. He's a little-used seruor for--•: ··- · ... · · ..., · · ';; · · · · • •· . , 'm····g···a'·. g-'o·o"d. 35 fieetfro"m.·.the" b·u·c.k h.... 63· ...! •... , f ...... th f ' ,.... d. h .... -··· ....ff th' b lit.·- ...... b_ ackto Coluplbus,,Krem_er.srud;· . .. .. _. : . - s ot. percent .. rom . e . ree war w o came o e enc o "Th' . .. . ..· · . b . ,. t · · ti ·· · · d · · th ·· th' d ·· · " ' · ·• · · · · ... · · ·· .... . f .;...,.. lS· was a. greatc surpnse,. ut .·.·...·. _·.·· ... _e_··.·.·,·.·_,.·_·_' rr. · ._".· throJwustlinabe.o·::u·.. t· iev''e···ry· o..ne·.· ,g. o.,t.• · ~;'.n't·.o score . s.lx pomts on ~ pa_l;l'. 'o ~- ·we;ve got bigger thmgs. in. front .equaher. ~_.ft:~~P~~ m.' . threes. m. JUSt Jour. mmutes of,, ...·.1!\: ".,.,,.... ,, . ,.1... ., •. _,,-c.,· ... ,.~ .. . ~'That_ was. pretty:'much . a the act for Moeller. . . . • ... actio~. prompting: all. sorts ofj,,o,f.us,'::·, :·:;;;, ;~-~\;~.·~;_ ;: :,,, ·;z:: ,· ;;· . 1 prayer shot.~':.he said•• c"But. I'd.

Junior forward;.': Andre~ high fives and towel-waving[] ·~::x~'There's a giant at the end of been feeling it. I'd inii.de ·some. Brackman shot·?-for-9 ·from the bistriorucs on the Moeller bench.- this road," s'aid 'senior'cb::captairi othei:s ang} thoughfit' ~ould gq.~·~ floor and score& .19 points>:: ·.;.: · . "Offense . and ' defense 'over' ' knd. "paine gtiar(f Rob. cb.n~ti~) "Range'is not a ]:iroblem for :/:: '.:He's a guy other teams have four quarters, that' probably,;;· :·we w'ant to go ~t~~-it:;;.. . ; Bubba,'~ saidMoellerheadcoach hard time guarding,'~ Kreiner our best· performance. of: the· .. ·. "For us it's been collabora~­ ' Girl Kremer> "S?me~m~~:,it, .is. said; .'1:J;'eople,try t() stop Bubba year,'' ~en:;er ~aid: "That was in· ''tiorJ.YO'f four· years of hard work,'.' ifor.~e, but not .wl~~·- ,. ,r; · . and,(Josh)Dunc~, an~ then ~ey. noway m~Icati~egf,"~?~}?~~·-~- said senior forward an4 co-cap~ . . ... . g..·. _th . ·, . •·.Wh_en · they re shooting · froll1- don . t know · . \Vhat .: · to . do . a~put a . .. team " Ham1lton 1s .. : . " ·..·.. ·. ....... ·· ·· · ,_...· tai.n . Joe. Ki mener. wear:J,n ·. . e i th:;ci :Hamilton'. 4~l:!d;• coach . LarrY the citY'peop1e don'ttalk about/~ ting good looks. They had to· around. ~is neck, "It'iL.the:.b:~~t • Allen.-, "Frankly' we ran into a Dpncan, nieapwhile, _added play catchup early.'~ _fe~l~ng.::·· · ,:· · ·~'-·:p.-.,, .. .. . '"'"·" ' . . . r 1

,.

·

"

· ·"''

' ' ·

.,'-t:

" H"

/C,

''

•

•

'\."

_,

f..

''

J.

\

.·,·,,t, .

'

L

h

,·

'

.~

'

. ,

.......

•

..

. ··

"

. . . . . . -4

was'

a

~~uP~~~ J6~:r~f~~~

......

• .......... , ...

a

~ithi~·h;'~ ili~ b~~ipi~)iJ 'i~ \veil~ ~~~g~~:eadti!;~~f~e~~~-'"'¢dt~dq~ri'~,~ch~mpionship ~:~~et '

Crusader

Page 1 of3

lin News Editorial Feature Culture Sports.

9001 Montgomery Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45242

February 2003 Vol. 39, Issue 2

Follow the Links on the left to the News, Editorial, Feature, Culture and Sports Pages. Follow the links below to individual articles.

NEWS FLASHI

BASKETBALL TEAM STATE CHAMPS! See the News page for more pictures.

NEWS LINKS: Pastoral Ministry continues long tradition Giant man receives giant award

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/crusader.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 11 of23

Below: ••• STATE CHAMPIONSI

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

\ were. gcifhg

:··to :~lay

the

gian~·; .Moe1ief.'.S~hior point' .g!J'arcl · fi8H'. christe·said;. · ;:,

:::·.:~i::·c.oacfi;:s~.·ia~'bb.1it. 1ht. l atld. :·

.. . . . . . teams ciri;··tliit· st:aili'tse"IDifir

fiiihl§)~play'f'bf£ 'intiffiiditi6n~ niils . and he )ol~ us not to back down ·~.'-ihlcf.

·Ju~~or ·fox-Wkd'Ali'dfewOI3tackmrui~-wiio~

. finished wi!l.t J~'lfoiilt$'bn 8-for-9 ilioot~·· ing from th(!'. flo~'~Gt1ft ' · th · ·

:.·--- -~:. ~z::·

,.e~,_sL...::?'

L

riever bac~~it<?~~·.~ ,..: ~;;.::. :'·:::..·: '·-;·,...·:~'It's ~l?.qutne$, smd Jilnioi fof\Vai4 l ·:;rrr,."-' . ·· ·:·-~....tA~~·~...l· · · ~, ·,•:..;t.·~·· · .• -· · '1 :·.Josh Duncan;:.w.lio led Moeller with 23 ~· . ~;r.~-r·~·;".o:;!_~.z,-.~. ··· ! .....:~·ar~~~~!f,t;· .~. · .~.-;:".·-· ... . -~ t.f~P.·61nts' .and .. 12· rebo9nd~ iri. the·. finals.

' ~ ,... <f.··•"li,il'tl'"'""'~~·:f';.'/<•....''·' . ·- " ......., .. "' r·:r,?t:s.· gt~~,~;JtJ.~~~~.~~~escri?.~~Je.·z:; :·. ·~'t.

1C'· ••. ·::r~~~~j~;_~~~--~~~Jeeling;:,I:~~" ~~~t

I had,~'Jliruor.m!ararBubba Walther said:· ... "'··'!...c.·,···. r 1

.

. Bv MARK D. Mort ...· ·. '! .. .~~; SPoins EDITOR :;:·: ,

MMOTZ-@coM.MUNtTYPREsS~.·coM. · · .

1· · COLtTh~BUS ~~Tears and;~miles and ~hugs rolled 'across the floor like so many _. ·:,., ....·· .. 'ocean waves·. : · Moeller:' High School took.· the 'Division I 'state basketball title with a ·73~65 wi~ 'over Brookhaven March 22 ·at the Scho'ttenstein Center.~:' ' >, i\ ..: .The 1999 crusaders 'also won 'i siate title~ . . . . .· ;{~J}:;.;· · . . { · ~·.1 didn't think itwould feel as good,'~ head coacH Carl Kremer said. '.'Jdidii'f . think'anY@'ii~f woiiid' feel that gbod: But· :this' is 'every bft ag;gooct *).~'i·,:}' ~ .. :; ;::?~;""The~~-were ~-P~~;; di#'fteild tearris',;i Isuch different 'sea~~ris. Tliis is bazirig, ithe work th~se did td: g~t tlere." ; .. ; : _:· '· Brookliaven .:, th~·"deferldfug state ch'ampion\~"caiDe, into' the ga{iie with. a 26- F record/' ranked JirsUn Ohio and ~tt({~fai~6i: by; . u'sA.Ttiday'~~~:-i~;·~z1;;,t·. :.. ·.

B'eaitit1s'6hlY.loss'. ;wasa ... run.~rusA:Tociay's I .

K,...,..>J;;Ii;-"; ., . ,...,t-- ·, ;·'

kids,

.

,·, Tiie

0

~~ce~:St:~;;~ Ja·!j4 9f~pfep phe~

· ·riomeriori.·"teBrcin Jamesi::.whose Irish woii :.· the·.

Di~1sion II .tith~ .ii:DiTiediatel y ' .

J·•·. priot,to th'e Division I. contest. · "I went in there· with'. the ·attitude we 0 'f•.

-

~--

.

' .. ,• ··- -~--'

...

.... ~;.••·.-"':.

.t~

o•R'\..:' '

~~·-.·•;s

"Every:seJisa lifetime,''~,;:~;

Kre~e¥ sirlcl~:pij~· lifefurie bas, tfS

been orie of the hestand I'm so proud.ofthese kids."· .... ·. ·. · · The cnlsad.ers got· ·to the championship' desp~te blowing a 19-p9i.pt lea4 fn·~~ -~emifinals against'-·. Cleveland··; Heights March. 2L .But Moeller put, together a i 7 -Q run in overtime to win 85-74. .. "1~. ·.. '· · · ·: Duncan led'\'~ifh~ points .and 1_6 boar~-·~·ili~'sep::~ifinais,

27

while Bntciarian··~~ored.25 and add~d nine rebounds. . ' The' most recent hoops championship added to a storied trophy haul that also includes seven stat~ football titles, three state baseball ·championships, two titles each in non-sanctioned volleyb~ll · and lacrasse and 1 numerous Ohio individu.al winners- most recently 2003 wrest[. !ng champ· ~y~ Lukens .•.

·.. ···

,

.·

.. •;

.

. /tE:>:~:\~~.:r:,:~:·;::·.:· .. --~~, .. ·__:--;.;~::t~·-.;_:·.'·.("·..

Members of the Moeller High Scho.olliasketbaiJ team, seniors .~~~~!e Christie, l_eft, j(,e Klnrie~•erJI'and:VIfllllle n ...T .......,,.. celebrate their state tournament win during an assem~ly at ~~~ ~C!.~.c:!ol o~. NJarc~ 25. ·

Bearcats•43 stand in the way of Crusaders . . ~ - :l;J.

By Kevin Goheen Post staff reporter

COLUMBUS -Moeller has its work cut out for it if its going to win its second Division I state basketball title in the last five years.

When the Crusaders won their first championship back in 1999, they had to beat nationally >-Moeller (22-4) ranked vs. Brookhaven Shaker (26 _1) .

Heights to > Division I state do so.

They'll try final to duplicate > S:JO p.m. that feat to- . > Value City Arenight when na, Columbus they take >-Ohio News on defend- Network; WBOB-AM ing cham-. (1160) pion Co. lumbus Brookhaven at Ohio State University's Value City· Arena. Moeller beat Cleveland Heights, 85-74, in overtinie Friday night to earn its berth, while Brookhaven got all it could handle from Toledo St. John's before fmally beating the Titans 59-53.

Brookhaven ended the regular season ranked No.1 in the As-

TONIGHT

I

sociated Press state poll ~dis currently rank~d No.6 m the USA Tod~y national poll. The lone blerrush to the Bearcats rec~rd is a 67-62loss to Akron St. Vmcent-St. Mary and LeBron James who will play Kettering Alter today for the Division II championship. Brookhaven is 78-3 in the last three seasons.

0 ne of those los.ses was a 68-50 setback to Elderm the 2001 state semifinals, a loss that was an impetus for the Bearcats continued success.

"That was our first trip here an~ Elder knew what the~ were domg," Brookhaven assistant Rock Craft said. "They showed us what big-time Division I basketball was all about and we went outandlearnedfrcimit."

Moeller· may.be Without the services of All-Ohio junior forward Josh Duncan, who suffered a blow to the head ~hen he. fell hat;d to,the fl?Or late m overtime.

'W_e re gomg to be the underdog either way," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "My biggest concemisgettingthekidsrested and to get Josh healthy."

Brookhaven lost three players to Division I colleges off of last year's team that beat Winton

W?Ods, 66-49, in the .champi?nship game. All that did was give so~e other. playe~s a chance to shme. Semor pomt guard Andrew Lavender and senior forward Branden Foust are both headed to Oklahoma to play for the Sooners next year.

Neither disappointed against St. John's. Lavender had 22 . d pomts, while Foust ha 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bearcats are also playing for their head coach, Bruce Howard, who collapsed after a game in January from cirrhosis of the liver. ?be oddity of Howar~'s ailment 1s that he doesn't drink alcohol. Drew Williams, an 11-year assistant under Howard is the interim coach. ' "We've got assistants who have seen them on tape but I haven't watched one iota of them," Kremer said. "I'm going ~stayupall~httonightwatchmg tape. I don t know that much about them because we ~ere so focused on Cleveland He1ghts." .Ifthere'sonethingworkingin Moeller's favor, it's history. No team has repeated as the bigschool state champion since Elderwon back-to-hack Class AAA titles in 1973 and '74.

. : .. ·... :-; ··::,:t-.. ; ;,":';";:;:::r.:::~;;·:o;:.~.::~~/:::;; ·:· :··.·: :. Moeller"'vs~?Brookhaven;~·~· , ·:·:·•r:" .·.· "'~·"*''''·' -~·'it 'it•'"'·\ 9 ,1iYI.<IP"•t\¥,,~:: :· :' : MOEU.fJt22-4r'': ,,,.,•..<.' • 1m1•t.!Zt·.~<!7'"·····. :: . ~".M..fi'Capll,;;mer.{~~-H02iiA:~~rs\;i~....~:;+,: :· · >:=~~740:·. ,,;' ;~;~·~·:•.~->~~·:"/;...· :, .. , .....aaaB·.:::::::.n'' ···N·0 t""":·' · ·. ~~-~~-~-,.·~}::" .. •··• '• ~r• ~~~ ! ~~·::'+,;o'k~X~~ ,,:;~·? , >-. Sbti_appeai111CeS:.40Q3~ 1999• ~:!:-':' ,. ~.:·k.~ ·:·: ;..., ~-~ 60 ~g>::~:CJP.I:.~O.O:;:•i··.:~f..i'";7'':'? ~!'}'·"::;; ' I!&:.:Jti-11~;..;..,.,.;, ··<I'" ·t·•·· ·-····•·.!-~[! ,•,wf,:•;•>"' : .. ~h',;·• ~··~·.•?~r; ·:~<;:·::·,;:,:' ''. :·'::·;.t>'" "•~ rT"'· ., } .· Pos. er <:'"'''' '~".Itt."? Yr,t•· ,. F- '·. ; Jtish·ouncan '";:; •· S:7':'Jf. · F Joe Kimene( ; :: 6-L Sr. , C: :... .Andrew Btackinarf 6-T 'Jr: . . .15 !'' G'· ¥xRob Christie:.;·.·,~·;s.:s;;: Sr.•:·:7·~ r 'G•·:Yi Bubba Walther.· : 6-2·· Jr. · 11'pJ?I/: ·: ~ ,,· COLUMBUS BROOKHAVEN I~U · ·· · a- ·· ' · , . lo .. .• ·· . . >~:Bruce no~ard (197-51, 11ye~ , , .. · . ~ lnteJim. coacll: Ore~ William~ (13:-0):.S;':r;r.;;:"-~·.: > 7 ~··~ ~el~'4t9-~!!"il!~'i&r?''':'i.: #A,i.! ''' · {, . >-. Fiftll.~t!~~rit;~~~; 1 ;'1i;'?fr:;,:···,, '', : ~state appearances: 2003,.2002, 200fb'. '; · >.PfG:,?9.4. >-" OPP: 54,0 '.; ;,~·:r."/';;;"'( .,: .. ~~lii~P :· :·z,i··~fi'.,:~ ~~~:~.;,.:;;,;.:~;' ~/,: .... p._ Player ,, . : . Ill:'' Yr. ·. Stab:·. ·:.< ;, .. F Everett Spencer . · 6-5: Jr:· "., 10 npg'-'" ;r•. , . ·· f .· . J C •. . S . . "' : · ·:· .: ~' amel1e om1ey;_ 6-6 Oo .· 16 ppg '::··: •. ·:; F •· Brandonfoust . 6-J :Sr: . :. 17 ppg ::~ '"·c G .. Den~el Lyles · 6-1 Jr. · • .· 10 ppg; :. :· ~ Andrew lavender- 5-8~ · Sr. ' . 17 ppg' •;· '. ·. ~

,

...

...

Moeller,.

Mason advance in Division I ti-3 . ~/;..'1/

The Ci{cinnal Enquirer

~

Josli DunCan scored 19 points and Andrew Brackman added 14, leading second-seeded Moeller to a 64-34 victory over Harrison in a Division I sectional game at Cintas Center Wednesday night The outcome '1was n~ver in doubt after the Crusaders took a 17-5 first-quarter lead.

Moeller held- Harrison to 4of-24 (17 percent) shooting in the ·· first half.

Moeller plays Mason for the sectional championship at 8:30p.m. Monday at' Cintas Center. .

MOEUER- Walther 4 0 11, Ouncan 6 619, Klmener I 02,Juenger2 04, WattO 2 2, Brackman5314, StDVallll 4, Childress I 0 2, Dlerl<ers I 0 2. TOll! Is: 2112 60.

HARRISON- Williamson 0 3 3, Hotopp 2 3 8, Haynes 20 5, McDonal2610,lDQe I :3,Sims011, Schmlt1204.

Totals: 9 14 34. , •·

Moellor·....,..----- 17 15 16 12 -64 ·,-

Hanlson----· s

6

5 18 -34

3-polnters: Moeller 6 (Walther 3, Duncan, Bmckman, Detemple); Harrison 2 (Hotopp, Haynes).

<

·

·

'f

K

<,;111•

·, : ., ';: ;-.:·

~'·e· ~~ ~1--e~~~~ ••;1.:1·.

;W;r;. ; ~f; _ ;E; i:.: :~-:·i~t:i~V:'td.J1:-;.~- . -~\!J:r; ~t<1-~-~ --~~i/~t:(~-;t\;:t~/L f!~

sef:off'a ;fast~ break· hiyu.l? •by to' even the score, 66~66)''' : ·. The TigE!rs had a chance to win .the game in regulation, but Jones' 17-foot shot' over the outstretched > arm of Christie hit the rim and was .: rebounded py Dl¥.1C.an· ;:)'" , , . . .X! ;';~ : :-1· · ·"I c:Ucbi~t',fuinldt.was goingto go. ,. becaus~'Tgot niy hand in his shoot~ t,, ing pocket re.al q¢ck," said Christie, who flnished,'with13 points and •six ~~sis~;~A~:H:e had bee)} ptilliilg up on people all night and I knew ex; actly what he was going to do."'·- ·· · .;. Thismarkstheftftbyearirla'row 'Cincinnati has been 'represented in · the Division I state title game , , Moeller in 1999 and this year, St. Xa.··vier in 2000, :E:lder in 2001 and Win.. tonWoods last year. Mqeller and St. ·. Xavier:each won titles.' ' ' · ·Moe,J.Ier used the aggressive of;Jell~Y,~: ~?tY!e o( C,lev~apd H~ights . against the 'TigE!rS by drawin,g four cha~ges jn .the first q~arter .alone and. built a 15-7 lead. Cleveland . Heig,htswas calledfor.lO .total fouls in the flr.st quarter, compared to just ... ,two;J<m the Ct~saders . The. Tigers !,:eventually~lost Jailles Alex Nixon • and All-Ohio' guard Jon Battle to , · fouls. Battle ended the game with 13 ,· poin~, !fespite playin.g on a sprained

·niodorward Josh uwu.:an :s~u~;eu." poiiits'and liadJG · · .. .. · · ··· · availability f!)r tl. game is unknown.'With ovEU"time, Duncan's ·head ~u.~,~.ue,c 1, , floor after a battle for the bal neath the offensive. basket.

Y anldesuffered~lastw~ek'sregion­ on the floor for a. couple ofi1w1u.~::;:·"' : al .c~~mpionsbip game vic.tory before· sitting up: and, the .•. f!gainst Massillon Washington.. · taken to the bench. Duncan ' Moeller outrebounded Cle.ve. land Heights, 41~30, not a surprising e~amhii:r~ed this ~,0. rn~~~,to.p~f~rf~i'.i1 nune s status.. ·. · 'r : ,· .·. ,,,- ,_.: •. total considering ,the, Crus.aders' "I'mnotevenslu-ewhatto,say,'';~;::;t:t .'·';'·:. ,, J. · . . ,., , , • ·'·:rER~YGILLI~M/~ss~~l<!t~d.~re~s,. height advantage. Moeller played Moeller coach:_Car!Kremer. said. ·~t IVIoller's Andrew Brackman. goes up for a shot as Cieveland · " ., , four players who stand at least 6 feet f~el fox:tunate t9 play in the _cha_m- ,;:Heights' Shawn Butler defends during first-quarter actior;:J. · , ..· · · · 7. Jupiorforward Andrew.Brackp1onship game.• I thought our kids L· , • . · ., . · , , . , .

• , · . . .. , , man, added _25 ~points and nine reshowed tre~~ndous cour~gE! a:qd, ,1fl~arter, inclu~g mi.ssing ~e~~nt. Darre~ Jones made just .f<?ur of ~1 bounds:·.:-· ·' ·' · ··' ':· ·' '·' · .-.· · HEJGHlS ll4li Nixon 1-6 ~2 2, Gardner 4-6 .. that's P.retty dif!i~t whe,n Y;(JUJo~~ ·b~~~ of a bonus ~1tu~tion ~ce. · ·..... , shots m. the game, but ,1t ,:vy-as h1s 1-5 10,CLEVElAND Grey. 1-1 o-o 2, 'Jones 4-21 2·2 12, Battle 4-10 3-4 13, Ledwelli-1 0-0 2, Strickland 0, Sanders o-o 0-0 0, Cauley . ~!eadlikewe did.;, ..,.,·\ • •.. ·• c ,, <·•·: 'The press didn ttake1ts toll un-, three-pomter that began,thE!come- o-o o-oo, Haynes2-4Q-04,0-10-0 o-oo-o 0, PoweiS3-4 ~19, >.Overtimebecameanecessltybe-; .tilthe fQurth quarter,~' Cleveland 1 back. Reserve forward Dpnqvan ~~j~ ~U ~ _11. J"~~~~Cotton ,1;2 _oo ,2. Boyd ~~' 0:0 4. Totals cause,Cleveland lfeights turned up, .·Heights. coach James Cappelletti .,..Boyd scpred. twice from the 'inside ·· MOELLER 1851: Duncan 12·16 2·5 27, Klmener 1-2 4-6 6, the. ~efensive pressure, began .to'' said. "I thought otii' defense stepped, .• and Shawn B.utler muscled his way Blackman 12-20 1-3 25, Christie 4-9 4-5 13, Walther 3-9 1-2 8, Tralnoro-o o-oo,Ash o-o o-o 0, Watto-o o-o 0, Cartero-o o-o 0. make shots, and Mo~er pelped out ..:·up and got us back intoitin thee~~· : to some key rebotinds on bot~ ends: . Juenger o-o 0-0 0, DeTemple 0·0 o-o Q, Stovall 0-0 ~0 0, , ~~- some.less;than-effici~n~ free~.; ;'l'J;lefans seemed .to enjoy it.".· · ... · Trailing 66-6~ with 1:20 leftin regu~. Childress 1-4 4-4 6;:Dier11eiS ~1 o-o 0. Totals 33-6116-25 85.

CLE. HEIGHTS 7 ' 16 · 17 26 '· 8' 74 · ~hrow shooting.,The:Crusad!:!rs. ·:.·;.Moeller point guard Ro.b Chris-... lation, Butler-stole an inb9unds MOELLER ·c · . . 15 17 22 12 19 -85 '¢ommitted 14 turnovers in the sec-:. tie'sthree-pointerwithfiveseconds · passandtheneventuallycappedoff · ·Three-point goalswCie. Heights 8·30 (PoweiS 3-4, Jones 2-10, Battle 2-7, Gardner1-2, BuUer0-3, Nixon ~1. Stricklarid~1. .·ond h8If (24 for the game) and niost.; 1 left in the third quarter gave. the the possession with a baskefqffan Haynes 0-1, Boyd 0-1), Moeller 3·9 (Walther 1-4, Duncan 1·3,.

Christie i-1, Brackman 0-1). Fouled out-Nixon, Battle. of them were during the Tigers' run: Crusaders a 54-40 lead h~adiJlg into . offensive rebound. ; · , . . : , ., · Rebounds-Cia. Heights 30 (BuUei B), Moeller 41 (Duncan 16).

Moeller made just three ofits six the final eight minutes. · · , . On Moeller's next possession, he Asslsts-Cie. Heights 10 (Jones 3), Moeller 22 (Christie. 6). free-tlu;ow attempts in the fourthi ;-' ) ;:, .

Cleveland Heights point guard .· tipped the ball away. from Duncan fouls-C::Ie.. Helgllts 27, Moeller 16. A..,l6,423., -~;~;•.:··,· · ... ,.. :._ -' . "·' ., .... - . .. ... . . .

{

'

~-

~

.:Moegt!q(d--ta~e~-littl~ aJQDg way

;, . ,.:. :;, ., ....'. ·:'.R···,· ob Christie · presents a .··

·3~-:2.,.:;--s ·

•·

. . . · .. ,.. .

· · for a farilily paper. . . Christie_ smiled, study in contrashook hishead and diction. The Moeller . . blew them a kiss, High School senior which ~rqve th.em to point. guard is simultaeven wilder heights neously the smallt~sf or would it be 'player on 'the.basketdepths? -~of derision. ball floor and often ' · This bothereq ' · · the biggest presence.

MOTZ<· ·· Christie not a whit.

When the · From the district _ ·.·.

•' :: tournarri.entoii! 1 .

Crusade,rs wrapped up the Division I boys basketbalL . Christie talkeli about"the giant state title March 22, Christie ·at' the ena of the road.'::·· t() remind himself little 'was both laughing and crying, · hugging and high fiving, gain-: . · guys c~:m ()Ver~_o1TI~ l~Hlg odds, ing his composure and cutting\. he's got across tatto.o near his loose; . : :·. i ...•. ·. · ' . . , .d~_ft sh()_ulq~f blade.It'~. ,_ . , '· The- 5-foot-8 Loveland resi~ inscribed with the numbers of , . dent gives' aw~y nearly a foot ·.·. aBj~J.evei~~- fro#l t~ef!fs(',, · .to 6-foot~ 7 tearrumites Josh :, · bo~.k of_Sarnl1el:.:.;.•._ ._, · J;, ; .. ·-. . . . Duncan and Andrew •. .; ·· . ,_, .. ' , David put hi~ hand m:o the B~~~-~_triiul~·.>·-:~. ~- _ :·. . <._:._ ,.,_ i'·...:~·-·,.-.- :. -.·.· ·· , . ~ag an~ took ou~ a s~~ne~r ~-~-' . . . He heard taunts reserved for hurled itwitli the sling and · the vertiCaliy challenged from· struck the Philistine on the., • the Columbus Brookhaven fails forehead. The stone embedded ·as thetearris\varmed up for the' itself in his brow, alld hefeU state fina1s. They called him . prostrate on the ground,"····· Miiiijvi~~~rt&Oompa Loorripa according to the .New··: .. · and olli,er'¥fi¥iues not suitable . . Americ3:n Bible translation•

-. ,._ . .-...... · _ . .:, · ·.·,., ...·.. · .· . .

So what was on his rilind as he stepped to the line for those free throws?Th~ inspiring . story of David and Goliath?.· .. "1 h~ve this.·.so~g I like an.d.

I was kind of smgmg the Iynes. in my head,"Cbris.tie said: ·. : . _: ·. What. song?, :·. . ' :-'' ... ·. · ,"'LoseYourselr By. . .

Erilinem.'~,

>)_.: ,· • .' ...·

.

..

_ .. .

··•

· . .

···

.

.",,.

·· ··

··

t' Dom tlze distric~ -

. ..

r,.. ·tournament on, .. · ·· .

. Chlj~tje

~alkeq '!]Jout .. the gian{at the end of

.·.,t1.:._·_·ro·ad.·.

- ·,_.·. ~·-;· . . ' rte .·. :.. :::75\i~;/'

.

" ·. . ,;- . · · ....

Coach Carl Kremer provid- · '· ed the biggest,Iaugh qfthe ' . . •.... .. " postgame press conference - ·. · opp~ritnl.tyfTo s~i~~ ~eyecy~)i when h.e jokingly said,. "Yeah, thing you ever wanted ... one .

Robbie and I listen to him moment/Would you capture it together all thetime~" .. . .· .. . ... or just Ieqt slip?':• . · ' Talk about your big upset~.~ · .. Rob Christie~ the little big a white guy from Detroit is ~e man _ ·capfuredifwith the . . biggest. rapper. 09 eart,h,. .-· . .. ·, · words of the Bible' on his back _; But Eminern·has so muc~ .. and Eininem .. . inind;'~O'if · gaJ1l~-~~ ~~{~9. J~s~ l~~~:;;··. · · r:{o~ he;l.I · .·. cliarnpi~} · BarbaraStr~I~~nd.. excitetl. as on ship' ring she called_ h1~ nam~. for_w1n...: .' ·: Nof a ning the Academy Award for.. . .

-: best song:.:: ''Lose Yourself,'' co~rse - from the movie.' '' .. soundtrack of'S ·Mile: .: . ~ . " The lyrics say,/'Loqk ;., ~f . you had one shot•;u or one · '·

·

'of

"".,.

Division I state championship: ·Moeller 73, Broo~haven 65-... · •

'

';

.

•

>

,(

·'

••

;;

. ·.r,

·t..

.

.

.

t an

l\:;Jf'·.·»·~~',·.·-~Jlll' . . ··.·.··: . .~•a:' ·e···s~-·d,·o·nr.l." *"t.;·e··----gt·• ; ltiD*e~ IJ · · .. · . . . ,,,,.J!t· ~~~~ . ·. ~.-' i:.:-~:

~-

;_,..~

.'t

e:r. ~-~·

·....

·.·~·>··::::_:--:;

:.k · ' ....·

··. ~--~·

.

·.--·-.--

•

···-~'

;-C,~~--- ~:.'~

<·-:··'·

.

'.

'·

?'

_.·

.

-

-~

. .

>

~

•

,.

Christie .said, shouting to be heard "I knew !'~as going to piay, no Brookhaven was. tzying to beabove a postgame cel~brati.on on •·] dou,bt about it.". Dm~~ ·said. "I co.me the .first.school to con.secthe co~. 'We weren t golllg to . cant even expl~ this nght now. utive o.hi~ ~Ig-school titles. SillCe tit lose this game;" .

What a greatfeeling." · Elder did It ill 1973 and 1974. ~ ·g· Moeller all~state fonyard ·Josh: Moeller lost all of a 13-point third· Brookhaven was led by senior Recapping . · . ~ Duncan, cleared to play after suf-.: quarter lead, but recovered to win point guaid Andrew Lavender; the Moeller's playoff· _1 _ · ·- · ' 3-~{}$ fe~g <J:head injury ~riday ~~ht, g?ing away. Brackman sealed it Ohio Division I player of the year. victories:': . ··, ___-.. , _; ~ · .By- Tom Groeschen .· · · • : ·. led the Crusaders, wtth 23 po~ts wtth a bre~away dunk a~ the buzz- Lave11d~r. (23 poillts) and Brookha• Moeller 60, : j . :' ·The Cilzcinnati Enquirer · and 12 rebounds. 1\Vo other Ju- er, sending Moeller's _players _ ven seruor forward Branden Foust Harrison34· < --~ --> . · . . . ,, ·niors, guardBubba Walther,.(19.. sprintingontotbeco.urtforthetra-·bothhavesignedwith·Oklahoma·.

• Moeller 74 . ,' ,- 1 · • COLUMBUS - Moeller upset · points) and forward Andrew Brack- ditional victory pile-up. . . . · Walther said Moeller respected Mason 55 ,,:. ' . ~ .Columbus· Brookhaven 73-65 to· man (18), followed Duncan~in the · "Moeller Higq School just'does .· ~ut did not fear the great ones: : • Moeller 57 . ,: · .. ~ •·win 'the Ohio Division J·state bas- ·scoring column. . ···not quit," Christie ,said~ "We- kept ''They're good, but we lqlew we · Beavercreek 52. -, _,, · 1•" ketball ?tie Satun:lay ni?ht. stirrin? ' ~hristie ha~ nine points and four remin~g ourselves. of all th,: hard , co~ld. pl~y- with. them," Walther • Moeller 53 , ,.~. · 1 .:mem.on.es•of ~e· surpnse .~~al!lPI- asststs~ and hit four key foul shots ·work It' took to get us here. -• ·: satd. 'I think havmg seen them beS ringboro 34 ._;: ';!· .~nship It won ill 1999. . · ·· : /. to stretc~ Moeller's .lead from 66-65 Moe~er coach Carl Kremer fore gave us some con.fiden~e. ~d ~Moeller 81 . · . .· ~ . ·.·.· It was the· secqnd time ~ill four_ to 70.65 ill the wanmg sec,onds.. . called It, :·A courageous, Moeller, • now we'~e statechru_nps ... It's ~ust Hamilton'·43 ,,• ~ · . ~./years that• Moeller· (2~) ·beat a · A~endance 'Yas·16,246 1:1~· Ohio GCLperfo:m:ance,"refemt1g to ~e ·• an unbelievable feeling." . · •: >- . ··.~.'USA Totiay top-10 team mthe.state ·s~~e.s Value. City ~~na•. wtth.. the · Crusaders . -.Greater Catholic COLUMBUS BROOKHAVEN 12s.2Jspencer 242 _2 6; • .Moeller 8 ~· . . . ; ·<finals. Columbu-s · Brookhaven DlVlston I game culminating a day League affiliation. It was Moeller's :. comley 4-6·0'1 8; F~ust &-6 1-4 u; Lyles ~15 o.o 12; Clevelal)d Heights.- . :· '.-/(26-2) was· rate · d No· ... 6 nation . ally by- of 10ur ~ · hip-games. · - d ti'tle ill . 10ur e 9-19 2-2 23, Peny 2-21-2 s. Totals. 27-52 6-11 , , .,1:::. state champtons secon years an d. the Lavender 65._ · · 74 • OL• ·• ;· · · .. , . ,, . :; •.·, U.SA "' day.·In. 1999, Moeller·upse t · ·, Duncan ·Jill'ti'allY was .questi'on_.. GCl' · · ·_ 2-s 4;MOELLER 123-41 Duncan 7-16 8-10 23; KJmener 1-1 .1. o .us fifth b'tg_sch o.o1State Ch amp1 Brackman 8-91-2 18: chrtstie 2-s 4-4 9; Walther 7·10 8 Moeller}~·~' . ~-:,No.9 ~hak~r I;Ieigh~ 1Jo·win the able after.hi~g hishea~ ()n ~e. onship since'1993. ~&:;r~~':;!~4~~7.~~h~~~o:2o.oo;oierkerso.o Columbus1 -- _- ;-,) . ; , championship. . . .· ~ · court late ill Fnday.'s semifinal wm Moeller was. ranked No. 9 and · 3'pointers: cs 5-14 (Lavender 3, spenc·er 2). M s.ti .· Bro~~~~~~g ~5 .:._ ,· ·.: l · '%e .way we ·looked at i~ we · ov~r Cleveland Heig4ts, .• but re- ·- BrooJ\?aven was No. 1 in the final !~~~~)~M0~f(t~n~~c~)~n..\~~:~k ~5~~~~:'4f,~M2g ::::/:{;' ·al:.,.••\j: 1- . : "were gomg to take down the cnant," ceived the OK · . after 'doctors Associated Press state poll of the. 14.

(CMstie 4). Personal fouls: CB 18, M 11. Tumo•_ers:•CB 9;M' _.-,,- · · ~·-;:•·•: .. ·-· • • <>• • • . · Attendance-16,246. ,._ · w-t•!¢ '! .~\· .- · . ; . Moeller seruor. poillt· guard Rob· checked him Saturday mornmg. . regular season.. ·

' _., . ··': ·crusaderS beat .·

Road ·to '· · ~ ' . . .. __. . . I .· .· . ~ ·top·-ranked ·-

the

e

>

· :_,, .

•

,\

·· . ·

v?n

.

bJ _-school - _- _ _ , team . ..· · · ·

::;;-.,...

....

~-----

- -.- ·-:..· _. :··•tam:gs>

~-c~~-

:·\~<\~~:~';;;~_'_;~·~·~;·; c:;,~:~;

-~'1

/

sa~on{~tJ11e

· ·. ·: _,,·:~-~~~$};.::_~%~:r;_~11ii~~-~-r~f·-:;<

-momen:IJsx) ·· :· ·-.

tAt

}ll~

,-,;'_"!

·_--,·;i·:.;~;DrX~;.l!t:~1~f~-~~;tJ"(;'::r

Moellet;~!,t~~~mg; .

.celebrate:titles · ·

~y--T~m·~·~:J~~;:~~J~;~ The Cinci11nati Enqilirer . ; " ,:;:t~: -·. . ..... ~ .· ;;·

. · - ,._. . ·o . .b. -..

_;;,.to; : .. ,

·.t::t~ 'i~:!.\..

:

State .• champions Moeller aq~PRead,. fug this week are celebrating· Cincinnati's best pr~p basketballweekend in 15 -years.. ·):··--·" ,·. .-., _ · ' .,;_ .. ,. .,. ·- · Moeller won the Divi:sion 11:>9Y::~ !Sb.te title and 'Reading. won'~- .. --- ' ..... ' ·· · ,the Division mchampi- :. onship last·Saturday in'-: .Columbus, marking the : first time since 1!)88 that ' Greater Cinc4mati won... more than one champi~: •. onship. In·l988,;Wood- · war~ ,(J)ivi~i~~-'~: and·-) _ ,Badin (D_lVISl()?;::: ill,>?' .; ,·. .)y9n state titles., .-,. . , · ...

Moeller will.·honor-its team at the sch.ool today at.9:30,~.m.:Reading honored its players at an assembly Monday. .. ;,, .'~Our kids playedtolwin, and we never backed-:tdown," -MQeller ·coach Carl ·Kremer~d,~~e,had a lot of heroes all .season.:~~---\:~.fb~rt&J:!£-:r,,~ ~-·~-:

,,._.

:Ch ~·~-~;@.OJPS!I~"t~;.i;l:QJll ~~~~

•

:

J.·.

-\

- ·;.

o:.~::~·y::.:·:.:.:·.:~~~

.

~

~:· ·, ,

;~

.

·'·!,·>.

· Moeller will add its trophy to the State title,' which also came unKt~mer.

_- ·. · · · - ·

:

·· In team spor:ts, Moeller now has seven state footballtitles (197579-SQ-82-85), · three baseball (1972-8~93) and twQ champi-. onships each. in basketb;ill'(1999, i:osse .(1991-92) 1,!lld boys

iunllo>vh<>ll

--~~- ~~-

' "'

'

championship game.

DerekAden and guard tes, who also inade .the ~-tournam~iit;teani; also will giadAdeJ1. !)Cored 17 points in the game;·:wbile'Barnes had nille ts off.tlie bench: ' ;! J :· ' ' . c28, rebounds in two-tournament .Diincan ''oii' the 'all-toumamenf"'' Reading~s'·titlewas the schoots ~games,· also 'Was !h;e. only junior .~eam. Bn1c;kman !!~or~d 43. P?h.I~.(~·eighth team· ch_atnpionship. Th~ namedto the AP DlYtSlon I ru,I-state ;m the two games .and ;\Valth~ t().;, , school has wonsJX s):ate bas~b_a!l ti- . team for the regular season.~ ··. · ·-~- }aled 27 poin~, including"19j~ tll~.;·~tles (1942-4446-57-74-80) ·and :one ~dreW-Brackman,alsoa6-7jti- title game.' · · '· · · ·' ·. ··· ·boysgolfchampion~hip (1949).''"'

C :~,~~-··· -Moe'wiris ·

E~tm'Ar~E · .

' -;.

lhq()ps cr~wti .. <J 3. '

!

. . _,,

I

l. ; i

.

~-,,;;, ~~.:Zl ..

BY MARK D. Morz

, > 'SPORTS EDITOR

.

; , . . -

MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM '·

I··· coi.uMBu·s !

~o~~;· the numbers on' the score1Joard mat~ . •

··ter.

-s··::_::.:- ··, ·. · . ••··,· . ,;' -·.'' .

' Moeller High Sch()ol may no~ .~ have had .the numerical pedigree". of its 'opponent;' but won th~~·~ Division I state. b11sketball_ title . w1tii'~~'a·;· 73-65 ",\riCiory· ' oyer Coh.lmbui(' Brookhaven' High··.

School . · •• March"' 22 ,-;. at,. the SchottensteiriCenter: ·.: . · !~' · Biookhaven- the· aeltenam.g· STAFF· ! ·state" cllampiod;· _came into.

Moeller Hl;ih Schooi junior game with a 26-1 ~ecord ~d w~ forward Andrew' Brackman ( 40). :ranked first in Ohio and SIXth m puts·a cap on the Division I ! the nation-by USA Today: state basketball championship, \. • So what. . . . . . dunking the last two points of i · ."I went in there with the atti- a : 73-65 . win against c' <:'\)}-~' ~~:;.. ~,~~·.;';1~.1~~~:· ;(.~:,-.';\''';c,_;:f::~ . .··: M~RK ~· _M~!Z/STAFF .· tude we were going to slay the . Brookhaven. Brackman had 18 Moeller Hlgti S~hoorsenlor guard. Rob Christie drives. against · iant," said Moeller senior point points on 8-for-9 shooting In Brookhaven Higll' School· 111 the' Division 1 state basketball finals t . , . :· .. . ···.·. .· .... .<"fe dectded we would take giv~ the Crusaders so~e _breath,the g_am~ to them, not t~ ~e ?ack ing room at 70-65 with 18 sec·· .,; · :.;•: ··· .·--:· · · .. :.:;, .• -~~.·, ;• ··· mcludmg. four stratght free .. on our heels, not to be mttmtdat- onds to go: . . ' . . .Moelle.r~.!ftgh;,~ch~?l:·sfW()~ · throws in the final35 seconds to ed," said ~oeller head coach : TQe last points of the game pomt guard Rob Christie may,. . · ... , . .. ·. · . , ··... t· p.1ayer ..- .. ···-on · the tve Moe room Cad Krerper. ,,., · · · '· •·"·· . , came on a thunderous dunk by not .b..e ·th. e b'tgges · . · "some . breathmg ·· · _ .. i · ~·'fhey'y~ g()fso n,tuch talent. Andrew Brackman just ahead of floor, but' he .tnay havC.t the ·,,. Whbe.n th.e gamfe xhen,9ed•. he wads : Thefrenumber.one m the state, the final horri. biggest heart~ . }: · .. · · ~ com matton o e . aust_ion an 1 number· six in th~ country~ But . --· "Coach ·said both the teams ·"Robbie's not afr~rl of anY~· ~x~berance,,.~.~u~~eous!y cry: we'r~.: ¥o:per/ w~'re fro~. f!te (in the state semifinals and thing," "'sa:Iq. :Moeller head'_' coact, mg and d~cmg .1~ front .of ~e ,GC~! ~d "Y,~play,_.~~~gh. g~es finals) play off intimidation an~ Carl Kremer.."If he knows one packed Moeller stands, ex,hortmg , every_mg~~·,:i~. '"·'' •'·:·,:· •'':" ,.-. ·· ,c,. he told us not to back down, . speed,. fuJi SP.ee(aheadt ,. ',, N~ ~PfifO~~t~§. ~g}~,~' ~~ fight i, . _. .Moe~er ,held. true .to tts plan,· said· Btackman, wtiq· finished 1 •· Christie a Loveland resident,-'• .s.ong.l ~;i.;: ~ •·, · .. ~- "· ~ · ·: . 1 takiii(a.. 40~t~ _!e.~d a~. the h~f wfth'18. points on 8~for-9 shootcontrolled cni~ader offense;:·-,.\::·~:lt~ts~~·t.:•J:;e . described," and; .\Ve~tpefl!l_g. a. B,r()okhaven ing from the floor. "GCL teams, di~hing out six assistS ip the-state : C~sti·e~"'sai~- 'of. the. ~eelin~ of 8 run .th.~f P,~~. th¢ B~~~~;ts, ~I? 5 -, _they ne:ver back d()w,n.''.; ; . . ·. . ' semifinals as_Moeller collected a· . b.emg ~<.s!ate _chamP.t£>n. My 54" ~~r ..~~' ?rs~ ~~~~sE~l.~~-~\?J:r-~ tl J'h~y d~.•,P~}YeY,~t;,'rv!x _It .~P·. :. staggering 22 assists on its 33; _emotions were everywhere. I've t~~.f'?~~p~~~od.-;, . c -~' ... ...,......t .. :~ . ·rt~.'f.he Crusaders b~ngeo msi.de, . buckets: a~ainsi' · .: Cltv.elancf . never erie~ ~e,t}la~ before. . . t!;:W,;~~~~~. ~ey \VOU~!i.. mak.e, scoring 28 points 111 the pa~nt; Heights;~':/ "It was JUSt a Sigh of relief. runs,'', s~? JUIDo~forvv~~A J<:>sh, includinif~; 1 L :~of: offenstve H~ scored 13 points against We let it all go out there."~·· . ,pun~an, It, was JU~t ~ lll~t~~r of. rebounds .. They out rebounded Heigh,~. and added nine in the ,. · '-Mark D. Motz· 'us ~eeping our comp?.~~re. ~d' the Bearcats 31-20... w~-~i~~~it:~;i*;_:'fci;'-~;~:;t,{~":;j::·~:;:::'·,~~::~ ... , ..I thlnk a lot of our'rebounds · )':: . ~~.'Lwell as .do~~g---~&;J!Wi,>. ieg to ~gints," Duncan ~ai~. "!t's 1 _thme.~-~e~.~ed to wm g~C?~1}*·~wapo~t he~. You ~on't get mum: ma1fu1g}r~e throws .~t~l~~Wr£:o ida(ed·.'and: _you've just got to.· · 4efense;'i\''·•<.: · · •.• <-;:};S: f:•r ·.:<N it's another game.'' · .f Dune~ .maqe a ,()f. free..~:-~:~·' Ouricari'ended with 23 points •· . thi:ows to tie the SC()fe ~?:::~5 ,··~cl·12'·rebouncis, earning him : with .2:17 .to pl~Y·: B~~?~~~~n toufuafuent MVP honors. · ; never ~.cored agam~· ·• 'f:':'i:;:;~.:~<: · ·:.. finished with 19 . ) > .~~~?~ -~m·~~ar.~ loe rqmen~~ .· . points mi7-for~!O shooting from. icame,u~~tth.,a ~!e~ an~ made a ·the. floor~. He and Brackman ~ fr~ .~o~ to .~I~~"~t~ll~~ ~~- . joined pu?Clll_l ?n th~ all-tou~alead~, · · · . · , ··. ~ ··• ·.... ' . - ment -. .'· team , · along . · w1th1: c}·;~~Wstie hit four'sfrai~ht ~o\Il Brookh~ven's,Andrew L~y~nder't .s~?~~; ~n. ~~e n~~t~alf. 111~nu~~ to and Branden Foust. · · · :. ':· · -; d

:uard-~oj?(~hri~~e~

t~-~'~t~~~-~n~ls:

:r;~,,? ~i}~~,,,t~t~i~; ~~J, BJl.,.~. g_

ws:

fue

..

Parr

'realiZe

Waltl1er

~ ··. ~p§~V';(·':J~~}I!i~}~p.a~~Enquirer/GLf;NN ... ,~,. -··-

Crusader celebratlon:Mo.eller players Rob Christie (left)·.

and Willie DeTemple shqw .off.their Division I state bas- ;- ~\;;• ketball title·trophy during a rally at the school gym Jues~~+·:r day. Right: Moeller stud.ents. cheer the $Chool flag. The · · Crusaders won the championship Saturday.

J'"~~o·~·e·"I·I··e··•

.lii~

.,.<;

·---~c;'f). ~:- /

;

::

.

.. \ · ' ._'::':·~,,-.,:, ·:-":.>Y·';

··.··b·····a·... s··k·et-~·a·.--l . l. i-t~,:.·•

-~1~<~..

.

,,,:;r•:;~~- ~~/--;-;·.• ·~·, ~r

. . . ~u~.

··No-·\,::·24,~n:a··ti· . •·· .,. . . •· ·...o.nai--lv . . . . ·J:{

. ·: -" ·: ' .-. t-3~~ti·c;·tt·~~~~n;?.:j?. T~·'.r~~:

By Tom Groesch-n ;-: :\ ·'i-1 : The. Cincinnati Enquirer '·

· :

·' , .

-~·

c~ampionship in 1982..·

.

·';:-.:~*~~-H

...

·· . .·

.

: · The Moeller ~asketball team ·

. < ·. .;: ,/ ' · · ... .: · · (23-4) was led byS.foot-7 junior Moeller has moved into ~El:''fox:ward']osh.Duy.~; who was USA' Today Super 25 l?oys ·baS:. ' named MVP .of the state tourna• ketball ratings;• .taking ·position ment after totaling 50 points ~d . No. 24 after upsetting then-No. 6 ·28 rebounds in two games. · ~, Columbus Brookhaven in the · 'Brookhaven ·(26-2) · fell.' to · Ohio Division I championship t No. 25 in 1pis week's USA Today game.:', . .· . : rankings, Brookhaven-, wa$ try: •"lt.is,.~ great honor, and it's i ',ing to ~ecome the first school to: ·-somethirii·.Onr communitY will-: repeat as" Ohio big-school'boys. "be proud of,"}ld,c;>eller coach Carl · champion ·since Elder· in 1973 · :l{remers~c!..':'t~f' · · : and'74.;\.'./ · '' '.,<·.

•:: <Moeller;!alsowon the state ti- :· ,; ·' AkronSt Vmcent-StMaryre- · , tie i,D.J999 b~#did not reach the: mains No.1 in the ·USA 'Today: 'USA.To.day.t.mkiogs, which be-· ratings, after LeBron James led gan ·, 41~-'198?;'.'~Moeller football; the IQsh tci the Ohio Division II ··teams nil!detheJinal USA Today . .championship last weekend. poll eaph y~adrom 1982-85, in-) c""'"'Fmal USA Today ratings will eluding;<· a''· mythical national} ~b~.~~eased Aprip.. f · •. < :'

· ,~m~;;~~~rs set sigJtts .., ~.•: .: : •, • i'•.

f.:;, .. :.: .)'.t·'L:_<::.: •~...

. ........ •

.Qn·:-ano:<..;o;a·11er crown· ........ " , .....

I· ·..:·,t:~w·/:i'

~~

.(.

1 ·cJilF.7iri;oris~fe~·.

•'<(·;.~···:.

!...

·_,:·

...

:·

,.· ,. ,·.

:With'.school's '9'9-' ·. 'state title Wiriners: ; I~.

t

·',·, ,·

1.'

' •

.

,'_;.:

I . '·1·.

<• ' .:· .:':·•

'}

The 1999 team went tQ state

~By Tom Groeschen. :i:• :~ . ~· •. :_ .; .. Y~~~!~=~tartsrs onthrth~ r~st~r; this Th c· · tiE · . ee Juruors. . : e manna nqutr~r . .._ .. . . This years team is-loaded with l In 1999, Moeller ~i1ii>riseildwo: ·, ~~!lt and Kreffie'f;h3S _iilloW;ed ~ W: basket~a_ll. fans by \\liriiiirig the: ~o~sh by not II!aking tbfplaYetS ~boys DJ.YISion I state title; In 2003;· confonn to a strict offenSIVe style: the Cfusaders more· or less ·ex~ Duncart is considered bY most the i

pected t:O reach Columbus;;_ ~ •:'i·, top college prospect in town. BrackMoeller (214) will' plaY ·de\7¥' I_llan and Walthet are ·Sons of furland Heights (22-3) in a DiVision f !mer prep c6aches (Hughes' Mark. sta~~~~al. ~§ p.r!t: todai.'~t iBrackman an~ ~ler:aiD'sJriD ~al­ OJn.o Stat:e's Scltottenstein Center: ther) .. If anything Is underrated It's 1ll~.Crusaders fulfilled their'rn-A,· , the defense, wllich allaws only 50 '•"*·b:n:;;;:-·.. · th ..... ·• · y•~· • • ts · · r;.r;•·~· ~~~~. ~~~~as.;.: .. e.:.,Enquii'er's~ . P9ll!.. a ~e.:..:._··_. ..:::.:t.:.·..~ '. ;~··.

No. _1-Tank,oo loCal team and are two · . It was a team that was supposed games.fiomanotlier state title. ·, . · , to win and did, t.aking the Greater-: . ·GQmpansoits to the •gg· te~ Catholic League South championare inevitable. Those Crukders ship. But Moeller finished No.4 in . upset Shaker ·Heights, ranked· .the final Enquirer's Division I aJ:ea No. 9 nationally by. USA Todizy, m· coaches poll after losing_i~ ~e~ar­ the state finals. This year Moeller :season finale to La_Sall~; · '· · · ·probably· iwould face ·Columbus' . 'That kind of motivated us for . Brookhaven.- ranked No. f?·. by. · the touniament," ~er said··.· · ··.

USA Today..:. s~ould it reach the· Dun~, a recrw~ tir~~~i!.org final Sat:tirday. ··· · . · . · most major colleges, IS a big man .·. Otherwise, ihere are few ·com- .who can play with his back to the mon t:hfeads between the 1999 and baskefor shoot 3-polnters. The rap2003 teams. ·· . . idly 4Itproving Bi:ackiri3ri and 3.:m''It's -two . totallY different· ;pointsp~alistW~tlJ:¥r.~e(:apaple; teams," said Carl' Kremer tlien: of 20-pomt games any time out- ··· and now Moeller's coach. :'In '99 ·"We're pretty cimfide'nt, but we we were the distinct tinderdog in don't take anything for granted," at least five of our seven touma..· .Duncan said. 'Teams. have been .inent gatl!es. This ·year,· people· shooting at us all year, SQ I think we usually have east us as the favor;: .~ handle anything we see this ite. :fl.lis ye~ we're big, and fo~· ~eekend." .·. ":f.,, ··.::• ,. ,.,. . .• years ago we weren't that big.".'· · . Kimener, who .thriVes as a role -; T!i.~.1999 t~am· was led by Mike player, was iri eighth' ~de whe~ M.ollserei, a· unique talent as a ~ Moeller won the 1999 title. · .·. . , foot::.5It poirit ·guard... Monserez; · "That was a great run, and I (I?-()~: at Butler>: and then-soph 0:: went to a lot of th:ose·'gaines," he more·:· forward . Matt Sylvester said. "Nowit'stimeforustodoit."

(Ohio State) both were around ~5 Cleveland · Heights, tonight's the11•. but the Crusaders' opponent,js physical and crashes (Brad' Hutzel) stood just ~3 and. , the offensive boards..The Tigers· , the· guards·· were. ~foot chris•· . had 26 offensive rebounds in one i Wel~ch and 5-~ ~e~emy Diincan.· .. re~nt ?arne and 30 .in im~~~t . , JeJ'E!my.Duncan IS no relation to 'Weve got to block then:1 out," Josh Dimc3ri, the Cru8aders' current· Kremer said. "30 · offensiVe · re.t ~st#- Josh'DuD.ciin, a·~or,· bounds ... some teams· don'tget . named first-team all-state and leads' that many total in a. game.:'''. ·. ' ' i MOellerwi1iian18.08corinka\rei-age. · : · · Cleveland Heights is led by all' , _1he, 2.003.Crusaders are big, state gu!ll"dJon Battle, a ~1 senior , f~a~g _the ~7 DunCaii,· Q-7 ju~ . wh~ averages 25.7 points a game. mor Andrew Brackman (15 ppg), Juruor gu~d Darren Jones averand ~3 senior Joe Kimener (3.0 ages 10 pomts. The Tigers go 6-6, ppg) starting up front. Senior 64 and ~3 across the front line point guard Rob Christie (7 ppg)' . and are. brawny; with Osborne is the only starter under 6 feet, . Gardner, James Alex Nixon, and _standing 5-.B.~)unior shooting .~atold Hain7,s -~c~ av:eraging guard Bu~~a · F'alther · (11.0). eight to 10 pomts a game. · · stands ~2:··.. ·:' .... ·.~ · · · ' b' •••.•• , •• •

center .

I

I

•• 1

was

••

•

.

.

:

.

'

.

-·

.·

'

.

.

·•

.

'·.

.

··,

_.,

_.

',

.

...

. ......

·.

.

. .

Only 't~agrte t6 do·so in Division 1 Th~ Greate~.cai:houh League·- · . has bec6ine th.e :fiist ciiidimati ·

}6~~~~dtk~k~£~g~~~:;JJ,··.

shipsin thfs~e.sdi9?,! year. ~:\i· , Moeller (basketball) and Elder (football) are.reigiling .stak ,_ 2L. champ$: !t's <>nl~ the second time . the Cilicintlati area has won both . major oig~school'tii:les in the same school year. The qfher tii:ne wa!> the 1987.-88 season, when imblic schools Princeton (football, 1987) and woodward (basketball, 1987:' .

88"season) won Division I titles: · .'

-~ PaulSchildnleyer, GCLpresi: f dent for 22 years, said the champi~ onships\tnderscorethe GCL's be-. lief that it is the top boys league in' Ohio. The idigue aiscrwon: the t· .: state swmyrung title (St Xavier) 1 · this season, and GCL North mem-· ber DaYton Chaininade-Jtilienn{ · won the Division II football title: . i "It says a lot for the coinpetic tion we play and the coaches we· have," Schildmeyer sflid: · Don;t forget the GCL's sister league, the Girls Greater Cincinnati teague, which this season: ha8 won the 'state golf title (Mount Notie Dilme)'and two-volleyball champipnship~ (Vrsulffie in Divi- . sioh I,~.!}lt~r i~ Pi'1s.~~p Public schools some'ffi'ii.es ar" ... gue that Catholic·· schools have built-m~dvant:age'with their po- ·•· .tentelt~rrientary: school programs, ·and thatprivate ·schools draw stu~ dents from rul.ovedown~ \ :~: .

"1 don't think thei:e's adv~~ ' tage,".Schildirieyer said. "The rea~ son olir leagU.e is 'strong is be- · .· cause' of the discipline, the . .,,,.: coaching and the competition we play..We'll play·anybody, and 0\ir: schedules prepare our teams for.·.. the tournaments."· · ·. Reading, this year's Division III basketball champion, is the first · Cinciimati-area public school to . win an Ohio boysbasketball title 'since Lakota -;which since has . i split int6 Easfand West- won the Division I~ti~pio'n~hip in 1992.

Ne~riheast'

Sulourba.n

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 . '·

: '-·

'

:-

: ;·

• .

:

-~l

;_ '·,

' . :,

·'

...

-,-;..

•

-....,Mo&ller:recognition.: . _:.

--; :;:. : · · · ~vl; ~ j :;; r:.; }_,"·-;.~;'-.'?'-.: ··:~:;l ·7~1iifCJ~:h~~ ~·fhi!.1J v.}t1t~'* ~ "1i,: '~·-::_-'•,'f·,\ -~ -:.o:

· : · ·,.

ur . .

a'

an

Township

sycamore Trustee Dlcr< High School basketball coach. Carl Kremer ~nd Prllnctnat Ledford with a resolution. honoring the. bask,et~all t~am, fot, their Division I state championship;' The presentedApril 7 .. · · · · ''<·-'''''" ·.;.,,. ··' · "·

resciiutlon was

MDellet Wi.nsi2_h·d -titli! ~-,~iij'.'fi.,3:5.:;.;J.'t.f..!:c(}_j_···:·

.

. ,_. .. ". ····· '··-·

.,

Crusaaers add ·. ::.. rpieCrus~Mr§(23-4)won16of. . ,;; . , ·"-'. ·' ,_ :- .,< . ; .; . . , . .· therr final17 games. Brookhaven to·.9q_~;, rny'$tique·. .~6f;;f~:u~ri~e~~f~~h~ime ..·>:>'<:!:A:~~-'::·:{['<;;:;;'' '· . . ~..·.:, B~ Kevin Go~een ./< · ...· .·· Post staff reporter•; ,, "/·····

· 'i

..

nior·guard Bubba Walther was 7-

1ball.,

·.

Moelle{nadJhree players

: score in doubl~ _figtl!~~r junior

<· . · · . .

c6ttJMBus·~ Pop culture is ever;Ywhere, even a:tthe freethrow line of a state basketball championship' game with less thari_' a.'iilfiiute to phi~L?-nd the game's'outcome hangmi irit4e, balance ...:;'',:!i.!;..' 7 -':'{:•:\~·>·'~"/~'f';'f :.

Sc{at M~elier"s~nior pohit guard Rob Christi~ ~~tt1ed in: a11d prepar:ed for a pail.' offreebies against" defending state cha:rq~ pion: al'j:d top;:ranked Columbus Brookhaven on Saturday night; was he thlrikiiig abqut how mak~ ing both'·shots·would··give iqe·

'of~lOfrom the fi~ld~or 19.points,·

'and junic;>t forward Andrew Brackman added 18. Walther and Brackman also 'weMf~iiamed to· 'the all~t<iurnarrient te~nb:;.;.i:,i · .

Brookhaven didn't ·make thirigs easy forMoellei': Just as it did Friday night in an 85-74 semifinal overtimewm·against Cleve~:: land Heights, the Crusader'S saw theii.·opporient erase doubie~di~ glt deficit in the second half. Cle-' velafid Heights raliied froin 19 points down withsixniinutes left:. to force overtime. Th1s time; Brookhaveii' outscored Moeller.

27-14 in the third quarter,.fucluding a 16-4 run in the final 3:27 of the period, tp· wipe out what ha~:·

inee~JQ.'g~fsleals, g~t.JP Yo 9 ~e': -- 1·a·~ my~e · ,.., ·lf'lp.~,.c~ · · 'tJ:i' t··"'-d"I' i·d ., ~~:.r1?1' .•. ai,l., •,,, · o·n t mind-doing· all of those' thin s beca:cise that's;W:liiiti do

....

:~e~L a;~i~1!1f-i!!~1~1X .6, Comley 4-6 D-1 a, u;Lyles·.s:ls O'b12; fou~.&o61-4

lavender9-19 2-2 23;-.Wakefield 0-0 O·OO;Jones 0-0 0.0 0, 'McGee .Q.O 0-0 o; Peny·2,2 1;2 5, . · .. o.o,o.o o.

To~ls 27·52 6-11;65:¥5.~1, ;)'~:, i•;~{~:t4•: · _.,_,,. MOELLER 122-41: Ouncan. lmener H 2-5·4, Brackman B-9'1-218;'Ctiiisile 2'8:4'4 9, Walther 7'10 2-2 19, Carter Q-0 0.0 0, Chlidres5'0·:i 0·0 0 Plerke.S 0-0 0.0 0: Totals 25-4617.

a

Crusaders'athree~pointleadwith

34.3 seconds left to.play? No. · Was,he concentniting on the proper arch he needed or Visualizing a postgame celebration?

No. .. ~. ,,, "I was listening to one. of my favoritesoi:igsandgoingthrough the words in my head/' said Christie. "It's 'Lose Yourself' by Emiriem.'~ : .. · ·· ,. · ·· • , ·. .

The technique worked as.

Christie made both free throws and then two more 16 secondsl11ter to help Moeller win its second DiVision I state championship in the hist five seasons ::.:.a 73~65 Vic~· tory·at Ohio State University's Value City Ar~n,a: Combined

f6rwi\rd arid state tournament' M\TPJoshDlfiic~lecfW.,ij~·2'3,ju:

. !'Ydef.lecfed tne ball so (the :BrookliaveWplayer:) couldn't get Ito it and he never sawme come :from behind/' Kii:min'ersaid. "My fjob on this,team is to do the little fthing~:·~ need'~ take diar ~s' I 1

beenasm1Jchas~13-pointMo~n:.

er advantage: , . · ""+··.'.. )· : :,,;;,;.;. . The Bearcats have tWo Okla~\: :homa::oound·playeridn 5-fobt-8 :poiJJ:t guard· Andrew Lavender ·and 6-7 fo!Ward Branden Foust and bothperfoi:medliketheyoe~ long· playing O'n on~ of' college . basketball's biggest stages:Lav-· · ender equaled Duncan for gamehigh scoring honors had foilr steals.'Fciust made five of his six shots f()r, 11 point~ tttgo along with.five.rebounds, four assists'

and

:~ I~e:!~Ct,ilitr~:~ih~· ·an~~~~({stears:;····/· :·1. :.,. ·> ;ti ·:

: first time smce 1988 that two Cin~ !·cinnati-area teams have \von a.·. state championship ih the same year~Wood\vai-dwon the DiVision.

I title back ,tl:ieri; '\Vhile Badin; went 28~0 iriwinning the Division III championship .. ·.

It was also the filth ·consecu-. tive,year.at least one team from the Greate'r Catholic League's tWo. divisions·_: the big-school South or smaller~schoo~ North ~ won a stab~' championship. In the past ii"s~asons, nine of the 10 GCL schools have combiried for eight' chahltiionsliips', three run~ nerEi~up' iind18 state tOurnament berths. That kind ofsucces's and league-Wide' competition-:Proved .to be ari advantage for Moeller: . ','We decide4 w~ were going to take thegamfHo them,n :Moeller coach Carl ':K!Ehner said. uour~ whole thin~rwas we weren't in" aW'e of them. They're a great team but we weren'nn·awe because we're Moeller; we're from the.

GCL and nobOdY.'s intimidati~g us.~' ., ~..- ~f ,..<·~C~,:..,:...:. ! --.

beat a' ;. ·.

• player . · · .•.. ioose ; ball oi:i the defensive end and.was' · abieto call tiineotit before"'goirig: out of bounds. with 3:23 left: Ori the ensuing possession, Dun~.an got at;cn~P.4, ~ou~trof ~ bas,ket t? tie the score: Kremer called Ki. rriener, wh~ ~:nd~4 the game with' four points~ eight rebounds, three assists· and one big steal, the team.'~\iJiS.ung hero: ., :' · I'

·.

..

:-.::·:., ...~·~:,~.;"f',:: .. :f.,.::'

' , ' JAY

Moeller's Rob Christietrh~s to' drive the

Brookhaven's Deh;:>:el Lyi_~l5 (2p).~l.ir!ng,t~epiyfsion, l_~nal.~ ·' ......

.CiusaderS,crushBig,,Blue,, headUttsmte~

BY MARK D. Morz · · SPORTS EDITOR ·, MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

FAIRBORN - Oh, Bubba, what a game.· . . ....· ., . ·i .

Bubba Walther, that is.~ You" c~uld just as easily say, · "Oh ' B·rackman'~ · or ' "Oh

ouit~a:h:j.: ~-· ;: ,.·~;t .~

· .· . .··

... kJ:es:.k.. you. _cou1d . eyf!n say,_ :::. __ "Qh, l)e'[empl~.'' > Suffice it to say nothing went wrong':· for: the··· Moeller High School'· basketball team March 15 •. in. the 'Division. I regional. finals.:,,,:,"\ :; : -~ ,~.- , •.• · : .,,, ...>: The Crusaders ran away with .

an·~·sl:43;:victafY·-agal1isr···

Haiiliiion io" propel th~m into ih~ Final Four for the fist time since the state chrunpfonship season of

1999' .,, •: ;;; ..

The, Cn;~ade~s

i . , , , ... :'

""

''.•.

(20-4) meet , Cl_eveland, J:Ieights (22-3} ~t ,6 : p.m·:· , March',·:21 ,. in the' ' Schott:enstein, Center' at Ohi'o ' . State University/.·· .,;; · ·· . The wilmer 'goes on tq play· foi' 'ilie ''si'ale chatripionship, ,at 8:30· p.m:. March, 22 against either Columbus·" Brookhaven

~:~ !G~~eo:C¥~~~e~t~1:hni·~ :.;;.~,J·:l :;,,,~;·:1 ~~:~.·.~:~~~~r:~.;'·~· ·i -·~;;~:~·~ ~~~;:!~~l~~,~~~;f~~:.~:~~~~l!~'~!rP7f12~<~:fAFF; (21-4). ·.

Moeller High ,School junior forward A~~r~~.Brac~rn_~n <49> ~ay~. ~he ll,ai!)~J~Lt~oc.()f_h~s 1!;t_ P.CJ.I~ts_ · Walther led the way in the _against Hamilton In the Division I reg!~~~-'-b~_sket.~~~ ~-n~!~ ~~r~~ 1.~·: _,. .:· _· :-;·;·:~~ "~-·-. :-:: :... ~: .C:~:~.~· _;, ~

::~t~~~f~~f~tt}?J~{;~~J:::tt~!t~~~·:~ ,.~: . , ., ,: . ,~,,- 1~:- ~{-a -~~~-hig~·;-~i:h~ <'~~~(l(;~}:d_ it~t~~~--~~uar~ .from.- iliitilitee:poirit' lirie. And::co_nsi~~rablY, ?,eY<?D:~Y· ;,,;<~t;., .. :.· li~.mad¢ his.lastthree.stand'ingag~od35feet fignitheJ:iuck''et as time expked in the' third quarter~,,-:·;·:< --· ' :~ . _.. : . , •· : "That_:. was. pretty:;'much . prayer shot,'?· he said:.t."But I'd been feeling it. I'd 1llade, some •othefS a;lig J tP9ug~fi(~qu~d g~.~·. , "Range'is~'it<:lfi(p~oblem for Bubba;'~ said Moeller head coach ; Carl Kfemer.i "S?ine~1ll~~,it, is. ; fo~.1Ile, 1J~! ~o,t,;w!t:}:tJri~. ,~; . . ,.'Wh~n they re shoo?ng froll!

a

1

•

1

6ile"ex~ple.

' '.

Moeller shot'64 percent· from ·three-point_ ~ange.

Hainiltori ·o·n the other hand sliot63·.·percentfrom the _fre~ throw Hiie: .. :1 ·._- ._. ·_.. . ' _·.

Just abo~t ..everyone got into the act for Moeller. .

Junior forward··· Andrew Brackman shoi:-7.~for~9 -from)he floor' and scor~£{i9 pointS~~ ')~;C '~:"He's. a guy other teams have a liard time guarding,'~ Kremer ~aid: ·,:people t.tj'to stoi>_Bubba and.,<Josh),pun~~· im~ then ~ey d?n t kn()w_ ~hat to do abfut.

~;~P~~f ~~rid~v~~·~t:ci ~rtlri~-h~;::ilitb~~rPi;yJITi

re~~- ~;:::t~~~:~Pili~~;::~;~w~i;:,_~:~;:'f~~;~~~. ~r~~( ~jf~~f~ds

DeTemple.·~illie DeTemple.,,,,>: and, we're' s.o proud to 'be· going He's a little-used·semor for-•: ·b.,.,.. .k..,.,,,~c'''"'f •·:b·•'•·''";;j(~t·,,,_ .. _,,,.,dr. ward who' cani'eoff the bencli to_- "Thac_. to 0 um us,: e~ersrub ' score·

siX pointS 'ali'

a~ pitfr~ 'of,'~:,,,. -~s; was~ great~~urp~s~fr ut

..

thr~s· in just_ !()ur, ~¥~i~ o(.~~:.Y~. ~3!.b:-~~~~.A,1:!~~}~. ,_,,.pn~ action prompting all- sorts of•. of us~ ... ··v' ,r,;_.,._,.v,•:h'_ . '·" : high -'fives and tow~l-wavingt~;,_~, ''There's a'gi~(at"tli~ eii'd o~ histrioriics on the Moeller bench.' this road," s'a:ifs~nior~co~captairi "OffeJ?,~e. ,and;:: _def~rise:'overt im(i•'"i)ohif: gti'af:d] ":Rt>B·~: Cl:iiistie~ four quarters, tfiat piobabl~.i~ ~;w~·~·~t go !{ft~;'ii? i our best performance. o( th~. · . "For ~s it's been a collabora~ year," ~eii_ler ~aid:·"That was in -tion'(;'{friur:years of hard work," no Y'ay m~Icati~~8~,??w g?~~-.a said ~~~ior forward and co-cap~ te~ Hamilton Is.. ,,.... -, .,._,., <·•' tain'' Joe. Kimeriet_:'\verujn( th~

was·

to

:~~g!~~~atf:d~e~i~' -~ut~<lq~ift."chlirilp~·afis~ip ~,;.,.?et

weJ. :Hamilton· n~!!? ·: coach'. Larr)r tfie'~itfpeoplfdoJ?,'t'talk'abdut." ting good looks. They had to· around ~is ne:::k. "It',~;~e.i. b~~t · Allen;.• "rraf!k~y' we ran into a D~,ncan, meanwhile, added play catchup early." . · •. feeling~·:: ,;;:,¥]'11"-'l~ii'¢',

i

.,.._,...,..

.

-~--,~Ps~:Tevivet~tkeiiiSelveS

~~~i:~~:.~'f~!-:"~~~:,;:!1;~-~· :;,_· ·.~.-~:.;r;~~·i. ~:-: :~~..:·..-· . . _:,...)>·,::~·.f:-~2 ~·t.-; .--·~·e.

;~· ~'.l.:·:··.~·.:··;:;-~.:~-f~u ·t~-·-.·

· t/-:;~~.-{~\~t~;~

l

·j.:~-:":~<

.:,,

• unbeaten) had us .down 12 and .vv~ went 011. ~ 10-point run to get }?.ackin it. ·· . . ·. . . ·; ·<"I don't ever remember. a 17,.. Q crun:. Our. game plan, was to ·: guard their three-point shooters' ' and the press kept them from · · ' · "into theii halfcourt game; .we7re .. better:; when ullllx:.~rut; ugly,. aJ1d they;- wert< to then.~~ ; · .: f ac.t ,;.};' .. ;; .··. ~t .·.·. .. ____er.. shot just'' 33, percent {in'the:firsf;half; only'25 percent · from three-point rangeJ ·/,.:.'Duncan was 1-for-6 from the ill. thef.rrst 16 minutes. :;, ····'!'knew I was missing in the :,{first,blll.(,'~he said. "But Iwanted ·i;;to:.'·:stay~·•.aggressive.·:. Then' :the' ~ •. crowd got into it, which helped!' ~~ii'Jl):,·sparking the resurrection and :, helping the .6-Joot:..7 junior to a ·· 26~point, 12~rebmmd game. it-, l.. :Jv:J;oell~r:t u~ed the m~mentum Bubba~,Vf.althei-5-n']tisffknow~itl r!.fr~~~~~~< t<;> builq an_Jl-point was ·mil.... , . the:~' funniest . two .· ,,·_, {l~{lJi_''J.P,i~~ 'fgrf.enod on a.

I ve ~ver bad m my life.•;• ,.,-,;e;i,;. .HDuncanndlllllG, but. the, Beavers It would have .been: bard, .i:got~W,i_thin;a,,p,oint witb.two minkeep upJwith. the ;comeback;:: so:I .: . ¢~litesJto'play. ·• here's the rundown.on the.run. · {' ·. ,~~It,Jeels. good,'~Duncan said,: ·Junior forward. Josh Duncan:: ..didn't 'Jake·' anything for: bit a baseline· spitiller. ' !g,liWL~d. ,We' m.a4~ a;.fwl' and held.

Dunca~:"'··Three~pofut'~'bomb:) -~<on:We have.to'.keep playing hard.

Left baseline. .·,....~•. ~:;·~d k~ep plllYing defense.••:· · ' Walther. Three. Deep right ·'. "!{t'\ .,.,,; :~·;.~ • " ' "'· ,,;;.:,. '·':t. '\:'Moeller.' (18-4) meets,'20-3 wing.)'.·'· ';S-' ,, .., MARK D. Morz/STAFF Springboro at 6:15 p.m., March · Duncan: Ditto.

M,oeller tflgh ·School 'Ju':llor Bubba Walther ( ~) lets Jo.ose. a ~~r~e: ., 13 at ..the ., Cintas .Center,. in the· Walther. Left wing. Three. · · point shot.o~er:Torstens Skujlns (32) of Beavercreek M!J~~hi~··'l"! '· regional s~mifinals •. ·:,;;••,;;y •.

Duncan. Ditto again. , •, ·· . ,c,;:•;,,.,.,.,,,T4e.winner plays for a trip to Your baSic blitz. From a bas- t~~·~!~~~~-~~ 1 1_d:ls~~l~tchaf11P.IO(JShlp. ketball team. ,, . , . · ' · . , ~·He' justsaid be hoped they how it was in the regional finals · the state Final Four: against either For Walther, it was somewhat could go on'a nili'like that, but in (the state championship .sea- Hamilton (:18-4)),or Princeton personal. His ··brother-in-law, they~"didn't,''·.~waltp.er said.·: "It son of) '99," said Moeller· head. (18-4). in the regional· finals set Kyle ··williams, ··:··plays :'';for was ·a great game.". ··;~~J;;o-.;,.coach Carl. Kfemer. "I thinli: 'for ~p:m:Marcb 1.?.1!! tp.eNutter Beavercreek: · ·: ·. · ·' •· ''That· was eerily s~lar .t(j<,\.; (B~avercreek, :who was. ~hen ·. Center in Fairbow: .. · ''" · Lll'- ......."'"'_,:

f.

3-poll:ilers

'saV~, da~~~ra~ 'J. . " ., ·. i'l}j'}i' . ,.. ''(I ' '.·. ..:\:' : \!JEusa ers·r· . · - ·;y~~~~~-.'·.,.::·>'·_<.:~ .. -·· ::·::3.,-:.!~~~~;tie~:~t::. .~~~'~f~·j

t 1'i.~

-~ ~

•

,.

•

-~~~

a

.··

',

Hit five. during . shooP1lgi 38( an~ .then I , -.. .,.,., ,'. - ._. . - . . .....·.. looked up and the score was

~~~~rfr~~f~;~~~ilil~~~~ ,..,,,.;_$I..

.. ·:.::...

8,:-'·

En ' •...

~n

,J.<'·\~t::

fr.om:', 6-foot-7f. Juruor Josh

' '··~n .,; -,er,~:3j~,~tf.\mtn·:::~;_)Vh~· s~de4...Pe run ::"ut~i-' •

. J\~.W!. ,_. .' .~ furnaroun JUmper.

•..

!.'l.~~~, ,:: ....

,..

-';;;e.,.fJ!~~

Moeller trailed 31-19 at that

. Di\; , .... {,oiii~,.~'-J!'is.:t"J>9m~*~~}·,'s :.. ·:.,,f .. ,-!r :::~~~~:

the'; supreme 'horrorfillirlli~~.i:Jt DWiean finished With 26

the :B~avercreek'6asketi:>an,?~'·i)oiiitSanii 12 rebounds. That ,library'·p£'g~¢:till)e!P':~~~tJ:f' &me after he and. Moeller : . GO' oackt(f l:he-1999' ret 'sUffered throu h one'oftheir •gional Cl,lampiofisliip' g;Wi~!~{worst prst ha:es of the sea-

. Beavercreek; 25-0 arid No. 1· son: Duncan was 1-of-6 from in the state, gave up a 14- the floor and Moeller trailed point third-quarter lead and 24-16.

-. . ,, .lost to Moeller on a tip-in at "At halftime, nothing :was. the btizzer:"~:(:~ ;//A: · - going·. right;~.; D~can' said . . ; Sahirdajr, ''a sequel was). "But We just refocUsed and .born.. }? , .i'. :,;:.':(: ··." started hittiilg som(fsh.ots;~~ · Meeting this time iii a DiAs in '99, Moellerwent tO vision I district title game, a trapping press 'to 'fuel its Moeller came from 12 points third-quarter·· .. tUrnaround. down iii the third quarter to "We had no rhytluri and"we oust B.eavercreek 57-52 at weren~t getting to' loose Uriiversicy of Dayt<>n Arena. balls," said Kremer. 'That's ., Lil{er~mos('sequels~ why we wenfto the trap." orie\vas even bigger than the' ;.... Moeller opened its lead to original... In.. '99, . · Moeller . 46-35 With' 4:5o· left_ iii the 1 • mo~~d'a.,;·Jtpoint, thirc;l-. gafue before Beavercreek

tllfitl ·11ie Ciiicinnati Enquirer · ,.;;.·.-lt, _.......,.:.. ....

,j

• • : •. -.

•..

•

-~

~

.'this>

I

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

' ' COWMBUS ,. The 2002:'2oo3 so;;tl,'west AII-Distrl~:~~ys· ;~~ girts' basketball teams, as ~seJe:fet t)y a:·~~~ia p~;n~l_ from"'t!l~ d~~~-~ ·;<.~~~~:_§ :~:·~ ~1 :. ,\ :) -~~;.t ~,·; 0

§~~~~~~~~JhJa1~~~t;~~~~~~~~i~tlf~~~

a 17.:()'run iii jUst 2:20 thatfeai"· Dan ChittY and Blake Wilson ' ttiied fiv~ straight 3-p:Omters: •; dippe-d a12-2 iim that cut the ::. "It was so e(;!rily siiriilar," lead to 48-47with1:58toplay. said :. Moeller" eoach' Carl But Moeller lield onto the Kr~.~~r;l<~~ose _'99' t~im_l lea~ by ~itting 7-o~~ tr,~~ went on to wm the state title.' throws the rest of the way:· . "If~eemed like about 170 '· •· Moeller advances to meet . tO'!:· i)ot:lli1ig;" Beavercreek ~- Sprmgboro Thursday iii arecoach Charlie Back said of · giona1·· sei:nifinal'. af . Cititas the scoring"outblirst.<.

Center~"'". W'': ! :"r-'~ ·,, ...

Moeller had watched the . -''; :?F:-·: .:!:; "•'; '99 Beavercteek'game tape, 1s.o~~~·~l,;;ec:O~~~~~~;.~~:::':~~~ after praciiceTh_uis_ day. a. Totals: 18-3913-tB s1. · - .. · · · .. · BEAVERCREEK (19-5) - Chitty 1 0 3, . · "I think thisfi1m. was a lof Williams 215, Skujlns 7 0 !5, Wilson·! o 3, Tillman quicker," said Moeller juriior U~i; Busch? o 4, Green 2 os. Totals: 22-49 guard Bubba: Walther, who Moener-·-·- ·•.:..~;.; ·a a 20 21-57 had two of the 3-poititers. "I Home--·-----~-- 14 1o 7 21 -sz M8-20(Christle, Walther4, Duncan don•t even ··rememb.er•· wh at . . 3-polntgoals: 3);.BA,,ts (Chitty, SkuJins, Wilson, Green). happened. I just remember} i-.• ·:.;;:·, · 1

~-RRSTTEAM. '.:~.~-~-,

-:r.;

· ,q .. ·, '·''· ... ,_..·;=::.·..;,f~·fr,~r~>-:-:·_

Josh Duncan, Moeller, 6 foot 7, jr., 16.9 potnts·w game; Josh Higgins,, Vandalia Butler, 7-0, sr.,17.0; lslah Carson, Spring. South, 6.1/jr.,!B.O;ChrisN.mn,.

An~erson,

'

6-8, or., 22.8; Jon Smfth, Hamilton, 6-5, ill';;' 16.L: '; :,:. ·,.,,;_. ·i'!'!Jtl'l .;:

SECOND TEAM,

.·

;-":1, -~ :,,·

~;,f,~:.; i1:'::-2;!":·~,:-: N-~~-;~·:}~(t}:'

.;ti1J!1\U.(fi

·. · Chris Spears, Centerville, 6-3, sr., ·!7.3; Alex Jones,_ ~orthmont. 5-11, sr.; 20:6;\ Quantez Robertson, Withrow, 6-2, or., 15.0; Dan DeGrace, lakota West, 6-8, or., 10.1; John Thinnes, u SaBe ~. ar.,18A.'- ,.-,,,, ; '~h1 ; 'f4".:~1l :; :·:' '· _: .THIRD_TEAM:~;\:_~ -:r:-{-~~?~--- ~JPf-.~·. ~.i-~~ . ,_,-,;:>:,';:.}~· i·f~~it;l- :~,~-·-.

Percy Hurt, Withrow, S.ll, jr.,17 .D; CJ. Anderaaii,'Winllln Woods, 6-6, .-.,.

18.9;Jason Pogue, Day. Colonel White, 13.9; Johnny WoK, $1. Jai!t!t', 6-2, so., 1.8.9;

M•rk:~~~~~"'~c!~.;~~;~AH.~rJ~.~~·,,

•

. LOCAL HONORABLE MENTION ·

..·.

• Ccachesollhe Year. Ray Zawadzki, Vandali~ e¥e~ ~ ~' Wlllmlw.' l,

Justin Phoenb<, Aiken; 'Matt Rrestone, Amelia; Ryan Patzwald, Anderson; Anton Sheafe, Colerain; Thomas Sander, Elder, Gene Melio, Eldei;.Rdb Noschang, Glen Este; Josh Couch, Hamilton; Kevin McDonald, Harrison; Watt Chancellor, Hughes; John Walters, Kings; Bryan Gayhart. Klngs;Janies Dews, Lakota. EaSt; Dustin Hill, Lakota East; Brian LaChapelle, Lakota West; JusUn Orr, La Salle; Tyler Pritchard, Lebanon; Jordan Langston, Lebanon; Eric Van Busklrk,.Loveland; Chris Hill, Mason; Cari.Richburg, Mason:: James Frazier, Middletown; Scott Wilson, Middletown; Justin Bradley, Milford; Andrew· Brackman, Moeller, Dlyral Briggs, Mount Healthy; Jere\"J Chai>P~.U·-~2!!Jlwest; Justin Ray, Oak Hills; Bobby Winkler, Talawanda; Jarrell Williams, Princeton; Craig Cashen, St Xavier, Ryan Teets, Springboro; Kyle Morris, Springbolii; Steve Kenna~y. Sycamore; Dave Ostrelcher, Walnut Hills; Stevie Holton, Western Hills; MacltHunter, Winton Woods; Brandon· Maupin, Withrow; Zach Hollingsworth, Wllmin~n:: ', \·Je.''

>r+:

··

'

'

Boys Basketball All-Stars: Division 1. ·... · 1.{--~s::-e. 3··

··. ·

', '-:j3"•mTII~ . ·. ·t·~ :-~~·:'

ALL-STARS .,.

''!4

~· ·

. ,·

-.. ::Aii;sTARs ..·'·. · ·.. ~ST.'rEM(-:·.

.·

Q~~ntei':Y . :.~·~:

DIVISIONI... ·. ·

PLA~RfF~!HE Y?~:'

.,

Josh· · · · · , ·Duncan \ .• · · •

'.

f.

' ..~, ·',•

MOELLER'~ . :-- . ~ .. ·

...

..>-

I•

MOELLER ..

• · He led Moeller' · to a 23-4 record and the,. · · state title, with '· ··an upset of· ·.· . top~ranked Co-· . lumbus Brookhaven His 1999 Moeller team also '· · won tn.e state championship.'

..o. '

~. ~·:·.··1• 11 'i:l.······. . .... • .c..::..t A....

:<

. ~~ ···;;

ALL~ST~·..

FIRST TEAM : ;·. ~

> •.

Chris.~"~~·, ·: :

No.Wen

.

'

.• .

t

•

, :; ~~ .

'ANDERSON. The senior averaged 23 points and 12.1 r~bounds ~ ·as his team went 19-2. He.: v ~, ' ·.. ' was named second:team all-· state, first-team all-district and FAVC Buckeye play.er of the year. ' ·. • ··'

··>

-

;

l.

.,:Aii-STARS·· .· ··1 ·'·~ALi-sTARs . . . . ' -·· 1 ·.. ' . . ..., .

..

.,

.. ··

Jon :'Smith

LaSAL!-~·

.

.·

· ..

. f'IRST TEAM

J'

HA.MIL10N

·:·

Johnny .

wolf

._

.ST. XAVIER The sophomore led the GCl South in scoring (19.4: . ppg) and led.·. . the Bombers. · to the ~istrict final. He was named third-team all-district aii-GCL South. ... and ....first-team ,

L-----------------~ iL-~~--~~--~--~

. FIRST.TEAM · ,.

.C.J .. i

;./·

.• ..r .

.:.•·

.

MOELLER

WINTON,:· '·

.V{OODS The senior ave ' eraged 1e.9.' · points, 7.1 rebounds, 3. 7 .· assists and·2.6 steals to lead .the .Warriors to the district. final. He was named. third-team all-distriCt arid first• team. aii-FAVC · · . ' '\ . Buckeye.· . . . .~..

· · • ·.: · FIRST TEAM .

·Andrew.· B,rac;:kman.

.

Anderso11.

~·

,

. ALL7-ST~.

h.·. '' 1 o.n._. ·. ). · Thmnes ·

' . i

~~ST~· -~;tl~;~· . '.·:

..

. ~:·.~·~~ • -:'lit. . . 1:. ' .· · ·I

FIRST TEJ\M . '_ '. . I ·. .. , FIRSTTEA.i\1~ .

·..~'.

.

.

y

'

The. s~nior~~; : 1 1 The senior av• . The senior averaged 15 · ' . eraged 15.4 · . "" • . · · ·eraged 18.4 ·.. points,' 9.0 re- . · , . · points and was points, 8.0 rebounds and 1 • , • • ·GeL South cobounds, 6.0 .

•. ' 1.1 blocks in _ :.. • . player of the steals and 4.0 1 ' • • • -year; leading . leading the Big ,. assists in helping Withrow fo a 20-1 sea~~m. ; ,.. He was named second-team ,. .·was named.~rst-team all-dis~ . . . (45 percent). He was second~ trict and special mention all~~·· · team all-district; honorable· all-district and honorable men- · state.. .: '.' ·. · : . .. . . mention all-state. . • · tion all-state. · i!-1~t~f;.

' '. ·. . . .: . :- .·.

~-

Robertson ~~ · wriHRow~: ·

•.•.

1.1Iit-lrfQ . -~. . .. . ·:··.!.. ;tf[j'LTJI-f~ilf., . ·..u. ~. . .· '· '1···~~W . ...lk.t.

..iMIITEWl1~

'~ ~' ~~ ~·~~-

ALL:-STARS ~.FIRST TEAM

... !

·~

'

1 ......,....,:;;---....,.,,;-,·.I

l

The junior ave .. eraged 16. -: · points and 6.5 .• ·.rebounds to · . help Moeller ·.: ·win the state championship. He made tne . .. Division I state all-toum.ament . · team, with 43 points ·and 14 re. 1 'bounds in two games. · ' • •

I

' .-~~~ -ri.I.-STARS

·

Dan· D,eGrace·

p

I(

FIRST TEAM •,

LAKOTA' - .

WEST

The senior av-. eraged 10.1 ' ·. points, 8. 7 re- · bounds and, 1.4 blocks to · lead the Fi · al final. He was named secondteam all-district and honorable · mention all-state.

. . , Mark Dorris·· PRINCE10N' The junior averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and led · the area with 4.3 steals per game. He was · named third-team all-district ··· and first-team aii-GMC.

I''

. -: . . <

. ~-.: ~

.\ ......

Hono'rablei;inention .. ~.

I,

···~·"

.:

Aiken -Justin Phoenix, Paul : Hiii;'Lakota West- Brlan LaChaGriffin; Amelia- Matt Rrestone, pelle,John Allshouse; t.a Salle;Bryson, Simpson;. Anderson .. - Justin Orr, Nick Grubenhoff; LebRyan1Patzwald, Kurt Shoemak- . anon·- Tyler Pritchard, Jordan er; Colerain - Anton'Sheafe; El-: Langston; ~oveland· - Eric. Van der - Thomas Sander,. Gene · Buskirk, Clif. ·Ramsey, Adam Mello, Bill Poland; Fairfield- Ke- Stanley; · vin Wolfe; Glen Este - Rob NosMason- Chris Hill, Ca~ Richchang; Hamilton -Josh Couch, burg, Matty Owens; Middletown Adam ·Myers; Harrison - Kevin -·James Frazier, Scott Wilson; McDonald, Alan Brech; Hughes Milford ·- Justin. Bradley, Evan .., Walt Chancellor, Sydney Pick- Smith; o er - ob hri e, ard; Kings- John Walters, Bryan Bubb Walther, Joe Kimener .Gayhart. Drew Lauderback; La: Mount Healthy ..: Diyral Briggs, kota East- James Dews; Dustin Northwest - Jeremy Chappell, . .... . ,,~

......~

•

-~~·

Kurt Duke; OakHills-,Justln Ray; ' ·Princeton .: Jarrell· Williams, Ross Morin; Springboro -: Ryan Teets, Kyle Monis, Brian Alge; St Xavier- Craig Cashen, Martln Wolf; Sycamore -Steve Kanne· dy; Talawanda - Bobby Winkler; _Walnut Hills- Dave Oestreicher; Western Hills - Stevie Horton, .

Brian Sellers, Gabe Etter; Wiimington - .Josh Adkins, Zach Hollingsworth; Winton Woods Mack Hunter, Jamaal Akbar; Withrow - Percy Hurt, Brandon Maupin, Terrell Woods. . ·

D-1 state title: Moeller 73~ Brookhaven 65

Page 1 of 5

House HUnttng?U Mar. 23, 2003

HOME

SPORTS

CLASSIFIEDS

ENTERTAINMENT

LOCAL INFO

GIVEAWAYS

Sfl

PREP SPORTS Sunday, March 23, 2003

DIV.ISTATI

BOYS BASKETBALL Schedules & Results

Leaders Standings Teams Players GIRLS BASKETBALL

D-1 state title: Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65 Crusaders beat top-ranked big-school team

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

Schedules & Results

Leaders standings Teams Players FOOTBALL Leaders Teams MORE PREPS Cross Country Field Hockey Golf Soccer

Tennis Volleyball MORE SPORTS Enquirer Sports WCPOSports Post Sports uc Xavier NKU

COLUMBUS- Moeller upset Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 to win the Ohio Division I state basketball title Saturday night, stirring memories of the surprise championship it won in 1999.

DIV.IJISTAT

It was the second time in four years that Moeller (23-4) beat a USA Todaytop-10 team in the state finals. Columbus Brookhaven (26-2) was rated No. 6 nationally by USA Today. In 1999, Moeller upset No. 9 Shaker Heights to win the championship.

Moeller's Bubba Walther ''The way we looked at it, we were going (4) celebrates as Columbus to take down the giant," Moeller senior Brookhaven's Denzel Lyles point guard Rob Christie said, shouting (20) hangs his head following Moeller's 73-65 to be heard above a postgame win in the Division I celebration on the court. "We weren't championship. going to lose this game."

(AP photo) IZQQMI Moeller all-state forward Josh Duncan, cleared to play after suffering a head injury Friday night, led the Crusaders with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Two other juniors, guard Bubba Walther (19 points) and forward Andrew Brackman (18), followed Duncan in the scoring column.

COLLEGEl â&#x20AC;¢ Class of 2003

Christie had nine points and four assists, and hit four key foul shots to stretch Moeller's lead from 66-65 to 70-65 in the waning seconds.

Attendance was 16,246 at Ohio State's Value City Arena, with the Division I game culminating a day of four state championship games.

http://cincinnati.com/preps/2003/03/23/wwwprepla23.html

Moeller's Josh Duncan (15) grabs a rebound from Columbus Brookhaven's Branden Foust, center, and Jamelle Cornley (5).

3/23/2003

Page 2 of5

D-1 state title: Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65

Duncan initially was questionable after hittin,g his head on the court late in Friday's semifinal win over Cleveland Heights, but received the OK after doctors checked him Saturday morning.

I ZOOM I

"I knew I was going to play, no doubt about it," Duncan said. "I can't even explain this right now. What a great feeling."

Moeller lost all of a 13-point third quarter lead, but recovered to win going away.

Brackman sealed it with a breakaway dunk at the buzzer, sending Moeller's players sprinting onto the court for the traditional victory pile-up.

Moeller's Rob Christie (3) tries to drive the lane past Columbus Brookhaven's Denzel Lyles (20).

I ZOOM I

"Moeller High School just does not quit," Christie said. "We kept reminding ourselves of all the hard work it took to get us here."

Moeller coach Carl Kremer called it, "A courageous Moeller, GCL performance," referring to the Crusaders' Greater Catholic League affiliation. It was Moeller's second title in four years and the GCL's fifth big-school state championship since 1993.

Moeller was ranked No. 9 and Brookhaven was No. 1 in the final Associated Press state poll of the regular season.

Brookhaven was trying to become the first school to win consecutive Ohio big-school titles since Elder did it in 1973 and 1974.

Brookhaven was led by senior point guard Andrew Lavender, the Ohio Division I player of the year. Lavender (23 points) and Brookhaven senior forward Branden Foust both have signed with Oklahoma.

Walther said Moeller respected but did not fear the great ones.

'They're good, but we knew we could play with them," Walther said. "I think having seen them before gave us some confidence. And now we're state champs ... it's just an unbelievable feeling."

Moeller's Duncan named MVP in Division I Cincinnati Moeller's Josh Duncan, who scored 50 points and had 28 rebounds in two games to lead Moeller to its second Division I state championship, is the Most Valuable Player on The Associated Press Division II all-tournament team.

Duncan had 23 points and 12 rebounds in the Fighting Crusaders' 7365 win over Columbus Brookhaven Saturday night. He had 27 points and 16 rebounds in Friday night's semifinal win over Cleveland Heights.

http:/I cincinnati. com/preps/2003/03/23/wwwprep 1a23 .html

3/23/2003

D-1 state title: Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65

Page 3 of5

He's joined on the team by teammates Andrew Brackman, who scored 43 points in two games and Bubba Walther, who scored 19 points in the championship.

Rounding out the team are Brookhaven's Andrew Lavender, who scored 44 points in two games, and Branden Foust, who had 28 points and 18 rebounds in two games.

COLUMBUS BROOKHAVEN (26-2) Spencer 2-4 2-2 6; Comley 4-6 0-1 8; Foust 5-6 1-4 11; Lyles 5-15 0-0 12; Lavender 9-19 2-2 23; Perry 2-21-2 5. Totals: 27-52 6-11 65.

MOELLER (23-4) Duncan 7-16 8-10 23; Kimener 1-1 2-5 4; Brackman 8-91-218; Christie 2-8 4-4 9; Walther 7-10 2-219; Carter 0-0 0-0 0; Childress 0-2 0-0 0; Dierkers 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 25-46 17-23 73.

3-pointers: CB 5-14 (Lavender 3, Spencer 2), M 6-12 (Walther 3, Duncan, Brackman, Christie). Rebounds: CB 20 (Foust 5), M 31 (Duncan 12). Assists: CB 10 (Foust 4), M 9 (Christie 4). Personal fouls: CB 18, M 11. Turnovers: CB 9, M 14. Attendance-16,246.

Road to the title Recapping Moeller's playoff victories: Moeller 60, Harrison 34 Moeller 74, Mason 55 Moeller 57, Beavercreek 52 Moeller 53, Springboro 34 Moeller 81, Hamilton 43 Moeller 85, Cleveland Heights 7 4, OT Moeller 73, Columbus Brookhaven 65

MEN'S TOURNAMENT Underdog Xavier has upset in mind Daugherty: Bookends on XU's roster Coaches experts on Terps Majerus has the big blues UK. Utah still have ties to '98 Apology ahead for UC's Machock Gators=Spartans: Things could get rough Cowboys will test Orangemen Butler now faces Louisville's press IU ready to mount a charge After spuming Spartans' offer. Gators' Roberson must face them

http:/I cincinnati. com/preps/2003/03/23/wwwprep 1a23 .html

3/23/2003

Page 1 of23

News

er 9001 Montgomery Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45242

February 2003

Vol. 39, Issue 2

News Flashl Basketball Team State Champions!

Below: Brackmanâ&#x20AC;˘s final Slam Dunk of the Season!

http://hornepages.rnoeller .org/gstanforthlnews.htrn

3/24/03

News

Page 2 of23

L _ __ _

~---------~-

~

Below: Robbie Puts the Nail In the Cofflnl

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

Page 3 of23

News

Below: Josh Duncan Drives for Two.

http://homepages .moeller.org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 4 of23

Below: Bubba Drives inside.

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 5 of23

-~ Below: Aggressive Crusader Defense.

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 6 of23

Below: Mr. Morowski Pumping Up the Team.

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 7 of23

Below: The Best Fans in the State!

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 8 of23

1

I "'J

Below: Senior Spiritl

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 9 of23

Below: Tears of .Joy and the Fight Song for the Loyal Fans.

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 10 of23

.... .

'

'l Below: We Are •••

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 12 of23

-

4'? '~kW

,, :

, vl •

Below: Nothin• But Netl

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforth/news.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 13 of23

·: ..

,·;_: .

'

-

., . .

.

~- -~;r..;:o.~·-

. N:'",'!.

;-

.';ji:.U.,.-••

···tr~;~::::;.~~~~-;. ~-·~=r~~

r;···.'t!J.' ~th~'l-j;

i [

~ I:

IJ/"·~a· ·'

. ~ "' t

.....,.,

"•#;.

'

.

q

"'-

•

I

... --.,

.·.

""'\

.

'

;,

'

"

iJ

i .

Below: Look Mom •••

http://homepages.moeller .org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

Page 14 of23

News

l

I

f

•• ·' "

jf

I 1

•J

\ ,, "

,

--

--···

Below: ••• I'm a State Champlonl

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

News

Page 15 of23

._ ______

,,_ -- - - -~

--

----~________..~...____.

MOELLER WRESTLING UPDATE March 3, 2003

STATE CHAMPION RYAN LUKENS!

http://homepages.moeller.org/gstanforthlnews.htm

3/24/03

Moeller manages OT win in state semi

BY MARK D. Morz SPORTS EDITOR MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

COLUMBUS -The Division I state basketball semifinals looked vaguely familiar.

Moeller High School had made a habit of putting together devastating streaks to put an opponent away - 17-0 in 2:20 against Beavercreek in the district finals, 21-1 over the last 10: 15 against Springboro in the regional semifinals - on the way to the Final Four.

This time, though, the Crusaders were the streak victims, blowing a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter before coming up with an 85-74 victory against Cleveland Heights March 21.

Moeller led 61-42 with 6:06 to play after Josh Duncan's tip of a missed free throw. But the Tigers tied it 66-66 with 54 sec~ onds left on Darren Jones' only

basket of the game.

Neither team scored the rest of regulation.

Osborne Gardner scored on a follow-up bucket for Heights to start the overtime. Bubba Walther gave Moeller the lead back with a three-point goal.

Gardner scored in the post, 70-69, before Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie gave his team the lead for good with a driving score with 3:10 to play.

"It was overwhelming, but we just kind of gutted it out," Christie said.

The Crusaders went on to add a trademark run of their own, tearing off 16 straight points to take an 85-70 lead with half a minute to play.

Moeller even ran a backdoor alley-oop play from Walther to Duncan, who slammed the ball home for a 77-70 edge.

The Crusaders suffered a scare the next time down the floor, when Heights undercut Duncan on his way to the basket.

The 6-foot-7 junior all-state selection came down hard, hit his head on the floor and had to leave the game, leaving some question as to whether or not he MARK D. Morz/~ would play in the finals.

Moeller High School junior Josh Duncan dunks for two of his Duncan finished with 27 points in the state semifinals against Cleveland Heights H points and 16 rebounds, while School March 21. ¡ Andrew Brackman scored 25 Cappelletti. "To be as young as "I'm just glad to live to f and pulled in nine boards.

"They're a very good team," they are, they've got men on the another. day," said Moeller 1: said Heights coach Jim floor. Not kids." coach Carl Kremer.

· .·all;toufnallnent.:~<~·-_·._·_."·.·:, . . . .. ·. . . . -. ( :: hono.s '' . '.·.· . . · ;•.·.·.. ......: ,· ·, .

.

.

'

··.

·. .

-

. .

c

~:

.

·•

'~''_._ \

. ..

-

.

,

•

'

,

,

•

•

. ~~.

·,

'

'

~

...

~

.'·.

~''

'

:

·_·

'

.

'

~

.(

-~ .

_

,

'

'\

\

1

'

'

'

. M9_el!er_High S~hooJjunior~ there. was :,riever a.' doubt he : forward Josh Duncan too~ the .. would go. . . . :.. ·.·. · .. · . ~ .!J • top itidividual award. in the· :-:~'It's about heart," he 'said . .· . _ . , . ~~;.. (. .. i:J"-3 . ' · ._. ' · WARK D. Moli/Srm piv~s!gn· -IJ,-oys ka!lk~tball' ·~w~·ve work~d h,¥d_·an, Y'?ar ~oeile_f'-Hl~· ~chool ~erlloi'. joe_)<lrile_rier.{~2} comes_· down -~lth' ~- ,tournament;.: ·e.arning-' M,VP:. ~d ,.J wasn't going_ to l~t my ~=~~n:2~~~w~~n-~hr~e B~o_f-~h?vef! Pl_ay,e~~-'.?.·t~e ~~~t~ !l~als; honO,~s: .aft~r-~·~veragiiig ~5 ·t~ammates~own." .-.: . . . · · · ·' ·· · · • ;~_ · , · · ·· - points and :14 rebotmds in th~- . ·.Juniors ·Andrew. Brackman lJ!lSung h¢~Q· :_ ,-·~ · > . · : >...BrooKliaven bad the:ball.with> . cii · · · · · .· · · · ·· ·· tpe·' i ·. . ·mitiutes· p•ay, ·:score tied .... '_; · s~~:b,aske_~~~l to~~~~t:had 65 6~·-·~d tn..e~~t~_-ho~dfo~:~:e. · .?nr~g~ attentt9n. to; htm,sel~•.. ~-~' ,.-···:;-_·. .... ,· · · ..• • ,f3!1en to ~e fl?pr :.-.an5!·,1t ~~Y. ·,last s_hot: ,k •. ~ • : ~· .• ~ . • .

• · · ,es_p~c_Ial~y .. c~nst.R~png ho~ . ·. {_Brac~an.. ~cored ..43 pomts : 'we~. ~ave _;!Jew··M 0eller J¥gh, · · I~ut afte~ a, ~ute 9f ,suill~?g, ·. _good , he ·ts," satd_ Cf\lsader · tn< _the • .t~() state. , ¥.am~.s.~~.

S_cltool baske~ball.fans·were sirr~ .Moe<swttc~ed to ~ man-to-m~_ · co.~ch Carl)<remer. "But he'!> Walther :scored; 19 .pomts m 1 p~ecp9e JGm~ne.r got;dowil ~0· d~~e~_se"and trappe.d the :"'i~g. :.. ·a,WartJ(}r.'He;s versatile~":.· :.th~_·?,ll.ame@ispip on,1-for~10 j pick.~t~p. ... ·:: · .. :.. Ki~ener. caD!~ up ~wtth a· .· .. :Puncan.was und.~r~ut·and sJ:t~otiiig:·_~;-·",.· ·. :.- :> . ·. ,'' .., :T1te · senior '.forward . :and· ,steal, was f<?u1ed, ·made: a free· . - hit his ,head on:th~ floor la~ein - : AJ?.drew··', Laven,der · -;(22-. 4 . Ma,deira residen(did a lot of.the··.w-ow, ~d-the.Crus'apers .neve( . th.e, s~~te.•. SeEtifinals. J;"rid~y point ,average) :·and Bntn,den. i .work it} ~~lping M~eller t~ ;l!hail~~ ag~n:· ni_gh(causiri-tLc_o,n~ern a_ffiopg ' Fo~st (14-point, . ~~e-reli6u~d ( t~'S€?C~n4I>fv~~~~n~_statec~~- :1 '.!Jt,was J~st-:kind·_of an the Moellerfatthful ~s _t~ ,_average). ,of ·,.Broo~av~n _p~9nsh1p~ ...; .. · ·-· .. ·-··.- · . '._. mstinct," Kimener ·~aid:."I knew. ';Vhether_or no.t be. could p~ay rounded. out t}ie all-to.urna'.· ;-~'The:-;·~n~~ng li~ro·~of .~he, ~e.neeoed.!t ~:·;_, ~'--:':: · · ..-~~-: _inthefiriills. ··_:·'· .·.· .. · :~ ,mentsquad.. · .~.

-·:( wRple . r.~~~~am~nt .. ')S ,' .~qp_ . ,,p','I ~.- saw:·., .Br.ack ..(~ndrew•-·. :·' .He-~~!> ~learf<I by docto~~ , --~--~arkFJ. Mo~z, .( . Kitpener,- :· .satd rv,I_oel\~r he~d- ,_Braclqnarr) pushing. the guy to.· Sa_t?r~~~..:~ornmg ~-n{~ati··c.,.-. ~. ., ... _ ~ · : ~- : ._coac~ Cll.fl:_l,(r;_I!Ier.•;· There.s tlie_baseline ¥1d I'dropped dowri :'---'-..,.,...;._;_.o.;.;..____,.,.,-'-,..:._....._~,-'-.:.. . ..;...,.;.,-~-,.-------....;..,-,nothmg he dt~t dofor. JlS thts to hetp out" '•.: ;· \.; ~: ;·: ; ·:"' : , .' {'..._.:~.LJ~ J · . : " .,, . · ye~, _this'to~~ame~t, tPnight.'~ ~ · · -~ . ·:Kimenet's: statistical line hi· r~ _ _we statf.t:in.als.:7-lo.u!.P.oin_ts. ~4· , ., etght reb'?.und~ ..::. W~s not enough: · :to .dra~>l;ltterition :.~ro111 ,~e ,all-'. . tm~rnainent,,_.._voters,. but ·· his '•· ctef~11se ~: w~s )r:u.9ial,) .fo_r:, the.

Cf!!s,!ldel'S~ ~ _:"' ~~!i.L · ~.::; · · ' ~ . >

. . ·.,If ~~ .~e~. ~<?.

Di~i~i~~ tw~

-~o

_F•:·~~~~~.

;d ,'~~0- p~v.ef :~~~~-~u~~~:'~~~~~~rJ=~~

1

On

#:tY

·> .· .. :_ .·" .·. . ,: .. .

-.! ..: - ·

so

,..~-7~

DiviSion· I Cincinnati sectional '... '·

Warriors reiich diStrict rmals ' 5-

;~~.~

i{--,13

~

..

::.-;_ ~

~

Moeller too.. much 'i; . , , . · ,·..· ~~., . · .for .Mason 74~55'1.J .. .

No.10 hi. this ·year'~ sectional, passed ~at plateau Monday. . ~- Nobo<fl suggests .this year's team ~ approach last year's, •--- -:-----· --'1-~- ·~·· ---·----·--·~which ~~ed by Ohio co-player of· .BJ loin Groeichen · th~ ye~ert Hite (now with the.

The CinciNnati Enquirer Miami fiumcanes) and DeForrest ' Riley (PeQQ State). But some key No, it's not the same Wmton players frdm that team remain.

Woods team that stampeded to a Senior forward CJ. Anderson, 68-4 . record the previous three the only returning starter, had 23 years. But the 2002-03 Warriors points and 14 rebounds Monday achieved something Monday that and has been one of the area's presome of the school's greatest mier players the pastfew years. Se- · teams' neVer did. nior guard Rashad Williams (17' f. Wmton Woods (15-7) advanced points) and senior forward Mack to the Division I district finals with Hunter (10 points) were regulars in· ' a 64-52 defeat of upstart Aiken· at the rotation last season. · , !Xavier's Cintas Center. The Wai- _: Monday; Wmton Woods faced -riors will play in the districts Satur- an Aiken team coming off a 58-57 1' day (8:45 p.m.) at University of upset of No.3 seed Anderson. Ai:; Dayton Arena, where they will ken was 10-12 entering Monday, meet Centerville. .· having also upset Lakota East be.. "fm pleased with this team, after fore knockin~ off 19-1 Anderson: losing as many guys as we did from ·Bum:e.J~":'ns ~~2~!::.!,2/g2~:~ ~ ~ ;~: .. ·· ·:·~;_ ·: >~·~-::2-f." ., 1. ~i' -'~?~~P.1~;:~~)~ ;.~. . Th~,P~c.i.nnatl_ E~qulr~r(C~IG RUTILE last year " Wmton Woods coach WINTON WOODS- Williams 3 9 17, Anderson 9 5 23, c. J. Anderson of_Winton WO<?dS glides,toward the bask~t in .~he David ~pkin said. "At this time ~~~'i1. 12 'Akbar 328'H.Brown!0 2 ,Wynn!0 2 .Totals: second half. Anderson scored a'game:high 23 points~>J" .

10 812 22 -52 iofyear,youwanttokeep·getting ...., :·:)· .•. .• ~~.::~_:!l.:~~~Y:4::··,~;,·,·:.~-~;-;-,..-:.~ i.\;;·~;,;J;,¥o.~~· :.··. ·better everyday.". ::,O::ns(Jackson 3,Phoe:: 2 >~~!:~ the Crusaders begati'to beat M~·~· tournamentatUniversityofDayton Wui.tonWoodsdidthatlastyear, CWII!Jams2)•.. , · •·. ·· son'spresstl!ed~~n8e:!itthe{>Oin~:,•:Ar~W!'ori. SatUrday (3:45p.m.) vS;' whenitwent26-2andwasDivision ·M·'·"·· · .;11 M · 5S andshookfreefofsevei'al~lay~:; the..,.winrier of Monday's Beaver7 I state runner-up. It was. a breakOe11er lot, aSOD . . insduringthefinalminutes_.:.~l.,·~ '.creek-DavtonColonelWhitegame.~ & the· Warr10rs,w · ' ho Moeller used 1'ts <;AU' ~-.....em. e s;,....

Andre"ff Brae · km.an,a~~oo~· · · ~ & · t 7 JU~ · ··..•. ;;;:· ouncan7923;KJmenart02;Br!lckmantos2s;DJerl<eisO· MOE11EII11&4J - Christie 1 6 s: walthei 4 2 to;·. through year1or ....... ·.: went 21-1 each of the previous two advantagetoweardownMasonina . nior forward' had 28 points ·and-" tt;~~t;carterott. Totals:232B74.• • ··~- ··• . . D'MSlon . . I section . al final at. c·mtas nme . .re.· b'oun·d's_ 10r. &.

Moe11erv .... ·Jos. b"''·:·';;.

IJ.5.71-Faulkner318;0wens114;Richburg5 years butwere upset both times m f; 6t7;Hannan4t12;Tedfora205;H111319.Totats:tatoss. the second round of the tourna- Center on Monday':· ·. D~can, another 6:7 jtini~r;p~ ~~,;:. =~:._," ..,rrc~!~ ~~: ment,., ... · . The Cru~ders l~d only 47-46 . p<>mts and 15 rebounds. · · .:_; ·' J·. 3.pOini!rs:MoeO,Mas9(Hannan·~~,-:i,t:~r,Owens, __ .t;,Th~_2.Q02-03 Warriors, ~~ed~d W1th2:11leftmthethirdpenod.But__ ~oeller advan_~s ~-!P~ district .R~hbura,_Tedlo~>· .. •:.c _ v....:~ - · l

!

.:· .:. .

D_Uilcan always one of the ibest . .

.

.

MakesureyoumentionTylerStovall Mter a tl'tle. season' ..Awa rd f"ma·I.lsts ... he's the guy that guarded me in Moeller Jr. named: ~. .Josh Duncan was chosen:Enquirerj r::.;tice all year' and m~de me betChannel9 Play~r ofthe :ear from . ..

Ask the 6-foot- , 210-pound Dunpl..~yey 0 f. the y· ' ea~ among five fina~ISts that InCluded Enc can a~~>Ut his early7 ~asketban days,

...

~

'1- if--a 1"

Cl~mons (~ead1~g), Ross Neltner.

and you get him to acknowledge he , . :The· Cincinnati Enquirer and Monty St. Clan (Roger Ba~on).

"I started in third grade, and I , .•;. . ·· · guess I was always kind ofdike the · · Josh Duncan nearly always has . standout," Duncan 'Said: "' was albeen· ~e best bas)!etball player on . Division I all-state first team this sea- ways the tallest; anyway." his team. This year, he was the gest . son. He also was voted Southwest . He stood 6 feet tall by the eighth iri Greater Cmcinnati. , , District player of the year and was grade, and was 6-6 when he cracked Duncan, who led Moeller to the MVP of the Division I state tourna- the Moeller starting lineup as a sophOhio Division I championship this' ment, where he· totaled 50 points and · omore. He averaged 16 points a game season, has won the inaugural En-. 28 rebounds in two games. . last year, a hefty 1igufe in the tough •qzoirer/Channel.9 boys prep basket"I don't like to make a big deal out. ·Greater Catholic League South·diviball Player of the Year award. · of myself," Duncan said of his latest' sion. · · · · · • And he is only a· junior- the only award. "I've got good teammates, · , junior named to the Associated Press' playerS that don't get to play lot.

See DUNCAN, Page C3

By Tom Groeschen · •

.:. ,

. (Highlands), C~ns. Norwell (Anderson)' . could always play. . .

a

~

GCLS coach~ knew what was

store for the 2002-03 season.

Xavier coach Scott Martin, in ~ preseason forecast, rated ~oeller No.lin·the city with this succinct analysis: . r"Shc:><>ting ability ... and a spec'-!player." . .· rThat would be Duncan, WhO IS Jl¥lStly an inside player but is just ~much at home on the wings. · ~'1 think he's a gre_at ~layer because he's so versatile, Moeller ~Carl Kremer said. "He hurts sin a lot of ways. Not only .she score, but he's a great r~ under and he passes the ball ll. He's 3Iso developed into one the best defenders around." · · !Duncan led Moeller (23-4) with a"erages of 18.0 points and 9.9 r~ b&imds. He shot 52.4 percent from iliefieldand77.3percentfromthe f$1 line. He mad~ 34-of-87 attEfDpts from 3-point range (~9 ~rcent) good accuracy for a btg

~

ix4m

.

'

'Moeller began the year ranked N"o. 1 in the Enquirers area coache4 poll, but slipped to No. 4 after g~ing 16-4 against its typically rugged schedule. But it all paid off v1th 7-0 tournament record, in~ding a 73-65upsetoftop-ranked ~lumbusBrookhaveninthestate als. , Brookhaven had been rated . 6 nationally by' USA Today. eller's ,up,se.t vaulted the. Cruers to No. 24 in the final USA day poll, the school's first aparance in the basketball Super 2.

Duncan is also a good student, · · taining a 90 average, Kremer d. Kremer said virtually every jor college program in the c untry has called or..written about can.

'Tubby Smith called the other · .

• ·" . day ~om Ke_n~cky, Kremer.~~"'ndiana, Michigan ... Duke mvt!~ edhimtotheircamp.NorthCarolina State Wake Forest and Marquette ~e very jnterested, and Xavier is reCruiting him hard. UC is looking at him." ·

a

Recruiting expert Van Coleman said Duncan is moving up the list of seniors-to-be.

"He's one of those kids with potential to be a top 10()'player in the nation," Coleman said.1Ie's got a good body at 6-7 and 210. He's mobile and can play away from the basket, too."

Duncan, when pressed, will acknowledge he likes Xavier, Dayton, ' Marquette, Michigan State and Ohio State, among others. It is far from his final list. "''m still open," he said. "For now, I'm just' going to try to work on the fundamentals and get better for next year:

Duncan:

Named area's top Player

I

. /" "'·t forward Josh Duncan is th.e first ~in~Jr ortne- Efiqil7;er

·Chann~l 9 Player of the Year Award. He averaged 18 points and 9. 9 ·rebounds a game in leading Moe!ler to ~h~ Division I s~ate title.

ipseason

,

' '·lo

.

.

.

j

.

follP.!:ST 5EU.ERS/STAFF

Members of the Moeller High School basketball team, seniors Robbie Christie, left, Joe Klmene~.:and Willie DeTemple celebrate their state tournament win during an assem~ly at the school on March 25.

1

Basketball Player of Year finalists named •1 · • I

nel9 reporters chose the finalists, which were selected from aweekly "Watch Ust" compiled this ·season.

Criteria include individual statis1 tics, team .~erformance and caliber of competition.

J t 1 ~ Here are the finalists for Enquir7 1 'By Tom Groeschen "7- T~ er/Channel 9 Player of the Year, ' The Cincinnati Enquirer with the boys and. girls wiruiers to : -1 . . be announced next Tuesday and The Enquirer and WCPO-'IV. Wednesday,respectively: (Channel9) have chosen 10 finalists · Boys finalists (listed alphabetifor our inaugural _prep basketball cally): .

Player of the Year awards, which •EricCleinons,Reading:TheS. recognize top performances from foot-S senior center led the Blue· the 2002-03 season. .

Devils (U3) to the Ohio Division A panel of Enquir.~r and Chan· ill championship.and was named

BOyS, gIf 8 WinnerS '}} be announced Wl . dUfl• ng next· Week ,

state tournament MVP. He averaged 13 points, 10rebounds and four blocks a game. Signed with Ohio University.

• Josh Duncan, Moeller: The 6-7

junio~Crusaders

(23-4) to the Ohio Division I championship and was named tournament MVP. He had 50 points and 28 rebounds in the two-game state playoffs.Duringtheseasonheaveraged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.

• Ross Neltner, Highlands: The 6-8 senior center was named firstteam all-state in Kentucky. He averaged 20.1 points, 10 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, shooting 52.6 percent

from the field and 77.9 percent on free throws. A Louisiana State signee, he led Highlands to its finest winning percentage (27-3, .900) in school hi.story.

• Chris Norwell, Anderson: The 6-7 senior center led Cincinnati Division I players in scoring (23 ppg) · for the second straight year, as An· derson went 19-2. He finished second among local Division I players in rebounding (12.0 rpg) after leading·the area in rebounding.as a junior. Also a football player, he has signed with Dlinois as a tight end.

--see YEAR, Page CZ

.COLUMBUS -Moeller has its work cut out for it if its going to win its second Division I state basketball title in the last five

years.

When the Crusaders won their first championship back in 1999, they had to beat nationally ~Moeller (22-4) ran k e d vs. Brookhaven Shaker (26-1) Heights to ~ Division I state so.

They'll try final to duplicate ~8:30p.m. that feat to- . ~ Value City Arenight when na, Columbus they take ~ Ohio News on defend- Network; WBOB-AM ing cham- (1160) pion Co. lumbus Brookhaven at Ohio State University's Value City· Arena. Moeller beat Cleveland Heights, 85-74, in overtinie Friday night to earn its berth, while Brookhaven got all it could handle from Toledo St. John's before finally beating the Titans 59-53.

Brookhaven ended the regular season ranked No.1 in the As-

TONIGHT

do

Moeller,. Mason advance in Division l The

tl~?(J!.Zer

.

~.

Josh Duncan scored 19 points and Andrew Brackman added 14, leading second-seeded Moeller to a 64-34 victory over Harrison in a Division I sectional game at Cintas Center Wednesday night The outcome ·.was never in doubt after the Crusader8' took a 17-5 first-quarter lead.

Moeller held- Harrison to 4of-24 (17 percent) shooting in the . firsthalf.

Moeller plays Mason for·the sectional championship at 8:30p.m. Monday at· Cintas Center.

MO£LL£R ·Walther 4 D11, Duncan 6 619, Klmener1 02,Juenger2 04, Watt022, Bmckman 5314, Stovall 11 4, Childress 10 2, Dlerkets 1 0 2. Totals: 2112 60.

HARRISON· Wlfflamson 0 3 3, Hotopp 2 3 8, Haynes 205, McDonal2 610,loge113,Sims011, Schmltt204.

Totals: 9 14 34. ~·...,----- 17 15 16 12 -64

Hanllon -· 5 & 5 11 -34 3-polnters: Moeller 6 (Walther 3, Duncan, Bmcl<man, Detemple); Harrison 2 (Hotopp, Haynes).

I

.IVJ,Q-eiJer,::WUl$,slf,,,l",ga~q@,.:.ill::·pveitime .

-c.:J . ~r~ :~c.?,:·;. ~>'·.--:1.-~:2.

~<'~;.BJ..Kevln Goheen ..•~ . .:-<>.Post staff reporter

--~-

.,._,.·.-·.1···-.' ... :'-··

·

':t."·"': ..... ~..-,.. ,.._ ~.... ·,

. "

. - .,.._,.-- ...-~..

.,

'-'~'~·-'"·-·.,.!·

··--

.

.

.

· and set off a fast-break layup by

: Jones to even the score, 66-66. · · ... ~ ·· ·-: ·· · . · · · · The Tigers had a chance to win · · COLUMBUS - For 25 minutes the game in regulation, but Jones' .and 55 seconds Friday .night, Moell· .·.·· 17-foot shot over the outstretched ermadeallofthepre-gametalkand ;. arm of Christie hit the rim and was hype concerning the athletic~bility ·~· rebounded by Duncan. and explosiveness Qf Cleveland .'

"I didn't think it was going to go Heights more myth than fact as the~: because I got my hand in his shooting pocket real quick," said ChrisCrusaders built a 19-point lead.: '.:. ··: ' . ·.For the final6:05 ~fregulation in . tie, who fini~ed with 13 points and six assists. "He had been pulling up their Division I. state semifinal basketball game, however, Cleveland on people all night and I knew exHeights lived up to all of the acco-· actlywhat he was going to do." lades lauded upon them. · This marks the fifth year in a row In the end, though, the CrusadCincinnati has been represented in erssurvivedalate24-5runbyClevethe Division I state title gameland Heights and advanced to toMoeller in 1999 and this year, St. Xanight's state title game against vier in 2000, Elder in 2001 and WinColumbus Brookhaven with an- as~·· ton Woods last year. Moeller and St. 74 overtime victory before 16,423 at} Xavier each won titles.

Ohio State University's Value City Moeller used the aggressive ofArena. Moeller outscored the Tigers .Jensjye_ style of c:J.eveland Heights 19-8 in overtime, including a 16~0.. against the Tigers by drawing four runthathasbeenastapleoftheCru~ · charges in the first quarter alone saders this postseason. .. . :~;~·;1;;,.~ and built a 15-7 lead. Cleveland Moeller's fast-team All-Ohio ju- ·. , Heights was called for 10 total fouls nior forward Josh Duncan scored 27:: . in the first quarter, compared to just points and had 16 rebounds, but his:,~two for the Ctusaders. The Tigers availability for the championship': eventually lost James Alex Nixon game is unknown. With 1:41left in.·: and All-Ohio guard Jon Battle to ove-time, Duncan~s head hit the. fouls.Battleendedthegamewith13 floor after a battle for the ball under-·· · points despite playing on a sprained neath the offensive basket. He laid anklesufferedinlastweek'sregionon the floor for a couple of minutes al championship game victory before sitting up and thtm being against Massillon Washington. taken to the bench. Duncan is to be'.' . Moeller outre bounded Cleveexamined this morning to deterland Heights, 41-30, not a surprising mine his status. · total considering the Crusaders' "I'm not even sure what to say," .

TERRY GILLIAM/Associated Press height advantage. Moeller played Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "I Moller's Andrew Brackman goes up for a shot as Cleveland fourplayerswhostandatleast6feet feel fortunate to play in the cham- Heights' Shawn Butler defends during first-quarter action.

7. Junior forward Andrew Brackman added 25 points and nine repionship game. I thought our kids showed tremendous courage and quarter,includingmissingthefront Darren Jones made just four of 21 bounds. . . h t sm . thegame, bu t I't was h'Is t-sto.Greyt-t0-02Jones4-:it2-2U CLEVElAHDIIEIGII'I'SI741•N!xon160-22 Gartlner4-6 that 'spretty'difficult wh enyou 1ose end of a bonuss1'tuation twice. so ea~~~e'4-t03-413 a lead like we did."

"The press didn't take its toll un- three-pointer that began the come- l..edweU-10-0 2. Strlcldan~~ 0-1 o.o o. Sande.so.oo.oo, CauleY ~ urth qu art er, "Cleve1and b ac k . Reserve f orwar d Donovan BuUer7-110-0t4,Thompsont-2002,Bo!d2-40:Q4.Totats ().O().OO,Haynes 2-4().0 4,CDttonO-OO-OO,Pcwer.l 3-4().19• Overtime becameanecesSl'tybe-' tilthe ~o cause Cleveland Heights turned up Heights coach James Cappelletti Boyd scpred twice from the inside 3o. 7 ~ 1851, auncan 12_16 2_5 27 Klmener 1_2 4-6 6 the defensive pressure, began to said. "I thought our defense stepped and Shawn Butler muscled his way Blackman 12-2o 1-a 25, Chrfslle 4-9 4-5 ti. Walther J-9 1-2 8: TralnorO-OQ.OO,AshO-OO-OO,WattO-OQ.OO,cart2rO-OO-OO, make shots , andMoell . er helped out . up and got us back'mto't' 1 m the end. t o some k eyre00unds on both en ds. · Jueoger o.o o.o o, oeremp~e o.o o.o o, stovall o.o o.o o, with some less-than-efficient free- The fans seemed to enjoy it."

Trailing 66-62 with 1:20 left in regu- ChMdleSS 1-4 4-4 6, Dieltu!IS0-1 o.o o. rotats JJ-611s-2s 85. throw shooting. The Crusaders Moeller point guard Rob Chris- lation, Butler-stole an in bounds ~=ms 1~ ~~ ~~ ~ J .J: ·committed 14 turnovers in the sec- tie's three-pointer with five seconds pass and then eventually capped off Throo-polnt goals--Cle. Helgt1ts B-Jo (Powers 3-4. Jones 2 ond h8If(24 for the game) and most left in the third quarter gave the the possession with a basket off an Haynes •10·8attle 2-7·Gartlner1-2,BuUerO-J,Nrxono.1,St!1cl<land0-1, • 0-1, Boyd 0-1), Moeller 3-9 (Walther 1-4, Ouncan1-3,.

Of them were during the Tigers' run, CrusaderS a 54-40 }ead heading into OffenSIVe rebound. .

Christie 1-1, Brackman 0-1). Fouled out-Nixon, Battle. · t thr f · ts · th final eight · te · 0 Moell • ext · h Rebounds-Cie. Helgllts 30 (Butler 8), Moeler 41 (Ouncan 16).

Moeller made JUS ee o 1 SIX e mmu s. n er s n possession, e Asslsts-Cie. Heights 10 !Jones 3), Moeller 22 (Chrisue 6). free-throw attempts in the fourth Cleveland Heights point guard tipped the ball awa.v from Duncan rouls-Cie.lleii1Cs27,Moeler1s.A-16.423. ·

· •

·

.

D.uncan shatters· Knights' defense ,;!,'

~ ~.

'

~f

•

------------------------;''

-

-

----~

~

....

__.

,...,,

~

";

~

~-Moeller 55,

-

"'

--

-~-

-.-.--:~-~

.... ~

Kettering AHer 42_

~

Crusaders now 2-0 aft'e.r st~r's outing

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer I

i Carl Kremer figures his Moeller

boys basketball team will ber out-especially next -season:· But this season is also shaping up pretty well. · · ; The Crusaders, ranked No.1 in the Enquirers Division I area coaches poll, raised their record to 2-0 by beating Kettering Alter 5542 1 on Friday night. Moeller is in the . big-school . Greater · Catholic· 1 League South and Alter is in ~e 1 smaller-school GCL North, with all 1gaines counting in the 'league. · standings. j' "It's good to have these grind-it- . out games early in the year," Krem- ·. ' e'r said. "We got good play out of all eight guys iii otir rotation i:oruglit." / -· Kremer believes the Crusaders, with three juniors in i:heir starting · 'lineup, are better seffor 2003-04 'than this season. He said there is no dominant Cincinnati team such as Winton Woodsin:rec'ent sea5ons..

I "There are' several teams that could· finish No: 1,"-.Kremer 'said..

"Our goal is to l:ie there at the end." \_. · Josh Duncail, a 6-foot-7" jwllor I ,forward rated as one of the state's top 'players, led Moeller _with 21 p(>ints, seven reb_ounds and four blocked shots. Dimcan, who can shoot 3-pointer8 or post up, was · scouted by Ma{quette · UniVersity on Friday night and will hav:e a lorig · list of college suitors before he's . .

The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER through. · · · ' · Moeller's Josh Duncan (right) scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds against .. ~'He's extremely v~rsatile, ·and· Kettering Alte'r defenders such as Andy.Stichweh on. Friday. Dun::an' s Crusaders won 55-42. that's whatl like about him," Krem· ' · · · erSaid of Duncan. . · on Duncan, and once he gotfufoul Alter (1-1; 0-1)~ rated No. 3.in the in the four-team GCL South last \ Junior guard Bubba Walther, a trouble, we were in trouble," Alter- Dayton Daily News Division II area season, but is favored to win it this transfer from- Colerain, added 13 q:>ach Joe Petrocelli said. ~·All in all, poll, beat Kettering' Fairmont 31:17 season, led by Duncan, point guard points for the Crusaders.

I thought it was a good effort. I al- (yes, 31-17) in its opener last week. Rob Christie, and~Walther, who av. ··Alter ·senior guard Doug Penno ways go in. thinking' we have a . Fairmont played an extremely de- eraged 15.9 points at Colerain. . . had 12 points but fouled out while chance to win the state in Division liberate tempo in that game.

AllER (421-Penno 4 212, Laumann 319, Hilgeman 2 tryitlg to gtiard Dwican. Penno; al- . 11, and hopefullY that will be the Friday's game matched two of 04, Glll2 0 4, Stlchweh 13 5, Roderer I 0 3, Freshwater I 03, 0 2 2. Totals: 14 8 42. so.'a standout running bacK, is one case again." \ .

Ohio's elite coaches in Petrocelli KeyesMOElUR (551- Christie 13 5, Walther 5 113, Duncan of three Knights regulars still getPetrocelli has won three state ti- and Kremer (one state title). Petro- 8 3 21, l<lmener 0 I I, Btickmon 3 0 6, Juenger I 0 2; Childress 13 5~StoYaN I 0 2. Totals: 20 II 55. ' ting re-acclimated to oasketbiill af- ties, including in 2()()()..()1, during celli has won 674 career gaines to .

'• . :rer.-the football·team reached the · his 39-year Alter. career,· • :·): 'fr1 -rank•No:-4 oti the' Ohio career list.· Alllli..::_u ·11 · 10 4 · -42 • ' 11 -55.

Division _N state semifinals.

- · Moeller beat No. 9 Oak Hills 55!

Moeller, the 1999 state champi- Moeaor-15 20 9 "1 thouJrht Penno did a Jrood iob 36 in its season ooener last week. on under Kremer. finished fou."1:h Records:~ 1' 1 <O-I GCL), M 2.o <l.o GCL).

1 standing,

1

1

~ROotball~basketbRII·:'· ':':. ·.. > sW¢eP, .by.·.•.GC;E~··a••fitst ,

,•.

:~·

··:'

. '. ·.: : :.···':·~·

/ ,··.'

,·c,',

.. ):" ...f'

.· · . . . .

• ··:

• . .

-'- _,

·

·

~=:

:; :·

·:c,

~···.:· -~·:

··.,<!

·:·~Tom' :. :·. · ·..··· r~·

• 1 ·

d<fs(:). in-~DiVision f.:~ ;·:-:.:.;. ·

·.~.

3..:.3{r.:.~3'

.

Only 'league:to .-:t:J · ~ ··

,

Groe5cherf:i

:;.~_ .:: -~ ~---~·:::: l~. ·: .

··

~~~S!i~tEI: ·. fo~tb~ ~-iba~l<etb~~cJ:l#Pion-~1~

·on·,-::-:.:'~

rep·s::

__ .:.':.:..' ~··"··

ships m the same sclioolyeat. ! ·, •i . • 'rvioener~·(basketbati)'ana Elder·<'

1

&o9tbaiJ:)..ate.ieigHirtg-S:tite..-:.:2

charpps:It's c)niy the'secoti.d tinie·; ilie Cihcinnati area has~won both .

1 maj6r'oig-sciiholtitles in'i:he same scho'ol year. The' oiliettiine wa~: . the'1987:88 seasoii;wlienpublic ·., schP<# P$cetari· dootlia'n, 1987)' : 'and Woodward (basketball, 19871 · 88 'se'!ison) won DiVision l titles. .' ·~:. ·raurSchlldnleyer, '.GCL'presi~ '-. i denffor 2'2ye.ais, said the·charrtpi:· .onships'under~c6r@:the GCL;s be/~ lief thatit is the .top boys league ·in~ Ohio: The M~@E:i'atso~wori the·-'·:.:

Sulourb~Y\

fi/i!lv'theast'

Wednesday, April .23,: 2o'03 \.

stat¢ s~ingtitle· (St Xavi~r).:·r.·

this season, and GCL North meni-'' berDaYton Chalninade-jtiiieime ·. · won i:he DiVision II football title:.··. ''~''It s~ys a1ot forthe:cotnpeti! .·: tioiJ:>w~ play and th~·coJiches we·' ' have;'.' SchildmeY.er ~d: · ·, • :. · · Doli1t forget th'e GCf.'s sister · leagtie~·theGids:GreaterCincin-: · nati League, wliich tllls season~ ' ', lia_s~oiithe -~~tegcilf.:._~tfe- (Mount Notre Damerand two volleyball . championships .(Ursuliiie in Divi- ·, !liQn_I."~t~t~pi~si<>p.,ur

. . :.:.: ,.·_,

·. Public schools·sorti'etiines ar- . giie_that Catholic' schools have"if -; buitt-iri'advantag'e~with tlieir

I>o. ·

teii.t elementarY school prograrils,: ~ind that' private. schools draw stu~ de~~ ~otp

·a11-overtoWji:· : .· ,: ·~· ·:

... ··"I don'tthiilk there~s an :advan- · tage;r scliirdfu6ye? said. ·."The iea-. sml'oiirleague is'strong-is be-··· ·, ca~se~of the di~~iP.ljQe; the·.· .;: ·; ;~ coaching and tlie competitionwe·, _play! We'U ptafanyo6dy, and oili- 1 schedUles prepifre OUr teams for- .. the toui-naniimts;"· : : ' ~ .. .· r:' .. Readii1g, ttlisyeilr's Divisi~n IIi bask'etb'all champion, is the first · Ciric4illaii-a,reaimbii.6.school.to . witi Ohio obys basketball title' ,sitlce Lakota::, wliich smce has. i~ split mt() Ea~larid:West ,.;_:w,on the .Di~sio_nJ£i1iii!lfiiQ~liip in'1992..

an

left; presents

sycamore ·bick~ Moeller' High School basketball coach Carl Kremei and Principal Dan , Le.dford wit~·~- :ie~~l!JV~n~ h2n~rh1g- the. ,b~~k~!ba.l~ ~13am,. ~~f if their Division I ·state championship. The resolution was · presentedApriJ.fj,.!rj ;,.._,;;;:.~~ 'i;.··.; ·. ,._.,·t, '.;.' ·:, ·. t i• : .~ ..J;}' : ·~-.. ~,. .-::::_,;~/ ! ~:~ ~-) ~· 0

0

0

'

O

••

;."

0°

:--

L,4•

...

. . . . ·• .~ \ .. . -~ .·. ·~.·. ~ ~ .· D~ision ·.l ~tate; champi~nship:. ~oeller~73,.,Br~9~~~~n~:~~-~~~,.1~:17--~:~·--~·"T ~.~:;~-~;~;sr-i~ .• ~~~· ;7::·::~:T0 1-~~.. ~~~~~ ;,-~~-~~l

· ·-M . ·;

,.f . ·:k:!~t{;!{'ZS{(tti"~t::·· -~:+ r-; -, :-''ftit :.;_~·,··:!-::'. ;·"±i?'J ., :f ·e· ··Dr· ·"a· ·-as-' · ·. # • •

:~: .>>. .'-.·1···J· ·--

•

''

• -.

-

•

·,_

-· -

-

-

-:- ::r

~ ~a~;·l'n~ O ·• •..•.·• .. ·.. ·: ,._,.·,:··,_ ,~, · • .. ·. ,;.:. · · ·;:;·:~_·'::>~~:'':;;':.·;~ ~!~~ :1"~ ·'>

1:

. :, .·· ..~. :,:•·,!,;:

•·

·

·e~· f~di;:~an·

;,_,.·_: ·

;;j:.1~~; 1,::~;:;r·:.;d

l>~Qrusaders heat:~.> .:,.C~s~~-~~.~~o~~g~:~~~~;e~:·: .. ~f~"I~~wJ ~s}go~g~~-:Pl~y,.no.;,.~ :,·~r~okhaveq;..,'?si~,to;b~·i

Road to··"'~-· ·l .·.· .·· ,: , ;;;. ,.......... · ... ,,:~: .: \ • ·, 1al?ove·~~eQsfgallle~-~~~bf?.~Rn!Q~f,. ~~ub~.apo~qt,~~:·D~~~sru.d:rl(~ c.!>.m~;_t:Q~;fir!?t;~ho9lW~~~~?~s~~~,; ·th t.itl : :, ·. ·l .top-rariked _ :·;:··. ·.. ~. ·;the·:c~~~ "W~,'·"!~r.¢~::t~gotn,g 1 t?~. _can't;~even:~1~.~!s: I)~ht:~no~·t·utiv~.;O.J:rl~ "~~~-schqol:,.~tle~,._S1ll~t e. e. .

'I' •". ;• ~ -lose this ~e; .·~:.: rt;l n·..o.. What a great feeling,. . I • - ,uElde( didJtmJ9.73·and 1974,.: .. >-;., ': .· · '

,. '

J

,.

,,.

.

<

·•'

· . :. · ·'\>·;r ·l)jg. .schOOlteaffi .· , .· ;~ .: Moell~(j~·~ta~}o~·J~!!h;

. ;{~M6eller._losta1Jiof~~p6iilt,t:JID:q;,.; ~t1:l~k,Jlave~;~~S.)led. bY::·_senior:· . . Recappmg · .. ,. L' , .. : : ., ·o:-.• 1 . . .:•>: -~ . · · ·~tl!lcan,,~lear~. tQ,pla~:after! ~~7;, 911~rlead, but•;rec~v~~~ to~; POJ?~ ~ll!~Ari~'!"i.Lavender, the_ · ~oell~~s playoff . · · : ". ' · · ..\. ; · . ' > · ..· . ·. .. furing .aJierul mJUl'Y: Fnday •Qlglit/: goJDg .. away. ::erac1anan ·se;ded; tt: Ohio~DMston !,:player of the.year. y•c.tones: · . . · " <l.l . By Tom Grciescheil .. · .... . !.!_ -~ . ' ~. : • 'led J:h,e .Crusaders,.:with;· 23 rpomw; vtith ·a br,eaka~y.duilk .a~ the buZz.: :. Lavender. (23:poiri_t:S)'and: Bropklia;~.; .• ~oeller 60,-_" .~: .. )'~,The CincinnatiEnquirer .. '' .· : : :;. ~d- 'it· ~~outids!~ Two ;oth,~~iju: . ef;; .~ending·:• ·~oeller:'s ·. playe_rsf ven _senior f?tmr<r~randeri F~Q~n .. Harnson 34 · · ' · · : · . ~- ··. · . · ·· · ' . .. . ··.. "~: . ·. · ~ors, guard Bubba. Walth'er (19 · spnnting onto the court for the tta~ ,; .botl(.have s1gne~;tW1th Oklahoma..•~ ·• Moeller 74;. · ·· .) ·... CQLm-ffiUS :- Moellet;·· upset\ 'poiilts)andforward ~di:ewBrack- ·. ditional victoiy pile-up. · ·'. · .~ .·. · : Wal!}lersaid Moeller "respect~~ Mason: 55 ·.. :' .'; ·;. ·.: l- ·: .c?l~bus .aro~~~ven ·.:'1~5 . to~ ·mim; (18)' ~follofed Pt~A~~ iri. the .·•. "Mo~ller 'H~~. SC:h?ol just~does but did not; fear thejw:ea~ ,o~~Si::'.~i~ . • Moeller 57, · .' ; ':.~ wm the·Ohio•.PMsion I- state bas- 1 , s.conng column; -' · ·'' ·::- ','; ··1 f~e: ·1.not-:qwt,'~ Christie. srud.·"We k,ept ..l.<i "'fhey're good,:b~t Vfe .m~w we• .Beavercreek 52 .. :' ~ ' ketball ~~e ~attirQ~y ni?~~ s~.~ ·. ·r\<;:1¢stie'}la~ ~J~ _i>o.~~ ~d four :.Jrelnin?ffig ours'el~~s of a)l thepard .'~~d . pl~r ."1);h;~:!lteriti";·:~Wal~ef_' • Moeller 53 .. .-; ,; !.memones, of tJ:!e .surpnse:champ!· , ,asSists, ,anq hit four• key foul• shots. 'wprk,tt took to get.us here,".~ :: .. •Said\ "lthink h~vtpg~seenthe!Jl be-' Sp.ringboro.3{ .: ·. · .\ . onship j(won iil ~- ·.. '·'. : . . ·ro stretcl} Moeller's )~ail~o~.~ ·f. ;Moe~.ed c6aclf) .Carl Jfr~mei"-';f<lre;gaye:.us S'&Iile'.~Dfi~~~e: ~d; ··Moeller 81~ , •,:-· , 1':~. ·_)twa~. th~ second time'ii.I). fotrr, 1to ·7(};65.m;the·wanmg:s~nds!: .- tca.Jled 11:; "A courageous~ ~oeller, )n:o~;:~~:~e stat~.;ch~ps :-.:_tt's_Just · HanilltOn:.43 .·; · , ;. :::; );;·. years;' thaLM,o~ller. (2~) '"~eat .a ~ "' · ~~~an~_;'?:~ ~6;24fi,~l\! O~o;JG~L pert,o~~~.·~·refelJIDg to ~e;.. :~. ~b~liev,~bl~:f.~~~~;~ .o:-·:-~;;:. ~ ''}~ · • Moeller 85 . , ..... : . :USA Todfly t:Op-101team. m the state .· State s Yal\le Ctt:Y Aren~!iWltp the .~.Crusaders •. -..,Greater .~.- Catholic.. ,•. " cowMBUS BIIOOIOIAVEN l26'2l ·spence'r,H 2~2:6? . Cleveland Heights·~· ). ·.final~:·, .-Columbus· J3rQ~~aven ;•Diyision. r~e'~~tiqg.:a ~Y. :·teague ilffiliation:'!t was. MoeUe?.s. ·::::t~J~~~~~:~; 2~·:e-~-~:tJ\~t:,~;;,:~tg;<>~~{ :74 OT. · . . ·, }l' ·:(26-2)was.!1ltedNo.6 natiomillyby ·affour .state.Champio*hip:games, ~second title iil four years and. the rss., .. · ·•· · ·: ·J ::-:t./r _.,:r;, ':· <·: · '.; 'IIi Mo~il~r·73. :. •~.' .: '! lJ.~ rod(iy.~ ~ -~9,~ Moe~er.·up~t,; :.~. :D40~ :~.t#illY.:¥ts~{ques~oii~ ')'GCL:s ~ bii~school.'sta~ cham~h. li,~ ~=~l.~~~~~~62~1U~::.~~j~~1 . . · . . ' ·. ) ': · No.'9; Shaker·,;He~ghts to;.wm .the .able after,'hitting his hel!d:.on the :onship smce 1993: . •. ·. · , ., •. <Mt9:calt!!r().{)().{)O; Child~0-2 O-Oo; Dlert<ersO-O1 :·C.ol_u'!'bus : . ·( ,,~~·t .· ¢hainpionshi~)·.i· <: . ·:<:· ~' -_·' ., <.court.Iate:m Fiidays'sehiifuiiil win ' · .;Moeller· was niDked 'NoJ 9~and -~ g:;::~,2~~;~~-~J:ndei ·:6~n~r·2>: r.\ S:i2 . 8 ~?.~a~~n:.6 ~,. ''-; i·,', j ':':_>'_:;''The .~Y we~:loo~ed 'at)i~ ~e ;Qy~r . q~~~d H~igQ~;:~;b'tg ·;re-: .~Bfook;haven was No:~1 in 'the :finru_ . .~!~;~i~M0~f-%"~n~~~~n~~k ~5f~;~f8M2g' .; L·.:.J:.· -J .·.·:t~. ~·l·· weregomgtc?tak~~ownthegtant,?l.!cewed·:Jfl.e .. OK.:af!e~'-;',4?~~rs•1 ASsoctated Press:state poll ofthe· r~~",:n~~:~~~~!~Js:.cetB:>M,'.t~.~~~=.~,9i~. ,._·~__;· :Moeller semor pomt guard .Rob1h .checked·him.

Saturday'monung: .· regular ~eason. . · .. . < ·1. ~~-~_;.;_;;o,. . . ·- - - . . . . . "'· .. .

r

:r

<

. ,.:" > '...,".: · .

..

•• • •

•

·"'

•.

J>

.• · "

N\csft, ~ t3

STATE CHAMPS Moe wins hoops crown· . ' ' .1-.:Zl--:-$ 3

BY MARK

D. Morz

SPORTS EDITOR MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

· COLUMBUS -Only the numbers cin the Scoreboard matter. .

Moeller High School may not · have had the numerical pedigree . of its opponent, but won the Division I state basketball_ title with a ' 73-65 victory over Columbus Brookhaven · High School March 22 · at the · Schottenstein Center. · · - Brookhaven,· the defending·--·- · -~-- ·-:- ,~-"-MAiiK' D. Mars/STAFF state chanipiori, came into the· Moeller_ High Schooi junior game with a 26-1 ~ecord ~d w~ forward Andrew Brackman (40) ranked first in Ohio and stxth m puts a cap on the Division I the nation by USA Today. state basketball championship, So what. dunking the last two points of "I went in there with the atti- a · 73-65 win against tude we were going to slay the Brookhaven. Brackman had 18 giant," said Moeller senior point points on 8-for-9 shooting In guard Rob Christie. . . th_e state ~nals_. ."We decided we would take give the c~saders some breaththe game to them, not t? ~ ?ack ing room at 70-65 with 18 secon our heels, not to be mturudat- onds to go~ ed," said Moeller head coach · The last points of the game Carl Kremer. came on a thunderous dunk by "They've got so II_luch talent. Andrew Brackman just ahead of They're number one m the state, the final horri. number six in. the country. But · "Coach said both the teams we're Moeller, we're from the (in the state semifinals and GCL, and we play tough games finals) play off intimidation and 1 :· .

• . he told us not to back down," _ every night.' ·. . Moeller .held true to 1ts plan, said. Brackman, who finished taking a 40-29 lead at the h~ with 18 points on 8-for-9 shootand weathering . a Brookhaven ing from the floor. "GCL teams, run that put the Bearcats ~p 58-. _they never back down.'' . .

54 after the ?rst possesston_,,<>t· :' :: They do, ho~eyer; ~~x tt .~P· the1 fourth penod. · · • : ·.. :: ....'........ , The Crusaders banged instde, , ', .''We 'kiiew they would make scoring 28 points in the paint, runs," said junior forward Josh including 11 ·of. offensive Duncan. "It was just a matter of rebounds. They out rebounded us keeping our composure. And the Bearcats 31-20. we did.': ;~ , ~-- - ; : · · · .. · .. ·: ·.. : · "' · "I think a lot of our rebounds As well as do~g the .Ji~~ led to points," Duncan said. "It's things needed to wm games, ~e . about heart. You don't get intimmaking free throws ~d p~aymg idated and you've just got to defense: . ~ . . , realize it's another game.''

Duncan made a parr of .free . . Duncan ended with 23 points throws to tie the score 65-65 '-~d 12 rebounds, earning him with. 2:17 to pl~y. Brookhaven tournament MVP honors. never scored agam, ;_ . : • . · . Walther finished with 19 Senior ~orward Joe Kiirien~r points on 7-for-10 shooting from cameup wtth a ~teal and made a ·the floor. He and Brackman free throw to gt~:,~oeller the · joined Duncan on the all-to~ale~~l.-_,._ . . ment · team, along wtth._ · · C~stie hit four strai?ht ~oul Brookhaven's Andrew Lavender: shots m the next half mmute to and Branden Foust. ·

•.

MARK D. MoTZ/STAFF

Moeller High School· senior guard Rob Christie drives against Brookhaven High School In the' Division I state basketball finals March 22. . . . · . ' ' ·

No rerui·: · :J;_u~~

-state finals against Brookhaven, including . four straight free Moeller. High. School senior throws in the final 35 seconds to point guard Rob Christie may not be the biggest player on the give Moe some breathing room.'

When the game ended, he was floor, but he may have the a combination of exhaustion and biggest heart. not . afraid of any-· exuberance, ,simultaneously cry·"Robbie's thing," said Moeller head coacl) ing and dancing in front· of the Carl Kremer. ''If he knows one packed Moeller stands, exhorting speed, it's full speed ahead.". . his schoolrilates to sing the fight .· .

Christie, a Loveland resident, song . .> . . controlled the Crusader offense, . "It .· can't . be .described," dishing out six assists in the state Christie :said of the feeling of semifinals as Moeller collected a being a state champion. "My staggering 22 assists on its 33 . emotions were everywhere. I've buckets against Cleveland never cried like that before.

Heights.· · · "It was just . sigh of relief.

He·. scored 13 points against We let it all go out there."

Heights, and added nine in the -Mark D. Motz

a

·~

'\

. ,- ,

'.

1 \. \

\:"'<

-'

,

f· ',,.,

··.g \ ..,.(L',. .\.-',, ',

~TT"''~~~"'

fl ,:;yj ' it J . . ,t J.~ph.....• ,{).,...,~- · ·•· ··•• ·!;

.. \!.~, ':;_,__ L,t~._.....

.~, ~..

rt~~

· ·

.-,_..- ..

.,_,_ ~

~

.

-~.,.;:

~"

.Q

~.:0..

J.'"'~-r·

~:..

J:;J

The ~lnclnriatl Enquirer/GLENN HARTONG ~

'

' ~

-

,_

I

~

Crusader celebration: Moeller players Rob Christie (left) and Willie DeTemple show off their Division I state basketball title 'trophy during a rally at the school gym Tues-. ' day. Right: Moeller students. cheer the school flag. The ·~· Crusaders WOfl the ch~mpionship Saturday. ,i

....

----~~----------------~--------~

)Moeller. basketb-all·.-.

Ni·~,:-24,_~ati()~any .

• .· •. "

'

\ · ; ••"? ',..

:. ~

' " /,. ~ / ~}· ..;,J_;...;,s,..t..-~·u-?"

·By Tom Groeschen l· :·· · · · · ·

.

r

'

championship in·1982. . . ·The Moeller basketball team '. · . . • '· ~ • • • ; • . • ·.• . (23-4) was led by' &-foot-7 junior.

Moeller.has moved into· the· 'for.WardJosh Duncan; who was · USAiToday Super 25 boys·baS. nained MVP of the state tourna,ketball ratings,, taking position ment after totaling 50 points and : . No. 24afterupsettmgthen-No. 6 28 r~bounds in two games. , · Columbus Brookhaven in the Brookhaven (2&-2) fell . to Ohio Division I championship 1 No: 25 in this week's USA Today· game. · . . rankings.' Brookhaven· was try- • · "It is a great honor, and it's' :ing to become the first school to l ·something our community will• repeat as" Ohio big-schoolboys! be proud of," Moeller coach Carl champion ·siilce Elder in 1973 . Kremer said. · ·· and '74.' · · . ' ;· : Moeller also won the state ti· · Akron St Vmcent-St Mary re-: . tle in 1999 but'did not reach the mains No. 1' in the· USA ·Today~ USA Today rankings, which be- ratings,·after LeBron James led: gan in 1982. Moeller football• the Irish to the Ohio Division II teams made the final USA Today 1 championship last weekend. poll each year from 1982-85, in-. '• ·F'mal USA Today ratings will eluding a mythical national!. - be - released .... . . . Aprill. \..· ·- ..: · ", ·The Cincinnati Enqui~er • 1

· •.

~·

_,._ _.,

~

~~ru~a.de~s set SightS,

'on' aD.other crown':' . . '. .· (... i't'. '·'

t

•

-~ ~:'<1·.-·ft

'

'

Ir·Cq:rnpan.~ons few .. lwi~h school's ~99 ·,· .

1··•: ·.•

.

j

.

:•.

'tl;1 . .

o•

·•

•

.

•·.

;·st;~te_.tit~~ wi!lA~I'S.::t.

,. • . •

~

<-.

199~ team wenttQ

state i By Tom Groeschen , · .:...· '· · ·.· <.. : ~th 1~ se~.or~Q.n th~.r~s~~ t:Jiis r.ear::s.team st:¥ts.thr~e JUD!Ors~-·, , The Cme~n~a.ti Enqutrer. ·,. , .... . ..· . This·· v;--'-'s ":<-.-. • · 1 .d d.· .·~u Jt:C:I{.-~uisoae,.wllu •

•

•

1.......

1

•

• •

•

.·."

•

•

• '

.-

:The

•

.....

.... ,

t ·· fu1999,Moe~ersUri>r}seci'Qhltt ~~_tand~~:.~~~Wedi$J ,

bas~et~an. fans by winning .the. flotW-sh by not.iruiking th¢ playerS· I boys J)iVision I state title~ ID.'2003 ·. eotiform to a strict offensive. style.: 1

the ·¢~Sliders more· or.less ...eX: · Djmcaii is con~defed by most the; peered to reach Col~b~s>: ~ :;;--. J()pcollegeptos~iiitp~.B~ck:.

Moeller (21-4) will play· Cleve- I.Dan and Walther are sons; of.~r~: land ,Heights· (2~3) in· a J)ivisionT mer prep, ~~ches (Hug~~~ Mark. sta~ .. se~al at 6'p.m. today ~t 1Brlickman an~ ~leraiJi's:J~ ~al:. i'O.hiq S~te's. SChottenstein. Center. • ther) ..H anythfug IS underrated It's· t'~Jle Crusaders fti1filled their pre: kth~ defense, Y,.~~J:f ~o\Vs oiey 50 ~(.b~"'as.the~Enq~irer~.. R9}ntsa~~;; ·,._.~:: _: . .·:: ·_. ·, Nq.1-~Eidlo~teamandaretwo · · Itwasateattrthat\Vas'supposed. g3fues. ~om· ~oilier state title. . · "'to win and ·did; takfug't\le. Greater: I ·.Gomp¥isons to .the '99 .team Catholi~ Leagu¢ S;outh; champion" . ¥e meVitable.. Those . CruSliders ship. But Mo'eller.filiished No. 4 in.: ups~t ·shaker. ·Heights, .ianked the final Enq~irer:s Qivi~oii I ~ · No. 9.natiqnally'by USA Today, i.I( ·~:achespolla£tei'lo~i~fE!~~< the state finals. This year Moeller : season finale 1:9· La .Sa!J~: · " . ·': · · probablyn~vould face ··Coluinbus·. : ~·.,"That kind ofm()t:Mlted. iis. ·Brookha~en·:- rariked No: 6· by· ·~the tOurnament{; Kiemefsaia:·:': · · · ~ C!$A:Toda.j; shoUld it teach. the·. · , .Duncan;: a>rectuiting·target<·fol'c• final Satttrday. ::· · . · : ·· mqst major colleges, 'Is a big':Ifum~ .~.-J)therwise; ,fnere are few ·com- ;who can play with his back to'the. moil thfeads between the 1999 and . Pi!Sket or shopt 3-priinters. The rap2003 teams. . .· ·· · . · ·~ ·idlY ·improviJ:lg. Brackffian :and 3-

~

I

I

ror·:

/1);~7.!fs~ ~·~o. ;~~: .·>difi~r;fit :. ~po4lt's~stw'~tVfo':#~~i>!ip!f

'reams, srud Carl Kremer then· of 2(}pomt games any time .out and now Moeller's coach. ·1n '99· : .-"Wr!re preti.y ·confident,· but we. we1~~re tl,J.e .distirict underdog in'.c don't ,take .anything. fur grarit:ed;~. at least fiv~ .of our seven tolirna- · ,~can ·satd. 'Teams- have been #le.nt. ·g~e.~.. This 'year, people: shooting at us. all year, SQ I ~we­ ..us~ally, hay~J:ast·us ~s' the·favor~:· , ~ handle an~ we.·~: this ite..~syeai' we're big, .and four: ,·Y!~kend." .,.~. << .. ·. ,>' . :' . y_earsagow~wer:en'tthatbig."'.. ~·'. Kimener•.wh~~thriVes as a'role· . 1h~.l999 t~was led by ~e · 'player;~· iri;~hth~~de. wh~' M.of!s¢rez, ~ Wli.que talent _as a 6-·. , Moeller won th~ ~.title. · · .: , ' fooM·· pqjrit ~ard.. Monserez:. i'• 'That was .. a ·great.run, and I (now. at ?utler>:' lllld ·th~n-sophO:: . went tO idot oftliose''gain~s." he· more.· fo~d . Matt ·sylvester. ~s'ajd. <!Nowit'stim~fortistodoit"' . '(Ohio.SU!te) oot:h were around 6-5·. ; :·;, Cleveland ' Heights, toilighfs itll~~. ;but· fu,e. ~J11sade~· .bfriter . .opponent, !s physical and crashes_ {Bifid Ht1~l) ~!pod just ~3 .and:. \the .offensJY.e ;b.Qards..n,e 11g~r:$ i the . guards·,· were. 6-foot .Chris:· h~d 26 offen~IV~ rebo.~ds ill, o~~ j.~e}~h ailq 5-:VerE!ri,IY I?\ln.can.:, . ;_ recent.game:and ~~Jnan:ot:q~(. · i ·: •. Jeremy :pungin iS nO relation· to . I' .. ' "We've got !0 blOCk theqi Q1lt.n, Josh Dimc3n, the Cru8ader8; cuirent' Kre~er said, "30 offensive ·re- 1 ;·:st#.)osl(~C3?, 1r ·~or, w,a5 · . bounds ... 111 'te~s- do.~·t,&'et ; Ilam~- .first:team 311-state and leadS'. i' t1lat many_ total m a-game. r '. :. . : 1¥0elletvvitp. ap 18.0¥Jpog~~~· · ', : ·Cleveland Heights is le~ by a!J-·: ~· Th~. 2003 Crusa~er~ are pig;· stategu1lfdJonBattle!a6-1senior i f~~tprmg t.Pe 6;7 'l)unc;¢;:(?-7 )U~ .. ; ~h~ averag~s 25.7 pomts.a game~ :ruor Alldr~"! ~rac~im ~15 ppg), J~or gu~d .Darr~n Jon~s l:lverand 6-3 ~eruor Joe Kimener (3.0 ages 10 pomts. The Tigers go 6-P,', ·ppg) starting up front . Seriior. .6-4 and 6-3 l:lcross the front lirie :point guard Rob Christie ·(7.ppg)'. ap.d· ~e~ braW1ly,'. wit\l.psboriie · ts the. only starter uncier 6 feet,· , Gardtier, James Alex Ntxod, and ·~tanding· ~.8-.:...:_!unior .·shooting. H.atold H~7~· ~c~ 'av,era.ging guard· Bl;lp.ba ·Walther (11.0}, eight to 10 pomts·a game. .''. · stands 6-2;·,: '· , :' · -'_ ···.~ :;! • .. ,! · >

so e

. ·._· . · .· · .·.·• · ·:· · . . . ··tr···· ·. r·· ·• -• ·. QE~>§Pnng~~n~s.t •.. ·. oro lll S@fl'U' ua s •. . ·. . ·_·.· ··~ .

M· · ·.

. . . · .JJ ~11 ~ ...., -···. _..:;';....;.'• ....BY. MARl(' D.!MOTz' 1.\l'"\~~··c

' ·: .

::c·

:-c······· -.•-.•.·•.

:.SPo~r~tEoiroR

·. -· ...

~"

..

. '" • --:-:~'B ·I·s··:······ ·..

,~-·:·s~-

. . .

. ' ' ~_, ~,;

. .... , , ... :......... < . . · . . . . ..-.·. .

. .., . . . . -... ·,... .

.

. ~'Their ·zone ·is 'hard· · ·. h~ci' to it quiCk· and· :against .and ~btrt~ :i)b6p1~"; .. ·; ~6~~ :'~s~~s iiri~: we got. so~e,.

Kremer sruc;l: ·-~ll~newitwoult:i· . .ru~: .?,~t:'~ }'3iit was ;~~~ ,..~iffer;

MMoiz@coMMUNITYPRE:ss:cofV1;··,-;

the

.,.;: ~, They'te:' ~o:wfug.:;,up .· at'· ·right tinle;:' ·.. · <..... :;:·:,.! ~· . · · · ...• ;T]l_~ :.Moeu~t i-,ngh ;·school· basketball team_ won a Division] : regional. semifinal:. game 53~3~ I o~er Spiing~oro M~ch 13 at ili.~' Cmtas Center. · · · . .

,alo\V~,s.c~~g·~#t~~~dl~~f~-~~. ~~?.f~: ·~

·L·

<' :.

. ;~

·~·-:.::~~~~;~~~~t~{~-~~~r

th_e lasJl 0:15 lq bfe~_qpe*'wh* · hacf:b~namp:.ariq~fuckg~e/ ·

·~· .: :.~··_r.pJi':ca-~·,

. . "J.thoright weqefe.nded ... ' t.wen~f:to¢. the .begiiirung;·. · MoelleF c-~head -::-coach-(~£~e~,-:;i~\V!l~P::·PleY' tr!~d ~t~·. hold ,the ball.. at .the end of tlie rthitd'. ·quartet • !n~'v;~pbf?i~ . ;t. (Christie, .a senio~' gu~d) cairie · . ' .. . . iup. :with the steal.ahd_gofthe I.

'

~

•

w!dn~ay's'nsultS . . . ' .. ..·· ,~·f·· iiask~tb·an seCtional.~. 1 .

;':_. ,. , ·,

DMSION I ' .. ,. '. . ; . .• MOELLER 60, HARRISON 34. ..MOELLER 17 15 16 .12~0 .

HARRISON .. 5 6 5 18-34,. . . MOELLER (60): Walther 4 0 11, · \ ,Duncan 6 619, Klinener 1 0 2, A. Juenger .. : .2·0 4;Brackman 5 314;Detemple 114, ·.• Chlldre.ss 1_0 2, Olel1<e1S 1 0 2. Totals 21 , ·1 12 60 ~soi. 1341; WJnia~ion. o~ 3; · Hotopp 2 3 B, Haynes. 2 0 5, MeDon aIs 2· ·· · 6-10, Loge 1 q, ~ms 0 11,Sphil)ltl2 0 · , 4. Totals9,14,3~• .-~ .·· ·,· ... · :, niree:polnteiS: M-Wiilll)!'f 3, Duncan .

Brackman, Detemple:H-HotOpp, Haynes.

free •~

C?i · . "Ow1h~e!p.di. ?!f_J~.~~~1i;e ~J.!~·-.~.•Jl~~e

'-~<:>~~; J ~q1,1ght Jlu~t..~~ ~e

'.~tg.ge:s,~;·P.J~.Y.. _ the~g~~.~-:~ '.;·:~ . · gaine·plan. was for me:to .

1:we

.:_,

)h_•.

· un t· ulllll\. e··was·a'·Ulleat

foff~ns~y~JYF:~\'c;~gs.U,e;~~a}d:.·~.~·J ·went;: down ·~o.douple:.on; (Ry,~) ·,;r~~;; slipprft:in,aqd;~ot tli~ bW}.\· · :";x. ~·1· .saw the. clock":,wperi;. t:Q.ey.. ,

)ver~/~~liiig .~nd{}rnAw/J\h~5Y ... . ~uch J:irt;le.,:th~re.cW~)vhe.~:-th~y · '\yenfi~~i.d~; I jusf1,o9k.b!f.~·.: ~

. "•..Moeller :High

S'chool

senlort:~

. . : Christie's ffee throws"witb'.a ~u~rd R~b Chrlstie·(3) _slashes •

:'khth o(ase~~l1d'iefi~4{tl{(p~i:i~ ~0 the·. ; ~!l~.k~J ;.ag~lnsf· . . <?9Pr?~e:·~~.3;~~!!!.~~.:.·~~w~b. 9r() , ~~~... ~~o~~- ~~_~{~:~,. S,fi:I~~~··M.~r~h~~ p,eyer>- g(Jt.' a_ny' :"c,lqs_~f· ;'!Jt~ i .- · i. P~thers1 ·~ot; ~p·~ perc~ht' · froIIi

!'the 'field .in. the .se'Coildohalf and 1did not scdre.fronr the fio'<>~·.m

I. the lasi·q~aiter. '(·

. .·. ;,When.,we

··

came out

. · •· · ·, • •

in 't1t~

·:roifrth. qtrarie~·and.'rari:two 1inin-' ,

' utes Of the clock;! thougk.that ·::.~~ the most',niaM~· po~~e-~s!ori • we had all season," Kremer said;

:t

··.:we-.~~r~ J?ati~p~ ·w~ ·.eli~ :s,et~,

-· tleJota bad shot:Arid·it tookoff ~Jrgm ~~~eW~~:~::~:~?.\:·_o:, .··· ., Andrew: ::<il;Bracknian' .. •led

:.;.:::,

!

J.

~-~··_·· ::.:..f~~i

.'... . .

.

~·-·::~

l8oys~ ije$t./- .

J.o~H D~J.nean hoidsthe Ehquir".., ·-~r[ChanneJ,9:tropny for being'"! ~ain~~~boY!;.b.asket.ball P.layer ~· of the YE!!=lr-~He~led Moelle·r to· ·~ :• ttie'phio. DiQI~J.Qrt i state title. . A · ~ <>--·~ w;·--~7:.~·-· <.:·. ..

:

-'~--~ ·-~--.:

··._;

, •!

Division 1state champio~ship: 'Moeller 73, ·sroo~a.ven; &5-i:~: ··=--~-;~ ;~-.~:~~- · · - · . : --:-~r ·:.~

ll'1r~ ;}:•Y"Jlf•..'} ~ .. -*;~·];~. >'·' ~ ,: ·~>

..·~-:~- _:< ··:. ~~. <- _~ _- ··:_ · ~. ~ -~ _:

.:·:~+~;:

· :: . /,..,.;; ..~

t.

:: , : · • ':: .

i

ll~c~,~~~.. ~'L ~a~es< \!9~r~J:~~-· :.gt~~ .• Road

t'~ \' "r;:•cfti_~ad~rs PEiat, •·• ·. ;~~~~~~!.~,pd.~~J:nr~.~ ~~. ~!'ili~i'scb~l:J:C:..~ ;·· '. :·'r

.th. t•tl -t•: ·.·.··--:~ t\top· .;ranked--

.e

I

e \' : ''1-' ...

. . ·. . .

'

<·· th~ court. ·_''We wer.en:t ~p_ing_ ~o(ean't'even t:XJ>lain.'this. ~ght now: utive 9hio big-school titles- since lqse this. gam~: 11

.. ;·. ' .

I

•.

:,

:What a greatJeeling.", " .',

~·.-Elder ,did' it

ill1973.and 1974... .

· :· Recapp1~g · ......... :-; ~ big·-school. ,team.· . ·. · ·:.~ ¥oellet ~-state ,~o~;U-d'Jbsh{'· Moellerlo~tall-:ofa.13;-pointthird:: : · Brookhaven VfclS :led ])y senior '• ,, ·'' ·1 ' .· .·. ·: . . , . : · : Puncan,_{deared to .play- a,ft~r..suf- :, :quai1:erlead; but recovered to 'win: --point guaid.Andiew Lavender; the c

'

•

: :.·

•

•

•

I

. ~oell~r's·_playo~ · · ) : . . · .. : . , ....' .fJ.,..;zj:;-(}1 f~ring ~;.hea~- injury. ~ri~ay ni~ht, ".: ;g?ing away;_' Bmckm~ . sealed 'it _Qhio Dfi1~ion I. player of the year,: v1ctones:·.:.· -. :,~ . . .~..:.:;·: 1 .By Tom Groeschen.. :· ·.. . ..·.'led 'the -Crusaders-Yllt:lt~~3 .po~ts ,With~ bre~away dunk at.th~ buzz-. ~~e~d~t;.(231:'omts).and Broo~~-. · •..Moeller 60,':J i'"'f,j~ :The CinCinnati Enquirer ,· .::and. 12 .rebounds; TWo ·.o!Jt~r •J\1".· er,. sending Moeller's) .,_players. ven seruodorward ~randen Foust.

Harrispry 3,4:.• . . ··~· :r. ~ · :. -. .•· ; ; •. . . .· \ . . ·. ' . : _niors, • guard, Bubba Walther.. ·(19,' ,'sprintirig 9nto the co.urt for ~e~tra", ' ~qtli hav:e sign,ed· with O_klaJ:toma. · • Moeller ~4; .. ~·· ·j· ..'··:COLUMBUS·- _Moeller:.upset. ·points) andforwardAndrewBmck- ditional; victory pilEl-up. . \ -~-:, ." . Walther said-Moeller respeeted:· Mason 55 ( :t ,; . ·, 1 :Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 to· ~ah (18),.follqwed DU.ilcan.in: th~ :·.:-~'M9~1I~r., Hig}! School jti~t:~~s · but did notfear the great (mes: ·: · 1 '• Moeller•57 'v · >:· ~ ·!'win'the 0hio DiVision I·state bas- ·scoring. column. . ; : i : ·. . ,. :·,not qtiit,".;Christie ,said~''W:e: k~t>C ?-''TheY're good,.but we knew:we . Beavercreei<'s2:···: ~;·1'' ketball,titl~'Satutday.riight, stirring .:, ·..Christie had ninepo~ts and f()ur~ ·~eminding. oitrselvesiOf all'the hard< could :play.. wjth . them.:" Wal~er: · • Moeller 53 •· ,,l:' ·-~ :;memoriestof the:silrpris~ chainpi~ · ~s~ists, arid.' hit four key. foli) sJiots· ·work it-took to get•us.here~".. :: . 1 ~; said. "I think hav1ng seen tl{em b~ · Sp-ringboro 34', :i: ····~i( .onship itwon; in' 1999. to 'stretc~ Mo~ller's _lea<J from~- , . Moeper ""coacr-: ·Carl 'Kremer. f?r~ g~ve:us some .~onfiden~e. 1_\nd . • Moeller Sl;·' :;' •.: ~;,It was the second fu!Je ~m four_ to,· 7~65ID;·thewanmg se~:()nds., .' .:: talled ~~ ~A p~t}I~~ous,Mo_eller,~ now we'~e state.<;h~ps ... tt'SJ.U~t ·, Hami~9n'4 3 -~. :~- i: ·:·i. ~-._-<_ye~ that: ¥o~~er (2~) p~at a<: ; A~endanc~ '"Yas· 16,~46 ·4~ q_hio, ~- GCL petfo~anc_e/' ref~mng _to ~e ,,:!ill·· ~~e~.~~bl~ f~eliil?-~. ': . .. _, ., ·• Moeller 85 ·': . ·, , , : •. USA T~tlaytoJ>:lO team m the .state . ·.S~t~ _s Val~e,. Gtty AJ;~na,; ~tl:t.,the. , Crusaders . •· . Greater · Catholic · . . COLUM111!5·BROOKHAVEN 12s-21 spencer 2'4 2_2 e: · · .. · · d · · .'· ~- ... ::. i:'finals. · Columbus · ·Brookhaven . DMslOn !.game culminating a day League affiliation. It :was Moeller's ~ Comley <~-e·(H s: Foust S-e 1-4 u: Lyl.s 5-15 ().() 12:· . 'aiiyb·:y· ofe~ourstatec Heights• :·.':;(2&2 : ). :wasmte ·'·. · d No; · 6 nation ·· hampwns ·.·.'hi·· · .. · ·. d.'tl . · · d . t.avender9-192-223·Peny2-21-25.Totals:27-526-11 · Clevelal) ·-;.-ar·v··h--,;· p.games.·.secon .ti emfouryearS'an -the e5.

•• · · ··.... : , • 74. ;: .. --···'····=· U.SA'7'da... In1999 M u·· t. ··n .• 'ti'·.;n.;.· . . ti ·--GCL' fifthb'' ·h-'1 tat .·h t·. • . . MOELLERI23-4JDuncan7·168-1023;111mener1-l .•.M,0 :ir' 13 . ···; • ::· ·. ~o .'Y·, .. , • • oe ~~upse .· .uncan, ~. -.r .was .ques on- ·; ..s .. · tg-~ qo s. ec amp12-54;BrackmanB-91-21B:chrjstle2-B4-49;WattherNo .... ' ~ ~r, ,.' _,_, ..,, ::l.-1No. 9 Shaker Hetghts 1to"wm the able-after-·hitting his··head on the·. onship smcel!993..--•. • .. · · · · ·.' . :. 2·219: carter().()().()O;'Chlld~0-2 ~o: ote_rkers'O-O. C!J!~mbU§(:>: .:t:...4·. L; championship,;~ , ;.. ·. ·• · -~ -~. ·, ·, .coW:t.Iateiri:Friday'~·semifiiiai wiD · 1·Moeller was~ ratlked. No: 9 and ~ ~~:;.,2 ~:~~~-~~~;~, 3.' spent:er 2;, M e-12·· .:-.<irt.e . ' . ·e--1 o'k'd•'at'·'t,' e ,._ ove'r Cle'. V:eland 'hts:! · but . r_e-'-B . was ' N'o.'I·'. ::Brookhaven.65 -. v ~":.:, ...'·'··:: ,,.~ :. -~: u1 way..y; . o e . .-1 .w .. • H. . _etg, · · roo'kb·aven m ·th'e fin.al ..'(Waltller3;Duncan,Bracfunan,Chrlstle).Rebounds:C820 (Foust5);M3i(Duncan12).Asststs:ca1o-(Foust4J;'M9t .;:'Ji"t'h ,Q1-~,~.'U ~ '· - . '1· i~ere'going.to take down the giant;"· . ceived the:·.. OK.:· ~er . doct9rs Associated Press state poll.of the. (Chi1stJe 4):Personal fouls: ~8 1~. M11. Tum~vels:,cs,9:.M 1 ···,·1':N+ ··· ..ft-· • 1· :.i:· ..· ::: .• ' , ···:...... · Moe11er: · s~ruor·, · ·· porn • t ···guard .1.\.~ n b • ;:.. 're15.;..,1 · . · 14. Atte~dance-16,246. , ·t ;checked· him .·Saturd .· ay .mornmg.

Ular.season~. ~··. ~ .. _.. .. . . .. . . _. ·' · ,·. : .. :..:.. . . . ,, .•. ' .. . -:,.

> ":': ,.-. . ·

--eli-· . ;., :;. ·. . . · -: --~·

. ,.·.,.. ''i

~'1

.;~~~~ ~:~·'>. ( Jif.~

,

:s~~~¥~~~~ ~': :moments. . ·;, . ,.: ·: :·:·. ·: ·:~i ;T~:::~ .{\~\·.-.'<~t?-:::r.r::.~::·.' .~·:··::; _: Mo~Uet.f:{t.e~q~g:, ·~·. :, :~~~!~prat~··'#ti~s-.:. <·· ·I .· .

. '.' .:' ..:·': :· ::···:,~j-U",.,jlj •, . ·.

By Torn·Groesdten:· ; .· ..· . :.. '· : The cincinnati Enq~iiir . ) '

'~.....

.:.:: : .

~

'< •. .

'. t

·:· · :

'"j . '

. _._

.~. ~

·!

>

· State:champions Iv19e~er. 31)4 Rea4·; fug ·this ·w~k are celebrating Cincin.nati's )?e~t pr~p Qasketl?ali::\V~ekend in 15. ~years_. .. ;::•,:·, ·.,•::·::. ,, • · ·.,, ··:··Moeller won the Pivision I boys ~~te, title and Reading .won . ·· · .· :. · · ·~ 1the DM~ion·m.champi· ·~··· _, ' ·onship last,Satut4ay in'·. .Colum.b,lls;·marking the first tirtle;since 1988 that ' Greater citidnnati won.. (g,i~I!;.:Y~ : 1.'.1 .I . more otie champi, .

than

:·onship:ilii,'19.88;:Wood~

~.war~: .(Divi~i~~· •:Q •.and• : . ·Badin . (DMSlOn' ·.Ill).·.: .. ·, .·:\Yon·stateii.tles.·,:·.·:;>" · 1 •• '•.• ' •• ·• :.· ;•• :. ,- •Moeller will.;bonor .its team· at -the:· .:se}\ooltoday at9:3P;~m.'.;Rea9ffig bon-· ored itS players at an assembly.. Monday. '.·.'~Our kidsplayecltorwin, and we n~er. .backed ::doyvn;" . M~eller ·coach Carl ·Kr.emer said.r'!\v,e bad a lotof heroes all

.~~n~~·;_:

~ ~ ):~

_ _. :~~-~~~ ",

l.: __ ;· ..:·..~-.

- _, :·.

~b~JnpsFIGQn1b·j:jje::,~o~·:·~~1-Pig:. W/~~~~~rid-··.·JJ,~r _

:··-~i:

_,·-.-_\__._-.:-. -.·_..~:->··.,. :·><-- .:~.~~: ; . :··, .. : ..:·.1i=rol'(l.'Page.:B1' ,·_ ··

: . f . .:, ' .

: ' ' .: '

.,." : :

.

....-~._:.:..

-

·t.

.

, ..

!.;

.• ·,_,_:· .. ~_: -~:_. ~.·_ ..._.~._ ... ·

: i:. M~ellerWilladdJts'trophy,to the

·

1999 state, title; which also eame un~ ·:aerKi-eqier.. · / ·~·.···. ··· '·:· · _ , . : In team sp~~;M!>eller.nqwhas ·)won ~en~tat~ fqotball titles (1975.·. 7~77-79-8~2-85); . three. baseball · titles (19'72-8~93) andlwq champi,; ()nships each: iii basketball'' (1999, .~.~003), ~~crosse ,(1~91-9.2) .~dp!)ys •~.volleyb~ (1997~98)... , .:·· . ·· .. ··;·.At Rea~, 'the sehool'wilfbid. .'• far~#ell'to~f>:fqot-8 c¢nter Erlc'Cle-

.

.

· 'Moeller·(~34},:.~ed:No.:9.i# .· ,the;final Division: I· ~tate pol}.; this··. oyeat; 1J.psetNo: i~railked Columpus ·..· :Brookhaven.·7~ for''its second •, :state.titl~.irifouryears.Broo1dtaven

'wcis the defending state champion.· ,'

r

"~--~-~L:

f

'R¢adirig''(2~3); ti,nrarlked ~ s~a-· ~

·son in,Division ill, upsetNQA Sug- . larcreek Glitaway 5<>44 in~its·ntle:,; ·~e'.I(is.Reading'sfirS~ state:ba$, ..1 ~ketballchampip.~~~P·.:: _: :·.:. · .:.. ::. ', · · " ')nons;~~.~~~n_~honorson}he 11 • ~e :wentlO deep this year;and ,: •. , .11' :AP DIVISIOn. m . all-tournament :youn~ye.i)mew:whQ:Wc!s.,-g9ing.ti> ( .':· ''it~_ .\~eam>Clemons had'i9'pQintS, e~glit st~p. up .·on ',that .t>.3{UCu1~ '?ay,jj ,. , ~ . :('rebounds and.seven blocked'shotS' ~Reading <:oach Rich'Bensman said.. ~~inebo'cty~s.did.~. :. , : ''bi'"'"'"~-"~'-"' .··~ ~,... -.~- . • . . . ·.. . ... ·; .·AtMoeller, there could b~ ~Qth~ :-~":": ~;: ..fjifzt~:~:;;: ;;.;:'"""0· · :poin~! seve~ rebo~~s and lv!o big~ ·erchampi6nshiprunin2004;]tstop :. ·ThirCinclnnatl Enqulrer/ERI':IESTGOLEMAt':! .. • 'blocks·m the final moinents,6f the. ·:~ ,.-····~·--~.~-. v "'~~.,; .. ··;~ (._. · ... ·','· .thrcr.e s,co~ •:=u-e back, :an.d: all) Moeller'~.~~~~·~hrl~t!e (~):dn~~~~ ;.:.~·fharp.piO~sliipgame, .. ·: , ·.· ·. made the AsSo~Iat~d Press all-tout~· past.Columbus Brookhaven!:s i'< :·•. ,: , Forward Derek Aden and guard inil#enfti!amlas~.~eekend. :· .. .' _;:: ·. DenzeLLyles. (20) duri.ng Sa\4r-.: .: Lauris Barn~s. wlio:.also htad~ the.' ·i 'Jo~h Dtm~, a ~foo~-7f~rwar~, ;- dC~y' ~ cba~pionship-gam~: ·. ',' : ·,~, .: ~-t~~ani~nt.teani, als~ will. grad!was 11a,med,M.ost Valuabl~. . PlaY,e~ .. ; ·.:· .:· \' . . . . , ... '.':' :~;.:., ·~.!ate. :Adel1.~cc~re<J.,17 ~omts m. ~e.

-on·the all:toutnament team. -Dun~.. morforward,.•anf;l f>:2jUlllotshoot- ..::title game,.while Barnes had rune. can, wJJ,o scpred so poin~:and h~d ing .'guard: Bu~ba'·,Walther: jom~d·,: poin~ offtne bench; ..·' ··' .·· .. ', , .... ' <28 rebounds;,in two toUrnament Duncan on the . rut-tournament Rearung's·title wc\s the school's) :games;.-alSo··~~.·i:lie on)y .junior' •.team. arackniin;scored 43.pointS . . eighth teain chairipioiiship. The' :~ed. tothe:Al> Pwffion:I illf~~~e: •·in. tpe fiv~, ~~~s.ari,d)Yal~¢r t<r. ;,_.schoofh~swon,sixs~teb~.s~l>~.!i~· team for the regular season; · . . )aled 27. pomts, mcludipg 19 ~.$e .. , tl~s (1942-4446-57-7480). and one; ~dre\v Brackman, also a ~7 jti-· title game;.· · · ·· . ·. ',,·boys golf ~hampi9n~hip (1949)~· ·

1

'

..•.. _

-.· . . .

·''

....

··.,·

·''

,·

._·,- . . . •,_.·•·

·· •• O:: ..

~.BOYS'.,REQJP~AL ~ASIJaBALL

~M0811er L

.,. . . ·:c .

.

..• - -.

.

. '

..

F

!.

.fte8dillg{ ·'

· , '· . :ke- state

111~. ~;.J;ci;-.:.:ar" · •· •·

'

,·_. ·.,.. ··' . ·.:;). .. ··. ·}{::_;_: ' · . · ..: · From Post news servlc.est'l :. , . ' . •.

•

• •

. .

. • .

~ -~-lf;;J!· '

. _;.,

• .,

~- · Bubba waite; scored ~o{>Oints ~:Moefieim!af ..Hamilton, 81-:43, Saturday m. a Division I regi~~al

rfrilal'at Wright State U~versity'~·~?tter_Center. : Walter made five of SlX three-pC?mters and the· nine ofl~ treys (~~!p~r9~nt).: I' Crusade~s·m~?e · While Walters was scormg_on the·outs1de, the l Crusaders' pair of 6-foot-7 jun,iors .A:hdrew Brackand-Josh Duncan dominatedplay_under the. basket' as Moeller took at 17:4_ firs't-qu~r le.ad Brackinarl firushed With ·19 ·pointg:iand D4ncan ·

man

·I~a~~~Ps::;~h h~d-14-~~i~~'~:~ndfta~ th~·~nl~

[ scorer'in.douple fig\li'es for H~Wl). (20-5). · Big Blue shot just 5-0f-17 from the field (29 . perc.ept) ~n the_first h~lf, tnc\ii(ijhg O-Of-6 on. thre~pointers ;. L · . .; •'- . ' t ·.· · .--~ ~- .

1 · · M~eller oub-ebouricied HamiltOn; 38-28.. · • :·' [ .· M:oeller ~2.1-4) _pla~s Clevelari~ .Heights (22-3) fat 6_ P·rn· Friday ll\:the ~_tate~s;mifinals ~:~,t ':~ue · City Ar~na in Cohi~b~s~ r.~ ' ! . ,' ··

·-. .. The

.Moeller winS 2nd title . 3-;1.

-

tf-(}_j

Crusaders add to GCL mystique

By Kevin Goheen Post staff reporter

COLUMBUS-:- Pop culture is everywhere, even at the freethrow line of a state basketball championship game with less than a minute to play and the game's outcome hanging in the balance.

So as Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie settled in: and prepared for a pair of freebies against defending state champion and top-ranked Columbus Brookhaven on Saturday night, was he thinking about how making both shots would give t~e Crusaders a three-pointlead with 34.3 seconds left to play? No. Was he concentrating on the proper arch he needed or visualizing a postgame celebration?

No. "I was listening to one. of my favorite songs and going through the words in my head," said Christie. "It's 'Lose YoUJself' by Emiri.em."

The technique worked as Christie made both free throws and then two more 16 seconds later to help· Moeller win its second Division I state championship in the last five seasons-a 73-65 victory-at Ohio State University's Value City Arena. Combined with Reading's win in the Division III state final, this marks the first time since 1988 that two Cincinnati-area teams have won a state championship in the same year. Woodward won the Division I title back then, while Badin went 28-0 in winning the Division III championship.

It was also the fifth ·consecutive year,at least one team from the Greater Catholic League's two divisions - the big-school South or smaller-school Northwon' a state championship. In the past 11 seasons, nine of the 10 GCL schools have combined for eight championships, three runners-up and 18 state ~urnament berths. That kind of success and league-wide competition proved to be an advantage for Moeller. ''We decided we were going to take the game to them," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "Our whole thing was we weren't in awe of them. They're a great team but we weren't in awe because we're Moeller, we're from the GCL and nobody's intimidatfu.g us."

The Crusaders (23-4) won 16 of their final17 games. Brookhaven (26-2) lost for just the fo:urth time in its last 82 games.

Moeller had three players score in double figures -junior forward and state tournament MVP Josh Duncan led with 23,junior·gmird Bubba Walther was 7of-10 from the field for 19 points, and junior forward Andrew Brackman added 18. Walther and Brackman also were named to the all-tournament team.

Brookhaven didn't make things easy for Moeller. Just as it did Friday night in an 85-74 semifmal overtime win against Cleveland Heights, the Crusaders saw their opponent erase a double-digit deficit in the second half. Cleveland Heights rallied from 19 points down with six minutes left to force overtime. This time, Brookhaven outscored Moeller 27-14 in the third quarter,-including a 16-4 run in the fmal3:27 of the period, to wipe out what had been as much as a 13-point Moeller advantage.

The Bearcats have two Oklahoma-bound players _in 5-foot-8 point guard Andrew Lavender and ·6-7 forward Branden Foust and both performed like they belong playing on one of college basketball's biggest stages. Lavender equaled Duncan for gamehigh sc;oring honors and had four steals. Foust made five of his six shots for 11 points to go along with five rebounds,.four assists and three steals.

-· · Crunch time in the fourth qu~ter, however, belonged to Moeller. The Crusaders held Brookhaven scoreless for the final2:43.

With Moeller trailing 63-61, senior forward Joe Kimener beat a Brookhaven player for a loose ball on the defensive end and was able to call timeout before going out of bounds with 3:23 left. On the ensuing possession, Duncan got around Foust for a basket 1:? tie the score. Kremer called Kimener, who ended the game with four points, eight rebounds, three assists and one big steal, the team's unsung hero. .

-

"I deflected the ball so (the Brookhaven player) couldn't get to it and he never saw me come from behind/' Kimener said. "My job on this team is to do the little things. I need to take charges, I need to get steals, get to loose balls. I pride myself in that and I don't mind doing all of those things because that's what I do well."

COI.UMBUS BROOKHAVEN 126.21: Spencer 2-4 2·2 6, Comley 4-6 0·1 8, Foust 5-6 1-4 II, Lyles 5·15 0~ 12.

Lavender9·19 2·2 23, Wakefield 0-0~0,JonesO-OQ.OO, McGee ~ ~ 0, Peny 2·2 1·2 5, Cumbe~and ~ Q.O 0.

Totals 27·52 6-1165.

MO£U.ER 122-41: Duncan 7-16 8-10 23, Klmener 1·1 2-5 4, Brockman 8·91·218, Chnstle 2·8 4-4 9, Walther 7·10 2·2 19, Carter~~ 0, Chi:Oress 0.2 ~ 0, Oler1<ers ~ • ~ 0. Totals 25-4617·23 73.

Brookhaven ................... 17 12 27 9-65 Moeller .......................... 23 17 14 19-73

Three-point goals-Brookhaven 5-14 (Lavender3·7, Lyles 2·6, Foust 0·1), Moeller 6·12 (Walther 3·5, Duncan 1-4, Christie 1·2, Brackman 1·1). Fouled out-Cornlay.

Rebounds-Brookhaven 20 (Foust 5), Moeller 31 (Duncan 12). Asslsts-Brookhoven 10 (Foust4), Moeller9 (Kimener3).

Fouls-Brookhaven 18, Moelief 11. A-16,246.

J':· ___ ,.

.-~---"

JAY LAPRETE/Associated Press

Moeller's Rob Christie tries to drive the lane past Columbus Brookhaven's Denzel Lyles (20) during the Division 1final.

-,.

Moeller, Reading face tough teams at ~tate "I understand that Cleveland Heights is big and very physical," Kremer said. "They also like to press and run, and 0on) Battle 3/t?/D:J . scored a· lot of points for them in the tournament"

By Dave Schutte .

Battle, the Northeast Lakes DisEnquirer contributor trict Player of the Year, scored 26 The liuormation Moeller bas- points to lead Clevel3!!d Heights to ketball coach Carl Kremer and a 73-63 victory ovefM:assillon JackReading coach Ri<;h Bensman have son in the Akron region_al champireceived on their state semifinal onship ·gameKremer compares opponents points to tough games Cleveland Heights to an Oakland, for both teams.

Calif., team the Crusaders defeated Moeller reached the Division I in San Francisco in a Christmas final four for the second time with holiday tournament an 8143 regional- championship·· "The Oakland team had two victory over Hamilton. The Cru- greatguardswhowillplayforTexsaders (21-4) play Cleveland as and California," Kremer said.

Heights (22-3) at 6 p.m. Friday at "But we haven't played any team as the Value City Arena in Columbus. athletic as Cleveland Heights."

In Division ill, Reading eliminatMoeller has three juniors (Aned Columbus Bishop Hartley 61-49 drew Brackman, Bubba Walther, to claim the regional championship Josh Duncan) in the starting lineup at Wright State University'. The along with senior point guard Rob Blue Devils play Bedford St-Peter Christy and senior forward Joe KiChanel at 9 p.m. Thursday. mener.

Moeller's Kremer remembers The Crusaders have won 14 of watching. Cleveland Heights in their last 15 games, losing only to 1997 and was impressed.

La Salle in the reg\I].clr-sea~on ~a-

Crusaders in chase wit}). Blue Devils

le after having clinched the Greater Catholic League championship.

"I knew we had the potential to be a great team, but I believe you have to go through a process of getting worse before getting better," Kremer said.

Reading will play St Peter Chane! (23-~), noted .for its full-court pressure. _After losing to Chane! in the Division m regional championship game 60-52, Northwestern coach Mark Alberts said the 32 minutes of intensity from the F'rrebirds wore down the Huskies.

Chanel won the 1999 state championship and will be making its fourth appearance ·in Columbus.

Reading is trying to become only the second Cincinnati Hills League team to win a state championship.

Mariemont won the Class B title in 1953.

Tickets for the Ohio boys basketball Division ill F'mal.Four go on sale at Reading High School Thesday from 2:50-7 p.m. and all day Wednesday and Thursday.

Tickets are $7.

Moeller's Duncan is only junior named· ·Div. 1·. first-team all-state It I&.3 . . . ..7 9 The Ats~ci!tld Press

·

and The/Cincinnati Enquirer

'· Moeller junior forward Josh Duncan, who has led the Crusaders to the Division I state tournament, has been named first-team all-state by the Associated Press.

Duncan, who averaged 17 points a game, is the only junior on the AllOhio Division l'first team. " "I've coached a lot of great players, and he's the ohly junior we've· ever had make first team all-state," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said.

Anderson senior center Chris Norwell was named Division I second-team all-state. .

In Division II, Roger.,B.acon se-

nior forward Monty St Clair was named first-team all-state. · The Miami University-bound St Clair led the Spartans to the Division II regional final.

Bill Collom of Greenfield McClain made the Division II sec~nd team! and David Shull of Hamilton Badin made third team.

Reigning two-time Mr. Basketball LeBron James was named state player of the year in Division II. .

'In Division I, point guard Andrew Lavender. of defending state champion Col~bus Brookhaven was player of the year.

Clinton-Massie's Ryan Wilkin-· son made the Division m first

team, and his coach Briari Mudd was one of two coaches of the y~ in the division. Waynesville's Kellen Shank made the second team • Moeller's state tourname~t semifinal game vs. Cleveland Heights at 6 p.m. Friday will be broadcast on WBOB-AM (1160). If Moeller wins, the station also will broadcast the state final at 8:30 p.m. Saturday from Ohio State's Value City Arena. · There is no local radio scheduled for Reading's Division m semifinal game vs. Bedford St Peter Chane! on Thursday (9 p.m.).

Enquirer reporter Tom Groeschen contributed.

a

Duncan at gta,nce School: Moeller Class.: Junior Size: 6-foot-7, 210 pounds Position: Foi}Yard .

2002-03 staustlcs: 18.0 points and 9.9. rebounds per game.

Shot' 52.4 percent from the fiEild and 77.3 percent at the foul line, _and 39.0 percent froru 3-point range.

State Tournament: Led Moeller (23-4) to the Ohio Division I state title, with 50 points and 28 rebounds in two state touma- · :rnent games.

Honors: MVP of Division I state • · tournament. Associated Press first team all-state. AP Southwest District Player of the Year. GCL South co-atl)lete 9f th_e year. .·

!SnVS' [t)Dl/RZntb~J HSiA"iJI !BASrrt!E'ii"~l!L StEWJO!FON~IL

'Skid gave Moeller:y kick-start ByKevinGoheen

3-;l.lf-d..j

I . .

.& UA -!'li!o

I

Post ~taff reporter

Sometimes it's not hard to look back and .find that one specific moment when things ::: started going one's way. Turning points are al· ;: ways a good story line in sports, partici.tlarly during the championship portions of a season.

For the Moeller High School basketball team, its season turned on a pair of losses and some soul searching at the start of 'the new year. ~e ~rusa~ers (21-4) have sine~ reel~d off 14 wms m thetr last 15 games and are now two wins from a second Division i state cham, pionship in the past five seasons. The first of those games is Friday night against Cleveland . .

Heights.

FRIDAY .Moeller_ was ranke~ No. m. the fmal Ass~ctated >- Moeller {21-4) . 9Press state poll, while Clevs. Cleveland veland Heights was No. 16 Heights {22-3) !!'he winner moves on to >- Division I state play either defending state semifinal champion and top-ranked JASON D. GEIL/Post file photo >- 6 p.m.

Columbus Brookhaven Moeller's Rob Christie dribbles in a playoff >- Value City Are_-· (25-1) ~r No. 13 Toledo St. game against Mason. After a pair of losses na, Columbus J?hn s (21- 4 > Satu!day atthestartofthenewyear,theCrusaders . rugh~ at 8:30 for th~ btle. have won 14 of their last 15 games 1 'We went out to Califorrua, lost our final · game out there and then came back and lost to "We scrimmaged them before the beginSt. Xavier," said senior point guard Rob Chris- ning of the tournament," said Moeller junior tie. "Two losses in row. We took some. time in forward Josh Duncan, a ftrst-teamall-state sethe locker room and in ftlm sessions to· come lection. "We knew they were a good team. The together by talking about things. We finally score didn't indicate how good they are. It was found our chemistry." just one of those days." . Have they ever. The lone loss in the past 15 In Cleveland Heights, the Crusaders will be games came in the regular season fmale at La- facing a team that won't be intimidated by Shlle. In the postseason, a 17-0run spurred the physical play. This will be the sixth trip to the Ciusaders to a 57-52 win against Beavercreek ·state tournament for the Tigers under longin the district final. In.the regional semifmals time coach Jim Cappelletti and the ftfth in the against Springboro, a 19-1 fourth quarter past 11 seasons. They won the title in their last broke open what had been a 34-33 lead at the trip to Columbus in 1997. end· of three quarters and resulted in a 53-34 · "They are the best rebounding team we've win. . ev·er coached against," said Moeller coach Carl Then came an unexpected 81-43 rout ofHa- Kremer, in his 14th season. "They try to dom. milton in the regional fmal when everything inate and intimidate you physically." wentMoeller'swayandlittlewentrightforthe · The makeup of this Moeller team differs Big Blue. from the team that won the state champion• '

--~

- ---- -- --

----------------------~-

··-

··

Moeller vs. Cleveland Heights MOB.LER (21-4) • Coach: carl Kremer {Eastern Kentucky), 211-102 in 14 years .

• Boys enrollment 740 II Anal AP ranking: 9th • State appearances: 2003 1999 B PPG· 60 OPP· 50 ' Startl · U~eu · Pos. ng er P Ht. Yr. Slats -- ~ - . - . . . . --- ...•.. --~-- \ F . J~ Du_ncan ...... _. §-:7. Jr. . .l~]p_g f . !oe Kimen~r - - ~~ -~ ... __3Jmi . . . g_ ~rew Bf!~an_ . 6-7_Jr. ___ 15 .QI![ _ G Robb1 Ch~e . ~8 Sr. 7M G BubbaW~ither ~- _ -~Lf J!.PPg·_-

..

CLEVElAND HEIGHTS (22·3)

· .

• Coach: Jim Cappelletti (Wilham and Mal}'), 506-241 in 33 years 8 Boys enrollment 857 • Final AP ranking: 16th • State appearances: 2003,1997, 1995,1994, 1993, 1975

•PPG:77.0PP:67 Startiog lioeop Pos. Dl-er 1ft.

Stats - •~ --. · · · - - !r~ - ~~ F . Haroldjia 1 ~-·. - _6:4 .)!· _ ~.9 m>g . . 1 E. -~~~Aiexti~o.n ~3 _Sr. ~~5~. g_ _.Q~me G!!rrl!!.e!_ _ __ ~-6 .§J. _~._7 .PQi • Q . D~~nl_qnes _ _ 5-8_ Jr.: __!9..m>& !i _JqnBattle ... ~ __ . _§-1_ ~t~ . _~S]pp_g_

i. ship in 1999. That team had 10 seniors on its roster, led by guard Mike Monserez. This team has just three- Christie and forwards Joe Kimener and Willie DeTemple- with a talented class of juniors. Besides Duncan, center Andrew Brackman and shooting guard Bubba Walther are also dangerous scorers.

One thing the two teams.have in common is their sense of timing. They both figured out when to play their best basketball of the sea" son.

-- --~MoellerlurUS]I~t()n·, 61Ue i ; - .. : -:;:;.~ Moeller in any way, ~ut the, Crusader. .s ·crui·se shotsfalllikethat" ·HamiltOn (20-5) was coinin&' -threeveryemotionalgameswe, to: regional title. : ,o~. three ,.,.str:nght. ~vertime played recently may have.~-' over Cmcmnati powers La en a toll on us." . ' •I n 81-43 blO.WOUt SaJle, St Xavier and Prfuceton. The rout was so complete 1 · .· -:·~ ~Z ~7 .

But the Big Blue fell behind that Moeller's student rooting , · • ~· :

~s

, By

rol:ifMdfJ' .

'

~and was never in .the game.

sectio.n chanted . a rhetoriCal !

Moeller's towermg ·front question to Hannlton: "How'd -~ . . .._ .line, led bY. 6-7 juniors Andr~w you GET here . · , • FAIRBORN -Jt'was sup- Brackman (19points) andJosh Moeller was the preseason, posed. to be a. good game. In· Duncan . '(18). . had its. way No. 1' team in. The Enquirer i :stead/ ~Jiotli : 1 teams . ~ere against a slightlY smaJler Ham· coaches poll, and offiCially'uP: ) ·. shocked oy Moeller's 81-43'de- iltori teain. There also Was the held that forecast.Saturday. . : st:nlction of Haxiillton in the Di· steady, heady backcowt , of ' "EVery game, teams wouid 1 Vision)_region~ basketb~ fi. shootingguardBubbaWalther say, 'It's Moeller, we ·need fo 1 nat Saturday. ; , · . (~0 points) and point guard give them our best game,' ." j . · Moeller (214),- which ad- Rob Christie (six assists).

Christie said. "We've faced ·at .;. vances t.o the Final Four for'the . -Hanillton will enCtorse Moel- big-game atmosphere ·every~ · :fiist- time since Winning the ler's state title bid, after what time out All our hard work 1999 championship, rolled to a transpired SatUrday. ~. · back in· September, October - 117-4 first-quarter lead ~d nevThe Big Blue could not mus-· and November is paying off." erlet up. The Crusaders play in ter any rhythm against-Moel- - . ; ' • . . · · Friday's semifiilals (6 p.m.) at ler's swarming defense;.which Klme=3!~!~.~~:";5~~~h~!t~ -Ohio ·State's Value City Arena• ·Continually .• denied , penetra· ~ 2·2 4; Walther 7-9 1·120;TralnorO-O 1-:i I; watt 1-2 · Cleve ' 1and Heig · hts tion.

• It was 33-17 by halftime .

Cslter 0-1 0-0 0; Juenger 1-1 0-0 2; DeTemple agamst . 1-13; 2-4 0-0 6; stovall 0-0 0-0 o; Childress 1-4 2·2 4; (22-3),--which beat Massillon and 61-33 after three quarters. Dler1<.w,~~&J:"s~~k~~~-~sg:; 1~·Mmeri·S Washington 73-63 for the Ak· Jon Smith was Hamilton's 1-43;Huff1·60-03;Myers2-71·25;Couch3-10o-O - ~regton • al ti'tle Saturday.

- scorer · . 0-0 7; Wagers 1·2 0-0 3; Lampley 1-5 0-0 2; Williams 0-0 ,. ron on1y double-figure wtth o; Dixon 1·2 0-0 3; Brooke 1-2 0-.0 3; Blerty 0-0 _ . · ·'The final score is not an in· 14 points. · . . . o.o ~o~:;.:M~i~2~~f' 14-4610-16 43. . __ .. ,. -:The Cincinnati Enqulrer/ERNES~ COLEM~N • dication of how great a team "It's been agreatrunforus," Hamllton-:4·13-16-10--43 · · Rob Chrlstl. e (3) score d on 1y f.our · pomts; · ·· '·· · t Hamil'ton really IS, · " sat'd Moe1· Hamil'• ton coach Larry Allen Duncan, 3·polnters. M 9·14 (Walther 5, DeTemple 2, Moeller's Breckman), H 5-22 (Huff, Couch, wagers, but• .the:poifit 'guard dished. out six assists arid ·.:· ler coach-CarlKremer.

"On a Said: "We st ran into a very Dixon. Brooke). R~bOunds: M38 (Duncan 81· H 28 • . __ .. ,_,. . • .

• .• . .

• • .• • . • • ••• ,.. . : • .

• (Smlth7).Ass1Sts.M17(Chr1stle6),H7Lampley3). kept-t~~ Crusaders' offense m h1gh g~ar-all day. ~ · gtven- day,- sc ,1etimes your. hot team. I d<?n'twant to slight Tumovers:~ 13!· ~-16. .;.. ·'-; The.~incinnati Enquirer

·

I

JU'

~State"liopes :-on~-.::'., ,L•. ·~

f

~.._

-··~!""\.,..~~:~, ·~ ~t/f~-1'

....

:~

1Moeller ·.··Re·amn_·---g' ::.1 )

'

r ' ~Area

,j.

,•

•

. .

. ' .

teams. still · !contending for· . baske.tball titles·- · ·

·

Roger~worrtb•

·.• back to defend its champion~ · · · · ship, but .the Cinciriri.ati area .

1this week still could add to . 1 its list of boys state basket- _ • ball titles. . .. ;).

Moeller won a Division I 11 ·regional Saturday and will play in the state semifinals •.

Friday. .· · ·.

In Division'JII; Reading ·_ ·· succeeded in joining Moeller in Columbus next weekend. ,.

The Blue Devils defeated Co, lumbus Hartley for a region·. 1 · al title Saturday night ' ~~;~ I But Roger Bacon, the de- , fending Division·II state' champ, lost its regional final ' Saturday. ~ - - - >-: · -·

'£r{Q..3(1l(o3>.

· -'Tom · '.- ..' ' ·:··· ·Groe~~e~ ..-· ·--·.:·on·· ·-: ·. :.i

preps:~

· -·· .... --- -~~ •....hr....

-· .. ...• ---··.,.. . ' .... ..., · The Ohio boys state tOur·: namerit began in 1923 arid . · : has run through various class incarnations. From • 1923-56 the schools were bro-,'· ken into Class A (large ; school) and B (small school) ·.i: divisions; From-1957-70, the · · classifications were Class AA , (large) and Class A (small): ; l 'The state went to three .. ' classes (AAA; AA. ~ from . · : · 1971-87. The current four- · . "l class system (Divisions I, II, .t;: mand IV) to'ok effect iri .. • 1988. : T .. • ,'· •·' • ";j I , Here is a list of Greater ".- " Cincinnati's state champions r: from ih'e various classes, list- : ·ed in order of championships . .won:,_..~-·.'.~-~~-~~· ::~ _ i ! Seven tides: MiddletOwn ·..

(1944-46-47-52-53-56-57). All ;~:. the titles were at the big- ~ !.."= i schoollevel,·aild the total··;-;~.~ (seven) ,isa state record. t: 1 •

. , 1hi'ee tides: Hamilton ) : : (1937-49-54):and Elder (1973- ·; 74-93), all big-school titles. ' r: t.J,'l\vo tides: Lockland ..

Wayne (Class Bin 1952, 1 _,,); 1955); Roger:Bacon (Class r MA in 1982, Division II in .• 2002). . '- . - - - . ~One tide: Mariemont (Class B,1953); Hamilton Taft (Class AA. 1962); Lin· coin Heights (Class A, 1970); Rc)ss.(ClassAA,1980); Fen·: ;· ;~s_l((qass~'1982); Pur~ll ' Marian (ClassAAA, 1985); Woodward (Division I, 1988); · Badin (DiVision nr, 1988); La- . l kota (Division I; 1992); La • ; Salle (Division 1; 1996) ;· MoeP I ~ ler (Division I, 1999), St Xa- ... ·_yi~r (Divi"''"n 1; 2000). :f. :'I

Brackman, Moeller ruii. Boy~ teams · StriVIng are away from Springboro l ,b h Crusaders close ~0 r ert s . /

1

the game with 21-1 advantage

.

3/l'fL tJ 3

iBY Carey Hoffman · Enquirer contributor

At 6-foot-8 and 180 pounds, with his long arms and legs, Moeller junior Andrew Brackman is hard to 'overlook.

His is a visage not soon to be forgotten in Springboro.

Brackman played a key role at both ends of the floor in snuffing out Springboro's season, as the Crusaders ousted the Panthers 53-34 in a Division I regional·semifinal Thursday at Xavier's Cintas Center. : Moeller advances to meet Hamilton for a trip to the state Final Four at 3 p.m. Saturday at Wright State's Nutter Center.

Moeller closed the game with a 21-1 run. .

Springboro took its first lead since the opening period at 33-32 on a 3-pointer by Chad James with 2:15left in the third quarter.

But instead of turning the game in the Panthers' favor, it seemed to have the opposite effect "Right after that, we got in a little foul trouble," said Springboro ,coach Troy Holtrey. "We felt like ;we needed to get a couple of their :kids in foul trouble. Then I don't )think we handled the adversity of being behind very well." ( Springboro had a chance to :take the lead into-the fourth quar.ter but after holding for a last shot, Moeller's Rob Christie came up With a steal with- four seconds left \

~

in.thethirdperiod.Hewasfouledl With one-tenth of a second to playj in the third quarter, putting Moeller up 35-33. '"That was a hugeJ pl~y," !Vfoell~r coach Carl Kremen satd. 'Robb1e's a playmaker and defensivelyweputhiminposition1 to move arout?d and. make plaY:s·That was the smgle biggest play m thegame." .

Moeller followed with a great display of patience, running of-~ fense for more than two minutes to start the fourth quarter before · getting a short jumper by Joshi Duncan.

Springboro missed its·final12t shots of the game and was just 3- 1 of-23 after halftime. " 1 Springboro's -matchup zone· kept Duncan in check, so -Brack-1 man stepped up on offense. He had 18 points and 12 rebounds, in-eluding 12 second-half points as' he worked the baseline for open shots.

E Defensively, he stepped out: front and guarded a point guard· for the first time all year, picking) up 6-3 Kyle Morris.

I Morris missed all12 of his shots in the game. j "I just stayed offhim and let him: shoot," Brackman said. "He mis-1 sed his first two 3s, and that 3 seemed to affect him."

Ryan Teets was Springboro's lone effective scoring threat, fin- 1 ishing with 18 points. · i ' Duncan added 11 and Bubba~ Walther 10 for Moeller. 'l MOEJ.LER 119-41 - Chrtstle 0 2 2, Walther 2 5-10, f

~~~~;~ 1J,0K~~:~~,i~:::;:~~~n~~ 18, Stovall! o1

SPRINGBORO (211-41- Kelley 12 4, Alge 3 0 6, James I 0 3, Teets 6 5 18, Bamhart 113. Totals: 12·46 8-10 34.

Moeller----- -

~

13 13 13 11

9 1a 9 1

sal

34{

3-polnt goals: M 2·11 (Walther, Duncan); S 2-21 (James, l Teets).

•

•

•

·

-at state :

Moeller-Hamilton highlights .regional fmals at Wright St~.

"In the past, we've had some bad ·luck with injuries or late tip-ins or whatever," Hamilton coach Larry Allen ~d. "M~be the magic is there for us this year.

In Division II, Roger Bacon is two games from a state finals rematch with LeBron James' Akron St Vmcent-St Mary team, which the Spartans upset in last year's state championship game. . In Division ill, Reading seeks its first state tournament appearance since 1978.last season, the Blue Dev· its fell one game short of state.

By Tom Groeschen 3.- 1S- <7.3 The Cincinnati Enquirer

· Moeller was the No. 1-ranked boys basketball team in The Enquirer's preseason Division I area coaches poll.

Hamilton is riding a streak of three straight overtime wins.

Today, they are the last local Division I teams standing. Both cany 20-4 'records into their regional final at Wright State's Nutter Center (3 p.m.), with the winner advancing to the state tournament in Columbus next week. . Roger Baron (Division and Reading (Division III) also will play regional 'title games at Wright State today. · : Roger Bacon (2().5), the defending Division II state champion, will face Kettering Alter- (16-8) at 11 am. The Greater Catholic League North riToday's vals split their two regular-season

m

games.

game_s

DMslon I ·Reading (21·3) will play Columbus Moeller (20·4) vs.

Hartley (18-6) ·at Hamlltof1(20-4) 7:30p.m.

3 p.m., at In Division I, dis- Wright State .trict player of the • Radio: WMOHyear Jo~h Dun~ AM (1450) leads Moeller's b1d DMslon II for its' first state Roger Bacon tournament a}> (20-5) vs. pearance since winning the cham- Kettering Alter pionship in 1999. (16-8) 11 a.m., Hamilton seeks its at Wright State first state · appear· • DMslon Ill ance since winning Reading (21-3) in 1954 as the "old' vs. Columbus Hamilton High. Hartley (18-6) 'The high school 7:30 p.m., at system was split Wright State ·from 1959-79 into Hamilton · Taft (1962 state champs) and Hamilton· Garfield (1968 state runner-up), with those schools cc:msolidating into the current Hamilton High in 1980.

-

No. 7 LaSalle 68, .1-1·~; No. 2 Moeller 56 LaSalle, No.7 in the Enquirer's . Division I area coaches poll, avenged an early-season loss to No.2 MoeJ... ler. Senior John Thinnes made five 3-pointers and scored 23 points for the lancers.

Junior Andrew Brackman led Moeller with 17 points.

MOElLER (16-4, 1-3 GCLSoulh)- Christie 4 2 10, Walther 2 0 5, Juenger 14 6, Duncan 3 512, Klme~, Brackman 5 717. Totals: 1818 56.

(15-5, 7·51 - Tlllnnes 7 4 23, Grubenh0!14113, Orr3 814, Selm 0 2 2, Flynn 3 0 ~i ~:.102,St!mchek204, TeepeU3.Totals: ·

Mooler

a..s.ie

13 13 15 15-.56 13 22 18 15 -68

3-polnters: Moeller 2 (Walther, Duncan); LaSalle 10 (Thinnes 5, GrubenhOfl ~- f1'"n).

Crusaders patiently advance 18-1 run in 4th period decisiv~ :J-Jq'-QL3

.

By Marc Hardin Post contributor '

'

While Springboro High School was giving Moeller fits for three quarters during an upset bid Thursday night in a Division I boys' basketball regional semifmal at Xavier University's Cin. tas Center, the Crusaders' game plan was still working. '· "We've been preaching patience," Moeller coach Carl · Kremer said. "Tonight was a 1 game where that paid off."

Moeller conceded pace to Springboro and worked methodically against the slowing effects . of the Panthers' mix of zone defenses, while creating favorable matchups of its own in its manto-man scheme. But it took an 18-1 Moeller fourth-quarter blitz to bury the Panthers, 53-34.

The game's key sequence occurred at the end of the third ·quarter.

Sophomore guard Chad James gave Springboro its last lead of the game, 33-32, with a three-pointer with 2:17left in the third. Moeller junior forward Andrew Brackman hit a· free throw at the 1:03 mark to tie the score, 33-33.

Springboro ran nearly a minute off the clock to set up a potential go-ahead shot in a grab for momentum heading into the final quarter. But a bad entry pass as the Panthers moved into their set found its way into the hands of Moeller's 5-foot-9 senior point guard Rob Christie.

Christie scooped up the loose ball and headed for the Moeller basket, but was fouled with 0.1 ' seconds left on the clock.

"Biggest play of the game," 1 Kremer said.

Christie sank two free throws for his only points, and gave Moeller the lead for good, 35-33.

Moeller came out in the fourth and patiently worked for a basket 'as Springboro's vocal student ·section chanted, "Boring." . The Crusaders (20-4) finally found an open nian, junior forward Josh Duncan, 2:07 irito the quarter, and Duncan hit a .bank shot in the lane to put Moeller up, 37-34.

Duncan finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.

"That just broke them down," Christie . , ....... said. ''When you can run ..

i

JASON D. GEIL/for The Post

Moeller Junior forward Josh Duncan is guarded by Springboro's Robbie Kelley. Duncan finished with l;1 points and eight rebounds in the Crusaders' 19-point win. · all that time off the clock and hit the shot, it's a dagger."

Springboro, looking flustered for the first time all night, went on to miss all nine shots it took from the field in the fourth quarter. A converted free throw 5:16 irito the fourth by senior forward Ryan Teets, who led Springboro with 18 points, was the only Panther point in th~ final10:17.

Springboro (21-4) shot 3-of-23 from the field in the second half, and made just 26.1 percent for the game. Spr~n·gboro's 6-3 senior

point guard Kyle Morris was 0for-12 from the field, and held scoreless.

While scouting Springboro, Moeller coaches noticed Morris liked to back smaller point guards down to the free-throw line before putting up' a'jumper.

So the Crusaders stationed Brackman, who is 6-8, at the line to meet Morris. Brackman did his job, and more. H~ led Moeller with 18 points and 12 rebounds. . · ''Wedidn'twantRobguarding Morris, so we stayed off him a bit

and made him shoot over long arms, and we just hoped we'd get the rebounds." Kremer said.

Moeller o.utrebounded Springboro, 37-24.

The Crusaders play Hamilton at 3 p.m. Saturday in the regional final at Wright State University's Nutter Center.

MOELLER SPRINGBORO

13

13

9

1B

-53 )

' 13 11 9 1 -34 MO£U£R 1531: Christie 0 2·2, Walther2 510, Duncan

5 0 II, Klmener 0 4 4, Brackman 7 4 18, Stovall I 0 2, Childress 3 0 6. Totals 1815 53.

SPRINGBORO (34): Kelley 12 4, Alge 3 0 6, James I 0 !

3, Teets 6 5 18, Bam han 113. Totals 12 8 34.

1 Three-polntars: M-Walther, Duncan. S-James, Teets.

Recortls: Moeller 20-4, Sprtngboro 21-4 .

3

-u-a;

STATE CHAMPS

M_9<! wiJls hoops crown against Brookhaven -COLl.JMBUS - Only the :ri'Umb'ers on the scoreboard matter. · . . ·. ' · Moeller High School may not have had the numerical pedigree of its oppOnent, but won the Division I state basketball title with a 73-65 victory over Columbus Brookhaven High School March 22 at the Schottenstein Center. ' . .. Brookhaven, the ·defending state champion, came into the game with a 26-1 record and 'wa5 ranked first in Ohio and sixth in the nation by USA Today.

So .what. · , :· ~,"'~ ;· ~;."I went in there .with the. attitude we__:w~re .. gomg to slay the gumt," sa1d Moeller seruor _ point. guard Rob Christie. · • "We decided we would take the game to them, not to be back on our heels, not to be intimidated," said Moeller head coach Carl Kremer.

"They've got so much talent. They're number:one in the state, number six in the country. But we're Moeller, we're from the GCL, and we play tough games every night."

Moeller held true to its plan, taking a 4029 lead· at the half and weathering a Brookhaven run that put the Bearcats up 5854 after the first possession of ·the fourth period. .

"We knew they would make runs," said junior forward Josh Duncan. "It was just a matter of us keeping our composure. And we did." . . As well as doing the little things neededto win games, like making free throws. and playing defense.

Duncan made a pair of free throws to tie the score 65-65 .with 2: 17 to play.

Brookhaven never -scored again.

Senior forward ·Joe Kimener came up with' a steal and made a free throw to give · · .Moeller the lead.

Christie hit four straight foul shots in the next half minute to give the Crusaders some breathing room at 70-65 with-18 seconds to go. .

The last points of the game came on a thunderous dunk by Andrew Brackman just ahead of the final hom.

"Coach .said both the teams (in the state semifinals and finals) play off intimidation and. he told us not to back down," said Brackman, who finished with 18 points on 8for-9 shooting from the floor. "GCL teams, they n~ver back down." ~~- ·d~!._howeyer,.mix ~t ~P- .. ~ !~ ~--· ~- The Cru~aders banged mstde, sconng 28 points in the paint, including 11 of offensive rebounds. They out .reboun~ed the Bearcats 31-20.

"I think a lot of our rebounds led to .

MARK D. MoTZ/STAFF pointS," Duncan said. "It's about heart. You . Moeller High School junior guard Bubba don't get intimidated and you've just got to Walther (4) gets a shot off-In the lane realiZ-e it's another game." . · ' despite a Hand In his face from Laquawn Duncan ended with 23 points and 12 Perry (~4) of Brookhaven. Walther scored rebounds, earning him tournament· MVP 19 points ,(n the state finals on 7-for-10 honors. ~3 vJ~!i~Z:: . - .. . shoot~ng: I . i

; .

.

- -

MARK D. .. ___ ,...__ _

~

Moeller High School junior tor-Ward Andrew Brackman (40) puts a cap on the Division 1 state b~ketball championship, dunking the last two points of a 73~65 win against Brookhaven. Brackman had 18 Points. on sfor-9 shooting In the state finals. · .

•

'

....

-·--

••

<

••

•·

-

T

Crusaders revive theinselveS '·

17 poffi.ts in_4:7Q, . : bring Moeller b'ack

unbeaten) had us down 12 and we went on a 10-point run to get · back iii it. · -· .5-I;i.. .;. 6.3 : "I don't ever remember a 170 run. Our game plan was to

BY MARK D.. MOTZ guard their three-point shooters SPORTS_ EDITOR •· ' MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM .. and the press kept. them from '·getting. into their halfcourt ganie. '·' . DAYTON- S~mebody forgot .\'We .feel we're better .when to tell the· Moeller Hi~ School · things . are ugly, and they were_ basketball team Lent is. the .. seaugly up to then." son to get ready for· a resurrec-,-For a fact. ;.• tion, not do one, yourself.';'~:~\-:; .H' · . Moeller shot just 33 percent The Crusaders were. dead· and . in the' first half, only 25 percent buried midway through_ the third . from three-point range.period in 'the Divisfon I'rustrict , - 'Duncan was 1-for-6 from the championship game~ trailing' 31-. . field ill the first 16 minutes. - •.

19 after missing a 'pair ' free' · "I knew I was missing in the throws. . _ .- · ··.:·::'J;r:'·::; ·, first.half," he said. "But I wanted But Mighty •Moe p~lled a .do stay aggressive. Then the Lazarus in_. sneakers,' •coming crowd got into it, which helped.~' back to life with' a 17-0 run over a 2:20-minute span_ to _close .the · ·· : . Sparking the resurrection and period with.a 36_~31lead::~;.:)! · : helping the 6-foot-7 junior to a "I don't even remember'how 26-point, 127rebound game. it started," said ·junior ,.guard Moeller: used the momentum Bubba Walther.' "I just know' it ·. ·from_ the run to build an J 1-point was the .' funniest two minutes , ; ; "lead in: the fourth period on a I've ever had in my life." .. . . _ DuncanP'dunk; .'but the Beavers It would have been. hard to · r got within a point with two minkeep up with. the comeback, so' l'l utes to play. ' here's the rundown on the run. : .'~It feels goOd," Duncan said ..

Junior forward Josh Duncan ;"We didn't take anything for hit a baseline spinner. granted. We' JD.lide a rwi and held Duncan. Three-point bomb.: .on. We have to keep playing hard.

Left baseline. ·and keep playing defen_se." · · Walther. Three. Deep right , : : · Moeller (18-4) meets. 20-3 .., wing._ MARK D. MoTZ/SrAFF Springboro at 6:15 p.m. March Duncan. Ditto.

Moeller High ·school'junlor Bubba Walther (4) lets .loose a three- . 13 at the Cintas Center. in the· Walther. Left wing. Three. point shot over Torstena Skujlns (32) of Beavercreek Ma~h. 8 .Jn regional semifinals. , _. ,.

Duncan. Ditto again.

1 th~ Division I district championship. , .· ,• ,, The winner plays for a trip to Your basic blitz. From a basketball team. . "He just said he hoped they how it was in the regional finals the state Final Four against eithe~ For Walther, it was somewhat could go on' a rwi like that, but in (the state championship sea- Hamilton ( 18-4) or Princeton personal. His brother-in-law, they didn't," Walther said.. "It son of) '99," said Moeller' head (18-4). in the regional finals set Kyle Williams, plays ·for was ·a great game."· "...-.-:. 1,; • ·" coach Carl Kremer. "I think ' for~ p:~. March 15 at the Nutter Beavercreek.

'That was eerily similar to' . (Beavercreek, , who was then Center in Fairborn: · '

of

=""""'F· - . -

f--

- -. ,. -

-~-

J;T~,

-~~qur/·,- ~Qm··JJ;.f-~-~.;~p~m~~1 1mstnct,Ptayets,·of•.yea~

,.jc!,!:~~~ft-

•.·.. •.. .. . ~'.'{ .~:. =~~

-~ ' M~eller'~: Josh . Duncan ' anc;l i .Roger Bacon's ·Monty St. Clew· 1 truorig With <Michele· Miller of I'No~Colleg~H~arigTyler.McD- .. ~~th ofSey~n ~s: wer~ narped · ~~_uthwest D _ 1ct:pct_. _ ~~_._:~· year Monday. · . :P_ _•.}a:.Y_,ers - ._of... : · Duncan averaged nearlY · 17 lpoihts per game for the Crusa4~rs ·_ llllld ~as led the,m to the a. No~. 2 ,: · seed m the sectional tournament·. ·• Withrow· coach Steve GentrY; shared coach of the year honorsih Di\.]sion l~r;cpmply~g ~ij)er".] feet regUlar season;· , . __ · •···J· -·St ·.clair; averaged~ 18.fJ)O)nis for ·the defending sqtte champi< oils~· who also .wo.p.; tile Enquirer /

l

shooting as> and ;·then T during looked _up and the score :was: . t t 36-31." . ;I:.at.e run 0 . 9P ' .Walther's 3s. were brack~Bea:vercteek . eted- by· three _..3-pomterss:

_Hit~ve

~··s.;carey-Ho~~n 3/~/~3. ~o;C:,~~~t~ ~d::8.~;~:.

7

·D~~-·s~~rs 1-~d~~rtc_-~th_P::~~-·isJ;j per. game while McDwraith ay~r-.

~

ag~~LlM.poihts fo(the .StingerS.

·..

we

AP Sollthwesr~) •. .. ',,._

:·

.

.

,.

'·

. _-.

.

'

..

AII~Distri~t~-h.opps·,_ .

.. .

I

,

..

.

.

.

.. ~

;

.. ,J

. , ~"<- ·. ,

. . !.

,

~.

'·-,g· .

... .

.~ ,~".!.,.

f' .-

. :,

: .·. d '•

''"' .

-

,

•· . COLUMBUS -The 2002-2003 SouthweSt AU,DistrlCi boys' and·gl~s· basketbal,l 1 teams, as selected by.s•ritedla panel tfnni the district : '(•,· .· >' ~ . :'· -~ ·: 'I , ''.-- \, . ; I ·,_ ·.' .

>· , :·.·' y

1·;:._:·

BOYS:"~ ·• ;.~·:·~-

:.;r:

>:::;.:fT:t~

: -.,- · "' '

. f FIRST TEAM_ ~ ""':! _' •· ';l~ . · ~ ~,' J;. : ~ • -· ~·. ..• Josh Duncan, Moener, II foot7, Jr;,-1&.9 polnb:per.game; Josh Hlgglns,i 1

•;-",

•

',

_,:.,

-.

Vandalia Butler, 7-{), sr., 17:0; lslah CaiSOn, Sp~ng. South, 6!1, jr.; 18.0; Clufc Monri!U,

' And.erson, 641, sr~·22.8; Jon Smith; Hamoton, 6-S, lr;'_lU• · · · · . · ; ·• J SECOND TEAM, · !::· .. - • ·. · . ' :;:·/> . >;'t I

.<·;: .,;:,:._· ,

I ,·· 'c~~ SpeaiS,-CenleNille;.Ei-3, sr.;-17.3; Alex-Jones, Nohhmont, 5--11,.sr., 20:s·; · Quantei Robeltson, Wlthnlw, 6-2; lr~·lS.O; Dan ~.lakota' West, 641, sr~ ' 10.1;John1blnnetil'!Sel!e6-;4,or.;18A." ;:;·:···~111\t\- . ·; ~.-. · ·'

lltiRD.TEAM~ ·::.. ·;:, _':•''•.: :: .:-.·.O:'fHpj)'4 . _- .. ~-~ Petqi Hult, Withrow, 5-11, Jr~ 17.0; CJ, ~'Wbftoli Woods, 641, or~ 18.9; Jason Pogue, Day. Colonel White, 13.9; Jotmny WOlf, $L xnter, 6-2, so., 18.9; Martlllonis,Prlnceton,G-4,Jr~13.5. u '·: ·,;. ~~'.'i{$' -t · ..

• Player Of the Year: Josh Duncan, Moeller. .. I • ·· • Coacheio_flhe Year: Ray Zawadzki, Vandaihl Butle~s,teve~,

Withrow.•

. LOCAL HONORABLE MENTlON

\.

'!,

-Enqtiirercontributor . · · · With a furllaround Jumper. :: ..;. ·. · · · ·, · . · . ·· Moeller trailed 31-19 at that ' . DAYIO:N; Ohio :-: lt is_. ·pomt '. .· , ·, .• . . :the ,supreme horror :filnl ih • - Diincan finished With 26 . ~e Beavercreek,bask~tb;ill, _. poihts~dl2rebourids;'fl1at ,.library _of game .tapes. . · . came after he and·-Moeller : :Go _back OO,)~e _1999 re;, stifferedthroughoneoftheir. · g~onal. c\lamp!Onship .. game. ~worst first halves of the sea-· · Beavercteek, 2~0 and NoA - son. Dunean was 1-of-6 from iri the state; gave up a 14- the floor and Moeller trailed poiht third-quarter lead and 24-16. · .:lost to Moeller on_a ti~ih at "At halftime; nothihg was t:he. buzzer.. . · _. ' · . . goihJLright:;'!: D\uican" said. f Sattir?~· a $~quel was ·. ':B\lt we )u:strefocus~d ~d ~bqm., · _ ; · : started hitting some shots.~ - ·Meeting this time ih a DiAS ih '99, Moeller went to vision I district title game, a trapping press 'to 'fuel its Moeller came from 12 po~ts third-quarter -_ turnaround. .down ih tl,le third quarter to "We had· no rh~ and oust ~eavercreek .57-52 at weren:t getting to 'loose t.Prii~ersity !)f J)a)'t<?nf\ren~. __ ~alls," sai~ !{remer. "Tha,t's , . :~e !llost-,,sequels, this, why we went to .th~ trap." ' one_was evenb1ggerthan the· '' Moeller opened 1tslead to . prigihal. .hl '9~, : Moeller· 46-35 with: 4:50 left ih ·the ' moun,ted a. ~14-poiht third- game · before 'Beavercreek !qu~-~.to~~e the g~~:~,c~)Jn~~M.wi!ll~its. ,9~;~ . . Sattirday;tt topped that Wlth ~ack:-to-baclC 3-pomters from i a 17-0 run ih just2:20 that fea-·· Dan Chitty and Blake Wllshn· , tured fiv_E! straight 3-pointers. ·· cappea al2-2 run that cut'the . : '1twa8.so eerily_ similar," leadto48-47withi:58toplay.: said : Mpf;!ller roach Cad - But. Moeller held .ontO the ,Krem~r,.. ·whose '99 team lead- by hitting· 7-of~S· free : v;e~t on towih the state title. throws the rest of the 'way.. ;: .- "It see~Ped like a]?o~t 170 ' Moeller advances to meet ~to not:hing," Beavercreek . Springboro Thursday ih r~ 1 • C<)acp. CharUe Back said of gional semifinal' af Cihtas ; the scorihg o~tburst. _ ·' · Center. · ' · ·· •· ; : · · ' . Moeller had watched the. . , ·. '. '99. Beave_rcre_ek_ · . g.arne tape· · 16, Duncan MOEUER (1.9-41 "'Ch~stle i 14, Watther 52 7 9 26, Klmener 0 0 0, Brackman 51 . after practice,'I)lursday. u. Totals: 18-3913·18 57.

- ·. · "I think. this·run WaS a 1Ot- W1lllams215;Skujlns7015,WIIson·to3,TIIIman .· BEAVERCREEK IJ.9.5) - Chitty 1 o 3, quicker," said-Moeller junior 14-5317, Busch 2 o4, Green 2 o s. Totals: 22-49 52. .. . ' . guard Bubba Walther, who MaeDer .. 8 8 20'..21-57 had two of the B~poihters. "I . Home · 14 tci 1 21 -52 don't .even ·r-emem· -·b·er' what · 3-polntgoals: Ms-20 (Ch~stie, Walther4, Duncan . . .. . . - 3);.8.4~15 (Chitty, Skujlns, Wilson, Green). · happei!e~. I just rem~mbei_' ~ · · · · ·

,

· • JusUn Phoenix, Aiken; 'Matt Aiestone, Amella;-.Ryan•Patzviald; An~eJSOn; Anton.

Sheare, Colerain; Thomas Sander, Elder, Gene Meiio; Eldei;';Rob Noschang, Glen'Este; Josh Couch; _Hamilton; .KeVIn McDonald, Harrison; WaltChancellor, Hughes; John WalteiS, Kings; Bryan Gayhart, Kings; James Dews, Lakota EaSt; Dustlri Hill, Lakote East; Brian LaChapelle, Lakoia West; Justin Orr,- La Selle; Tyler l'rftchard, Lebanon; Jordan · Langston, Leba~on;·E~cV.an Busklr11,-Loveland; Ch~HIII, Mason; Cs~.Richburg. Mason;· James Frazier; Mld~letown;·scott Wilson,_ MiddletoWn; Justln.Bradl Milford; Andrew'.

Dave Qs\relcher, Wain Hunter, Winton WoOds: BrandonM~upln, Withrow; Zs_ch Holllngswortll,)'lllmln~~:l\ .~:· __{) ·-:.: • _

a

r-~ 1

Buckeyes bumped despite halting Hill I·I0-Q:3 From Post news services

Ohio State treated the Michigan tState Spartans as if they had a oneman team and found out otherwise.

Alan Anderson scored a careerhigh 18 points and Maurice Ager had a career-best 15 as No. 25 Michigan ,State beat the Buckeyes 66-55 Thursiday night in the Big Ten opener. ; Ohio State held Chris Hill, the !Spartans' leading scorer, without a point for over a half and to four points total, 12 below his average.

"We were going to make somebody else beat us," Buckeyes coach Jim O'Brien said.

Michigan State made its first 26 free throws and missed only one of30.

"We've been struggling in that area lately so we've been coming into the gym on our own early in the morning and late at nigh~ to work on it," said Anderson, 14-for-14 in foul shots.

The Spartans {9-4) didn't lead until early in the second half, but they put away the injury-plagued Buckeyes with a 12-3 run after leading by four with 8:46left.

Ohio State (7-5) has lost all five games against ranked opponents.

Brent Darby scored 16 points on 4of-17 shooting, and Zach Williams addedlO. The Buckeyes were without Sean (Connolly, and his 15.4 scoring aver(age, for the f:trst time this season because of a sprained left ankle. Terence Dials has been out with a stress fracture in his back.

Associated Prem O'Brien said the starting lineup he Ohio State's Matt Sylvester, left, pressures Micrigan State's Chris used had never practiced together.

"I've ·always said Jim O'Brien is Hilt during the first half in East Lansing, Mich. one of the best coaches in the country, and I thought he did a good job with what he had," Michigan State coach . Tom Izzo said.

Ohio State's Nate Salley, a backup Icornerback on the national cham1 pions hip football team, made one shot 1 in one minute after taking just two 'daxs off between seasons.·

!

OHIO STATE 155): Daftly 4-17 5-7 16, Radinov:o 2-4 1-1 5, Williams 4-9 2-4 10, Sylvester 3-7 0-0 6, Jenkins 1-7 5-6 7, Fuss-Cneatham 0-10-0 O,Jemlgan 3-8 3-4 9, Salley 1-10-0 2. Totals 18-54 16-22 55.

I MICHIGAN STATE 1661: Hlll1-41-2 4, Anderson 2-414-14 18, Tolbert 5-9 2-212, Anagonye 2-5 3-3 7, Oavis0-3 0-0 0, Wolfe 0-1 0-0 0, Ager 4-9 5-5 15, Bograkos 0-0 2-2 2, Lorllek 2-2 0-0 4, Andreas 1-10-0 2, Ba!ll!lger 0-3 2-2 2. Totals 17-4129-30 66.

Halftlme-27-27. Three-pnlot ~oals-O~io S~ 3-13 (Darby 3-9. ; Sy:ves'J!r 0-1, Jernigan 0-3) .•c~,gan St. 3-11 (Ager 2-3, Hill 1-3, Anderson 0-1, Wolfe 0-1. i:v\i:~ger 0-1. Tccbec: 0-2). Fou!ed out-Sylvester, Anagooye. Rebounds-cn,c s:. 34 (Jenkins 9), Michigan Sl29 (Anaganye 6). Ass•sts-O~a S!. 9 (Da!lrJo 5)1\'es'J!r 3), M!chlgan Slll (Hill, Anden:oe, Tote:1, A;;e: 2). Fouls-O~Ia Sl 23, M!ch!gan S'. 22. A-14,759. <

I

.

I

I

Boys BasketbaiiAJ.Stars: Division I 1.

-:J.S ..aj.......-_ _ ___:__-..:....,

~jl!laMIJhhii'~

'-mJ4mmm~;Jt~

'-i:ri~wtnh!U~

.,4M1Jhi4•i-~

ALL-STAAS ·-

ALL-STARS

ALL-STARS

.ALL-STARS

DMSIONi PLAYER OF THE YEAlt

DMSIONI

COACH OF THE YEAR

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Josh Duncan·

Carl Kremer

C.J. Anderson

Andrew Brackman

Dan

MOELLER.·

MOELLER

MOELLER

LAKOTA

The juniof averaged 18 . points and 9.9 rebounds to lead Moeller to the state title.

He was named first-team allstate, district player of the year, and Enqulrer/Chanriel9 player of the year. ·

He led Moeller to a 23-4 record and the state title, with an upset of toP-ranked columbus Brookhaven His 1999 Moeller team also won the state 'championship.

WINTON WOODS The senior averaged 18.9 points, 7.1 rebotinds,3.7 assists and 2.6 steals to lead the Warriors to the district final. He was named thirdcteam all-district and firstteam aii-FAVC Buckeye.

l:_illl.iwDJHIMl•~

l:_•lii~tMJ];Nii"

.J1.dli~fmUHNii'

AILSTARS

AILSTARS .

ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Jon Smith

John Thinnes

. WITHROW

HAMll..TON

LaSALLE

The senior averaged 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks In leading the Big ..................

Blue to ~e regional finlll. He. · was named first-team all-district and special mention allstate.

e

The senior averaged 18.4 points and was ..

I GCL South coplayilr of the ~--. year, leading the league In 3-point shooting (45 percent). He was secondteam all-district, honorable mention all-state.

T

,

i

I

WEST The senior averaged 10.1 points, 8. 7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks to lead the al final. He was named second· ·team ail-district and honorable I· mention all-state. ·

'-:t.(wmtMd••"' . AILSTARS Johnny .

.,

DeGrace·

FIRST TEAM

!

'""

Honorable mention Aiken -Justin Phoenix, Paul Hili; Lakota West- B~an LaChaGriffln; Amelia - Matt Rrestone, pella, John Allshouse; La SalleBryson Simpson; Anderson - Justin Orr, Nick Grubenhoff; Lebi Ryan PatZwald, Kurt Shoemak· anon - Tyler Pritchard, Jordan er; Colerain ., Anton Sheafe; El- Langston; loveland - Eric Van der - Thomas Sander, Gene Buskirk, Clif Ramsey, ·Adam : Mello, Bill Poland; Fairfield- Ke: Stanley; ·~ . vin Wolfe; Glen Este- Rob NosMason- Chris Hili, Call Richchang; Hamilton -Josh Couch, burg, Matty Owens; Middletown 1 Adam Myers; Harrison - Kevin - James Frazier, Scott Wilson; McDonald, Alan Brech; Hughes . Milford - Justin Bradley, Evan · - Walt Chancellor, Sydney Pick- Smith' ller - ~. ard; Kings- John Walters, Bryan ubba Wa er, Joe Klmener; Gayhart, Drew Lauderback; La· Mouriffieafitiy.- Diyral Bllggs; kota East- James Dews, Dustin .Northwest -' Jeremy Chappell,

The junior averaged 16 1 points and 6.5 rebounds to help Moeller win the state championship. He made e Division I state all-tournament team, with 43 points and 14 .re· bounds in two games.

FIRST. TEAM

· Quantez . Robertson The senior averaged 15 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 4.0 assists In helPIng Withrow to a 20-1 season.

He was named second-team all-district and honorable mention all-state. :

.-----;

I

Wolf ST.XAV'IER The sophomore led the GCL South in scoring· (19 .4 ppg) 11nd led the Bombers to the district final. He was named third-team all-district and first-team aii-GCL South.

Mark Dorris PRINCETON The junior averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 · assists and led the area with 4.3 steals per game. was named third-team all-district and first-te·am aii-GMC. ·

c;;;, FIRST TEAM

Kurt Duke; Oak Hills- Justin Ray;' Princeton - Jarrell Williams, Ross Morin; Springboro - Ryan Teets, Kyle Morris, Brian Alge; St Xavier- Craig Cashen, Martin Wolf; Sycamore - Steve Kennedy; Talawanda - Bobby Winkler; Walnut Hills - Dave Oestreicher; Western Hills - Stevie Horton, Brian Sellers, Gabe Etter; Wi)mington - Josh Adkins, Zach Hollingsworth; Winton Woods Mack Hunter, Jamaal Akbar; Withrow - Percy Hurt, Brandon Maupin, Terrell Woods. ·

Chris Norwell ANDERSON The senior av" eraged 23 points and · 12.1 rebounds as his team went 19-2. He· "--'-----' was named second-team all· state; first-team all-district and FAVC Buckeye player of the year.

High -school basketball! Moeller clinches GCLS /).

f-l.i$

>I

-

-

-~

I

'. ~

\,

'~­

;·~;~. . II f

,•,

I

r 7

.. ~;..) ,: ,'

I

~-·

~

.I

University of Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins (left) and Xavier University head coach Thad Matta share a light moment while scouting the local talent at the St. Xavier-Moeller game.

1Jl~¢JIDiftir::PUShes···Mo¢ll¢lJ)~~.~.•···tJide~ · •

·,...

. ·.

..,.:. :!j·· ' ...... -

.

·_~:

.

Tops Qrpsad¢r~· :

.

~id.th)7-:_p-oi:qt~. ·: ~ .. .· . . .. , .

;in GQ~~:yictqrY. ·

'·.The ·.Cinlin ~.-/JL~>J·_ ·-.~ ·. ,. . ..:, ti'E~uirer :, ·..· : :·:

Andrew.:· Braclanan's.· 17·' ' .. . . ,poii;lts led four Crusaders in'. double·:figlll"es as.Mo.eller de-~ 'feated Elder 66-55 in:·a Great• ,: ler-. Catholic,r£3gue ·_South: 1 showdown' Friday· Ii.ight;. .. ;: /. The~rus~d~~~edpy_eigh~, .at halftime, but the Panthers hung ., ··around. .· · Moeller· I cliriched itS Victory ·at the free·. · thro-w-·lihe;:-_hitting--.13--:of;15' foUrth-quarter charity sho~: Rob Christie,· who :finished: With i5 pomts;:was S:for:S:.

-' Josh DimCari added another 15. poiti~ arid .P rebounds for .the, CruSaders, .who" re-· main one ·game'. ahead of St Xavier in the GCL .. South.< f.

1 .

•

.

••

•.

•

f

....

"."]

/,.

..

•

ELDE!t ,. . • · tc >1·11 12:: 10 .. 22 -"-65 at MOELLER · . 12 19 14 21 -66 .·, ·· ,D.DER 1551: Mello 52 15, Janszman 2:0 6, Nienhaus_: 4 i 10, S8nder22 6, Poland 4 51a, Corey 12 4, BujnochO 1 1. Totals 18 13 55. '. . . ·· • · . .. : · MOELLER 1661: Christie 3· 7 15, Walther .5 0 12, Jueriger02 2, Duncan 4 615, KlmemirO 11,_Brackman 55, · 11, Chlldress··12 4. Totals 18 2a 66.>·-: '.... - '' ;,'·. · •,_;· .-. >Three-polnteis: E-Mello 3; Jansiman:2; .Nienhaus.

M·ChrlsUe 2; Walther.-2: ·Dunca~"Brackman. Records.: Moeller 13-3, 7-2 GCL'South:oEider 8'8, 2-6. JV: Moeller,_ 59-~.!· . • ~ ~ 1..:.;~~""-i"·

1

'

.. -

•"<•·---t.~.-::. ·'"'-f....... ...,~.-_;:~:·.-·:...':'·~·~,·

.•

I . .

,f_

_....__·.:_

· ·.MOELLER, 66,: ELDER ~5°~ .The .Crusaders: iriaintaine4~a h'ill-gamefeii<f~yer sf~Yiex: ip the GCL South standings· as ju-; 'nior forward .Andi-ew Brackman· firiished.with a'·game~high 17 po~~- :._- : ·, · ::;L;~i~·- ~ . .',,(· · · · . Junior forward Josh Duncan added 15 poihts an(fla rebound~ ·.ror .Mo~ller~ wnich.hit 13 _of.1~. . ;fourlh~quarter fi:ee:t~QWs .. , ,;•:,:· :. ·. Gerie Mello scored·l5 po_ints, toP!lCe the Panthers. _.· · ·:: · . . •.

1

I_·: _ . · ·_ ..-/-:_:.~.--.-:.· ;.)~;~~---~;~!~

-·~

..

';': . ' .•\

~

· D.DER lS.S.t2,6. GCLJ' ~Melio 5. 2.15,.

Janszman 2 0 6, Nienhaus 4110, Sanoers 2 2 e.· PolanO 4'513, Carey 1'2 4, Bujnoch 0 11. Totals:.1B 13 55..

•... . . - -.. ·:· .. - .• . . MOEUER -113-3,· 7·21 • Chrlstla 3 .7 15, Walther 5 0 12, Juenger 0 ·2 2 , Duncan 4 6 15.Kimener 0 11, Brackman 5 517, ChildreSs 1:2 4.· Totals: 18 23 66. ,:· . · . . · '.

Elder 11 12 10 22 -55 'Mrieoer ,....,.~.~:12- ie 14 21-611 3-polmers: Erdir6(Meiio~3.'Jansi2 Nln); Moeller?· (CMsUe2, W~IIIJ~r2,:D~~~;Sn.Brackman 21.

•

Moeller·SJ,S.i:.P ·aj Chaminad~Jilli-enne st

.·

- •Moeller; the No.2 tecqri in the Enquirer's Division I area· ci>aches poll, over~e a seven-point halftjme de:ficitto de:feat Chamiriade-Julieiine 5851 Ttiesdafrught: _:. ~- ,- · · The· ·Eagles,·· the· top-ran~· ked i:>ivisiori: II ·team in ·the.

Dayton·area: al:e}{o~ 4 in t11at divisioni.ti the.state'poll.· ...

'Andrew Braclanan seor:ed· 19·. poiri't:S '· abd ·Josfi •Duncan' added 18 to lead the Crusad.ers; who ·sit atop Gr¢ater Catholic League $outh Divi· ·sioii; They aceounted for 21 of Moeller's · 25: ·third-Quarter points. -·10 by Bracknian and 11 for Duncan. :. · · ·· . . , •. , . Moeller'imade 10 of its 13. ·n::ee···throws in the fourth· .quarter tO clinch the victory: · · Richard''.Poole scored .19. po"ints for:the Eagles; who ~e:. tain · the' lead . in the GCL' North beclluse· of Roger ~a~ ron's loss to Badin:.'.::::-·'.·'·. ·>

the

i .

MoEllER. ;~~i:· iz ~ "·ch~~~:; 24.'

Walther 2 4 10, Duncan 7 0 18, Klmener 2 1 5, Brackman 6 419,.Chlldres 102. Totals: 191158. · · CHAMJNADE 11.3-2, 9-21·- Poole 6 5 19;.

Brown 10 2, Sa luke 5013, Tumer a 1"8, Peavey 3 a 9. Totals: 18 9 51: '. · : · •

Moeller_.- . .· 8 Chamlnade .:.,_ · 10

9 14

25 16 -5!1 10 · 17_ -51

3,polnters: Moeu~?'9 · (ViaiUier. 2:· Duncan 4, Brackman 3); Chamlnade ..6 (Poole 2 S81uke a,, ..:-.; ~~:~;.... ~__..:.. ~ _.J ·

Tum~r):

Boys section~ .· · ·'· '· In Divisionlaction, Moeller~ i~ the ~econd seed l.n the .s~per-.. draw.. The .Crusaders · have a · first-round bye and: play eith~r Harrison:' or Wl.Imiilgton in the · .seritifinais ai 8:36 p.rn.. Feb: 26 at Xavier University's .Cintas

ceD.ier:··...... · . : .-,..- • ·.--., · .The finals. are .sef foi 8:30

·.p.m. :Mar~h 3 at dnta.s· against . ·either 12th•seeded.Mas·on or Mt.. .J.:Iealtli.y. a~:.:_:,~"''f::J· . 'i . ,·.. f

•

Moeller 76, Sl Xavier 67

Crusaders cruise, .clinch GCL South ,Brackman paces Moeller with 34 ~- ff- fJ .3

:By Tom Groeschen

"We knew Brackman has • : The atmosphere was electric, b · h 'the sellout crowd buzzing as Cin· een getttng Ot \cinnati Bearcats coach Bob Hug- and giving them a gins and Xavier's Thad Matta 'strolledintothearerlaFridaynight third scorer. With Crosstown Shootout II? No, it Josh Duncan, was just the St Xavier-Moeller 'game. But it wasn't just any game, Bubba Walther and as the presence of the town's two B k · big college cheeses auested, . rae man, you : No. 2-ranked Moeller clinched can't Stop all three · the Greater Catholic League South championship by beating the No. 6 ' . of them. And we ! Bombers 76-67, before a packed . only stO'Yl'Yled one." house of more than 1,300 at Moel..1:'..1:' ; The Cincinnati l!;nquirer

1

· ler. Moeller is ranked No. 2 in the

i Enquirer

.

st Xcoadl ScoH Marlin

.· ·

Division Jcoaches poll and St: X : is tied for No; 6. · son. "I'll seehowfarihattakesme."

Huggins and· Matta ostensibly But what about.basketball? Cer. were thereto scout each team's un·. tainly he's making a huge impresderclass stars, Moeller's 6-7 junior: sion on the likes of lf:uggins and · forward Josh Duncan (who had 19 Matta, who can't comment on propoints and eight rebounds) and spective recruits but gave thumbs. St Xavier's 6-2 sophomore guard up to Kremer afterward. ' Johnny Wolf (22 points). · · St X coach Scott Martin h~ two 1 Yet it was Moeller's Andrew Division I recruits himself in Wolf, : Brackman, a rapidly improving 6-7. one of the city's top sophomores, 1 junior forward, who outshone ey- and 6-7 senior Craig Cashen. Cash: ezyone. en, who already has signed with ' · Braclanan, son of former Eastern Michigan, scored 21 points . Hughes coach and ex-UC player and fueled a lateSt X rally. : Mark Braclanan, scored a career'We knew Brackman has· been high 34 points and had seven re-. getting hot and giving them a third ·bounds. He had been averaging scorer," Martin said. "With Josh , 11.8 points, but recently 'bad a 29- Duncan, Bubba Walther ap.d ' point game, too.

Brackman, you can't stop all three 1 "He's probably the best-kept se- of them. And we only stopped one." . cretin town," Moellercoach Carl Walter, who averages 11 points, Kremer said. "reams are game- scored only six but had five assists.

•planning against Josh Duncan, and· Ditto point guard Rob Christie, who ' thafs left Andrew more room to also had six points and five assists. :work."

Moeller's inside strength also ! The lanky, 180-pound Brackman .got the better of St X, as the Cru:was nearly perfect, going 13-for-13 saders held a 31-17 re_bounding : from the field and 8-for-9 from the edge. foul line. But basketball isn't even Moeller, under Kremer, has now his primary sport, he said. won seven.GCL championships in "I want to be a college baseball the last 11 years. The Crusaders 'pitcher," said Braclanan, a right- and St X entered the game standbander who went 6-0 with a 1.40 ing 1-2 iil the GCL South division, ERAfortheMoellervarsitylastsea- Moeller now standing 9-2 in the 1

.....,..~· ··~----· •

$

;

I.

The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

St. Xavier's AJ Upton {far left) and Rob Schoenhoft (center) battle Moeller's Josh Duncan for a loose ball Friday. Duncan scored 19 points in the Crusaders' victory.

league and St X 6-4.

Moeller has clinched with two games left in the regular· season- a non-league visit by Walnut Hills tonight, and a GCL trip to La Salle next Friday.. · St Xavier has two games left, both in the GCL- at Badin on Tuesday, then at Elder next Friday.

"Overall, we did a good job with our poise tonight," Martin said.

'We battled back on the road, and I think that ShOWS SOme maturity."

Moeller also is pleased , with where it is, having won eight straight

"We're coming together," Kremer said. "Kny time you can win this league, that says something, because ifs so tough evezy year. It's never eaSy." ST.XAVImiU·7, 6-4GCI.SJ- Cashen 6 62l;Jutte 3 0 6;t.und2 04;Schoenhoft022;Up!Dn 205;M. Wo~206;J. Wo~ 8 6 23, Totols: 23 14 67.

MOELlER (J.5.3, 9-2GCI.SJ- Chr1stle 14 6; Walther 14 &;Juenger! 02;0untan 8319; KJmener!d2; Bmckmen 13 8 34; Ch'ldress 2 3 7. Totals: 27 22 76,

st.

14 . 7 18 27 -67 XaYiet 16 26 ' -76 Mlle!l... 14 7 ~~~rs: st X7 (Cashen 3, M. Wo~2.J. Wolf, Up!Dn; M-

.

. tiiGH·-SCHOOL ROUNDUP.

..

"

.

-·'

.,,.

:'

_,·

';-·

.. -;..;:;~~

:;-.............. ,_---==-"1'-~----use;f

_li···1 ~);,,; :J::•; :t""·.

·ea ..

De er :..

.c·i··i .

- i1-., ...........;_, .. ,.. ~.-. •. .,......:.;r.,

:.~~'nl·,,.,,,~:.

\.

•

,. .

I

,.'

.

'

'j

J:":

) ~ ~·

t"

'.Behind the three~point shooting of senior guards.

John Thinnes and.Nick Grubenhoff, La Salle beat · Greater Catholic League ~­ South rival Moeller,.68-56,.

Friday night. · . ' : "'\-..

The backcourt duo shot;· 43 percent (nine-of-16) from~: three~point territory. La~~ Salle's 10 three-pointers for'; the ganie..tied, a~season~ high. Moeller's 16 turnovers played a big part in the Cru-· saders' fourth' loss of the season. ,·., · ' The Crusaders were led. by junior Andrew Brach: man with 17.points. Junior Josh Duncan added 12 · points.. : .

The Lancers made eight of nine free throws down. .the stretch to hold off a late Moeller charge. ,.

MOELLER

,Jot,

...;

No• 1 Lasaue 68,·.... .t.- ffo-3· No. 2 Moeller 56 . LaSalle, No.7 in the Enquirer's Division I area coaches poll, avenged an early-season loss to No. 2 Moeller. · Senior John Thinnes made five 3-pointers and scored 23 points for the Lane- · ers. _- · .. · ' -. . ' Junior Andrew Brackman led Moeller with 17 points.', . MOEI.LER(16-4,9-3GCLSoulhl-Chrtstle4 · 219. Walther2 o 5,Jueneer 14 6, Duncan 3 512, ~<~mert~~?:· Bllldunan s 1 11. Totals: 1818 ss.. , -(15-5, 7-51 - Thinnes 7 4 23, G~nho114113,0tr3814,Selm02 2,Fiynn30 · 7, Dooms 10 2, Stanchek 2 0 4, Teepe 113.Totals: 211668.

• .......

13 13.15.15-56 ~ ,13 22 18 15~ 3-polnters: Moeller 2· (Walther. Duncan); LaSalle 10 (Thinnes 5, Grubenhof!,4,,Aynn). • - .... - .. ~;!., ~ .:!.

13 13 15 15 .,-56

at La SAbLE 13 22 1.!1 15 =§8 · MOPl.DIISil: ChltsiJe 4 2 10, Walther 2 0

s, Jueneer 1 4 s. O\IIICOO 3 5 12, 1<1mener 3 o s, .

Bllldunan 5 7 17. Totals 18 18 56.

LA 5AU! 1881: lhlnnes 7 4 23, GrubenhO!f 4113,0113814, Selm 2 02, Flynn30 7,00of0S 1 0 2, Stanchek 2 0 4, Teepe 113. Totals 2116 68.

Three-pointers: M-Walther, Duncan. • .L-Thlnnes 5, Grubenho114, Flynn. Records: La Salle 15-5, 7-5 GCL South; Moaner 16-4, 9-3.' JV: Moeller, ~2.j:"r-"'1!~.t,.,/.. . ....

·.·, .._..:o:"···· ·· ·-")-·:

0: 1·,;

,,.,,,.·:.:,~,,;--

i'·c:-',:·::\::;~.-.,•:··:•.:i.·),,-:'_.'L:.·-

.:BRUCECRIPPI;Nf.TJ)ePo

La Sallejunlorforward Nick Dooros rips an offensive.rebound away from Moeller defender. Josh Duncan

duringfirst-haif action of the lancers~ 68-56wif1~~~-!2~, "!"i~~vv ur<:•.rr <lq!;rh:"'/f'· ·-t· ,,n.:,.· •:_,:~~!~-! ... '"'

"''}!·;; ~ti ·

, .;_-

·..• : ~

f)

-1--1:

v:.J.' ··, ··~'

Kremei~eft200tb ems.aaer·.~pop~-W,ffi,l ·' .' · .· ·<i :; ~

~

·."~'-"~-

. Bv AM.v THo~~ :_ ~·

~

t•

,,

;(•-~

....

~,-~~~·

>'!·f,J·.~~-~-!

,P,""\•

.. : _,{·~· -~~s~pie,~igge~~J>~k;etQ~~~p,inCipc. ~~ti.

."

.• ·

'.··.,·I~'

.t

I

·j, ... -1.; .:~ .. ~~

'~

:Y)lis;~year . , ~e ·Cll!,saders:•~-~eading fu,e , •..;·· CONTRIBUTOR j ~ Wl!habo,u~ soq,P!~Yrrs ~g P~.~~h ¥~;,; .G.CL.~th a 12-_3rec!>r~. ·' · . . ·. . ";· .. . i · .· · The Crusaders also celebrated the operung of a. . . Therr attackls lead b:X Josh Duncan, Robert . car()G-emer _:·arrived .at ~.,oellei 1 ·H~gh_ ·.·~ew gymn!¥!i~ I~! JaQ~~·.•t,, .•,.; :.~ .. . ;,·~·J :,thrl:sty, 'Joe Kimerier, ~~w-·B!a~fht~ ·.~d Schaoi m-1984 With the sole purpose of bemg · . " ~ •The coach attributed thtf hlmaround m b;tS- , Bubba Walther. The group's success has fl!l.Sed a· teacher...then.. sougpt .a way to ·connect·· :keibaii tradition fn;large ii~idQ; ·~o. very_ ~7: · • Kraminer's ooachirig reeorolto.202-l o 1. ·· • withhissfude~ts: ',., . ·•. ·. ;. ; L~·.~. !.:t:_rJ~~ci~fo~er.•pla~ers" in,::fJ};>btiy,~ro/}n.eil.:.an~ ..1,:, Wha~ 'pleases'I~remer';th~ in,~st' is'.the -~··so when:hewas asked to c.oach·freshman·.rMike Monserez;twho put the ~.rusaders.pro- . strength of the program all th~·way down the basketbal1;·:natUrally he saidye8. ; ::•. ~is:P,l ;!• .; ~.gram back·on. the map. I)~ A~·.' ... ; ;~ :_; 'I . ··:·ctiiiin: Moeller junior varsitY; is 1'2-J·'wli.ile the .· Now,l9seas?nsl~ter,Kre~el'risoneo.fthet ·.·.Brannen:was . named.pl~y~r.'~(the'y~'in,._·rres~ruiarep-~..· :. · j :. ;,i ... ··•.

Crusaders': mostdecqr~te<,l coac;hes..

1994 .and.then wentto be ,a.star player at;.lJC. . ·. , ,'IJljs foundatio':l 'lls · fopneft· around •,''a Smce ·~comin,g, the'·h~~ coach:'~ !~~9 .. <H~:p.owrplay.s: professiona~W'in.:~e.l~~ ':m9, .l;re~end<?us that'inc~udes-assistantv~i­ .~merhas .~ed.lvl~ll~f.!o s~;~,titl~ •. ~.o. ':will,berecQg!pZed:Feb. 27,~~th,l!lqu~~O!l ~t~. ty, ~o.~c~es Mik~'·Suss_li ·~ .•who formetly :cil¥ ,,chap}W09~~P;s, ~w<>, :d,is~ct~.cJi,~P.l,-:, rttu~ . <;~s~~~J,'SJf~ 9f~am~.. ·- · . ·: ) ..... ·•.. _.,.,,,coache~ at Xa':1er U,mvetslty .. :":' _and. Dan •onsJ:Ups,. ~ reglOnal;chaiJ1plons!llp .~d. a state . Monserez played 'on the ~tafe champ1-..~ 'urkoWltc who ~aduat~ M~ller m 199I, r .titl~./ ; '::<-,;:-:·.. ·.; :· ·,, ,;~,.~;:.,., :.onshl,p.f~ in,1~99and;Ppw;pl~?.'f D.!vi~ipn}.~ : }~or Varsity ·_coa~hes:(inclu!le .~fierman .~ )-'.ti.d.~ on~Jann?.~W.e!~rea~pe,d a:po~cFg i'i,cp~ege b~ ~t~.u~fr. .i 1·· · ·· , . " .. i.'~Per~s ru,:td_I?oug .l:lo~~·~h() h~ye ·~~.yrars of 7 ;inil~~<;>pe('.~oUec~~:Jp~ i2.~; Wl:fl·. as. the · . In all.• 14,o~ ~e(~ ~?~erplaY_e_rs .h~ye,;c~~lo/.~oaching expen~J,l<;e!:IJt~ ~hirien ~~ ~Crusaders:~~Harnilton:Ba~. ·l .· . · . stgned scholarships: · · · · ·. · · · m tlie. hru;tds ·.of, MoeUe~. gradmtte ·~ike ' . . ''I ~belje:v:e :this accortjplis~epfis · signifi- . · ''These ki_ds come to Moeller :w,~th th~ talent · Sylv,ester, who won an'Olym:pic m~ playing -cailf()f#ttingo,lder,''~IIl~t,silid."lt~f~--,~~~sucf~e~::~eJ¥e_rl~aid. 1 '~~,p~~t'f~ilC~es, f?~I~y.. ;· , .•. ·:.·.·I.,: .._~ ·.·-. ly· because·of .aJJ. the-kidS ·who ,have pJ~y¢.•: and II;J.ys.elf\)\lSt pu~h them)il<;mg...:.;:, .• •: .. )) '· '. ·~ have.tonsofrespecH()r <;oach Kremer;" .from, ,1~90 until·now.~J .~apt•toitbimk all ''They ·have really bi.!ilt a tradition. Eyery said.formerMoeller ~istant aiid GH,CA,'head them, ··.:.>.~· J '· .::.<.,! 1 ~, J. -11 ... ..cJ¥s cqm~-i.P·'h'anl;igg'to.live,up ~o~~~.~~vi~ ·: c:;p~ch:T~_'I~dn_10nds. ''He i.~.one ~f. the ¥st ~· ''Moeller, has been .a perfect. fit- for•my..val'~··IOUS class~. We!play•Wlth a lot.ofpnde." · :.. · · coac~es m the c1ty. ,He hilS a great ability 'to not l ues:·,Jt is•fun to-coach good·playe;;; in a family.·.. . When'players enter the pro~ they mem- 'oD.ly:c;oach.kids;bui coaches aS well: c; • . .'. ~ iike: atmosphere. ~I have ~n,~er§: f?~~!f·'{:~?.~:'¥~ll,~~\)~~r~l v~~e~::,:~~i~~~~;'.y.'hi.<.:~. ·;: ,::·~1;1~ pu~ his heaitju~d ganie·;. It 1 .ha~e no intention.ofeverJeavmg here•un!ll}·:means'be~y()~:.~~)eapi 1,~~N.dtf, fitst,cl~~~-.• w~ a_JOY to ~oac~·under; ~ fol' five. yeru:s. .re.trre."• . · ·· :. · . : . . . " and toughest:· :· ' · . ·' ; :·• · · . ' · . The{kids who ·play'(or~~:really'believe.•!ll ~t· ..~~~r ·~~e~~rs. wi,.~n/_b~kettiall 'cui.: '/r;)Vhen_ 1~tli~~.e. ~~~gs take~. _car~·' o.f,' ~ hiirl~J:Ie re~y conil~tS.:with-the·!d~:·~ ·... :. ~ . ~ was.non Now Moeller. wrimmg takes care of. 1tself. · : ·· · · · . · ' .· .. · ' .·..c ... ~- • .. · r' tureat Moeller . . existent . . .. Kremer . ... smd"'-···--l.t

f.-3tf..

·.!·,

L .· " ' .

lie

statr'

>.:/·

L

•

',

'.

•

, ,_

••

.,

<

>.

~

_

• ,

I

\

·:,< ,.

•

•

•

•

-

•

•

•

•

•

•

oj

,

)

~-

,

-,...

oJ ...

sq1;1I·m. $e'

!'a'#:l

•

1I,T.' L"-.

··'.',rltt~-ow, c-·

·-·

·Moeii'er :. . . , ':;:· ·., . ·.. · ·. ,.-' -~J

.set:· . $ights:

;oll::-titles -~' .: L~kota W~~t;~_·.'.'_ ~ Mueller:go.es

for

·;_.,500th Win :today·. . ·.... ...., -.~

·~~-. \·~~:·!.~_~·-·:}~

,By Tom Groeschen ... :; . ,,

'an_d.Neil Schmidt _d-.. 7-:(J,J · 11ie Cini:innati Enquirer· · 'i ;.' · ~ :: ·,;-- ·-· ~-. ·.. ' , : .. .

_,..

'..

;

. Top,rim)!:ed Withrow· and . No. 2 Moeller.look to' clinch ·boys basked)an ·leagtie' titles tonight, · ancJ No. 3 Lakota . West 'hopes'· to _give. coach . Mike.-,Mueller·f~~. 5~ ca-. reervu:tocy.,. . · · · . ·. · .. .: . Wi~ow (i~. u:.(tQueen . City : Go~ereilce}, ,· ·ranked. d~q.t fu. the ~tiquirer' D¥· ·.s10n 1 ar~a .<.:o~ches poll~ will -visit Woodward {1.2:5, 9-2), . which is 'ranked Nd. 2 in the ··Divisions II-IV'poll. '-, · ' . · , "Our kids .know' what a ;,tough gl:lllle :tltis .will-- be," .Withrow, coach Steve Gentry . said.."Now ;that we're. No. I, . know· ~eryone.'is..... out to ;,:. we· .•. t .. "· ........ . , :' g~ us.•.•,:.:',' . .. .. :. Withrow ,beat. Woodward . 65-:64.1ast- month at Xavier's ~-·Schmidt Fieldhouse. , · ~~ · . ' . ; M9eller ·(14'-3;.8-2·. Greater. ~eatliolic•t.e~e~Sotrthj:,pi~;;

;;l;iosfid~,N<i: ~. st:~~er~{il.:G;.;

(&3), with ·the gahie'~w a j .;i8ellout Moeller: wowd clinch 1·

a :

j~tni"Ieague J,itj~, with ~. ~:~~e ~f.:·~·.nee~s!a yi9fo~ t0,1 .~t{iY.~eJJ1_tJieJ~e ra!=e..

!Chisade.rs give.. /.~ · coach . 200th•wlli · ·•· ,

,.

.

.

.

·._,

.

'

.

,.,

;

.

·'

.-

..

Moeiierteats

·i i:n.'.Cleveland·· ~e ;;lizl~~~L"{ .·: sf-igila#~~

'

D11Jl~~%Scores 20_ iir ~omp ?ver Badin 0 V:i;;J. .· · .' -- ........... ..

The Cincinnati Enquirer· · · ·

~ ·~ -~--

. _;.

- • :

::::.~

' 1-0

r.Jo~Der 78,

Cleve. Stlgnatius 64

.·'·

. : The Crusaders made 14 of 18 free throws .in. the fourth ~rio~ to secure the ~qory. .. . Jumors Andiew Brackman ahd Bubba.Walthedvere the Crusaders'.. · top .- offensiVe threats.-.Brackman scor~d a: game-high 29 points while Walther added 21.. · · · .· .

Moeller, ranked No.2 in the .Enquirers Division I area ·co~ches . poll, used. ~ .20.0 Second-quarter·, ! run to break open its 63-46 victory i . over Badin on Friday night .. , · It was Crusaders coach ·Carl ; kiemer's 200th eareer victory. · · The Rams are ranked· third ·m · . the Enq'uirer's Divisions ll-IV poll. :·. · Josh Duncan scored 20 points. to. lead the Crusaders, while An· :: drew Brackman addedl4 and Rob ·!

Christie had 10; .. - · - -~-- ·. ~ ~:"'_' l . · David Sh~ scored 18 p9intS, in~::: eluding 12 in the foUrth quarter, to· lead Badin. Alex Oswald added 11 for the ~s. · ·· ·

.

· MDW.ER IU-31 - Christie 2 4 8, Walther 7 3 .

21, Duncan 4 616, Certer102, Biackmanu 7 29 Childress 1 o2. Totals: 26 20 78. "' · · · ' ·. ,· ST.rGNAnus 11-sr- Welsh a ali, Pinath 4o U. $tllphen 5 7 18, Movlel 8 117, Hills 2 2 7 Messey.1 0 2. Totals: 23 13 64.-: .. · · '

Moeller~

. 22

19

.9 28 -78

&t,lsnaliua- 18~-12- If

17

-64

4; Duncan 2); Si.

3-polnters: Moeller 0 (Walter I~U~atlus (Pofl!l ~·~I, Hills): .

_

' ·

.•:.'

~~---

J MOnLEII cio-3, S.2 GCI.-SI - Chr!siJe 0 10 10, • Walther31·8. Duncan 9120, Klmener215, Brackman 51 ·' 14, Childress 3 0 6. Totals: 22 14 63: · ·· · BADIN 18-4, 3-4 GCI.-NI- Oswald 3 4 11, Noe 0 3 3, .

Brown 2 3 7,Jones 2 05, Meiner 10 2, Shu115 _718. Totals:

·~ 46' ·Moenel. .

•·

:u··49U-48 13 is

' : . ·. 13. 19

:.a:

:.a:polrners: Badin a· (Oswald, Jones, .Shull); Moellei !/, : (Walther, Duncan, BraCkman 3).

•. .· .

-~ .: • ........,_~-~- •-- . . . - -- ..:~t-----~·-'-·,..!,..!_, __ .... ..._ .• ~ .... ' • ~--

·:. MO£LLE~ 76~ ST. XA·.

VIER 67-:- Moeller, led by j1omior forward Andrew: Brackman's 34 points,: ·.clinched the-GCL South' title with itS ei,ghth · straight victory.· ' _:,: ·. -. ·· :, ...The· Crusaders led by just three after the first . ·quarter, but.out'scored $t.

Xavier by 10 in the second · to take a 34~21lead into . t'l") the'locl,ter .roopt. ·.The· ~ Bom'ber~_usedlo~g-range~

~shoo~ing

to cut int_o the

ti lead ui the .fou~h pe!iod

\ quarter, as.senior foiward ·-Craig Cashen nailed tlu;ee three-pointers. ' · Moeller; however, Was . ''. solid from the foul line' : ciown Jhe strewh,, hi_t~i~g ~,,;~~;f~zt~~\in_. · _tgefl!la1 eigh_t . .· llllilU~A::S. ' -. ,, ·• ·. . ST. XAVIER 14 . 7 19 '27·-4;7 atMOEllER .. 1'7 :1.7 16 26--76,

·, ... : •ST.XAYIERI671iJ. Wolf8522,.Upton10 .·: 3, C8shen 6 6 21, OStmann 10 2, M. Woff 2 0 6, : Jutte 3 0 6, Lund 2 0 4, Schoen holt 0 3 3: Totals · ' 231467; .. · . ·• MOnLERI7&1: Chr1stle 14 6.-Walther 14 .

•~ 6,Juengert 02, Duncan 8319, Klmener102,' · , :: ·~&'~~any;8~~·-~hii~~2.37.T~Is~722 ·

·!. ::' · 'lhke-Jii)uiiers: Sx~shim 3, M. Wolf 2, i.

Wolf, Uptoo. )leeords:. Motiiler 15-3; 9:2 GCL,

· So~;~u~~xlert,t,~~}V: si. x.ivler, 63-59"..

d· ,. ' - . '"~"!''

~

"

. ' .. -

-·.:

V~o,ller~~ P~··MariarL40 ·

I . ' PURCELL MARIAN (4-11, 3.6. Gca.-NI ~' i WOOds 114, Smith 011, Annell2 2 6, Mason 52· 15, James 1 0 3, Ph_arrls 1 0 2, Peummin 1 o 2 '·Butler~ 0 4, EJ.Amln 113 Totills: 14 7 40. ".. '•' MOnLEII (12·3, 6-2 GCWI .- Chrlstle 10 2, ~ Walther 10 3, Juenger 2 0 4, .Duncan 6 2 15, tarter .' 02 2, Klmener2 0 4, Brackman.7 519, DeTempleO: 1 2 2. chndress 4 2 10. Totals: 2a1a 11.'· . : · '.

I Purcell~''. 6. IIi 10 ' 14 ,4o.; ; Moeller:. ~.· -. ·.. ; 1,6 · 13. 18 :~& .-in: ·Purcell 5 (Wooas·,·. M8Son.3, James);"' 1.:3-polnieis: Moelle!,2.(1'/altl]~r••Ouncan)...:. ;, , .,··,; .'- ·.

·~-- E.,u~;lj;~Jo31- ~~>~~

-.Mo~Uer.70,'

··:·:.··. ·..

·walnut Hills 53

:,. ·· o

\ · • MOnLER 11S:.31.~ chriStie 2 s. wa1uier a o: 7, Juenger 2 2 6, Durican ·6· 9 21, Carter 0 1'1,': · KIIJlener31B,.Brackman 6 517, Detemple o2 2, , . ChildresS 113. Totals: 23 21 70. · · · . : ' ... WALNUT HI U.S 1&-131- Acoff 1oa;·Johnsiin 1 · 03,Z. West216, HopklnS02 2, Oestrelcher6214, · c. We$t4111,Salone 102, lngram2 0~, Ellison 10 · 12,.Haynes 3 0 6. Totals: 21 6 53. · ' • :Walnut Hins ---· . .lli , 10 • '12 16 . -53 . (lloef1e_r-·-··7-:·u. 11: 24 is. ;-7o 3,polnters: Walnut ~iUs 5 (Acoff, Johnsan, i. West; .q. West_2>: .Moeu:r:3:(Shrlstl~:. l'(alther,, ~men~r) ...

• . :"""!~--

-·~-· - - - -.

'

(Moe~er·m~es-_Divisi9ri·I bQop ttistnct~~l _ 1 1

1

• .

• .•

Bv AMY TH~MAs . .~~~-5 ~he ~~~U;~a~ers :9I~i~~~. the. ·. ~4, vjctqry CONTR~BUTOR .3, · , . sectional sem1finals w1th a 64~

susu_RBAN~coM~u~_ITYP~Ess:qo~

r :- Moeller won a . Divisio~

_• · -

· ·... · ·· -.· ... -· _.

-.. ·

p~ei ·if~~qn· Feb:

26. · · . ·. . . . . ·: -.. : ' . . >·

I :

ts.ectional. title · over Mason ., March 3 with a 74~55 victory.

Moeller led by 10 at the half .before the'Comets got within a 'point _in the ..th~r~ quarter, ,but .• the Crusaders pounded the bali_ · inside to pull away late. ·-- Junior Andrew· Brackman·-

~~ii~~~~!:~a7:t~~;:. J~!~~~-

~added 23... . - ..•.•.. ,. ··~ ' Moe (17~4)·'-heads to ti;Ie ·; Divis.ion'' I, distric(.champi(: -onship_ ....agaiilsf-~eavercree~:.;, (18 4) · t 3 45 · M h 8 !the- u~iv~rsi~m.of··-a~ayt~a~ !

-.· ;. .: . : • . .- ;, . · Arena

.

ftli~.crti_~il~~-b~~~-:-ie tM~~,U~~~~tat:trillv~rsiti~tn~~.)

.. . . -r-~"""':"" ·spn_spres~~defen~ea~thepoint:: ·~Arena oil ~tut;daY (3:45p;~.rvs, .. '·Moeilei:J "'Mason·ss- ::: -. : ._ .-~dsh~~xfre~foue~e~~~;_·.the.winner_pf Monday's: B~yer~. ,. · ,_ · ; : 4'·; . ·:< . . ·. -~sd11l1!1g.the .final~~tes.. , :-:, ~~eek-Da~nColonelWhitegame;.:: · :.d<~.otage,...llerto;,u.,s~d~~~M .. ~IilS~~~z~L·.:::•....An ~ %~-~d.11lchJ~tan··.·;.:~6-f~~t:?. ]}1~··.... ~~"ca.~;IQ~~r;8'2~~c~a~it:rs~~~.~~~.--,. ·a.,van . e wear. O:'t!fl a~onma ruor 10l"Vt'al"; csu .28 points an&.-;1_1;Wattou;canero'11.Totals:232874.· · .: -.·. 1 ' PiVisi~n J.se~o~lll:·.fi,nal ,at. ~iD~ : D.irie teh~_uAd_s Jor':M!>eJlf!.r: 1o§li. ;~:~tt;~'!rB;r:~~~l;~u?n9~~~\~~r81i. \ C~n!;eron·Monday. ': ' ·- ' \ Duncali';anotherMjtm.iot bad23 ..-~~ ·.- ·... · ::·.' . D·~~:to -~-7~: ·, lhe•Cru5aders"~ed ·ooor,:47-46·.. point:S'and15rebounds;·._,-: :,/ _,·:_r.le)o:ri:_,_ • ·. _;, ~:. 17 ·-12 17 ·e;.sr.:! 'th2·111eff th third . 'dB 't :' . M n d . .. th.' 'di ., .... ; 3'pointers.MoeO,Mas9(Harman3,HIII2,Faulk~er,Owans,. '·1 ;·~--. ... . .

l?-;:.:.--~--~~:,2 ·'.~~~~J< ·. -~~ji_::_~::r=;ti0~i~~~~j:t·!~~:rd)_.:

:.· ·'- .,·:_< · "':: ·:·:.i ~:;· _: ~.i:~~!

.

.

" ,

JASON D. GEIL/for The Post

Moell!_r's Rob Christie snags a loose ball in front of Mason's Mike Tedford during their Division I sec~ion-' altoumament ~ame at the Cintas C~nter Monday. Moeller won, 7 ~55. _ .

. .

¡

;V\oe;.- MIUS_

· Moeller's Duncan .· . . lives up to billing .·.

Moeller's Josh Duncan and 74-55 win ~d··~·inc:<t the Cintas Center on Monday night. Xavier is among numerous schools recruiting Duncan;

_,.

Leaders P18JOI', School

;

1- !l.:t-c3

PI8JOI',Schocil3-poli!t~

I

~me's Points

AYII

Dick, Cozaddale 9 271 30.1 cape!, He~tage Academy -· 15 347 23.1· McCarter, Sliver Grove .

12 275 22.9 Norwell, Anderson · 15 343 22.9 1 P~oenlx, Aiken 15 336 22.4 .Searp, Newport 14 311 22.2 Yarborough, Clvi}'Cllrstn : 16 122 . 21.8 Seesholtt, Georgetown 14 305 21.8 Henderson, N. Richmond 14 296 21.1 Shannon, Landmark 14 291 20.8 Smith, Holmes 18 374 20.8 Bramlage, Dixie Heights 15 311 20.7 Neltner, Highlands 15 307 20.5 St Clair, Roger Bacon 15 • 304 20.3 Cullom, GmlldMcCin 15 304 20.3 Brock, Simon Kenton 17 341 20.1 Bailey, Batavia • 13 261 20.1 PritChard, lebanon .15 294 19.6 Trenz, Madeira · - 15 283 18.9 Thinnes, La Salle 15 282 18.B Hager, CHCA 15. 275. 18.3 1 Hangbers, Edgewood 15 270 18.0 MarkSbury, Norwood 15 269 17.9 Bradley, Ml~ord 14 251 17.9 Davis, Western Brown 14 249 17.8 J.Wolf, st Xsvler 15 266 17.7 Dezarn, Franklin ·13 223 17.2 Duncan, Moeller· : - 15 253 16.9 orr, Ls Salle 15 249 16.6 DewS, Lakota East 13 216 16.6 Pea'vy, Chmnd-Jinn ·tt 182 16.5 Teets, Sp~ngbOro 13 213 16.4 Gilles, Highlands 15 246 · 16.4 Poole, Chmnd-Jinn 11 179 · 16.3 Schull, Badin 14 225 16.1 Chappell, Northwest 14 226 . 16.1 Weyb~ght, Wyoming 14 225 16.1 Huenlng. Wyoming 14 225 16.1 Brown, Ma~emont 12 ; 192, 16.0 Pattwald, Anderson ' 15 238 15.9 Rasso, Boone.County 15 •· 23B 15.9 · Johnson, campbell eo. ;_ ·, 16 252 15.8 Whipps, Miamisburg 15 237 15.8 Frazier, Middletown ,.

16· 251 15.7· Hill, LakOta East .

I .

13 203 15.6 Smith, Hamlllon 15 233 15.5 Ryan, campbell County 16 245 15.3 Bidwell, Fenwick 13 199 15.3 Morelock, CHCA 15 230 15.3 Hlrt, Withrow 13 197 15.1 Arestone 1 Amella 15, 227 15.1 Kennedy, Ripley 15 226 15.1· Beubler, Eastern Brown 14 224 15.0 Couch, Hamilton IS 223 14.9 lles,Fayetteville 12 179 14.9 Sheafe, Colerain 12 _ 177 14.8 Bielh, St. Henry 15 222 14.8 Alge, Sp~ngboro 13 19l 14.7 Iverson, He~ga 15 221 14.7 cashen, St xavier.

15 219 14.6 Duke, Northwest 14 204 14.6 Goodman, Colerain 14 205 14.6 Williams, P~nceton 16 234 14.6 Kennedy, Simon Kenton 17 232 14.5 Kaiser, East Central 13 189 14.5 Schmidt. St Henry 14 203. 14.5 Sandei, Elder • 14 201 14.4 Beverly, Hillsboro 12 171 14.3 Dorris. ~nceton • 16 229 14.3 Collins, LOCkland 15. 211 14.1 McDonald, Hantsort-·- 14, 191 14.0 LsChappelle', Ls.kota West 14 196 14.0 Smith; Milford' 14' 196 14.0 O'Toole, _o1x;e Heights IS 194 12.9 .

PI8JOI', SchOol~~ Mde Winston, Wyomir\l • Norwell, Turpin · Wenker, Amelia Norwell, Anderson Schmklt. St. Henry Thomas, Newport Woods, Withrow Alge, Sp~ngboro · Glaser, Talawanda Serter, Reading McDonald, Hamson

~:b'b~~=:g

60 42 83 .. . 55 29 19 217 139 · 121 , 77 · 52 33 41 26 .

49 · 31 37.

23 81 51 137 83

Miller, Monroe· .

Bramlage, Dixie Heights Brock, Simon Kenton Hagar, CHCA • Mangen, Miamisburg Yeardley, New Richmond Peavy, Chmnd-Jinn lllmener, Moeller Perry, Amelia Kimmey, Monroe "" Rasso, Boone County'...

Aden, Reading Skalski, Oak Hills Whipps, Miamisburg Brown, Ma~emont Kohr, Franklin OeTlano, Norwood • ; Smith, Hamilton • Thomas, Western Brown Schaller, Turpin Stichweh, Atter Childress, Moeller ~ Dorris, P~nceton · · Knight, Withrow Buckner, Ml~oJd \ DeGrace,- Lakota West Thomas, Franl<lln O'Toole, Dlxl~ Heights.

Ayg.

70.0 66.3 65.0· 54.1 83.6 .83.5 83.4 83.3 62.6 61.4 61.0

~~~ I. ~:- ~:g 43 26 196 117 228 135 155 92 41 24 31 18 107 62 33 . · 19 83 37 45 26 173 100 83 · 4819 11 151 87 140 80 58 33 65 ·· 37 153 87 46 26 55 31 80 45' 41 23· 183 91 126 70 83 35 105 58 ~ 40 22 123-:-- 67

60.5 59.7 59.0 59.0 58.5 58.1 58.0 58.0 58.0 57.8 57.8 57.8 57.8 57.6 57.0.

55.9 56.9 55.8 56.5 56.4 56.0 56.0 55.8 55.5 55.5 55.2 55.0 54.5

Made

Aden, ~eadlng • 24 Duncan, Georgetown· 16 Kaiser, East Central 18 Huenlng. Wyoming · 51 Hill, Lskota·East.

54 Turner, Chmnd·Jinn 29 Stepp, Mlfford 31 Bramlage, Dixie Heights 34 Gross, Highlands 20 Martin, Middletown 21 Smith, Mllfortl 40 Yeary, Colemln , 19 Johnson, Campbell Co. 66 Johnson, Roger Bacon 66 Daly, ceo • 36 Smith, Greenfield McClain 24· Gilday, Lakota West· 24 Thinnes, La Salle 101.

Duncan, Moeller 44 Mendenhall, Batavia 40 Rossi, Monroe 27 O'Toole, DIXIe Heights 25 Wolfinbarger, Franklin 30 Hammersmith, Reading 44 Mello, Elder · 61 Trenz, Madeira 35 TiptOn, Middletown 40 Hunt, Monroe 52 Capel, He~ge Academy 104 · J. Wolf, St. Xavier 70 · Thomas, Cin. Christian 30 McCarter, Silver Grove 30 Robertson, Wltll!O'il 20 Anderson, ceo 25

15 9 10 28 34 15 16 17 10 10 19 9 31 31 11 11 11 45 20 18 12 11 13 19 26 15 17 22 44 29 12 12 8 10

Ayg. 62.5 56.3 55.6 54.0 53.1 52.0 51.6 50.0 50.0 47.6 47.5 47.3· 47.0 47.0 46.0·' 45.8 45.8 45.0 ' 45.0 45.0 44.4 44.0 43.3 43.2 43.0 42.9 42.5 42.3 · 42.3 41.0 40.0 40:0 · 40.0 40.0

PlliJer, ~reHitrow ~Made

Christie, Moeller Allshouse, Lakota West Oews, Lakota East Turner, Chmnd-Jinn Slonlm, Turpin· Sallee, Lakota East lllerstead,Miamlsburg __ Oswald~ Badin · Couch, Hamlllon Brackman, Moeller Johnson, campbell Co. Ryan, campbell County .

Arestone, Amelia · PhoeniX, Aiken Salley, Batavia Huenlng. Wyoming Winston, Wyoming Miller, Franklin Kennedy, Sycamore Morelock, CHCA Gilles, Highlands Marksbury, Norwood Mccarter, Silver Grove· Trenz, Madeira Pattwald, Anderson Gill, Alter Mello, Elder. .

Beucler, Eastern Brown VIckers, Silver Grove .

Morris, Sp~ngboro · .Hollingsworth, Wilmington Kreke, Ferrwtck Poole, Chmnd-Jinn S'- Clair, Roger Bacon Henderson, N. Richmond Mendenhall, Batavia Duncan, New Richmond

PI8JOI'' School

AWl·49 92.0 · 47 90.3 31 88.5 21 88.0 . 29 87.9 35 87.5 40· 87.0 -25 - 86.0 · 29 85.2 I 35 85.0 37 84.0 . 27 84.0.

88 84.0 95 82.6 ss 70 82.4 62 ·51 82.0 38 31 82.0 22 18 81.8 27 22 81.4 .69 '56 · 81.0 59 48 · . 81.0 47 38 80.8 113 91 BO.S 103 · 82 79.6 73 58 ·. 79.4 42 33 · 79.0 52 41 79.0 71 56 78.9 33 26 78.8 46 36 78.3 60 47 ·78.0 31 . 24 77.4 69 53 77.0 88 88 · 77.0 61 47 77.0 26 ' 20 76.9 43 33 76.7

53 52 35 24 33 40. · 46_ 29 34 41 44 32 81 115

Reboumll·

Gamea Reba.

IS 197 17 199 IS 173 14. 150 15 161 15 157.

15 156 15 151 13 128 112 117 14 136 15 141 10 . 93 13 11815 137.

15 . )35 15 135 14 126 14 123 15· 130 14 121 12 103 14 121 12 103 13 110 )3 109 15. 125 14 115 14 113 14, 114 ' 14 1'13 16 130 15 121 15 121 12.

96 12 96 11 88 14 107 16 124 13 101 14 109 14 108 15 116 14 99 13 99 12 90

Hager, CHCA Brock, Simon Kenton Norwell, Anderson Bannister, Georgetown Rasso, Boone County .

Westbrooks, Landmark Trenz, Madeira.

Nettner. Highlands lllelngers, Fenwick Mccarter, Silver Grove Sander, Elder ' St Clair, Roger Bacon Huftman, Fairborn · Teets, Sp~ngbOro .

Whipps, Miamisburg I Orr, Ls Salle PhoeniX, Aiken · Weybnght, Wyoming Ekhator, Nortlrwest Hangbers, ~gewood Shannon, Landmark Brown, Ma~emont Henderson, N. Richmond lies, Fayetteville · Knight, Withrow Clemons, Reading .

Duncan, Moeller ......, DeGrace, Lakota West Schull, Badin UUiejohn, Cln. Christian Seesholtt, Georgetown Frazier, Middletown Smith, Hamlllon Davis, Ripley Beverly, Hillsboro Snyder, Hillsboro Peavy, Chmnd-Jinn Mcoonald,··Harrtson Mo~n. P~nceton .

Duncan, New Richmond ca~llle, Eastern Brown Searp, Newport Iverson, He~ge ' Purtuset, Fayetteville ' Shoemaker, Anderson Sheafe, Colerain ·- :-·~ _15 Fa~ey. Lockland 13 Robertson, Withrow 15 Howard, Ripley 14 SUchweh, Alter 16 Dorris, ~nceton

Avg 13.1• 11.7 11.5 10.7 10.7 10.5 10.4 10.1 9.9 9.7 9.7 9.4 9.3 9.1 9.1 ,9.0 9.0 9.0 8.8 8.7.

8.6 8.6 8.6 . 8.5 . 8.4 8.4 8.3 8.2 8.1 8.1 . 8.1 8.1 8.1 8.1, 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.8 . 7.8 7.8 7.7 7.7 • 7.1 7.6 7.5·

112

7.5

96 109 100 113

7.4 7.3 7.1 7.1

Steall i

PI8JOI', School

Cullom, GmlldMcCln Dorris, P~nceton Amann, Fayetteville Mallozzi, calvary Chrtstlan Seesholtt, Georgetown DaviS, Westem Brown lmpelilzze~, Anderson Becker, campbell County Searp. Newport Kreke, Fenwick Robertson, Withrow ~::•~toone County

'

Plllyer, School

_GaineS

.

;

Steall Ayg. 15 • 76 5.1 16 • 76 4.7 14 62 4.4 13 53 4.0 14 51 3.6 14 51 3.6 13 46 ·3.5 a· · 21 3.4 14 48 3.4 13 43 .3.3.

13 41. 3.1 15 45' 3.0 13 39 3.0

Assists .

Gaines Assists

Avg.

Cullom, GmfldMcCln 15 108 7.2 Fabiani, St Henry 15 97 6.5 Daly,CCO 13 85 6.5 Kierstead, Miamisburg 15 98 5.5 Mallozzi, calvary Chrtstlan · 16 88 5.5 Monts, Sp~ngbOro · .13 70 5.4 Pattwald, Anderson 15 75 5.0 14 .69 WhaUey, Newport 4.9 9 . 43 Murphy, Norwood · 4.8 Stowers, Simon Kenton · 16 75 4.7 Kames, lebanon 15 69 4.6 Allenbrech, Harrison 14 61 4.4 13 58 Robertson. Withrow 4:4 14 62. 4.4 Davis, Western Brown Adkins, Wilmington 16 70 4.4 Anneli, Purcell Marten 15· 84 4.3 . 14 60 Bollinger, Ma~emont 4.3 Allshouse, Lakota West 14 60 4.3 4.3 .

15 64 Morelock, CHCA McFa~and, Boone County 15 64 4.3 Byers, He~ge Academy 15 63 4.2 Hunt, Monroe 14 56 4.0 Seesho!tz, Georgetown 14 '56 4.0 4.0.

Engleman, Holmes 11 68 Phillips, Amelia 14 ·56 4.0 Fultz, Ripley 8 32 4.0 Johnson, Roger Bacon 15 58 3.9 Horstman, Silver Grove 12 45 3.8 Brown, Badlrt .

14 53 3.8 14 53 Shannon, Lsndma~ 3.8 Davis, Landmark · 15 55 3.7 Cahall, Ripley ..

15 55 3.7 12 . 42 Haithcock, Hillsboro 3.5 Oswald, Badin 14 49 3.5 Hammond, lebanon 15 53 3.5 Kreke, Fenwick 13 46 3.5 lewis, East Central 13 35 3.4 Bailey, Batavia 13 44 3.4 Adkins, Boone County 15 51 3.4 Byrd, Fayetteville 14 48 3.4 Pierce, Talawanda 12 39 3.3 Rauch, East Central 13 ,44 3.3 . 13. . 41.. 3.2 Wolfinbarger, Franklin Hlrt, Withrow 13 42 3.2 Williams, P~nceton 16 51 3.2 15 46• 3.1 Orr, Ls Salle P~tchard, lebanon 15 46 3.1 Smith, Holmes 18' 55 3.1 Dorris, P~nceton 16 50 3.1 TiptOn, Middletown 16 50 . 3.1 West, Talawanda 14 42 3.0 Stewart, Norwood 15 45 3.0 Woods, Withrow 13 39 3.0.

Gamble, Milford 14 42 3.0

Player, School

~mea 111ocb

Duncan, New Richmond • Knight Withrow · Trenz, Madeira Rasso, Boone County · Clemons, Reading WeyMght, Wyoming Bannister, Georgetown Ellis, Batavia Duncan, Moeller. Neltner, Highlands

13 13 15 15 13 14 14 - 13 15 15

Ayg.

67 · 5.2 57 4.4 54 3.6 . 51 3.4 40 31 38 · 2:7 38 · 2. 7 29 2.2 30 . 2.0 30 2.0

Moeilerregained the top spotfn this week's EtUJuirer Division I boys basketball coaches poll after former No.1 Princeton lost twice over the weekend. · Moeller (12-3) has won five consecutive games. The Crusaders were ranked No. 1 in preseason and held the ranking until Dec. 24, when Princeton took over. The VIkings lost to unranked Colerain and then-No. 9 Hamilton last weekend, and dropped to No. 5.

Withrow (1.3-0) dropped from No. 2 to No. 3, despite remaining the city's only unbeaten Division I team. LaSalle (12-3) moved from No. 4 to No. 2. The Lancers face abig test tonight against Roger Bacon (13-2), the No. lteam in Divisions II·N. · .· ·.

In girls, Mount Notre Dame (14-2) and Seven Hills (14-1) are No.1 in Divisions I and li-N, respectively.

In Northern JSentucky, Highlands' boys w~e N9. 1m the Enquirer poll.

Grand slam I Moeller trounces La Salle

\ .

..... ""' .

0 Moe~ller's Andrew Brackman

,S

The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

looks to land after soaring for a dunk the first quarter against La Salle Friday night. The Crusaders, ranked No.2 in the Enquirer's Division I area coaches poll, rolled to a 65-49 victory over the third-ranked Lancers. Brackman, a 6-foot-7 junior forward, totaled eight points and seven rebounds for Moeller, which improved to 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the Greater Catholic League South. John Thinnes led all scorers with 17 points for La Salle, which fell to 10-2 overall and 2-2 in league play.

· . .· · .

· .·._,> ~ ~,

. I -11-- ~ ~;1:: .'J;~

.

La Salle's Colin Rynn looks for an open man after hitting-the floor &:::-o---~.o:.ll... scored seven points, but his team lost 65-49 to rv.to1Jier~ ~"? :..

"··

St. Albans ~(Wash., D.C.) 94, · Moeller 86 OJ- J~.3-a3 MDDJ.EII (7·21- Christie'S 5 17, Walther 50 12, Juenger5 012, Duncan 7 421, Klmener2 04, Brackman 6 ,216, Childress 10 2. Totals: 311186. · · ...

ST. ALBANS 17·21-OanUey 2 410, Quezada 14 6 40, MonUIIa 7 4 23, Kearney 114, Kapetanovlc 3 511, cameron 3 0 6. Totals: 30 20 94. . .

Moeller-.- St. Albans___;_,

15 19

.22 . 22 19 ·_16

10 -86

17

22 18. -84 3-polnters: Moeller p (Christie 2. Walther 2, Juenger 2,, Duncan 3, Brackman 4); Sl Albans 14 (DanUey 2, Quezada 6, MonUIIa 5, Kearney 1).

Sunday's boj_s result ..

EM.fR.

4i/~3

•I

.

Sl Xavier 62, Moeller 52 .

MDDJ.ER 17-3, 2·2 GCLi ~Christie 2 0·s, Walther 31· · 8,Juenger 4 614, Duncan 3 0 8, Brackinan .5 313, Clilldress.

2 0 4. Totals: 19 10 52. · · ST.XAVIER 17·3, 2·21- J.Wolf 7 4 21, Upton 0 4 4,: Cashen 1 3 5, M.Wolf 5 0 14, Jutte. 1 3 5, Lund 2 0 5,.

Schoenhoft 3 18. Totals: 19 15 62.

Moeller--- . 14

SL Xawler-·-·- ·

17.

19 7

7

is

12 -52.

20 -52

3-pointers: Moe11er5 (Christie, Walther, Juenger, Duncan 2); S1: Xavier 9 (J.Wo~ 3, M.Wolf 4, Lund, Schoenhoft), · ·

Moeller 60, · k t " ~ 3 McNicholas 41 a~er 4 010, A. MOELLER- Christie 10 2, f 102 Watt01 . .

'

.. . .

~3

.

,MELVIN GRIER/The Post

1

Moeller's Andrew Brackman Clunks early n the game in the Crusaders' ·

65-49 win against Greater 9athoric League. South rival; La Salle. . . . . .·

c;

Juenger113, Duncan 7 3 171~ n~~ckm~n 6113, 1 Klmener204,P.Juenger so' 6 · Childress 3 o~; 1~~:/, ~ent4 617, Hamilton MCIIICII...- ' Stamper31 7, Hughes 102, Foltz3 06, PetreO 1 Schlageheck 3 0 6.

10 3, Finn 113, Roflow 0 ' Totals: 161147.

20 9 14 60

1 22

17 Moeller· 8 7 23. 47_ McNicholaS--:- . !alth~r 21 ; McNicholas 4 3-pointers: Moeller 2 ,., . .

(Oyment3, Hughes 1).

·

.-

Moeller beats· Lei Salle

~9~~~J!r: Three,-way tie atop the, GCL From 18

·GCL South race

tight afthe top .·

. t/tl/'3 .. '

I

.Kevin Kuertz Post contributor'

· If Friday night's. action was . any 'indication,· the race t'or ·.the Greater Cathqlic Le1igue's ,$outh Division regu~r-season ·cli'ainpionship .is headirlg to 1a.nother photo finish:,' . · · ' •. ' The Moeller Crusaders (9-3, 4-2) used a furious fourth-quarter rally to knock off the Lit.Salle Lanc.ers (10.-2. 2-~). 65-49~· ·... · tw.o ,of Cincinnaij)J~p boys'. :. etlball ~~d !sd. :~:... ':vision's top spot.

Junior forward Josh Duncan scored eight of his team-high 15 points in the decisive fmal quarter as Moeller outscored La Salle, 25-8, in the fourth quarter to turn what looked like a potential nailbiter into a rout.

"Tonight we showed signs of becoming more of a mature team," Moeller head coach Carl Kremer said. "John took over offensively in the fourth ·quarter, but all the guys really executed the game plan defensively. La Salle is a very tough team to guard."

The Lancers began play Friday night leading all of the QGL ·

See MOEUER'on 6B

in scoring, averaging 63 points per game.

Held well below that mark, the Lancers never got their typically strong perimeter game going, and were held to a season-low 39 percent shooting effort from the floor.

The performance was mystifying even to the team's head coach. . .

"I don't know (what the reasons were)," Dan Fleming said.

"I still can't put my fmger on it, and I told that to the team. We just'missed our shots." .

1e d the way J oh n ThInnes again for La Salle with 17 . t s, b u t on1y ~~our of th ose pom came after halftime. · guard , averaging · '1'he sen10r a team-high 19 2 points per game, had trouble getting open •

1

looks in the second half as Moeller defenders continually got around La Salle's screeners. · "We denied Thinnes ·pretty well after the first quarter," said gtiard Bubba Walther, who fmished with 13 points for the Crusaders. "We communicated on our screens and switched well. We followed the game plan."

As for. Duncan, Moeller's big man fmished with 10 rebounds to go along with his 15 points, but the 6-foot-7 210-pound center came up big in the clutch.

With is team trailing 44-40 · th e f our th quar t er, ear1yIn Duncan went on to score eight • ts ofth e Crusa der' s n•ext' 10 :pom to ignite the Moeller run. .

H'IS t urn-aroun d JUmper · · tn the lane with 5·38 remaining tied the score, 46-46.

•

"I just think I got into the flow," said Duncan, who was averaging 18 points and eight rebounds per game. "We stepped up as a team, played really well as a team, and my teammates were able to help me get open looks."

And after a Joe Kimener layup, another short jumper from Duncan, a three-pointer from Walther, a layup by Rob Christie and a jumper by Andrew Brackman, La Salle was down, 57~46; and would never recover. · , · A pair of free throws at the 1:20 mark by Thinnes would fi· na11Yen d· La S a 11 e ' s sconng drought. l "We JUS . . t f e'11 a par t In . th e fourth quarter," Fleming said.

"And th ey SCOre d l'k .

1 e SlX Or · seven times in a row and we could not stop them. Our de-

fense had been playing well this year."

Now with three teams possessing two conference losses, including St. Xavier (8-3, 3-2) which also won Friday night, the GCL South is more than crowded at the top.

"It is all going to come down· to who is able to stick it out and win these close games," Kremer said. "And with La Salle only having one loss, we couldn't afford to lose this one. You have to win your games at home in this league, so I am proud of these guys tonight."

LA sALLE

14

15

12

a

-49

at MOELLER 9 17 14 25 -65 LASALLEic 91 .Thlnnes 5417 Grubenho11103 orr 4 2 11. Flynn 2 i 1, Dooror 13 5. stanchek 1 02: Teepe 2 0 4. Totals 16 10 49.

MORLER 1651: christie 2 e u. Walther 5o 13, Juenger I 0 2, Duncan 7 0 15, Carter 0 2 2, Klmener 3 2 8, Brackman 4 0 8, Childress 2 I 6. Totals 24 II 65.

Three-pointers: M-Walther 3, Christie. Duncan, Childress. L-Thlnnes 3 • Flynn 2, Grubenhoff, orr.

Records: Moeller 9-3. 3-2 GCL South; La Salle 10-2, 2-2. JV: Moeller, 61-54. _~

Moeller, La Salle highligh~

schedule GCL opponents listed Nos. 2, 3 in the r~nkings . MELVIN GRIER/The Post

Moeller's Josh Duncan moves

the ball against the defense of La Salle's Justin Orr. Moeller won,6549,•

- '-l

By Neil Schmidt. and Tom Groeschen

The CinciniUlti Enquirer

~---if~

'-'

· Third-ranked La Salle visits No. 2 Moeller in the marquee game of tonight's Ohio boys basketball schedule. Tipoff is scheduled for 8.

La Salle (1~1, 2-1 Greater Catholic League South) has . lost only to GCL North opponent Badin in early December. Moeller (3-3, 3-2) comes off a 62-52 loss to GCL South 1rjval St.~E:tOJ!~~ay.

(At Loveland H.S.l Fayetteville vs. Jacobs. 6:30p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Hillcrest vs. Seven Hills, 8 p.m.

Girls Basketball

BOYS BASKETBALL State Polls DIVISION I

Sectional Touma-.t Cincinnati Division I

I, Cols. Brookhaven (33) IB-1

367

2, Wilhnlw 11120-0--------··

315

s, Moeller u;-4-----·-·--··--·······

35

3, Thomas Wonhington 19-1..................

4, Vandalia Butler(!) IB-1...

5, N. Can. Hoover IB-1 6, Lancaster 19-1 ...........................

7, Olmsted Falls IB-1................

B, Tol. Cent Cath. 16-2 ................

244 210 194 183 142 91

(At Milford H.S.l Mount Healthy vs. Lakota West (5), 6 p.m.

Withrow vs. Fairfield (B), 7:45 p.m.

Dayton Division I (At West CamJIIIon H.S.) Springboro vs. Greenville (3). 6 p.m.

Beavercreek (I) vs. Middletown, 7:30p.m.

Division II (At Springboro H.S.J Wilmington vs. Chaminade-Julienne (!), 4:30

p.m.

Dunbar (4) vs. Edgewood. 6 p.m.

Kings Vs. Oakwood, 7:30p.m.

Division Ill (At Goshen H.S.I Reading vs. Nonh College Hill (3), 6 p.m.

Midd. Madison vs. Mariemont (4), 7:30p.m.

(At lbnchostior H.S.J Tri-County Nonh vs. Lemon Monroe (3), 6 p.m.

Georgetown (2) vs. Clinton Massie, 7:30 p.m.

10, Zanesville 14-5 ... ..............................

32 Others receiving 12 or more points: II (tie), Massillon Washington, Fremont Ross 30. 13 (tie), Tol. St John's, Clayton Nonhmont2B.15, Warren Harding20.

16 (tie), Cle. Hts., E. Cle. Shaw 15. !B, Beavercreek 12.

DIVISION II

I, Akr. SVSM (35) 17-1........

3B4 2, Poland (4) IB-0........ .......................... 32B 3, Akr. Cent.-Hower 17-1.......................... 303 4, Canal Winchester 17-1...................

195 5, Day. Chaminade-Julienne 16-2 ....

1B7 6, Cle. Benedictine 16-3...................

13B 7, Pon Clinton 16-3 ...

122 B, Can. s. 16-2 .......

117 9, Willard 16-3 ........................................

7B 10, Cortland Lakeview 19-1 47 Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Roger Bacon 46.12; Cambridge 30.13, Akr. Hoban 20.14, Cols. Watterson 17. 15, Ottawa-Glandorf 16. 16, Gallipolis Gall Ia 14.17, E. Uverpooi!3.1B, New Concord John Glenn 12.

DIVISION Ill

I, Sugarcreek Garaway (17) 19-1............. 344 2, Beverly Ft Frye (13) 16-0....

322 3, Akr. Manchester (I) 19-1 ....................

263 4, Loudonville (I) IB-1 ........................... 235 5, Marion River Valley (I) IB-2 ................

213 6, New Middletown Spring. (2) IB-1 .........

187 7, Clinton·Massie 17·1------· 157 8, Bellaire 16-4 .......................................

73 9, St. Henry 14-5 .....................................

54 10, Chesapeake(!) IB-I ............. r...........

36 Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Marion Pleasant 34. 12, New London 2B. 13, Middletown Fenwick 22. 14, Hamler Pal!ick Henry !B. 15, Richmond Dale SE 17. 16 (tie), W. Alexandria Twin Valley S., Navarre Fairless 16. !B, Newton Falls 15.

DIVISION IV

I, Tiffin Calven (37) !B-0 ......................... 3BB 2, Maria Stein Marion Local (!) 16-2 ........ 270 3, Delphos St. John's 16-3 ..........

267 4, Holgate 16-3 .............. ........................ 1B7 5, Russia 15-4 162 6, Berlin Hiland 17-3........... !56 7, Yellow Serings 17-2 ..... !52 B, Windham (I) IB-1..................

12B 9, Sebring McKinley (I) 16-3..

96 10, Ft loramie 16-4 B3 Others receiving 12 or more points: II, Bristolville Bristol 42. 12, Mowrystown WMeoak 39. 13, Beallsville 2B. !4, Millerspon 20. 15, Southington Chalker 17. 16, Lakeside Danbury 16. 17, Convoy Crestview 14. !B, Hicksville 13. 19. Toronto 12.

Olrision IV (At Waynesrile HS) Xenia Christian· vs. Clari</Seven Hills winner 6 p.m.

St Bernard vs. Cin. Christian (4), 7:30p.m. ~ky Replar Season Bracken County at Bishop Brossan, 7:30p.m.

Conner at Holy Cross, 7:30p.m.

TRANSACTIONS Baseball American League DEJROIT TIGERS-Agreed to terms with RHP Jorge Cordova, RHP Oscar Henriquez, LHP Nate Robanson, INF Eric Munson, OF Hiram Bocachica, OF Gene Kingsalc and OF George Lombard.

TOROHTO BLUE JAY5-Agreed to terms with OF Shannon Stewan on a one-year contract.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES-Agreed to terms with LHP Andy Pratt and RHP Matt Belisle and INF Adam LaRoche on one-year contracts.

Central League FORT WORTH CATs-Signed RHP Angel Aragon.

Noriheast League ST. PAUL SAINTs-Purchased the contract of IF Keith Maxwell from 8erl<shire. Traded Maxwell, RHP Jackson CroWther and a player to be named to New Jersey for 3B Ryan Kane.

WINNIPEG GOLDEY£5-Signed RHP Chris Webb and RHP Wes Faust. lbthem League

JOUET JACKHAMMERS-Signed lHPTim Byrdak.

Basketball National BasketbaU Association HOUSTON ROCKETs-Activated F Glen Rice from the injured list Placed CJason Collier on the injured list

WRESRING Division I Sectional IAt~l

,_ .......

,......,......, .-terflllllsl I. Lakota West 109.5. 2. Hamson 79 5, 3. Lakota East 73.5, 4. Colerain 46.5, 5. Faimeld 45, 6. Wilm~ngton 43.5, 7. S)<:amore 42 5, 8. Harrulto!136. 9.

Milford 31.0, 10. Glen Este 30.5, II. Anderson 27. 12.

Kin~ 13 .

...............

~ 103· D1ck1nson (Colerain) pm Bond (Glen Estel 3.39, Fox (lakota West) ma1. dec. Adams (Hamson) 12-2. Borton (WIImmgton) pm campbell (Anderson) 4 26. Ma~es (lakota East) dec. Vaugtln (Fa1!1ield) 5-0 112 W1llcocks (Fairfield) pin Trost (S)<:amore) 1.35. Touns(lakota West) dec. McBrayerW1Immgton) 8-1. Ta~or (Milford) dec. campbell (Hamson) 3-2, KJst (Hamilton) dec. Nishimura (lakota East) 7-0 119: Cumm1n~ (Wilmington) dec. Showman (Fa~r­ field) 13-6, Conley (Glen Estel maJ. dec. Kerns (Hamson) 8-0. Rake (lakota West) p1n Rettman (Kin~) ' 3:58, Plerson (Lakota East) pm Sedllol (S)<:amore) 2·37. 125: Neal (lakota West) maJ. dec. Diete~e !Colerain) 12-3, Crenshaw (S)<:amore) pm Denton (Glen Este) 0:41, Foust (Hamson) p1n Mattingly (Anderson) 0:23. Aller (Wilm~ngton) tech. fall Johnson (Fa1meld) 15-0. 130: 011\on (lakota East) maJ. dec Coorey (Anderson) 17-9, Hart (lakota West) Pin lehpamer (Glen Este) 5:53. Noyes (Hamson) dec Bradberry (Fa1meld) 10-8, Mal!ih !Colerain) dec Panersor (S)<:amorel 9-2, 135: Slzennore (lakota East) prn C~enshaw (S)<:amore) 0:45, Hollmeyer (lakota West) Pin Gagg,n (Glen Estel 4:35, Young (Fa1rtield) dec D1ma (Anderson) 5·2. Wassler (Hamson) pm KelSo (Wilmington) 0:16. 140: Mason-Straus (S)<:amorel te.:h. fall Stewart(Kin~) 18-2, Hotopp (Hamson) ma1 dec. Doxsey (Fa1!1ield) 12-2. Brewer (Colera~n) P'" Reece (Glen Estel 1:35. Rake (lakota West) p1n Rozmus (Anderson) 2:50. 145: Dean (lakota West) over Decker (Milford) default Bl1eden (Sycamore) maJ. dec. Rooney (Anderson) 16-3, Bunch (Hamson) p1n Ka1ser (Fairfield) 4:55. Maupin (Glen Este) tech. fllll Brodbeck (Colerain) 15-0. 152: Monk (Lakota West) Pin Perry (Ham11ton) 0:21, Bradberry (Fairfield) dec.

M1ller (Colera~n) 4-3, Be~ing (Glen Este) p1n LJIIey (KJn~) 4:27, Conley (lakota East) maJ. dec. Serota (S)<:amore) 12-2.

Division Ill Sectional

,_

.....

IAI ........ F....... Scloooll I. Ca~1sle 253.5, 2. Read~ng 166, 3. Dixie 145.5, 4. Greeneview 107. 5. Mad1son 92, 6. Summrt 66, 7 Hanmony 64. 8. CCD 50. 9. Deer Park 41, 10. Clark Montesson 14.

............. ... . . .

, ,

(Top ..................,

103: AustJn (Garllsie) p~n Aetcher (Reading) 0:57: 112: Austin (Ga~isle) pin Moore (Dooe) 2:31.

119: Plke (G~eenev~ew) dec. D. Mages (Reading) 9-2.

US: Maurer (Greenev1ew) p1n Beach (Dooe) 1:46: 130: Brown (Carlisle) p~n Watson (Reading) 1.35, 135: Stapleton (Carlisle) dec. Waldman (Summ1t Co. Day) 11-5: 140: Reynolds (Garl1sle) dec. Bogucki (Reading) 9-5; 145: Muldrow (Summ1t Co Day) tech fall Wilson (Dooe) 23-B. 152: Dellaposta (Mad1son) dec. Keiser (Cillo Country Day) 9-8; 160: B Mages (Read~ng) maJ dec. McNeal (DIXIe) 16-6, 171: S1mmons (Madison) OYer Pamsh (Ga~1sle) forfeit: 189: DeNoma (Cm. Hills Chr ) dec. Cornett (Carlisle) 10-7, 215: Wilson (Reading) maJ. dec. Moms (Garlisle) U-3: 275. Brewer (Garl1sle) dec. Wysong (Dooe) 7-2

Coooooldoollllound 103. Paley (Cin Country Day) Pin Pea !!iOn (Harmony Commumty) 2:27; 112: Welborne (Deer Park) p~n Greenblatt (C~n. Country Day) 3:00: 119: Stamper (Madtson) pin Horton (Lemon-Monroe) 2 27. 125· Stapleton (Garlisle) pin Morgan (Clark Montessori) 2:41: 130: Ga1etto (Cin. H1lls Chr.) pin Owens (Oooe) 2:12: 135: Spohn (Cin. Hills Chr.) dec LBnham (Madl· son) 11-8: 140: Loreaux (Summ1t Co. Day) pin Spahr (Greenev~ew) '3:24: 145: Brown (Ga~1sle) maJ. dec Agler (Gree!leview) 10-2: 152· McKmgtlrt (GartiSie) maJ dec. Rob1son (G<eenev~ew) 20-8: 160: Boster (Ga~isle) pm Moultne (Hanmony Commumty) 0:49; 171: Wh1tt (Reading) p1n Wheeler (Hanmony Community) 4:08: 189: Welage (Deer Park) dec. Maichle (Madison) 11-5; 215: Mitchell (D1~e) dec. Edwards (Cin. Country Day) 8-6; 275: Thatcher (Cm. HillS Chr.) p~n Sonell (lemon-Monroe) 0:33.

Division Ill Sectional

..... ............. ......... lAt . . .) ,_

I Oakwood 189.5. 2. Waynesv111e 164. 3. Madeira 156.5. 4. Batavia 93, 5. DaytOn ChnstJan 85. 6.

Bethel-Tate, 7. North College Hill48.5, 8. Lockland, 9.

Fenwtck 36 (Top .................., ~

103: Gash (Loct<land) pm Palmer (Fenwick) 2:21.

112: Clark (Day. Chnstian) pm Unne (Madeira) ·59: 119: Kendig (Oakwood) m8J. dec. Hoppe (Day. ChnsMn) B-0. 125: Bowers (Day. Chnstian) dec. Pelkey (Oakwood) 7-4. 130: Nealan (Bethel-Tate) pin VanDoren (Day. ChriStian) 2:34. 135: Savage (Oakwood) maJ. dec. Simpson (N. College H1ll) 18-5; 140: Yeary (N. College H1ll) maJ. dec. Propes (Lockland) 16-€ 145· Piau (Madeira) pm Tincher (FenWick) 1:49. 152. l.e!ln (Batavia) pm Conkel (Day. ChriStian) 4:15. 160· Rochon (M-ra) dec. Gallahan (Fenw1ck) B-3: 171: Bumgardner (Waynesville) pin Snell (Bata~a) 4:35 i 189: Measel (Waynesville) dec. Schia;one (FenWICk) U-8. 215: Snyder (Oakwood) dec. D1erken (Day Chnstian) 6-4 OT. 275: Helton (N. College Hill) pin Ryan (Wayr>esv~lle) :10.

Flnt-l'l8ce . . . . .

103: Cloran (Madeira) pin Johnson (Oakwood! ' 1'30. IU: Robbe (Batavia) pm Ste•ner (Waynesville) :27. 119: Back (Waynesville) dec Sch1~0h (lockland) 5-0 125: Franz (Waynes~lle) dec. lson (Bata11a) 10-8. 130: Hensley (N. College H1ll) dec. Crowley (Madeira) 2-1 OT 135: Shaver(Waynesvllle) pm Wells (Bethel-Tate) 3:32. 140: Ste~ner (Waynesville) pm Schultz (BataviB) 3:17. 145: Duncan (Oakwood) pm Whorton (Waynes~lle) 5 34. 152· Davidson (Madeira) dec. Owens (Oakwood) 4-3. 160· Cuny (Oakwood) tech. fall Hos~ns(Day. Chnstian) 15-0. 171: Gamson (Oakwood) dec Newpon (Madeira) 3-2. IB9. Manon (Bethel-Tate) dec. Goff (Oakwood) 9-3. 215: Monroe (Waynesville) pm Zaczek (Madeira) .45. 275: Rene (Made~ra) dec Adams (Oakwood) 5-2.

BO~

SWlMMlKG Cooper Disbict Invitational IMStc-1

200MR-St xavier 1:46.4: 200FS-Burke (St. xaVIer) 1:56.27: 2001M-Giassmeyer (La Salle) 2:13.B9; 50FS-Talkers (Fenwick) 24.30: IOOAy~Trombetta (St X8VIer) 58.95; IOOFS-Cannan (St xaVIef) 55.46: SOOFS-Trombetta (St xavier) 5:2B.46: 200FR-St xavier 1:3.8.05: !OOBS-Burke (St xaVIer) 1:00.39: . !OOBreast-Giassmeye< (La Salle) 1:06.B: 400FR-St 1 X:WIH 3 36.0.

Moeller's Duncan is oniy junior named Div. I first-team all-state The Associated Press and The Cincinnati Enquirer

Moeller junior forward Josh ·' Duncan, who has led the Crusaders to the Division I state touma' ment, has been named first-team all-state by the Associated Press.

Duncan, who averaged 17 points a game, is the only junior on the AllOhio Division I first team.

"I've coached a lot of great play:: ers, and he's the only junior we've ever had make first team all-state," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said.

Anderson senior center Chris ' Norwell was named Division I second-team all-state.

In Division II, Roger Bacon se-

nior forward Monty St. Clair was named first-team all-state.

The Miami University-bound St. Clair led the Spartans to the Di- · vision II regional final.

Bill Collom of Greenfield McClain made the Division II second team, and David Shull of Hamilton Badin made third team.

Reigning two-time Mr. Basketball LeBron James was named state player of the year in Division II. · In Division I, point guard Andrew Lavender of defending state champion Columbus Brookhaven was player of the year.

Clinton-Massie's Ryan Wilkinson made the Division III first

team, and his coach, Brian Mudd, was one of two coaches of the year in the division. Waynesville's Kellen Shank made the second team.

• Moeller's state tournament semifinal game vs. Cleveland Heights at 6 p.m. Friday will be broadcast on WBOB-AM (1160). If Moeller wins, the station also will broadcast the state final at 8:30 p.m. Saturday from Ohio State's Value City Arena.

There is no local radio scheduled for Reading's Division III semifinal game vs. Bedford St. Peter Chanel on Thursday (9 p.m.).

Enquirer reporter Tom Groeschen contributed.

HIGH SCHOOLS Boys BasketbaU STATE SEMIFINALS AT COLUMBUS DIVISION I

Moeller (20-4) v5. Cle. Hts. (22-3), Friday, 6p.m.

Cols. Brookhaven (25-1) vs. Tol. St John's (21-4), Friday, 9 p.m.

Finals: Saturday, 8:30p.m.

DIVISION II Can. S. (23-2) vs. Akr. SVSM (23-1), Friday, lla.m.

KettenngMer(17-8)vs. Cols. Beechcron(20-5), Friday, 2 p.m.

Finals: Saturday, 5 p.m.

DIVISION Ill Sugarcreek Garaway (25-1) vs. Archbold (22-3), Thursday, 6 p.m.

Reading (22-3) vs. Bedford Chanel (22-3), Thursday, 9 p.m.

Finals: Saturday, 2 p.m.

DIVISION IV Mana Stein Marion Local (22-2) vs. Elyria Open Door (20-5), Thursday, 11 a.m.

Convoy Crestview (22-3) vs. Cols. Wellington (19-6), Thursday, 2 p.m. , Finals: Saturday, 11 a.m.

ALL-STATE TEAMS DMSIONI

FIRST TEAM: Andrew Lavender, Cols. Brookhaven, 5-foot-7, senior, 17.2 points per game; Josh Duncan, Moeller, 6-7, jr.,16.9; Jon Battle, Cleve.

Hts., 6-2, sr., 26.0; Will McGinley, Stow, 6-5, sr., 19.5; Greg Mayes, Youngs. Austintown Fitch, 6-7, sr., 19.6; Luke Lyle, Fremont Ross, 6-1, sr., 19.1; Antonio Graves, Mansfield Sr., 6-2, sr., 19.2; Jordan Lear, zanesville, 6-7, sr., 16.0; Brandon Foust, Cols. Brookhaven, 6-7, sr., 17.5.

•,-,f'tdyer of the year. Andrew Lavender, Cols. Brookhmri.

Coaches of the year. Jim Cappelletti, Cleve. Hts.; Bob Miller, Thomas Worthington.

SECOND TEAM LOCAL: Chris Norwell, Anderson, 6-8, sr., 22.8.

SPECIAL MEHTION LOCAL: Jon Smith, Hamilton.

HONORABLE MEHTION LOCALS: Quantez Robertson, Withrow; Dan DeGrace, Lakota West; John Thinnes, La Salle.

DIVISION II

FIRST TEAM: LeBron James, Akron St VincentSt Mary, 6-foot-8, senior, 31.5 points per game; MontySL Clair, Roger Bacon, 6-8, sr.,18.7; Nick Dials, Willard, 6-1, sr., 28.1; Jamar Butler, Uma Shawnee, 6-2,jr.. 30.1; Demetrius 'Mechie" Johnson, Warrensville Hts., 6-5, sr., 32.1;JeffSmallwood, washington Court House, 5-8, sr., 26.0' Cyrus Smith, Cols.

East, 6-2, sr., 18.6; Dorian Bass, New Concord John Glenn, 6-1, sr., 19.7; Brandon Todd, Cambridge, 5-8, sr., 20.2.

Player of the year: LeBron James, Akron St Vincent-St. Mary.

Coaches of the year: Todd Martin, Bucyrus; Marl< Masloski, Steubenville; Tim Shumaker, Dresden ToValley; Ship Collins, Orange.

SECOND TEAM LOCAL: Bill Collom, Greenfield McClain, 5-11, sr., 20.4.

TMIRDTEAM LOCAL: David Shull, Badin, 6-7, sr., 16.2. .

SPECIAL MENTION LOCAL: Raymond Edwards, Woodward.

DIVISION Ill FIRST TEAM: Tyler Renner, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-foot-6, senior, 20.8 points per game; David Dees, Day. Christian, 6-4, sr., 29.1; Chris Skaggs, Richmond Dale SE, 7-0, sr.. 22.5; Todd Boeckman, St Henry, 6-6, sr., 16.1; Greg Badenhop, Uberty Ctr., 6-4, sr., 21.3; Andy VanHorn, Loudonville, 6-2, sr., 12.5; Dan Schuler, New Middletown Springfield, 6-5, , sr.. 11.3; Brett Bartlett, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, jr., 24.0; Kyle Ridge, Marion Pleasant, 5-10, sr., 12.6; Ry., Wlldnson, Cllnton-Massle, 6-1, sr., 15.5.

Players of the year: Tyler Renner, Sugarcreek Garaway; David Dees, Day. Christian.

Coaches of the year: Marl< Bollinger, Marion RiVer Vallef, Brian Mudd, ClarksviHe Cllnton-Massle.

SECOND TEAM: Kellen Shank, Waynesville.

SPECIAL MEHTION LOCAL: Luke Trenz, Madelra.

HONORABLE MENTION LOCAL: Eric Clemons, Reading.

DIVISION IV

FIRST TEAM: Marcus Mccants, Columbus Wellington, 6-foot-2, senior, 21.6 points per game; Marcus Butler, Mansfield St. Peters, 6-3, jr., 24.2; Jordan Plelman, Fort Loramie, 6-8, jr., 17.3; ·Jared Mike, Wellsville, 6-6, sr., 20.9; Chris Mil)er, Berlin Hiland, 6-0, sr., 16,3; Michael Coriell, S. Webster, 6-2, sr., 26.3; Greg Van Kir1<, Sebring McKinley, 6-1, sr., 14. 7; Craig Giesy, BristoMIIe Bristol, 6-2, sr., 21.2; Chris Da~on, Lorain Cath., 6-5, sr., 21. 7; Tori Davis, Elyria Open Door, 6-4, sr., 21.9.

Players of the year: Marcus McCants, Cols. Wellington; Marcus Butler, Mansfield St Peters.

Coach of the year: Tony Mass, Tiffin Calvert SPECIAL MENTION LOCALS: Myron Shelley, New Miami; Mick Shannon, Landmar1< Christian; Jerod MiChael, WMeoak. . . HONORABLE MENTION LOCALS: Steven Daly, Cin. Country Day; Jeremy Stacy, Whiteoak.

HIGH SCHOOLS

IHt I,;INI,;INNAII tNIJUIKtK

Division ·1 state championship: Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65

Moeller takes down the giant Road to the title Recapping Moeller's playoff victories: · • Moeller 60, Harrison 34 • Moeller 74, Mason 55 • Moeller 57, Beavercreek 52 • Moeller 53, Springboro 34 • Moeller81, Hamilton 43 • Moeller85, Cleveland Heights 74,0T • Moeller 73, Columbus Brookhaven 65

Crusaders beat ·top-ranked big-school team

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Moeller upset Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 to win the Ohio Division I state basketball title Saturday night, stirring memories of the surprise championship it won in 1999.

It was the second time in four years that Moeller (23-4) beat a· USA Today top-10 team in the state finals. Columbus Brookhaven (26-2) was rated No. 6 nationally by USA Today. In 1999, Moeller upset No.9 Shaker Heights to win the championship.

'The way we looked at it, we :were going to take down the giant," Moeller senior po~t guard Rob

Christie said, shouting to be heard above a postgame celebration on the court. "We weren't going to lose this game."

Moeller all-state forward Josh Duncan, cleared to play after suff~ring a head injury Friday night, led the Crusaders with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Two other juniors, guard Bubba Walther (19 points) and forward Andrew Brackman (18), followed Duncan in the scoring column.

Christie had nine points and four assists, and hit four key foul shots to stretch Moeller's lead from 66-65 to 7~65 in the waning seconds.

Attendance was 16,246 at Ohio State's Value City Arena, with the Division I game culminating a day of lour state championship games.

Duncan initially was questionable after hitting his head on the court late in Friday's semifinal win over_ Cleveland Heights, but received the OK after doctors checked him Saturday morning.

"I knew I was going to play, no doubt about it," Duncan said. "I can't even explain this right now.

What a great feeling."

Moeller lost all of a 13-point third quarter lead, but recovered to win going away. Brackman sealed it with a breakaway dunk at the buzzer, sending Moeller's players sprinting onto the court for the traditional victory pile-up. · "Moeller High School just does not quit," Christie said. 'We .kept reminding ourselves of all the hard work it took to get us here."

Moeller coach Carl Kremer called it, "A courageous Moeller, GCL performance," referring to the Catholic Crusaders' Greater League affiliation. It was Moeller's second title in four years and the GCL's fifth big-school state championship since 1993.

Moeller was ranked No. 9 and Brookhaven was No. 1 in the final Associated Press state poll of the regular season.

· Brookhaven was trying to become the first school to win consecutive Ohio big-school titles since · Elder did it in 1973 and 1974.

Brookhaven was led by senior point guard Andrew Lavender, the Ohio Division I player of the year.

Lavender (23 points) and Brookhaven senior forward Branden Foust both have signed with Oklahoma.

Walther said Moeller respected but did not fear the great ones: 'They're g9od, but we knew we could play with them," Walther said. "I think having seen them before gave us some confidence. And now we're state champs ... it's just an unbelievable feeling."

COLUMBUS BROOKHAVEN (26-21 Spencer 2-4 2-2 6; Comley 4-6 0-1 8; Foust 5-6 1-4 11; Lyles 5-15 0-Q 12; lavender 9-19 2-2 23; Perry 2-2 1-2 5. Totals: 27-52 6-11 65.

MOn.u:R (23-41 Duncan 7-16 8-!0 23; Kimener 1-1 2-5 4; Brackman 8-91-218; Chnstie 2-8 4-4 9; Walther 7-10 2-2 19; Ca~er 0-0 0-Q 0; Childress 0-2 0-Q 0; Diel1<em 0-0 o-o o. Totals: 25-46 17-23 73.

3-polntem: CB 5-14 (lavender 3, Spencer 2), M 6-12 (Walther 3, Duncan, Brackman, Chrtstie). Rebounds: CB 20 (Foust 5), M 31 (Duncan 12). Assists: CB 10 (Foust 4), M 9 (Chnstie 4). Pemonal fouls: CB 18, M 11. Tumovem: CB 9, M 14. Attendance-16.246.

· Crusaders set sights on another crown Comparisons few with school's '99 state title winners

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

In 1999, Moeller surprised Ohio basketball fans by winning the boys Division I state title. In 2003, the Crusaders more or less expe<;ted to reach Columbus.

Moeller (21-4) will play Cleveland Heights (22-3) in a Division I state semifinal at 6 p.m. today at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center; The Crusaders fulfilled their preseason billing as the Enquirer's No.1-rankedlocalteamandaretwo games from another state title.

C~mparisons to the '99 team are inevitable. Those Crusaders upset Shaker Heights, ranked No. 9 nationally by USA Today, in the state finals. This year Moeller 'probably would face Columbus Brookhaven - ranked No. 6 by USA Today - should it reach the final Saturday. .

Otherwise, there are few comman threads between the 1999 and 2003 teams.

"It's two totally different teams," said Carl Kremer, then and now Moeller's coach. "In '99 we were the distinct underdog in at least five of our seven toumament games. This year, people usually have cast us as the favori ite. This year we're big, and four years ago we weren't that big." . The 1999 team was led by Mike Monserez, a unique talent as a ~ foot-5 point guard. Monserez (now at Butler) and then-sophomore forward Matt Sylvester ·(Ohio State) both were around ~5 then, but the Crusaders'. center (Brad Hutzel) stood just ~3 and the guards were ~foot Chris Welsch and 5-9 Jeremy Duncan.

Jeremy Duncan is no relation to Josh Duncan, the Crusaders' current star. Josh Duncan, a junior, was named first-team all-state and leads Moellerwithan18.0scoringaverage.

The 2003 Crusaders are big, featuring the ~7 Duncan, ~7 junior Andrew Brackman (15 ppg), and ~3 senior Joe Kimener (3.0 ppg) starting up front.. Senior point guard Rob Christie (7 ppg) is the only starter under 6 feet, standing 5-8. Junior shooting guard Bubba Walther (11.0) stands ~2.

The 1999 team went to state with 10 seniors on the roster; this year's team starts three juniors.

This year's team is loaded with talent, and Kremer has allowed it to

At a glance • Who: Moeller (21-4) vs. Cleveland Heights (22-3) · • What: Ohio Division I basketball semifinal • When: 6 p.m. today

• Where: Value City Arena, Columbus • Radio: WBOB-AM (1160)

•lV: None • Tickets: $7, at gate . flourish by not making the players conform to a strict offensive style.

Duncan is considered by most the top college prospect in town. Bra<;kman and Walther are sons of former prep coaches (Hughes' Mark Brackman and Colerain's Jim Walther). If anything is underrated it's the defense, which allows only 50 points a game.

It was a team that was supposed to win and did, taking the Greater Catholic League SOuth championship. But Moeller finished No. 4 in the final Enquirer's Division I area coaches poll after losing its regularseason finale to La Salle.

"That kind of motivated us for the tournament," Kremer said.

Duncan, a recruiting target for most major colleges, is a big man who can play with his back to the basket or shoot 3-pointers. The rapidly improving Brackman and 3point specialist Walther are capable of 20-point games any time out "We're pretty·confident, but we don't take anything for granted," Duncan said. "Teams have been shootingatusallyear,soithinkwe can handle anything we see this weekend."

Kimener, who thrives as a role player, was in eighth grade when Moeller won the 1999 title.

'That was a great run, and I went to a lot of those games," he said. "Nowit'stimeforustodoit."

Cleveland Heights, tonight's opponent, is physical and crashes · the offensive boards. The Tigers had 26 offensive rebounds in one recent game and 30 in another.

"We've got to block them out," Kremer said. "30 offensive rebounds ... some teams don't get that many total in a game."

Cleveland Heights is led by allstate guard Jon Battle, a ~1 senior who averages 25.7 points a game.

Junior guard Darren Jones averages 10 points. The Tigers go ~6. ~4 and ~3 across the front line and are brawny, with Osborne Gardner, James Alex Nixon, and Harold Haines each averaging eight to 10 points a gaine.

C4 SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2UU3

•

Moeller gives itself big scare, but wins Crusaders play for state ·title today

By T011 Groescben The Cincinnati Enquirer

COWMBUS-Moeller had it all the way.

Well, most of the way.

Except for the part where .the Cru.saders blew a 19-pomt lead m the fourth quarter Moeller dominated Clev'eland Heights in an 85-74 overtime win in the Ohio Division I state semifinals Friday night "I'm just glad to live to fight one more day," Moel-ler coach Carl Kremer said.

"I thought our kids-showed tremendous courag~ to come out and dominate the overtime the way we did."

The crowd of 16,423 at.

Ohio State's Value City Arena saw one of the most astonishing games in the tournament's 81-year history.. Certainly, it was one of the most amazing finishes.

Moeller, led l.>Y unstoppable 6-7 junior forwards Josh Duncan (27 points, 16 rebounds) and Andrew Brackman (25 points, nine rebounds) stormed out of

Title games The Division I and Division Ill state title games are at Value City Arena in Columbus. Tickets for each are $7.

Who: Moeller (22-4) vs. Columbus Brookhaven (26-1) What: Ohio Division I basketball title game · When: Today, 8:30 p.m. . Radio: WBOB (1160 AM).

TV: ONN Cable (Time Warner d'gital Ch 105. TV M'ddle1 1 • • • town Ch. 17, L:ebanon Ch. 69). ·

•

Who: Reading (23-3) vs.

Sugarcreek Garaway (26-1) What: Ohio Division Ill baske~ball

championship game

When: Today, 2 p.m.

Radio: None TV: ONN Cable (Time Warner digital Ch. 105; TV Middletown Ch. 17; Lebanon Ch. 69).

the box for a 15-7 first quarter lead. The Crusaders threw a little Greater Catholic League South defensive pressure at Cleveland Heights, taking four charging fouls in the first quarter alone.

Cleveland Heights, known as an aggressive, board-crashing team at the offensive end, was taken out of its game. For three quarters, anyway.

Moeller built a lead of3223 by halftime, and extended it to 61-42 before things came apart with under six minutes left.

Moeller started to turn the ball over against Cleveland Heights' pressure.

The Crusaders missed a few free throws. Cleveland Heights started getting the ball inside and scoring. ~'We just got a little panicky, and we made some mistakes," Kremer said. "I wasn't doing a very good job of coaching, either. I kept telling our guys to attack, and 'to play to win."

Yet, the margin started dwindling . .. 61-49 ... 6559 ... and then, 66-66 to force overtime.

"It was kind of overwhehning," Moeller point guard Rob Christie said.

"Butwe've·been through so much this year, we just dug down and gutted it out."

The onslaught left Moeller's · players temporarily dazed: Then, while waiting for the four-minute overtime to begin, the Crusaders started to get revved up.

The Associated Press

Moelier's And·rew Brackman (40) goes up for a shot Friday against Cleveland Heights' Shawn Butler (43).

"I lOoked at guys on the over. bencb and saw guys who Moeller seeks its second didn't want to lose," Krem- state title.

MCIIl.Ull (22-41 - Duncan 12 2 27; er said.

KlGMinlr I 4 6; llnlckman 12 I 25; Chrlellll 4 4 13; w.lthlf 318; Chldooa 14 6. Totals: 331~ As quickly as it had fad- 85. . ed, Moeller suddenly CLEVElAND II£IGHTS (22-41 · Nlxoo 1 0 2; Olllome 4 110; Gley 1 0 2; .lone$ 4 2 12; caught fire again. Aftel' fall- Battle 4 3 ~; ~ 1 0 2; Hoynel 2 0 4; - 3 0 9; lluUe<7 0 14; Thompooo 1 0 2; ing behind 68-66 to start " Boyd 2 0 4. Totals: 30 6 74. overtime, the Crusaders ....... _ _ 15 17 22 12 111-415 went off on a 16-0 run that Clev.~wpta_ 7 18 17 2t 8-74 netted an 85-70 lead. Game

x-Chlcago........

San Antonio.... utah ..

Milwaukee......

,RO BASKETBALL

--

fBA Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE

w

L lew Jersey ................ 42 28 hiladelphia ..... ,........ 41 28 38 33 aston ............... r1ando .................... 37 34 37 Washington ............. 32 :ewYorfoi ..................

32 39 49 1iami ....................... 22 Central Division 1etroit ...................... ldiana ..................... lew Orleans .............

1llwaukee................. tlanta ...................... hicago ....................

Jmnto ... leveland .................

w

44 41 40 34 29 25 21 14

L

25 29 31 37 43 46 48 56

Pet

GB

.600 .594 ~ .535 4~ .521 5~ .464 9~ .451 10 ~ .310 20 ~

Pet GB .638' .586 3~ .563 5 .479 11 .403 16 ~ .352 20 .304 23 .200 30 ~

y-Grand Rapids ...

Rochester .. .....

DUCKS.......,_ Syracuse ....

Cleveland........

37 24 7 4 34 26 10 4 34 30 4 5 28 27 13 · 5 Central Division W L Ton 45 19 8 2

85 82 77 74

242 212 214 224

214 200 224 234 • Pis GF GA 100 227 163

26 29 14 5 71 198 211 24 31 12 5 65182 216 24 39 7 4 59 184 237 22 42 4 5 53 186 255 South Division W L TonPisGFGA No~olk.... .... .... 33 23 11 5 82 183 174 Hershey ......... 33 24 13 2 81198 187 Wilkes-Barre.... 32 31 5 5 74 225 234 Philadelphia.... 30 30 6 6 72 177 189 x-clinched playoff spot y-clincheddivision NOTE: Two points are awarded for a victory; one point for ties and overtime losses.

Tuesday's Games No games scheduled

;u-~A,1h;;; t;;;ri

.. .,., '"'·"' '"""'}""" ... uoougw,,

ltNNI~

Nasdaq-100 Tuesday At The Tannis Cantor at Cnlndon Parfl Key Biscayne, Flo. Putse: Men, $3.25 miUiun (MisteD); Women,

$2.96 mAHon (Tier II Surface: Hlrd.flu1door

Men

lmerican Hockey league SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE-Reassigned C Andy Lundbohm to Laredo of the CHL. East Coast HockOJ League ECHL-suspended Aorlda D Kyle Kos three games as a result of his actions in a March 22·game against South Carolina. Suspended louisiana DJeff wanton eight games, LW Derek Boogaard six games and RW Nathan Rempel frve games, and Mississippi D Austin Miller five games and G Sean Matile one game as a resultoftheiractions in a March 22 game.

Eugene, Ore. LSU 80, WISConsin-Green Bay 69

At Maples Pavilion

Stanford, CaiH. Minnesota 68, Stanford 56 TuesdOJ, March 25 AI Slloemaker Center

Cincinnati Texas 67, Arkansas 50 AI The Thomas Assembly Cantor

Ruston, La.

College

Singles

FourUI Round Todd Martin, United Stites, def. Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-2.

Paradorn Srichaphan (13), Thailand, del.

Marcelo Rios (28), Chile, walkover.

Rottby Ginepri, United States, Clef. Lee Hyung·taik, South Korea, 6-3, 6-2.

Carlos Moya (5}, Spain, def. Nicolas Escude, France, 6·4, 7·6 (8).

Younes El Aynaoui (19), Morocco, def. Nicolas Lapentti, Ecuador, 6-0, 7-6 (7).

Roger Federer (4), Switze~and, del. Sjeng Schalken (14), Nethe~ands, 6-3, 6-2.

CHARI.OM-Announced junior basketball F Kevm Johnson will transfer DAYTON-Named Tami Ores and Joe Bonner assistant volleyball coaches.

W1BIN IWNOIS-Named Noah Joseph defensive secondary coach.

MICHIGAN-Announced the resignation of Sue Guevara, women's baskettlall coach.

MICHIGAN STAlE-Named Brian Renfrew men's assistant hockey coach.

MOREHEAD STAlE-Named Jaime Gordon women's volleyball coach, effective Aprill.

Louisiana Tech 74, Oh1o State 6L Semifinals Sunday, March 30 AI Maples Pavilion

Stanford, CaiH. LSU (29-3) vs. Louisiana Tech (31-2), 7 or 9:30 p.m Minnasota (25-5) vs. Texas (27-5), 7 or 9:30 p.m.

Chsmpionslllp Tuesday, Aprill AI Maples Pavilion

Sblnlonl, CaiH. Semifinal winners, 9 p.m.

'Tm

Money

1. Se Ri Pak ...

2

2.

3.

4.

4.

2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2

$150,000 $127,232 $120,000 $62,592 $62,592 $59,046 $57,759 $52,432 $43,186 $40,014 $36,785 $33,316 $30,489 $29,118 $28,686 $28,245 $27,992 $26,602 $21,055 $21,054 $20,157 $18,514 $18,514 $17,670 $17,222

Grace Parf<. ....................

Wendy Doolan ............... lorie Kane .....................

Betsy King .................

6. P. Meun1er-Lebouc ..

7. Hee-Won Han ................

8. Annika Sorenstam .........

9. LOrena Ochoa ...

10. Christina Kim .......

11. Dorothy Delasin ..........

12. Crlstie Kerr ..................

13. Karrle Webb ................

14. Laura Davies ..

15. Meg Mallon ................

16. Brandle Burton ............

17. Beth Daniel ..

18. Mi·Hyun Kim ..............

19. Michele Redman ..

20. AJ. Eathome ..............

21. Heather Bowie ............

22. Stephanie Louden ..

22. Gloria Park ..................

24. Yu Ping Un ..................

25. Ros1e Jones ...

· AQUAPEL CONCRETE SEALER Blue Ash Hamilton Dayton Erlanger

·...

513.489.9111 513.874.9111 937.866.9111 859.341.9111

~

~.JANELLs ~ t:0NCREJE andM.UOIWIY EDIM¥ENT, iNC.

Puck Boy On A Stick Night, March 28.

Free "Puck Boy Mask" to the first 2,500 fans.

Ducks vs. Philadelphia Phantoms. Puck drops at 7:35. Call 351-3999.

........................ _..................., ..................." .........................

short program Tuesday night at the World Champi. onships in Washington, D.C. A huge favorite entering the event, he did nothing to diminish that role - although he received big challenge from a flu-ridden American Tim Goebel.

Two years ago, Plushenko won worlds. Otherwise, he generally has finished behind 2002 Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin. But Yagudin is recovering from a hip injury.

a

Roundup

l.- 2 7--03

Moeller, Mason advance in Division I The Cincinnati Enquirer

Harrllon ...- .........._____

5

6

5 18 -34

3-pointers: Moeller 6 (Walttler 3, Duncan, Brackman, Detemple); Harrison 2 (Hotopp, Haynes).

Josh Duncan scored 19 points and Andrew Brackman added 14, leading second-seeded Moeller to a 64-34 victory over Harrison in a Division I sectional game at Cintas Center Wednesday night.

The outcome was never in doubt after the Crusaders took a 17-5 first-quarter lead.

Moeller held Harrison to 4of-24 (17 percent) shooting in the first half.

Moeller plays Mason for the sectional championship at 8:30p.m. Monday at Cintas Center.

MOELLER-Walttler4 0 11, Duncan 6 619, Kimener 1 02,Juenger2 04, WattO 2 2, Brackman 5314, Stovall!!

4, Childress 10 2, Dierkers 10 2. Totals: 2112 60.

HARRISON- Williamson 0 3 3, Hotopp 2 3 8, Haynes 2 0 5, McDonal2 610, Loge 113, Simso 11, Schmitt2 0 4.

Totals: 9 14 34. , Moehr....- ....- .......- ........ 17 15 16 12 -64

Mason 53, Mount Healthy 29 Carl Richburg made 10 of 13 shots from the field en route to a 22-point performance for Mason in a Division I sectional game at Cintas Center.

Mason's defense forced Mount Healthy into 28 turnovers and 11of-32 shooting (34 percent).

The Comets had a 20 steals, led

by Jordan Faulkner, who had five.

MT. HEALTHY- Waller! 02, Tenslng103, Brunson 1 13, Wallaca 4 1 9, Smith 0 11, Miller 2 0 4, Bnggs 113, Brown 12 4. Totals: 116 29.

MASON- Faulkner3 0 6, Owens3 0 6, Crowley 113, Richburg 10 0 22, Crotty 12 5, Harman 10 3, Moo're 10 2, Tedford 1 0 2, Hill 2 0 4. Totals: 23 3 53.

Mt. Healthy ...- ••- ......-..... 3 8 6 12 -29

Ma __,_,,___,_,,,_..,_

4 14 17 18 -53

3-pointers: Mt. Healttly 1 (Tensing); Mason 4 (Richburg 2, Crotty, Harman).

Woodward Tl, New Richmond 58 D'Andre Fitzhugh scored 25 points and Robert Perkins added 23 to lead the Bulldogs to the Division II sectional victory at Anderson.

Withrow faces McNicholas at 11 a.m. Saturday at Anderson.

WOODWARD (14-71- Fitzhugh 11 0 25, Foster 1 0 2, Perkins 10 123, Peterson 10 3, Brinkman 2 2 6, Gaines 2 0 4, Edwards 5 212, Julius 10 2. Totals: 33 5 77.

NEW RICHMOND (1.3-91 -Tremper 1 3 5, Klaas 52 12, Martin 0 2 2, Henderson 9 0 19, Kilgore 0 1 1, McMonigle 2 0 4, Duncan 4 3 15. Totals: 2111 58.

Woodwanl ........,_........,_. 17 21 23 16 -77 New Richmond ............._,_ 10 19 14 15 -58 3-pointers: Woodward 6 (Fitzhugh 3, Perkins 2, Peterson); New Richmond 5 (Duncan 4, Henderson).

ceo so, Felicity 30 CCD scored the first 13 points and held Felicity scoreless for the first nifie minutes of the Division IV sectional game at Loveland.

CCD plays Seven Hills in the sectional final at 8:15 p.m. Friday at Loveland.

miCITY 13-191- Uttle 2 2 6, Hatfield 114, Powers 1 0 3, Taggen 2 2 7, Butts 50 10. Totals: 115 30.

CCD IJ.8..41 - Byer 1 0 2, Ward 5 0 10, Daly 3 4 11, Graves 2 0 4, Lawrence 10 2, Anderson 2 0 4, Leonard 2 0 • 4, Smit.\ 53 13. Totals: 21 7 50.

Felicity .....................- .....,_..

0 12 13

ceo......................................... u

5 -30

-so

1& 14 9 3-pointers: Felicity 3 (Hatfield, Powers, Taggen); CCD 1 (Daly).

Miami East 58, Monroe 46 Lemon Monroe had a onepoint lead after three quarters, but Miami East rallied to win the Division III sectional game at UD. Miami East will play Versailles at 3:30 o.m. Sunday at UD Arena.

MIAMI £A5T 115-71- Beard 16, So\'iiY 18, Mumma 4, Vanover 9, Kirk 3, Armstrong 5, Carson 3. Totals: 1819 58.

UMON MONROE 15-161- Kimmey 10, Rossl14, Hunt 10, Thacker 8, Wagers 4. Totals: 18 6 46.

Ent-'··--..·-·--

19 4 10 25 -58 Lemon Monroe ....................._ 13 9 12 12 -46 3-pointers: Miami East 3 (Beard, Sow!Y, Vanover); Monroe 4 (Rossi 2, Kimmey, Hunt).

Miami

210

A 8

~

C~·2EL !

SESSION 12 DMSION l BOLD YOUR OWR TICKET

110 REFUIID IIOT FOR RESAI.E

\

I

AREHA WILL BE EMPTIED AFTER EACH SESSION.

THE'OHIOSTATE UNIVERSITY SAT., MARCH 22, 2003 8:30P.M.

l~ ~

SESSION' 12 I

$7. 00

CLUB LEVEL

210

A 8

C6 FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2003

THE CINCINNAn ENQUIRER

HIGH SCHOOlS

Boys Basketball All-Stars: Division I ~ ALL-STARS

, .. ~"·l'···l~ ALL-STARS

~ ALL-STARS

-#?_l•'','j! .. ;,~

DNISIONI PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DIVISION! COACH OF THE YEAR

FIRST TEAM

••

J.

I

to.

~ • t •-

C.J. Anderson

Josh Duncan

Carl Kremer

MOELLER The junior averaged 18 points and 9.9 rebounds to .::;:.... lead Moeller to the state title.

He was named first-team allstate, district player of the year, and Enquirer/Channel 9 player of the year.

MOELLER He led Moeller to a 23-4 record and the state title, with an upset of top-ranked Columbus Brookhaven I His 1999 Moeller team also won the state championship.

m .

I

WOODS wrniDN The senior av· eraged 18.9 points, 7.1 re·~. bounds, 3. 7 · assists and 2.6 steals to lead the Warriors to the district final. He was named third-team all-district and firstteam aii-FAVC Buckeye.

_.,aJ.t!l• Pfj, I·! •4'&._ pa-__ 1-~-~1. ~- ~

,:a~::.:•u~~

ALL-STARS

ALL-STARS

~ ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

...

I

Quantez Robertson

The senior av.

WITHROW eraged 15 points, 8.0 re. · ·· ; bounds, 6.0 ; steals and 4.0 · assists in help·. • · ing Withrow to a 20-1 season.

He was named second-team all-district and honorable mention all-state.

Jon Smith

John Thinnes

HAMll..'fON

LaSALLE

The senior averaged 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in leading the Big Blue to the regional finaL He was named first-team all-district and special mention allstate.

The senior averaged 18.4 points and was GCL South coplayer of the year, leading the league in 3-point shooting (45 percent). He was secondteam all-district, honorable mention all-state.

~ ALL-STARS

,1~"·'1'·\~

ALL-STARS

~ ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

••

•

•

~

A

1 ~ ···•

~

Andrew Brackman

Dan DeGrace

~

MOELLER

ThOJ'"'"" eraged 16 points and 6.5 ' ~ rebounds to \ -- .;- ' help Moeller V win the state championship. He made the Division I state all-tournament team, with 43 points and 14 rebounds in two games.

Mark Dorris

LAKOTA WEST The senior averaged 10.1 points, 8. 7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks to lead the al final. He was named secondteam all-district and honorable mention all-state.

. ~ .. l. ..

.

j 1.- .

~

ALL-STARS Chris Norwell

PRINCE10N The junior averaged 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and led the area with 4.3 steals per game. was named third-team all-district and first-team aii-GMC.

ANDERSON

~'

The senior averaged 23 points and 12.1 rebounds as his team went 19-2. He was named second-team allstate, first-team all-district and FAVC Buckeye player of the year.

Honorable mention Johnny Wolf

~

ST.XAVIER The sophomore led the GCL South in scoring (19.4

.

the Bombers to the district final. He was named third-team all-district and first-team aii-GCL South.

Aiken - Justin Phoenix, Paul Hill; Lakota West- Brian LaChaGriffin; Amelia - Matt Firestone, pelle, John Allshouse; La SalleBryson Simpson; Anderson - Justin Orr, Nick Gnubenhoff; LebRyan Patzwald, Kurt Shoemak- anon - Tyler Pritchard, Jordan er; Colerain -Anton Sheafe; El- Langston; Loveland - Eric Van der - Thomas Sander, Gene Buskir1<, Clif Ramsey, Adam Mello, Bill Poland; Fairfield- Ke- Stanley; vin Wolfe; Glen Este- Rob NosMason -Chris Hill, Carl Richchang; Hamilton - Josh Couch, burg, Matty Owens; Middletown Adam Myers; Harrison - Kevin - James Frazier, Scott Wilson; McDonald, Alan Brech; Hughes Milford - Justin Bradley, Evan - Walt Chancellor, Sydney Pick- Smith; Moeller - Rob Christie, ard; Kings- John Walters, Bryan Bubba Walther, Joe Kimener; Gayhart, Drew Lauderback; La- Mount Healthy - Diyral Briggs; kota East- James Dews, Dustin Northwest - Jeremy Chappell,

Kurt Duke; Oak Hills- Justin Ray; Princeton - Jarrell Williams, Ross Morin; Springboro - Ryan Teets, Kyle Morris, Brian Alge; Wolf; Sycamore - Steve Kennedy; Talawanda -Bobby Winkler; Walnut Hills - Dave Oestreicher; Western Hills - Stevie Horton, Brian Sellers, Gabe Etter; Wilmington - Josh Adkins, Zach Hollingsworth; Winton Woods Mack Hunter, Jamaal Akbar; Withrow - Percy Hurt, Brandon Maupin, Terrell Woods.

Boys Basketball All-Stars: Divisions II-IV -#?_i·!~d!:.~~

11!!-_"·::.:l:;;iJ~

ALL-STARS

ALL-STARS

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Monty St. Clair

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE YEAR

D

BACON ROGER The senior averaged 18.7 ' points and 8.8 rebounds in leading the Spartans to the Division II regional final. He was named first-team all-state and district player of the year.

~amJ!l"h· ·1£&...

'JI!f"_ -11 ~ ..... ~ ~ l< •..

-

ALL-STARS DIVISION IV COACH OF THE YEAR

Howard Brownstein DAY ClN.CDUNIRY

~ ,_,. .

He led the In~ dians to a ' . · 19-5 record --and the Divi...,;r, · sion IV district ·" final. He was named Division IV state coach of the year by the Ohio High School Basketl:lall Coaches Association.

DIVISION III COACH OF THE YEAR

Eric Clemons

Rich Bensman

READING

READING

The senior averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks to lead Reading to the Division Ill state title. He was MVP of the Division Ill state tournament, blocking 10 shots in two games .

He led the Blue Devils to a 24-3 record and the Division Ill state championship, the school's first hio bas etball title. Reading upset No.1ranked Sugarcreek Garaway in the state final.

---tllill!I -h4lJ! '; 2£a.. ~

. . , _ -, . - . • • •

ll1 .. -

ALL-STARS DNISIONIV PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Mlck Shannon .-------,

LANDMARK ~ CHRISTIAN The senior averaged 18.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3. 7 assists in leading Landma o : 1rs winning season in 10 years. He was named first-team all-district and special mention all-state.

,f<;; .:: 1.

...~......... ·'····'~Jia._ ----->;-2 "'~·"'··-~

~- _.~,.&.l~

ALL-STARS

ALL-STARS

~ ALL-STARS

~

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Derek Aden READING The senior averaged 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in helping Reading win the Division Ill state title. He led Reading with 17 points in the state-title game and made the all-tournament team.

..JitJI :a 4" hI~~~~-i1la._ ~ .. ;

-

Raymond Edwards WOODWARD The senior averaged 18.3 points and 12.2 rebounds in leading the Bulldogs to the Division II district'~m~al..,,ri'e:"!w,..a~s· named first-team all-district and special mention all-state.

ALL-STARS

~ ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

FIRST TEAM

..JitLf::l.h'1'::;£i.a.... . . ~

"JJ!!"~ .;.~"""-·

~ ALL-STARS

J., •• _ _

David Shull

Luke Trenz

BADIN

MADEIRA

The senior averaged 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists as Badin reached the Division II sectional final. He was named first-team all-district and third-team all-state.

The senior averaged 19.1 points, 9. 7 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks in leading the Mustangs to the Division Ill regional semifinals. He was named first-team all-district and special mention all-state.

f]

Ryan Wilkinson

CLINIDNMASSIE The senior av~ eraged 15.5 · points and 3.0 assists in lead· ing the Falcons to the Division Ill district final.

He was named first-team allstate and first-team all-district.

ALL-STARS

Chris Huenlng

David Johnson

WYOMING

ROGER BACON The senior averaged 10.0 . points and 3.3 ~ assists in helping lead the Spartans tO the [ iVISIOn II regional final. He was named third-team all-district and firstteam aii-GCL North.

A '

The senior averaged 15.7 points and ,_ / ' shot 81 percent from the foul line.

He was named first-team a Cincinnati Hills league and honorable mention all-district.

~ ·•

·--:~

Honorable mention Badin- Kevin Brown, Josh Brinck; Batavia- Jon Bailey, Joe Mendenhall; Bethel-Tate - Zane Bunton; CHCA Jeff Hager, Tyler Morelock, Robbie Wilson; Cincinnati Christian - Ravone utUejohn; Cincinnati Country Day- Steven Daly, Aaron Anderson, Peter Graves, Kurt Smith; Clark MontessoriBrady Metz; Clermont Northeastern Scott Sheperd; Clinton-Massie- Keny Wilkinson, Brent Schea, Justin Beckett; Cozaddale Baptist- Jeremy Dick; Deer Park - Erik Ayers, Kyle Mason; East Clinton - Eric Parker, Wes Anders; Eastern Brown - Brett Beucler, Edgewood - Brian Hangbers; Fayetteville- Jason lies; Felicity- Justin Uttle; Fenwick - Mike Kleingers, Rob Kreke, Marty Bidwell: Finneytown - Mark Hawkins, Ryne McCormick; Franklin Zach DeZarn; Georgetown - Brandon Bannister, Ryan Seesholtz; Goshen - Kyle Had-

ley; Greenfield McClain - Bill Cullom, Adam Monlj!omery; Harmony Com· munity- Michael Holmes, Parrish Feagin; Hillsboro- Derrik Haithcock, AnthonyBeve~y: Indian Hill- Mike Ward; Jacobs- Kyenes Mincy, Don Pringle; Landmark Christian Aaron Westbrooks, Sonny Snell; Leesburg Fairfield - Steven Dugger; LemonMonroe - Chris Hunt; Uttle Miami Ryan Brewsaugh; Lynchburg-Clay Matt Allen, Jon Mclaughlin; lockland - Mike Collins; Madeira - Austin Love, Brad Darter. Cole Schwein; ManchesterGrant Palmer, Brandon Phelps; Mariemont - Robby Brown. Wally Raines; McNicholas- Rob Stamper, Nic Dyment; New Miami - Myron Shelley, Josh Moore; New Richmond -Tyler Henderson, David Duncan; North Adams - Josh Geeslin, Kevin Richey; North College Hili - James

Rodarmel; Norwood - Matt Marksbury, Brian Stewart; Peebles - Alan Carroll, Michael Cheesbro; Purcell Marian - Billy Finnell, Matt Peterman; Reading- Nick Berter, La uris Barnes, John Gertz; Ripley - Dylan Kennedy; Roger Bacon - Leonard Bush, Jon Newton, Marcus Smith; Ross- Kevin McBreen; SCPA - Kelvin Gaines; Shmder Tanyen Pearson, Marcus Daniels; St Bernard- Randy Fuson; Seven HillsP.G. Sittenfeid, Alex Derksen; Summit Country Day - John Falconi, Rene Cheatham; Taft - Ed Herring, Randy Parnell; Taylor- Matt Fox, Nick Bonner, Turpin- Blake Zimmerman; Westem Brown -Aaron Davis; West UnionSean Inman; Whiteoak - Jemd Michael, Jeremy Stacy;. Woodward D'Andre fitZhugh, Shailnoo Smith; Wyoming - Kevin Weybright, Geoff Tollett

Dunca0:-s . o 3 Named area's top player· From PageCl GCLS coaches knew what was store for the 2002-03 season.

Xavier coach Scott Martin, in preseason forecast,/ rated ller No. 1 in the city with this s cinct analysis: Shooting ability . .. and a speplayer." . at would be Duncan, who is stly an inside player but is just uch, at home on the wings.

I _think he's a great player bese he's so versatile," Moeller ach Carl Kremer said. "He hurts s in a Jot of ways. Not only d s he·score, but he's a great re. b under and he passes the ball ~II. He's also developed into one o~the best defenders around."

Duncan led Moeller (23-4) with a rages of 18,0 points and 9.9 reb unds. He shot 52.4 percent from 1:h'e field and 77.3 percent from the f®l line. He made 34-of-87 atttfnpts from 3-point range (39 P¢rcent), good accuracy for a big

The Cincinnati Enquirer/ JEFF SWINGER

Moeller Junior forward Josh Duncan's ability has already attracte.d the attention of schools such as Kentucky, Xavier, Marquette, Indiana and Duke.

day from Kentucky," Kremer said.

• "Indiana, Michigan ... Duke invitman.

I Moeller began the year ranked edhim to their camp. North Caroli-

Nh.1in theEnquiret'sareacoached poll, but slipped to No.4 after ing 16-4 against its typically rugg d schedule. But it all paid off th a 7-0 tournament record, inding a 73-65 upset of totrranked lumbus Brookhaven in the state als. · Brookhaven had been rated . 6 nationally by USA Today. oeller's upset vaulted the Cruers to No. 24 in the final USA !}day poll, the· school's first atr g~ce in the basketball Super

a

a ~

IDuncan is also a good student, Kremer said. Kremer. said virtually every ~jor college program in the ~~untry has called or written about D'Uilcan. .

I"Tubby·Smith called the other

~taining a 90 average,

na. State, Wake Forest and Marquette are very interested, and Xavier is recruiting him hard. UC is looking at him."

Recruiting expert Van Coleman said Duncan is moving up the list of seniors-to-be.

"He's on·e of those kids with potential to be a top 100 player in the nation," Coleman said. "He's got a good body at 6-7 and 210. He's mobile and can play away from the basket, too."

Duncan, when pressed, will acknowledge he likes Xavier, Dayton, Marquette, Michigan State and Ohio State, among others. It is far from his final list.

"I'm still open," he said. "For now, I'm just going to try to work on the fundamentals and get better for next year."

Duncan at a glance School: Moeller Class: Junior Size: 6-foot-7, 210 pounds Position: Forward 2002-03 statistics: 18.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

Shot 52.4 percent from the field and 77.3 percent at the foul line, and 39.0 percent from 3-point range. .

State Tournament: Led Moeller (23-4) to the Ohio Division I state title, with 50 points and 28 rebounds in two state tournament games.

Honors: MVP of Division I state tournament. Associated Press first team all-state. AP Southwest District Player of the Year. GCL South co-athlete of the year. •

Duncan always one of the best After a title season, Award finalists Josh Duncan was chosen Enquirer; Moeller Jr. named Channel 9 Player of the Year from Player of the Year among five finalists that included Eric

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

Josh Duncan nearly always has been the best basketball player on his team. Tills year, he was the best in Greater Cincinnati.

Duncan, who led Moeller to the Ohio Division I championship this season, has won the inaugural.Enqz.irer/Channel9 boys prep basketball Player of the Year award.

And he is only a junior - the only junior named to the Associated Press

Clemons (Reading), Ross Neltner (Highlands), Chris Norwell (Anderson) and Monty St. Clair (Roger. Bacon).

Division I all-state first team this season. He also was voted Southwest District player of the year and was MVP of the Division I state tournament, where he totaled 50 points and 28 rebounds in two games.

"I don't like to make a big deal out of myself," Duncan said of his latest aw~d. "I've got good teammates, players that don't get to play a lot.

Make sure you mention Tyler Stovall ... he's the guy that guarded me in practice all year and made me better."

Ask the S.foot-7, 21~pound Duncan about his early basketball days, and you get him to acknowledge he could always play.

"I started in third grade, and I guess I was always kind of like the standout," Duncan said ....I was always the tallest, anyway." r....... ''"'"~ He stood 6 feet tall by the eighth \·7f.,ii~:;p, grade, and was 6-6 when he cracked the Moeller starting lineup as a soph~ ~ <' ··.:}:~ omore. He averaged 16pointsagame last year, a hefty figure in the tough The Cincinnati Enquirer/STEVEN M. HERPPICH Greater Catholic League South diviMoeller junior forward Josh Duncan is the' first winner of the Enquirer/ sion.

See DUNCAN, Page C3

Channel 9 Player of the Year Award. He averaged 18 points and 9.9 rebounds a game in leading Moeller to the Division I state title.

THE ClNCINNATl ENQUIRER

HIGH SCHOOLS

Rvision I state championship: Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65

Moeller takes down the giant Road to the title Recapping Moeller's playoff victories: • Moeller60,

Crusaders beat top-ranked big-school team

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

Harrison 34 • Moeller74,

Mason 55 • Moeller 57,

Beavercreek 52 • Moeller 53,

Springboro 34 • Moeller81,

Hamilton 43 • Moeller85,

Cleveland Heights 74,0T • Moeller73,

Columbus Brookhaven 65

COWMBUS - Moeller upset Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 to win the Ohio Division I state basketball title Saturday night, stirring memories of the surprise championship it woa in 1999.

It was the second time in four years that Meeller (23-4) beat a USA Today top-10 team in the state finals. Columbus Brookhaven (26-2) was rated No. 6 nationally by USA Today. In 1999, Moeller upset No.9 Shaker Heights to win the championship.

'The way we looked at it, we were going to take down the giant," Moeller senior point guard Rob

Christie said, shouting to be heard above a postgame celebration on the court. "We weren't going to lose this game."

Moeller all-state forward Josh Duncan, cleared to play after suffering a head injury Friday night, led the Crusaders with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Two other juniors, guard Bubba Walther (19 points) and forward Andrew Brackman (18), followed Duncan in the scoring column.

Christie had nine points and four assists, and hit four key foul shots to stretch Moeller's lead from 66-65 to 7().65 in the waning seconds.

Attendance was 16,246 at Ohio State's Value City Arena, with the Division I game culminating a day of four state championship games.

Duncan initially was questionable after hitting his head on the court late in Friday's semifinal win over Cleveland Heights, but received the OK after doctors checked him Saturday morning.

"I knew I was going to· play, no doubt about it," Duncan said. "I can't even explain this right now.

What a great feeling."

Moeller lost all of a 13-point third quarter lead, but recovered to win going away. Brackman sealed it with a breakaway dunk at the buzzer, sending Moeller's players sprinting onto the court for the traditional victory pile-up.

"Moeller High School just does not quit," Christie said. "We kept reminding ourselves of all the hard work it took to get us here."

Moeller coach Carl Kremer called it, "A courageous Moeller, GCL performance," referring to the Crusaders' Greater Catholic League affiliation. It was Moeller's second title in four years and the GCL's fifth big-school state championship since 1993.

Moeller was ranked No. 9 and Brookhaven was No. 1 in the final Associated Press state poll of the regular season.

Brookhaven was trying to become the first school to win consecutive Ohio big-school titles since Elder did it in 1973 and 1974.

Brookhaven was led by senior point guard Andrew Lavender, the Ohio Division I player of the year.

Lavender (23 points) and Brookhaven senior forward Branden Foust both have signed with Oklahoma Walther said Moeller respected but did not fear the great ones: 'They're good, but we knew we could play with them," Walther said. "I think having seen them before gave us some confidence. And now we're state champs ... it's just an unbelievable feeling."

COI.UMBIIS -YEN (2&21 Spencer 2-4 2-2 6; Comley 4·6 0-1 8: Foust 5-6 1-4 11; Lyles 5-15 0.0 12; Lavender 9-19 2-2 23; Perry 2-2 1-2 5. Totals: 27-52 6-11 65.

MOEI.I.IR 123-41 Duncan 7-16 8-10 23; Klmener 1-1 2-5 4; Brackman 8-91-218: Chnstie 2-84-4 9; Walther7-IO 2-2 19; Carter O..Q 0-0 0; Childress 0-2 0-D 0; DieT11.ers 0-0 0-Q 0. Totals: 25-46 17-23 73.

3-pointers: CB 5-14 (lavender 3, Spencer 2), M 6-12

(Walther 3, Duncan, Brackman, CMstie). Rebounds: CB 20 (Foust 5), M 31 (Duncan 12). Assls1s: CB 10 (Foust 4), M 9 (Christie 4). Personal fouls: CB 18, M 11. Turnovers: CB 9, M 14. Attendance-16,246.

ITDTuTn~?BM ~l~JY?B~rs ®m.®

iJter a title season, w::"JGjyJJJ ·J.JJJC;JJo~ Josh Duncan was chosen Enquirer/ IVloeHer Jr. named Channel 9 Player of the Year from Player of the Year among five finalists that included Eric [li Tc:J tcrczst~:J 'fl:~

Ci::drmati Enquirer

Josh Duncan nearly always has been the best basketball player on his team. This year, he was the best in Greater Cincinnati.

Duncan, who led Moeller to the Ohio Division I championship this reason, has won the inaugural Enq:,ircr/Chrumel9 boys prep basketball Player of the Year award.

And he is only a junior - the only junior named to the Associated Press

.

©J tJke lD®\311

Clemons (Reading), Ross Neltner (Highlands), Chris Norwell (Anderson) and Monty St. Clair (Roger Bacon).

Division I all-state first team this season. He also was voted Southwest District player of the year and was MVP of the Division I state tournament, where he totaled 50 points and 28 rebounds in two games.

"I don't like to mal{e a big deal out of myself," Duncan said of his latest award. "I've got good teammates, players that don't get to play a lot.

./~ . ,,.,~,*~ ·--~ ~ "· :~.

Make sure you mention Tyler Stovall ... he's the guy that guarded me in practice all year and made me bet-

;\

.A ...(;/] '

ter.~

As!{ the 6-foot-7, 210.pound Duncan about his early basketball days, and you get him to acknowledge he could always play.

"I started in third ffl'llde, and I guess I was always kind of like the standout," Duncan said. "I was always the tallest, anyway."

He stood 6 feet tall by the eighth grade, and was &-6 when he cracked the Moeller starting lineup as a sophomore. He averaged 16 points a game last year, a hefty figure in the tough Greater Catholic Lea~e South division.

See tt;:t;r:;j, Page C3

.

•' '.

~"1

.

.

;

\

.. j

.~

.rJ /

Tht~

i:.1c:~l:r ):J~t!er fur;;crd Jc~'l

Cincir.nuti Enquirer/STEVEN M. HERPPICH

Cu::tecn is the first winner ofthe Enquirer/ Channel 9 Player of the Year Award. He averaged 18 point~ and 9.9 rebounds a game in leading Moeller to the Division I state title.

Moeller, Reading play for titles today

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Moeller and Reading will play for state basketball championships today, but the Crusaders might be without one of their stars.

All-state forward josh Duncan had 27 points and 16 rebounds to lead Moeller to a wild 85-74 Division I semifinal win over Cleveland Heights on Friday night, but he took a hard fall when fouled with 1:41left in overtime. Duncan hit his head on the floor, was down for several minutes, then was assisted off the court. He appeared to be bleeding slightly from the nose, and was being examined for a possible concussion late Friday.

Moeller coach Carl Kremer said Duncan's status was unknown for today's 8:30p.m. game.

"If he's medically fine he1l play, but the doctors are looking at him," Kremer said. "We just hope he's OK" Moeller (22-4) will play top-ranked Columbus Brookhaven, which beat Toledo StJohn's 59-53.

Reading knows it is the underdog for today's Division ill state semifinal game vs. top-ranked Sugarcreek Garaway at 2 p.m.

"If I were watching all the teams up here, I'd say Garaway is the favorite," Reading coach Rich Bensman said.

Reading (23-3) advanced to its first-ever state final by beating Bedford St. Peter Chanel 70.61 in the semifinals Thursday night Garaway (2~1) finished No.1 in the final Associated Press state poll of the regular season.

"Playing the No. 1 team motivates us tremendously," Moot-8 Reading senior center Eric Clemons said. "I'm gonna be really amped for the .~ram e."

¡State titles for Moeller, Readillg Each upsets 4No.l team

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati Enquirer

Moeller and Reading won boys state basketball state titles Saturday by upsetting the No.1-ranked team in their respective divisions.

Moeller, ranked No. 9 in the final Division I state poll this year, beat defending state champion Columbus Brookhaven 73-65 in the final Saturday night at Ohio State's Value City Arena. It was Moeller's second state title, with the other coming in 1999.

Brookhaven is rated No. 6 in the USA Today national poll.

The Crusaders finished the season ranked No. 9 in the state Associated Press poll.

Reading, unranked all sealOt son in pivisioa Ok, toppled â&#x20AC;˘ ao,.Sug~k G~y su; ~ 44 in its title game Saturday afternoon. It is Reading's first state basketball championship.

Junior all-state forward Josh Duncan led Moeller (23-4) with 23 points and 12 rebounds. The Crusaders began the season ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer's Division I area coaches poll and finished the season with a seven-game winning streak.

For Reading (24-3), senior forward Derek Aden led the way Saturday with 17 points.

The Blue Devils shared the Cincinnati Hills League title and finished the season with a nine-game winning streak.

The Blue Devils had several hundred blue-shirted fans in the crowd of 16,696 at Ohio State's Value City Arena, and Blue Devils players saluted them by climbing happily into the grandstands afterward.

Reading will honor its players at a school assembly Monday at 2:15 p.m.

Moeller will honor its team at the school at 9:30a.m. Tuesday.

The championships mark the first time in 15 years that Greater Cincinnati has had two Ohio divisional basketball winners. In 1988, Woodward . (Division 0 and Badin (Division rm both won state championships. Since then, the area had won six state titles, most recently Roger Bacon taking the Division II championship in 2002.

From1C "He's got some David West skills, but they're different players," Kremer said. "Josh is most comfortable facing the basket. He's more like a Shane Battier or Rick Fox." Xavier, Dayton, Ohio State and Marquette are some of the schools that have been heavily recruiting Duncan.

Duncan said he wants to go to a school that plays an up-tempo style, and if he does choose a school outside of Ohio, he doesn't want to be too far from home.

Although he hasn't narrowed his list of schools he would like to attend, Duncan said he is considering XU and likes playing in the Cintas Center.

"I think Josh can play for anybody," Kremer said. "He is so versatile that he could play in a multitude of systems. Xavier has been recruiting Josh very hard, and they've got a lot of things Josh values."

Aside from Duncan, the Musketeers are interested in the Ohio players listed here-: 6-10 Aaron Agnew of Bellaire High School, 6-11 Seth Gorney of Butler High School and 6-10 Matt Terwilliger of Troy High School.

XU senior point guard L'ionel Chalmers, who will

have a f ity nex shootin{ to andj1 nyMyle ter next Fort Muskett jectives find a c place CJ frontcou Myles.

The I have fil signing-Ju_n_I_O_r_-s_u_if_v-.. ~ guard Darryl Garrett, of Denby Preparatory and Technical School in Detroit.

In¡ alphabetical order, these are the forwards and centers on XU's wish list: 6-8 Taj Gray of Redlands Junior College (El Reno, Okla.), 6-10 Damien Harris of Wade Hampton High School (S.C.), 6-8 Al Horford of Grand Ledge High School (Mich.) and 6-9 Shawn Pruitt of West Aurora High School (Ill.).

Pruitt began c_ompeting again for West Aurora, the No. 1-ranked team in the state, two weeks ago after being sidelined since October with a fractured tibia above his right ankle.

In his last two games he has scored 24 and 17 points and has averaged eight rebounds. Pruitt was on crutches when he took an unofficial visit to XU in the fall with his parents.

. .... -· _

' .. .... ·:.. • ..

.. ...

...

•

~-,...

;_ +

. ·.·

~ ~ <~k'''~

-·

Moeller wins 2nd title Crusaders add to GCL mystique

By Kevin Goheen Post staff reporter

COLUMBUS- Pop culture is everywhere, even at the freethrow line of a state basketball championship game with less than a minute to play and the game's outcome hanging in the balance.

So as Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie settled in and prepared for a pair of freebies against defending state champion and top-ranked Columbus Brookhaven on Saturday night, was he thinking about how making both shots would give the Crusaders a three-point lead with 34.3 seconds left to play? No. Was he concentrating on the proper arch he needed or visualizing a postgame celebration?

No. "I was listening to one of my favorite songs and going through the words in my head," said Christie. "It's 'Lose Yourself by Eminem."

The technique worked as Christie made both free throws and then two more 16 seconds later to help Moeller win its second Division I state championship in the last five seasons-a 73-65 victory at Ohio State University's Value City Arena. Combined with Reading's win in the Division III state final, this marks the rrrst time since 1988 that two Cincinnati-area teams have won a state championship in the same year. Woodward won the Division I title back then, while Badin went 28-0 in winning the Division III championship.

It was also the fifth consecutive year at least one team from the Greater Catholic League's two divisions- the big-school South or smaller-school Northwon a state championship. In the past 11 seasons, nine of the 10 GCL schools have combined for eight championships, three runners-up and 18 state tournament berths. That kind of success and league-wide competition proved to be an advantage for Moeller.

"We decided we were going to take the game to them," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "Our whole thing was we weren't in awe of them. They're a great team but we weren't in awe because we're Moeller, we're from the GCL and nobody's intimidating us."

The Crusaders (23-4)won 16 of their finall7 games. Brookhaven (26-2) lost for just the fourth time in its last 82 games. .

Moeller had three players score in double figures -junior

JAY LAPRETE/}.ssociated Press

Moeller's Rob Christie tries to drive the lane past Columbus

Brookhaven's Denzel Lyles (20) during the Division I final. forward and state tournament MVP Josh Duncan led with 23,junior guard Bubba Walther was 7of-10 U'om the field for 19 points, and junior forward Andrew Brackman added 18. Walther and Brackman also were named to the all-tournament team.

Brookhaven didn't make things easy for Moeller. Just as it did Friday night in an 85-7 4 semifinal overtime win against Cleveland Heights, the Crusaders saw their opponent erase a double-digit deficit in the second half. Cleveland Heights rallied from 19 points down with six minutes left to force overtime. This time, Brookhaven outscored Moeller 27-14 in the third quarter, including a 16-4 run in the final 3:27 of the period, to wipe out what had been as much as a 13-point Moeller advanta~e.

The Bearcats have two Oklahoma-bound players in 5-foot-8 point guard Andrew Lavender and 6-7 forward Branden Foust and both performed like they belong playing on one of college basketball's biggest stages. Lavender equaled Duncan for gamehigh scoring honors and had four steals. Foust made five of his six shots for 11 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Crunch time in the fourth quarter, however, belonged to

Moeller. The .::rusaders held Brookhaven sroreless for the final2:43.

With MoeThr trailing 63-61, senior forward foe Kimener beat a Brookhaven player for a loose ball on the dffensive end and was able to call tmeout before going out of bourds with 3:23 left. Or the ensuin~ possession, Duncar got arounc'Foust for a basket tc tie the sccre. Kremer called Ki· mener, wto ended the game with four poilts, eight rebounds, three asssts and one big steal, the teams unsung hero.

"I de:1ected the ball so (the Brookhcven player) couldn't get to it and he never saw me come from balind," Kimener said. "My job on ibis team is to do the little things I need to take charges, I need 1o get steals, get to loose balls. I pride myself in that and I don't mind doing all of those things because that's what I do well.• COLUMBUS ~YEN (26-ZI: Spencer 2-4 2-2

6, Comloy 4-6 0.1 8, Foust 5-61·4 II. LyleS !i-15 IJ.O 12.

L.oven<I0'9·19 2·223. Wol<efieldiJ.OIJ.OO.Jor.csiJ.OIJ.OO. McGee ~ IJ.O o. Peny 2·2 1-2 5, Cumberl>nd IJ.O ().() o.

Totals 27-52 6- !I 65.

IIOillEII 122-41: OUncan 7-16 8-10 23. Klmener I·I 2·5 4. Br:lCkman 8-91-218, ChristJe2·84-49. Waltl'~r7-10 2·2 19. caner IJ.O IJ.O o. Chl!dre530.2 o-o o, Oierl<er.i ().() ().()0

Tote'!25-4817·23 73

Brool<hoven ..................

17

12

279:"'

Moeller ,..................... ...

23

17

14 ·~ _ ·

llltee-J>Ointgoals-BrookliOVOn 5·14 (I.Mn<lt; · 2·6. Foust 0·1). Moeller 6-12 IW•Mer 3·5, OU ChrlsUe 1-2, Brackman 1-1) Fouled out· Reboonds-Brool<l111Y1!11 20 (Foust 51. Moeller 31

=

12). ~Brook!loven IO(Foust4). Moener9 (Kll Fou!s-Brook.~3ven 18. Moeller 11 A-16.246 <-

C4 SAlURDAY, MARCH 22, 2003

SPORTS

Moeller gives itself big scare, but wins Crusaders play for state title today lyT•~ :Jie CiiiCi~tllllti EftQ~irtr

COWMBUS-Moeller · ha:l it all the way.

Nell, most of the way. . Except for the part wha-e the Crusaders blew a 19-j)oint lead in the fourth quarter, Moeller dominat· ed Cleveland Heights in an 85-74 overtime win in the Ohio Division I state semifi· nals Friday night "''m just glad to live to fight one more day," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said.

"I thought our kids showed ~dous co~e to come out and dominate the overtime the way we did."

The crowd of 16,423 at Ohio State's Value City Arena saw one of the most astonishing games in the tournamenfs 81-year history. Certainly, it was one of the most amazing finishes.

Moeller, led by unstoppable 6-7 junior forwards Josh Duncan (27 points, 16 rebounds) and Andrew Brackman (25 points, nine rebounds) stormed out of

ntlegames The Division I and Division Ill state title games are at Value City Arena in Columbus. Tickets for each are $7.

Who: Moeller (22-4) vs. Columbus Brookhaven (26-1) What: Ohio Division I basketball title game When: Today, 8:30 p.m.

Radio: WBOB (1160 AM).

TV: ONN Cable (Time Warner digital Ch. 105; TV Middle· town Ch. 17; Lebanon Ch. 69).

Who: Reading (23-3) vs.

Sugarcreek Garaway (26-1) What: Ohio Division Ill basketball championship game When: Today, 2 p.m.

Radio: None TV: ONN Cable (Time Warner digital Ch. 105; TV Middle· town Ch. 17; Lebanon Ch. 69).

the box for a 15-7 first quar· ter lead. The· Crusaders threw a little Greater Cath· olk League South defensive pressure at Cleveland Heights, taking four charg· ing fouls in the first quarter alone.

Cleveland Heihts, known as an aggreJSive, board-crashing team 1t the offensive end, was :aken out of its game. Forthree quarters, anyway.

Moeller built a leac of3223 by halftime, and ectend· edit to 61-42 before things came apart with unler six minutes left.

Moeller started :o turn the ball over agains: Cleveland Heights' p~essure.

The Crusaders mssed a few free throws. Ceveland Heights started geiing the ball inside and sco.ing.

"We just got a lttle pan· icky, and we made some mistakes," Kremtr said. "I wasn't doing a very good job of coaching, either. I kept telling our guys to at~ tack, and to play to win."

Yet, the margin started dwindling ... 61-49 ... 6559 ... and then, 66-66 to force overtime.

"It was kind of overwhelming," Moeller point guard Rob Christie said.

"But we've been through so much this year, we just dug down and gutted it out" The onslaught left Moeller's players temporarily dazed. Then, while waiting for the four-minute overtime to begin, the Crusaders started to get revved up.

The Associated Press

Moeller's Andrew Bracluun (40) goes up for a shot Friday against Cleveland Heights' Shawn Butler (43).

"I looked at guys on the over.

Moeller seeks its second bench and saw guys who didn't want to lose," Krem- state title.

IIOI11JII 122-41 - Duncan 12 2 27; er said.

- 1 4 6; . _ . , 12125; ~4 4 13; 318; Ch~ 14 6. TOUIII: 33 16 As quickly as it had fad- 85.

CU't'IIJHI....-rs(22-41 • Nllllln 1 0 ed, Moeller suddenly Olbome 4 1 10; GNy t 0 2; Jones 4 2 12; caught fire again. After fall- .2; _ 4 3 13; l.ICiollll 1 0 2; ~ 2 0 4; 3 0~ Bulllr7 0 14; Thorn- t 0 2; ing behind 68-66 to start Bo¥1204. TOIIII:308 74. overtime, the Crusaders .....,. _ _ 15 17 22 12 11-11 went off on a 16-0 run that CIM.Molll*- 7 11 17 21 1-74 netted an 85-70 lead. Game

W-

TilE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER SECTION

NBA •.••••.••.••••• 7 Scoreboard ••••• ·•• 1 0 GoH ••••• .•••••••• 11 ~8414; FAX 768-8550 --------- -·------·- --·

SuNDAY •

MARcH 28, 1999

ill] K

es state title Sylvester, Hutzel each score 16 points in 67-62 win over Shaker Heights

BY CAREY HOFFMAN Enquirer contributor

COLUMBUS - A trail of talented teams sit at home this ' morning, reading that Moeller became state champions Saturday night, wondering how they pulled it off.

With a team whose greatest strength was its ability to avoid definition by its opponents, Moeller swept past the nation's No.9 team, Shaker

Heights 67-62 for the Division I state title at Ohio State's Value City Arena.

"There have been games that I've watched again on tape, the Beavercreek game, the Vandalia Butler game, and I say, 'How did we win this game?' " said Mike Monserez, who had 13 points and 10 assists Saturday on his way to state tourney MVP honors.

"Tonight, we played great, we

shot it great, and that makes us hard to beat."

Moeller (21-6) shot 63 percent in the game and used a combination of its greatest strengths to prevail. At times it was defense, including a 1-2-2 zone in the second quarter that gave the Crusaders control of the game. At other times, it was offense, particularly Monserez's passing.

"Mike is the most dedicat-

ed, driven kid," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "He's defined our program the last three years."

Saturday's win wasn't without nervous moments.

A 12-2 run by Shaker Heights made the ending a scramble, as the Raiders pulled to within 51-48 with 3:30 to play. But Shaker

(Please see MOELLER, Page D12)

Moeller's Mike Monserez receives hugs from his teammates after Saturday's state title victory in Columbus.

The Enquirer/ Saed Hindash

Duncan~:

Name.d area's top p~ayer From PageCl GGI.S coaches knew what was in stqre for the 2002-03 season.

St xavier coach Scott Martin, in his ~reseasc>rt forecast, rated Moefie.rN'o:t ifi tlie city with this succinct analysis: "Sh9oting ability ... and a spe-

!

cial play,er."' · . · That Would be Duncan, who is

mos\IYM inSide player but is just as r®ch at horne on the wings. "hhink he's a great player because he's so ve~tile," Moeller coaon Carl Kremer said. "He hurt:s te...ams in a lot of ways. Not only does: he score, but he's a great rebounde.r and he passes the bali weU. He's also developed into one of the best defenders around."

Duncan led·Moeller (23-4) with averages of 18.0 points and 9.9 rebounds. He shot 52.4 percent from the field and 71.3 percentfrom the foul ·line. He made 3~£-87 attempts . from 3-point range (39 percent), good accuracy for a big man ..

Moeller began the year ranked No. 1in the Enquirers area coaches poD, but slipped to No.4 after going 164~gainstits typically rugged sehedule. But it all paid off with a 7-0 tournament record, including a '73-65 upset oftop-ranked Columbus Brookhaven in the state

finals.

·

Brookhaven had been rated No. 6 nationally by USA Today.

Moeller's upset vaulted the Crusaders to No. 24 in the final USA Today poll, the school's first appearance in the basketball Super

25.

Duncan is also a good student, maintaining a 90 average, Kremer said. Kremer said virtUallY every major college program in the .country has called or written about Duncan. · 'Tubby Smith called the other

'

·

The Cinci®llttfnquirer/J•EFF.SWINGER

MeeNer )Ynlor fGrward Josh Duncan's ability has already a_ttracted · the attention of schools such as Kentucky, Xavier, Marquette, Indiana and Duke.

day from Kentucky," Kremer said.

"Indiana, Michigan ... Duke invited him to their camp. North Carolina State, Wake Forest and Mar· quette are. very interested, and Xavier is recruiting him hard. UC is looking at him."

Recruiting expert Van Coleman said Duncan is moving up the list of senionrto-be.

"He's one of those kids with potential to be a top 100 player in the nation,~ Coleman said. "He's· got a · good body at 6-7 and 210. He's mobile and can play away from the basket, too." · Duncan, when pressed, will acknowledge he likes Xavier, Day· ton, Marquette, Michigan State and Ohio State, among others. It is far from his final list. . "I'm still open," he said .. "For now, I'm just going to try to work on the fundamentals and get better. for next year."

Duncan at a glance School: Moeller Class: Junior Size: 6-foot-7', 210 pounds Position: Forward 2002-03 statistics: 18.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

Shot 52.4 percent from the field and 77.3 percent at the foul line, and 39.0 percent from 3-point range.

State Tournament: Led Moeller (23-4) to the Ohio Division :1 state title, with 50 points and 28 rebounds in two state tournament games.

Honors: MVP of Division I state tournament. Associated Press first team all-state. AP S,guthwest District Player of the Year. GCl South co-athlete of the year.

I

DMSION I BOYS' BASKETBALL STATE SEMIFINALS

~eller .:.:·/."' '·: >> ·-· .:-- .

,, . •

'·I

~

.,..........

wins wild game in overtime

Post staff reporter

COLUMBUS - For 25 minutes and 55 seconds Friday night, Moeller made all of the,pre-game talk and hype concel'tlint~thletic ability and explosiveness"b'f Cleveland Heights more myth than fact as the ClJ!saders built a 19-point lead.

For the final6:05 of regulation in their Division I state semifinal basketball game, however, Cleveland Heights lived up to all of the accolades lauded upon them.

In the end, though, the Crusaders survived a late 24-5 run by Cleveland Heights and advanced to tonight's state title game against Columbus Brookhaven with an 8574 overtime victory before 16,423 at Ohio State University's Value City Arena. Moeller outscored the Tigers 19-8 in overtime, including a 16-0 run that has been a staple of the Crusaders this postseason.

Moeller's first-team AU-Ohio junior forward Josh Duncan scored 27 points and had 16 rebounds, but his availability for the championship game is unknown. With 1:41left in overtime, Duncan's head hit the floor after a battle for the ball underneath the offensive basket. He laid on the floor for ample of minutes before sitting up and then being taken to the bench. Duncan is to be examined this morning to determine his status.

"I'm not even sure what to say," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "I feel fortunate to play in the championship game. I thought our kids showed tremendous courage and that's pretty difficultwhen you lose a lead like we did."

Overtime became a necessity because Cleveland Heights turned up the defensive pressure, began to make shots, and Moeller helped out with some less-than-efficient freethrow shooting. The Crusaders committed 14 turnovers in the second half (24 for the game) and most of them were during the Tigers' run.

Moeller made just three of its six free-throw attempts in the fourth

and set off a fast-break layup by Jones to even the score, 61-66.

The Tigers had a chante to win the game in regulation, btt Jones' 17-foot shot over the outsfretched arm of Christie hit the rim md was rebounded by Duncan.

"I didn't think it was goin{to go because I got my hand in his ~oot­ ing pocket real quick," said Ouistie, who finished with 13 pointsmd six assists. "He had been pullingup on people all night and I knew ex:actly what he was going to do."

This marks the flfth year in arm\ Cincinnati has been represented in the Division I state title game Moeller in 1999 and this year, St. Xavier in 2000, Elder in 2001 and Winton Woods last year. Moeller and St. Xavier each won titles.

Moeller used tlle aggressive offensive style of Clevt:lll.lld Heights against the Tigers by drawing four charges in the first quarter aloM and built a 15-7 lead. Cleveland Heights was called for 10 total fouls in the firstquarter,comparedtojust two for the Crusaders. The Tigers eventually lost James Alex Nixon and All-Ohio guard Jon Battle to fouls. Battle ended the game with 13 points despite playing on a sprained ankle suffered in last week's regional championship game victory against Massillon Washington.

Moeller outrebounded Cleveland Heights, 41-30, not a surprising total considering the Crusaders' TERRY GILLIAM/ Associated Press height advantage. Moeller played four players who stand at least 6 feet Moller's Andrew Brackman goes up for a shot as Cleveland 7. Junior forward Andrew BrackHeights' Shawn Butler defends during first-quarter action. man added 25 points and nine re- · quarter, including missing the front Darren Jones made just four of 21 bounds.

1741: N1kon 1.fl 0.2 2, Go- 4.fl end of a bonus situation twice. shots in the game, but it,was his 1-5 10.Cl.lVII..u.IIOIIHTS G...- 1-! ~.looM 4-:U 2-2 12. Bo1t1o 4-1QJ!-4 13.

"The press didn't take its toll un- three-poin1er that began the come- Lodwell1-1 0.0 2, S1iiclllond 0.1 0.00, Sanders 0.00.0 0, Cauley H-2-40.04,Cotlon0.00.00, l'oftrsJ-40.19. til the fourth quarter," Cleveland back. Reserve forward Donovan 0.00.00, Butler 7-II 0.0 14. Thompson 1-2 00 2, lloyd 2-4 0.0 4. Totals 74.

Heights coach James Cappelletti Boyd scored twice from the inside 30-716-14 ~ 1•1: Duncon 12-16 2-5 27, - 1 - 2 4-6 6. said. "I thought our defense stepped and Shawn Butler muscled his way 811c:klllln 12-20 1-3 25, Ch- 4-9 4-5 13. Wllther J.9 1·2 B. AsiiO-QO-QO, Wlt!O-QO-QO. canarO-QO-QO, up and got us back into it in the end. to some key rebounds on both ends. Tntlno!O-QO-QO, Juen..r 0-Q 0.0 0, DeTemple 0.0 0.0 0, SUlvoll 0.0 0-Q 0, The fans seemed to enjoy it."

Trailing 66-62 with 1:20 left in regu- C h - H 4-4 6, Oitrtltrs 0.1 0.0 0. Totala 33-6116-25 85.

CU. HEiGHTS 7 16 17 26 8 74 Moeller point guard Rob Chris- lation, Butler stole an inbounds MOfll.ER 1.5 17 22 12 19 -?15 tie's three-pointer\\ith five seconds pass and then eventually capped off ThrH-polnt .,.ls-C1t. Hfilltl 8-30 (Powers 3-4. Jonn 2·10. Blt!le2-7,Go-1-2, BuUor0.3, Nbon0-1, Stllcldand0-1. left in the third quarter gave the the possession with a basket off an H - ().!, l!oyd 0.1), Moeller 3-9 (W-r 14, Duncon 1-3, Crusaders a 54-40 lead heading into offensive rebound.

Christie 1·1, Brockman 0·11. Fouled out-Nixon. Bottle.

Rebounds-Cle. HeWIII30 (Buller 8), Moeller 41 (OUIQII 16). the final eight minutes.

On Moeller's next possession, he Assists-Cia. Htlllflts 10 (Jones 3), Moeller 22 (Christie 6).

Cleveland Heights point guard tipped the ball away from Duncan Fools-Cio. HeWd5 27, - 1 6 . A-16,423.

Bearcats stand in the way of Crusaders ByKtviiiGoMH Post staff reporter

'

COLUMBUS - Moeller has its work cut out for it if its going to win its second Division I state basketball title in the last five years.

When the Crusaders won their first championship back in 1999, they had to beat nationally ,... Moeller (22-4) ranked vs. Brookhaven Shaker (26-1) Heights to ,... Division I state do so.

They'll try final to duplicate ,... 8:30p.m. that feat to- ,... Value City Arenight when na, Columbus they take ,... Ohio News on defend- Network; WBOB-AM ing cham- (1160) pion Columbus Brookhaven at Ohio State University's Value City Arena. Moeller beat Cleveland Heights, 85-74, in overtime Friday night to earn its berth, while Brookhaven got all it could handle from Toledo St. John's before finally beating the Titans 59-53.

Brookhaven ended the regular season ranked No. 1 in the As-

TONIGHT

sociated Press state poll and is currently ranked No. 6 in the USA Today national poll. The lone blemish to the Bearcats record is a 67-62loss to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and LeBron James, who will play Ketter:ng Alter today for the Division II championship. Brookhaven is 78-3 in the last three seasons.

One of those losses was a 38-50 setback to Elder in the 200Jstate semifinals, a loss that was m impetus for the Bearcats contnued success.

"That was our first trP here and Elder knew what thor were doing," Brookhaven as;istant Rock Craft said. "They showed us what big-time Division I basketball was all about ancwewent out and learned from it."

Moeller may be vithout the services of All-Ohir junior forward Josh Duncan, who suffered a blow to the head whe:t he fell hard to the floor lale in o.rertime.

"We're going to be tre underdog either way," Moelltr coach Carl Kremer said. "Mybiggest concern is getting the kits rested and to get Josh healthy.'

Brookhaven lost thret players to Division I colleges of of last year's team that beatWinton

Woods, 66-49, in the championship game. All that did was give some other players a chance to shine. Senior point guard Andrew Lavender and senior forward Branden Foust are both headed to Oklahoma to play for the Sooners next year.

Neither disappointed against St. John's. Lavender had 22 points, while Foust had 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bearcats are also playing for their head coach, Bruce Howard, who collapsed after a game in January from cirrhosis of the liver. The oddity of Howard's ailment is that he doesn't drink alcohol. Drew Williams, an 11-year assistant under Howard, is the interim coach.

"We've got assistants who have seen them on tape but I haven't watched one iota of them," Kremer said. "I'm going to stay up all night tonight watching tape. I don't know that much about them because we were so focused on Cleveland Heights."

Ifthere's one thing working in Moeller's favor, it's history. No team has repeated as the bigschool state champion since Elder won back-to-hack Class AAA titles in 1973 and '74.

ELISE

Associated Press

A. J. Mo)e reacted after his

slam-durl< to seal the Hoosiers' win Friday in the Midwest re~onal at Boston.

r; e,

MIDWEST REGIONAL

Alabama crumbles,~ .~J'U wins From Post news services

For the first half of the season, no one was stronger than Alabama. The Criqlstm TIQe fade!! in the secor!P hm'- justlike Friday··

~acey Wright scored~ 17 of

his4Joints after halftime, and Tom Coverdale had 23 points, eight assists and the game's imal rebound to lead Indiana to a 67-62 victory in the NCAA Midwest Regional.

Maurice Williams had 26 points, and Erwin Dudley had 18 points and nine boards for Alabama, which was the No. 1-ranked team in the country on New Year's Day before falling apart in the second half of the season.

The lOth-seeded Crimson Tide (17-12) led by 11 at the half but trailed the No. 7 seed by six until Williams hit a long threepointer at the 1:00 mark to make it 65-62. Wright missed at the other end, but when Williams had a chance to tie it in the final seconds his three-point attempt went wide and off the backboard.

Coverdale corralled it for his eighth rebound of the game, and the Hoosiers threw the ball long to A.J. Moye for an insurance dunk that accounted for the final score. Indiana advances to face second-seeded Pittsburgh in -s~q:il second round.

1121: WlnstDn 2-8 4-4 8. Dudley 7-15 4-5 18, Wallcer 1-4 1·2 3, M.Wllllarns 10-19 2·3 26, Pettway ().I 0-00, Mea<le 2-4 2·2 7, Shelton 0-IO-OO,Smlth 0-0().()0, LWimams 0-0 0-0 o. Totals 22·52 13-16 62.

IIIDIAIIAII7J: Wll(llt 5·11 5·7 17, New!Dn 6-12 2·2 14, Leldll-4 2·2 4, Covertlale 4-912·13 23. Strtcldand 0.5 ().() 0, Hornsby 2·5 ().() 6. Moye 1·31·2 3, Peny ().() ().() 0.

Tota~ IQ-49 22-26 67.

Halftime-Alabama, 35·24. Throe-point pis-Alabama 5-12 (M.W.IIIams 4-8, Mea<le 1-3, Shelton 0-l),ln<Jiana 7-18 (CO\'eflllle 3-6, Hornsby 2·3, Wll(llt2·5, Newton 0·1, Strickland 0·3). Fouled out-leach.

Rebounds-Alabama 31 (Dudley 9), lndlana 36 (Covertlale 8). Aasists-Aiabema13 (Winston 5), Indiana 15 (Covertlale 8). Fouls-Alabama 21, Indiana 17.:>Technlcai-Aia.W'•"" ~ ·~-beflch.A-17,962.

....

Pn1SBURGH 87, WAGNER 61 - Wagner stayed close for most ofthefu'st hhlfbefore Pittsburgh finished it with a 7-2 run for a 4029lead. The Panthers started the second half with an 18-3 surge that all but finished the Seahawks with nearly 14 minutes still to play.

As usual, the defense of the bigger, quicker Panthers was outstanding as they came up with 14 steals. · " · - ·They held Wagner to 10 baskets and forced 10 turnovers in the flrst half and were even better after that. In 16 of their 30 games, including the previous flve, they held opponents to 60 points or less. c

WACND flU: Hall 5-11 7-8 17, Carroll 2·6 ().() 6, Wyattt 3-8 2· 7 8, Dye 5-9 ().() 15, Prllcllard 2·6 ().() 4, Munson 3·5 3·3 9, Melemo"' 1·3 ().() 2, Martin 0.1 0-0 0, McCrae().()().() 0, Vleps 0-1 ().() 0, Allen().()().() 0, VItale ().I().() 0. lata~ 21·5112·18 61.

I'ITTSIIJIIGII1171t Brown 5-8 ().() II. lavackas 5-10 3~ 18, lell4-81-2 9, Pap 4-7 ().() 9. Knl;tt4-8 1-2 10, Troutman 3-3 2·5 8, Klauser 3·8 4·5 12. Moms 4-5 ().() 8, Oemetrls 0-11·3 I. Mccarroll 1-1 0-0 3, Dorazio().()().() o, F«<ellco ().() ().() 0. Totals 33·59 12·2187.

Halftlme-PittsOurtn, 4().29. Th-polntgoai$-Wa&ne< 7·21 (Dye 5-9, tam>ll2·5, Han 0.1. Melemore 0.1. Wyat11 0.2. Prltcllard 0.3), Plltsburf\ 9-18 (Zavackas 3-5. Klauser 2-3, McCarroll 1·1, BIOWIII·:l, Pace 1·2, KnJ&htl·3). Fou~ out-None. Reboun<b-W~ 34 (WyaUo 9), Pltl>burlfl 37 (Zavaci<ls 7). Asolsts-Wacner 13 (Carroll, Mclemo"' 3), Plltsburtn 22 (l!tt. Page, ZI¥0Ckas 4). FouiS-wacner 20, Pltts0u11!!119. A-17.962.

FRANKC

Butler players celebratecafter their 47-46 upset against fifth-seeded Mississippi State in the first roand' ment. The 12th-seeded Bulldogs hit a basket with 6.2 seconds left to win it.

rJ~;,,>t...,. ;'t t;tT l

QEGIQfl" ~r I ''t{h. h

.IJ.utl_er.plays C.inderella.a From Post news services

4>9 Z:~Y2!fJ.':.~_:ri~~-~3~~=~

o.o 5, Schlader0-00-1 o. tarmldlael 0.12·2 2. HamP!Dn

This time, Butler did more than just take a Southeastern Conference team to the wire.

Brandon Miller hit a runner with 6.2 seconds left to lift the 12th-seeded Bulldogs to a 47-46 upset of No. 5 Mississippi State on Friday nightin the f:Lrstround of the East Regional.

Miller raced around the court pumping his flst while former Moeller High School star Mike Monserez stood on the press row table, once again celebrating Butler as an NCAA tournament darling.

Butler's players came back on the court and gathered in front of their bench a few minuteslster. They'llmeetRickPitino and fourth-seeded Louisville on Sunday.

Michael Ignerski missed a fade-away jumper with 25 seconds left'!or Mississippi State (21-10). Miller then brought the ball up the court and hit the running shot in traffic, after throwing the ball away for a costly turnover with 1:33left.

TimmyBowerswasshortona . t attemo t at th e h orn.

Thrree-oom

lllln.IJti2WI:Monsetezi"-60-03,Cuny0-30-00, Comella 4- 71 •2 9, Millet' s. 12 2•2 14 , AIOhey 2-11 2•2 8 , Ll#llfootJr. 6-13 1-213, Horan o.o o.o o, Sheels o.o o.o o.

Totals 18-47 S-8 47. _ , . ST.IZl·IOJ: Harper0-5 2·2 2. ~rskl 0·6 O·O o. Austm 8·12 1·4 18, Bowers 2·9 3·4 9,

Zlmmerman1-52~4.Compbeii0-00-00,Frazlor3·50-0

~!?. :.i:-':..~~-~~o,Macurao.lo.oo.H,no.u.

0

2

I.IIUm!WIMI:Whlloheads-13~-,sao.:-nH

().() 7, Stooe 4-6 0-2 8, Oean 2·7 ().() 5, Garnes 6-15 2~ 18.

Tlncll o.o o.o o. oartel 3·3 o.o 6, Nortnem 1·5 o.o 3,

~g:~:,t~g:g~:=22to~T~:~t?ti3ij

86.

Paay~2~<~~~·~~~~'::n~t~=

~;;d~~ 1'1,l'o':~-~."'N~~\,'::f.t'il:;:n

o'Bannon o.1).- out-Stnne.

Rebounds-A~n

JJ

Paay

~~~G~~:!,~~~~~~t=::::~

Paay 18• louisville 22 · A-fjA.

AUBURN 65, SAINT JOSEPH'S 63 (OT) -Marquis Daniels scored 25 points, five of them in overtime, and the Tigers-with-~ stood a brilliant second-halfperformance by Saint Joseph's star Jameer Nelson.

Nelson scored13 ofhis team's last 15 points in regulation, ineluding two fre~ throws with a half-second left to tie it at 57. He made a pair of three-pointers to help Saint Joseph's take a 63-59 lead in overtime, but the Hawks ~coyldn't imish the job.

Auburn pulled within two on Daniels' dunk, an:i the Tigers took the lead for good on the senior forward's three-point play with 45.2 seconds re:roailfi!J,gJll 4.heextra period. Nelson missed hi s 1as t two sh ot s an d St . J oe 's t1;1rned the.ball over on an ofiens1ve foul Wlth 19 semnds left.

mates made sure bigger was barely better.

Howard, the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, made two key free throws and flnished with 12 points to help the second-seeded Demon Deacons survive a major scare.

The Buccaneers (20-ll)will go home with a loss in their first tournament appearance in 11 years, but the consolation that they, not Wake Forest, were the real show.

With his 22-point performance and frenetic floor game, Smith got most of the credit for ETSU's scintillating effort. During an unbelievable 65-second stretch late in the game, healmost took the Bucs to the second roundc,on his own. «> The 5-foot-9 freshman made a three-pointer and a pair of free throws to cut a 72-64 deflcit to three with 47 seconds left. On the ensuing in bounds pass, he practically dove in front of a Wake Forest player for the steal, then after his teammates rebounded two misses, he hit a three-poin~1rom the left side to ~the score. ~ -

-4 ~ 3 3.Holmes4-los.s

2

o.oo~-6ri ~r: ~~~.o.ttf.~·

rcxais30-52t2·15

goa~~~~~~.:.-~ Konowlchiek1-6, H 6

~~~~~~":· R~o 0. ~=m~": Syracusel7. A-18

• OKIAH( 63- Vietc reer-high: boys mad down the the secon1 Ugonn career hi Penn, wh games ar the Ivy I (22-6)we· Rhoda 2-3 1·2 5, WadOOd 5-12 9·12 20. 1eft , b u t 1 FieldsETSU o.s 1173~ •3 1, Smitll 9•23 2•3 22 , Antllony 3-11 2•2 9 , . ts 0 f ~n 4-6 o.o 9, NUCI<Ies 1·5 s-s 1. 1cxa~ 24-«J 20-28 porn wAKE FIIIEST 1711: Levy 1-to o.s t4, o.nellus I·1 Ivan 1\ ll51t Daniels 10.192-4 25. IIJIIrngsworth 0-02 E Willlams9142 320 DowneyS-110-017 Howan:l 7-151·115, oam 3-51·2 1. Blld 3-11 3~ u. Montoe 0-4 • · . • • • • an d 12 rel o.oo.RobinsonO.II-21,Watson2-50-06,caiiOnO-Oo.o ::~~~~~~T~~~:~~~i,o~_r.reo.o6-8~> £ttfe m;._ O,LD11ar().()0.(10.Totals25-578·1365.

H lftl Wk F t 3 ...27 1'fl 11 \..:i..:i SAINT IDKI'If'S 1131: caro~~ o.s o.o o Mallon 1·3 goa10-::rsu 1~i0 ~rn~tll ~~:.• ~lhony 1-1. L.!!:.;~~t its previo ().() 3, Sazonov 2-4 3-4 7, s.rtey 0-4 ().() 0, NO:.O. 11·22 Wadood I 2 Nucl<les ().1) W keF 6-23 (Down 58 bl d <• 7,L12~().()0,lee04l().()O,StacllitaSO.I~ Gray t-9.'oanellus 0-1, ·Le~ o.f.':ward 0·4). %ul~ e to 1..1 6;.'\W!!i ':l-13 2·2 tO, Jc.,.. 4·5 1·2 9, Bryant 1·2 ().() 2 out-E.WilllaiN. Rebounds-ETSU 38 (Wadood 14), Wake Season.

9. VIncent 2·2 o.o 4. Totals 16-4411-14 46.

Halftime-Butler, 28·25. Three-point COals-Butler 5-18 (Archey 2·4, M1ller 2·7, Monserez 1·3, Cuny 0.2, Ll#llfoot Jr 0.2), M~SS!ppl St 6-21 (F~r ~~.~ , 2-8, Austin 1-1. HaiJIOI o.::. ~ O.l, ~an <>-3) Totals 22·59 13·1663 48 (Howard 13). --.mu 7 (Wadood 4), Wake ~""~,.. lllb<JllndS-llutler26 (IJghtfooiJr 7), Halflrme-Au•urn 32·19 Re&ulotlon-57·57.

Fo10stl3 (Gray 8). Fouls-ETSU 20, Wake FOIOSt19.

W!Si!S!ppl St 30 (Ai.dC!n 10). Aasists-8utler 5 (Mdlet' 4), Th~H-point pi$-Aibu_; 7·18 (DoOle~ 3·4, Watson 2-4, A-17,024.

Mrsslsslppl St., !O~Zimmerman 5). Fouls-Bu~er IS, Bird 2·6, Kllllngswortl 0-2, Monroe 0-2), Saint Joseph's MISSISSIPPI.IX. 13. Technlcals-Cometta, Zimmerman.

6-24 (NelsOn 3·7, WtSt 2·7, Mallon 1·2, StachW ().I, A-16~< Barley 0·2. Caro' o-~1. Foule<i oot-B.Yo•t.~ SCO Rebounds-Aubum38(lavls9),SalntJoseph's38(NelsOn y r 9).Asslsts-Aubumll(!an~b,Monroe4),Salntl0seph's II(Balle) 6). Fouls-Aub!mt6, SaintJoseph'sl9 A-NA.

..ii..OUISVIW86,AUSTIN PEAY 64 - Luke Whitehead had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Reece Gaines scored 18 points to lead Louisville.

Louisville stole the ball12 times and forced 18 turnovers.

break, cut half. Starti rickalsoin of his poir after bein, the first t: game whe fense.

Third-s• plays sixt: State (22-9'

SYRACUSE 76, MANHATTAN Carmelo Anthon ed 10 of hiS 17 points in the Second halft l d th O

65

PENN 183lt 4,Archlbong2-9: Klatsky 1·2 ().() 3, ().() ().()

~

3·IOO-OS,A.w,u• Allen 5-7 3·815, WealheiSIIO()n().() Halftlmo-c

8

. W~ f'ORf:5l' 76, EISU 73Sy~aecause ~tr~~:l~~e~~rly, 0~~·~~. ~ Tmy Trm Sm11h and East Ten- taking a 35-31lead at halftime af- ;~2,~~-~~\~~~;1 ness~e State n~arly won one for ter committing 12 turnovers.

(Onyekwe4l. Oktat ~e little ~ys. ..osh Howard and Anthony and his teammates :~ul!.~~t.~ his athletic W3.{e Forest team- played much better after the A- 18•141

Ratings down for first day -~of NCAA-Tour Associated Press

NEW YORK- With the nation's attention on the war in Iraq, TV ratings for the irrst evering of NCAA Tournament coverage dropped more than 20 percent from last year.

CBS Sports' broadcast at 7:15 p.m. Thursday niglt drew a 5.2 overnight rating, down 29 percent from 2002. The 9:45 p.m. game's overnight rating was 4. 7, a 15 percent decrease.

Firs:-round games Thursday afternoon were carried by ESPN because CBS was airing wri- coverage. The opening game had a 1.2 na!i.onal rating, down 62 percent from the 3.2 on CBS last vear. The second afternoon

game l.ad a 2.1 national rating, down 38 percent fr~ro2002.

Cable channel ESPN is in about 20 percent fewe~ homes than CBS. : Rating£ for cable news networks were up 444 percent during the afternoon Thursday and 35.1 percent at night when compared with tre same day and time periods last year.

The rating is the percentage of all homes with '!Vs, whether or not they are in use.

Overn.ght ratings measure the 55 largest TV marke:s in the United States, covering nearly 70 ptrcent of the country.

Eadl overnight rating point represents about '35,000 TV homes.

The NCAA extended halftime Thursday nie:ht :rom Hi tn 20 mimJtP~ l>'iuinu r.R~

greater flexibility to and also allowing for s run.

Ausijn Peay coacl team had been watchi basketball. ~ "The TVs have bee: ing back and forth. N1 year, you'd only be' ment," he said.

"There's kind of a this year," Loos said here, of course, but we important things goir Austin Peay lost t Friday night in the ilr: uinn<~l

C6 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2003

K

SPORTS

Moeller 76, Sl Xavier 67

Crusaders cruise ' f -. clinch GCL South i_~-·i~. _ >"~ J

·"··,;;:,

•

::::~:n paces Moell:~~4 IF~~ ~~~~/"(~'~/ The Cincinnati Enquirer

The atmosphere was electric, the sellout crowd buzzing as Cincinnati Bearcats coach Bob Huggins and Xavier's Thad Matta strolledintothearenaFridaynight Crosstown Shootout II? No, it was just the St. Xavier-Moeller game. But it wasn't just any game, as the presence of the town's two big college cheeses attested.

No. 2-ranked Moeller clinched the Greater Catholic League South championship by beating the No. 6 Bombers 76-67, before a packed house of more than 1,300 at Moeller. Moeller is ranked No. 2 in the

Brackman has been getting hot ' and giving them a third scorer. With ~ hD OS uncan, Bubba Walther and Brackman, you can't stop all three ·of them. And we only stopped one. "

4

"'

\

'~\

1

:.

\~

-

-

_

:....

St I coadJ Scott Mrin

Enquirer

Division I coaches poll and St. X is tied for No. 6.

Huggins and Matta ostensibly were there to scout each team's underclass stars, Moeller's 6-7 junior forward Josh Duncan {who had 19 Points and eight rebounds) and St Xavier's 6-2 sophomore guard Johnny Wolf (22 points).

Yet it was Moeller's Andrew Brockman, a rapidly improving 6-7 junior forward, who outshone everyone.

Brackman, son of former Hughes coach and ex-UC player Mark Brackman, scored a careerhigh 34 points and had seven rebounds. He had been averaging 11.8 points, but recently had a 29point game, too.

"He's probably the best-kept secret in town," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "reams are gameplanning against Josh Duncan, and that's left Andrew more room to work."

The lanky, UID·pound Brackman was nearly perfect, going 13-for-13 from the field and 8-for-9 from the foul line. But basketball isn't even his primary sport, he said.

"I want to be a college baseball pitcher," said Brackman, a righthander who went 6-0 with a UO ERA for the Moeller varsity last sea-

son. "111 see how far that takes me."

But what about basketball? Certainly he's making a huge impression on the likes of Huggins and Matta, who can't comment on prospective recruits but gave thumbsup to Kremer afterward.

St. X coach Scott Martin has two Division I recruits himself in Wolf, one of the city's top sophomores, and 6-7 senior Craig Cashen. Cashen, who already has signed with Eastern Michigan, scored 21 points and fueled a late St. X rally.

"We knew Brackman has been getting hot and giving them a third scorer," Martin said. "With Josh Duncan, Bubba Walther and Brackman, you can't stop all three of them. And we only stopped one."

Walter, who averages 11 points, scored only six but had five assists.

Ditto point guard Rob Christie, who also had six points and five assists.

Moeller's inside strength also got the better of St X, as the !=rusaders held a 31-17 rebounding edge.

Moeller, under Kremer, has now won seven GCL championships in the last 11 years. The Crusaders and St X entered the game standing 1-2 in the GCL South division, Moeller now standing 9-2 in the

I

I

Tile C1ncinn::t1 E.nqu:rer; JEFF SWINGER

Sl Xavier's AJ Upton (far left) and Rob Schoenhoft (center) battle Moeller's Josh Duncan for a loose ball Friday. Duncan scored 19 points in the Crusaders' vfctory.

league and St. X 6-4.

Moeller has clinched with two games left in the regular season - a non-league visit by Walnut Hills tonight, and a GCL trip to La Salle next Friday.

St. Xavier has two games left, both in the GCL- at Badin on Tuesday, then at Elder next Friday.

"Overall, we did a good job with our poise tonight," Martin said.

"We battled back on the road, and I think that shows some maturity."

Moeller also is pleased with where it is, having won eight straight.

"We're coming together," Kremer said. "Any time you can win this league, that says something, because it's so tough every year. It's never easy."

ST.XAVIm (U·7,6-4ca.51- <::"co 6 6 21. M~·:30 6· L::-~2 04 S:""'-'"~02 2· ~~.:m2 05. \~. W•"2 OC:J. v;" •s 6 n 1v· • 7114 67.

MOD.JJ:R (15-3, f.2 ca.51 . Ch: :::.>14 &, v:. ,. "14 6.J.'O"'rl02.~ .. -.;; ,qJ19.11. --·~r102:t: ;>" 113 8 34, C• :·c;:, 2 3 7. Tc;;:: 2/ 22 76.

St. 14 7 19 'Z1 -41

x.mer

Moel1or 14 31'0 -:!'':>: l;.;o!

~t ~

7

16

28

7 ;C. •: 1 3, II \'.'o, 2. J.

-76

v:: •, C~;:, H ·

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2003 C5

SPORTS

NASCAR

Racing's best welcome first test Drivers push cars in race conditions at Bud Shootout The Associated Press

DAYI'ONA BEACH, Fla. Tony Stewart is NASCAR's Prince of Darkness because he loves racing at night So, the Wmston Cup champion couldn't be happier that the Budweiser Shootout - the first competition of the year for the sport's 19 biggest names - will be run under the lights for the first time today.

"It's a perfect time of day for me," Stewart said. "When I really get going is when the sun goes down. For once, I won't be rubbing my eyes at the drivers meeting."

Stewart forged much of his early racing success under the lights on short tracks.

The race tonight at Daytona International Speedway is the 25th edition of the made-for-1V event that began as the Busch Clash. It pays $200,000 to the winner.

The non-points race includes the previous season's pole winners and former winners of the event This year's field includes the top 11 finishers in the 2002 Wmston Cup standings, 15 pole winners and former Shootout winners Mark Martin, Terry Labonte, Ken Schrader and Geoffrey Bodine.

Bodine is the only driver in the lineup without a ride for 2003 and the man who picked the pole position for the race in a blind draw.

Bodine, driving brother Brett's car, finished third in last year's Daytona 500 but was unable to find a ride for the race Feb. 16. Brett, a owner-driver, didn't think to offer Geoffrey his car until last week.

"He deserves to be in the field," Brett said.

Among Geoffrey's competitors will be his other brother, Todd.

"Maybe we can team up and help each other," said Geoffrey, a former Daytona winner. "I'd love to see him or me win this Shootout But this is Brett's car and he is on a tight budget. I have to be careful."

The Shootout will be the first opportunity for Winston Cup Series

------The Associated Press/PHIL COALE

Rusty Wallace talks to the media as his crew works on his car Friday in Daytona Beach, Ra. Wallace will drive a Dodge for the first time tonight at the Bud Shootout.

NASCAR schedule Today

• ARCA Re/Max Advance Discount Auto Parts 200, 4:30 p.m., Speed Channel • NASCAR Budweiser Shootout, 8 p.m., Ch. 19, 45 Sunday

• NASCAR Goody's Dash 150, 11 a.m., Speed Channel • NASCAR Winston Cup qualifying for pole, second front-row spot, 1 p.m., Ch. 19, 45 Thursday

• NASCAR Gatorade 125 qualitemplates to make it through technical inspection. .

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Jarrett is excited about the

tying races, 1 p.m., FX Friday

• True Value International Race of Champions, 11 a.m.

• NASCAR Craftsman Trucks .

Rorida Dodge Dealers 250, 1 p.m., Speed Channel.

Feb.lS

• NASCAR Busch Koolerz 300, 1 p.m., Ch. 19, 45 Feb.l6

• NASCAR Daytona 500, 1 p.m., Ch. 19, 45

against our Fords a little bit, so you didn't get as excited," the 1999 Series champion said. "You were still excited to be at Daytona to start a

portunity to win."

The format for this year's race has been changed. Instead of running 70 laps with no break, this year's Shootout will be halted for a 10-minute intermission after the first 20 laps and then will close with a 50-lap dash on the 21!?-mile oval.

"The break will give teams, especially with this being a night race, a chance if they've missed their setups a little bit, to come in and correct that and finish out the race where they need to be," Wmston Cup director John Darby said .

Another factor will be the smaller gas tank required by NASCAR at Daytona and Talladega, forcing teams to pit more often.

NASCAR bopes to break up the huge, dangerous packs of cars on the big, fast tracks.

"That's where the strategic part

weanesaay, Marcn Lb,

LUU~

Northeast Suburban Life A15

STATE CHAMPS Moe wins hoops crown against Brookhaven

BY MARK

D.

MOTZ

SPORTS EDITOR MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

Community Sports Editor Mark D. Motz · 513-248-8600 ext. 227 mmotz@communitypress.com

MARK D. MOTZ/STAFF Moeller High School senior guard Rob Christie drives against Brookhaven High School In the Division I state basketball finals March 22.

It's all about heart No fear Moeller High School senior point guard Rob Christie may not be the biggest player on the floor, but he may have the biggest heart.

"Robbie's not afraid of anything," said Moeller head coach Carl Kremer. "If he knows one speed, it's full speed ahead."

Christie, a Loveland resident, controlled the Crusader offense, dishing out six assists in the state semifinals as Moeller collected a staggering 22 assists on its 33 buckets against Cleveland Heights.

He scored 13 points against

state finals against Brookhaven, including four straight free throws in the final 35 seconds to give Moe some breathing room.

When the game ended, he was a combination of exhaustion and exuberance, simultaneously crying and dancing in front of the packed Moeller stands, exhorting his schoolmates to sing the fight song.

"It can't be described," Christie said of the feeling of being a state champion. "My emotions were everywhere. I've never cried like that before.

"It was just a ~igh of relief.

We let it all go out then~."

Height,, ;md added nine in thl'

COLUMBUS -Only the numbers on the scoreboard matter.

Moeller High School may not have had the numerical pedigree of its opponent, but won the Division I state basketball title with a 73-65 victory over Columbus Brookhaven High School March 22 at the Schottenstein Center.

Brookhaven, the defending state champion, came into the game with a 26-1 record and was ranked first in Ohio and sixth in the nation by USA Today.

So what.

"I went in there with the attitude we were going to slay the giant," said Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie.

"We decided we would take the game to them, not to be back on our heels, not to be intimidated," said Moeller head coach Carl Kremer.

"They've got so much talent. They're number one in the state, number six in the country. But we're Moeller, we're from the GCL, and we play tough games every night."

Moeller held true to its plan, taking a 4029 lead at the half and weathering a Brookhaven run that put the Bearcats up 5854 after the first possession of the fourth period.

"We knew they would make runs," said junior forward Josh Duncan. "It was just a matter of us keeping our composure. And we did."

As well as doing the little things needed to win games, like making free throws and playing defense.

Duncan made a pair of free throws to tie the score 65-65 with 2:17 to play.

Brookhaven never scored again.

Senior forward Joe Kimener carne up with a steal and made a free throw to give Moeller the lead.

Christie hit four straight foul shots in the next half minute to give the Crusaders some breathing room at 70-65 with 18 seconds to go.

The last points of the game came on a thunderous dunk by Andrew Brackman just ahead of the final hom.

"Coach said both the teams (in the state semifinals and finals) play off intimidation and he told us not to back down," said Brackman, w!lo finished with 18 points on 8for-9 shooting from the floor. "GCL teams, they never back down."

They do, however, mix it up.

The Crusaders banged inside, scoring 28 points in the paint, including II of offensive rebounds. They out rebounded the Bearcats 31-20.

"I think a lot of our rebounds led to points," Duncan said. "It's about heart. You don't get intimidated and you've just got to realize it's another game."

Duncan ended with 23 points and 12 rebounds, earning him tournament MVP honors.

MARK D. Morz/SrAFF Moeller High School junior Josh Duncan (15) shoots over Branden Foust (44) of Brookhaven In the Division I state basketball finals March 22. Duncan was tournament MVP after averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds for the two state games.

MARK D. Morz/STAFF MARK 0. MoTZ/STAFF Moeller High School junior guard Bubba Moeller High School junior forward Andrew Walther ( 4) gets a shot off In the lane Brackman (40) puts a cap on the Division 1 despite a hand In his face from Laquawn state basketball championship, dunking the Perry (34) of Brookhaven. Walther scored last two points of a 73-65 win against 19 points 'n the state finals on 7-for-10 Brookhaven. Brackman had 18 points on g. shooting. for-9 shooting In the state finals.

All-tou•nantent hono•s

..NE~mu~u~m«®M&JWMM

~~j®_~~.moomm~!ooB•mm·~mm

MARK. D. Morz/STAFF Moeller High School senior Joe Klmener (32) comes down with a rebound between three Brookhaven players In the state finals March 22.

Unsung hero If the key to the Division I state basketball tournament had fallen to the floor -and it may well have -- few Moeller High School basketball fans were surprised Joe Kimener g<;>t down to pick it up.

The senior forward and Madeira resident did a lot of the dirty work in helping Moeller to its second Division I state championship.

"The unsung hero of the whole tournament is Joe Kimener," said Moeller head coach Carl Kremer. "There's nothing he didn't do for us this year, this tournament, tonight."

Kimener's statistical line in the state finals - four points and eight rebounds - was not enough to draw attention from the all-

Brookhaven had the ball with two minutes to play, score tied 65-65, and tried to hold for the last shot.

But after a minute of stalling, Moe switched to a man-to-man defense and trapped on the wing.

Kimener. came up with a steal, was fouled, made a free throw, and the Crusaders never trailed again.

"It was just kind of an instinct," Kimener said. "I knew we needed it.

"I saw Brack (Andrew Brackman) pushing the guy to the baseline and I dropped down to help out."

-Mark D. Motz

Moeller High School junior forward Josh Duncan took the top individual award in the Division I boys basketball tournament, earning MVP honors after averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds in the Final Four.

"He's a kid who never brings attention to himself, especially considering how good he is," said Crusader coach Carl Kremer. "But he's a warrior. He's so versatile."

Duncan was undercut and hit his head on the floor late in the state semifinals Friday night, causing concern among the Moeller faithful as to whether or not he could play in the finals.

He was cleared by doctors Saturday morning and said

there was never a doubt he would go.

"It's about heart," he said.

"We've worked hard all year and I wasn't going to let my teammates down."

Juniors Andrew Brackman and Bubba Walther joined Duncan on the all-tournament team.

Brackman scored 43 points in the two state games; Walther scored 19 points in the championship on 7-for-10 shooting.

Andrew Lavender (22point average) and Branden Foust (14-point, nine-rebound average) of Brookhaven rounded out the all-tournament squad.

-Mark D. Motz

NEW&USED EQUIPMENT!

Tee Ball Little League High School

IT'S ALL HERE! KINGS AUTOMALL

COLERAIN AVE.

RT. 4 FAIRFIELD

583-0040 245·2006 870-00 I 0

Wednesday, March 26, 2003

!1.16 Northeast Suburban Life

Moe guard takes little a long way depths?- of derision. ob Christie · This bothered presents a study · · Christie not a whit. in contradiction.

From the district :he Moeller High tournament on, Christie khool senior point talked about the giant lUard is simultaneousat the end of the road. y the smallest player To remind himself m the basketball floor MARK little guys can overmd often the biggest MDTZ come long odds, he's Jresence.

Sideline Stories got a cross tattoo near When the Crusaders his left shoulder blade. It's ~·rapped up the Division I boys inscribed with the numbers of a Jasketball state title March 22, Bible verse from the first book ::hristie was both laughing and rying, hugging and high fiving, of Samuel.

"David put his hand into the :aining his composure and cutbag and took out a stone, hurled ing loose. it with the sling and struck the The 5-foot-8 Loveland resi:ent gives away nearly a foot to Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his l-foot-7 teammates Josh )uncan and Andrew Brackman. brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground," according to the He heard taunts reserved for New American Bible translation. he vertically challenged from So what was on his mind as he Columbus Brookhaven fans he stepped to the line for those s the teams warmed up for the free throws? The inspiring story tate finals. They called him of David and Goliath?

Aini Me and Oompa Loompa "I have this song I like and I nd other names not suitable for was kind of singing the lyrics in . family paper. my head," Christie said.

Christie smiled, shook his What song? :ead and blew them a kiss, "'Lose Yourself.' By vhich drove them to even Eminem." vilder heights -or would it be Coach Carl Kremer provided

R

the biggest laugh of the postgame press conference .when he jokingly said, "Yeah, Robbie and I listen to him together alt the time."

Talk about your big upsets a white guy from Detroit is the biggest rapper on earth.

But Eminem has so much game he had no less than Barbara Streisand excited as she called his name for winning the Academy Award for best song "Lose Yourself," of course from the movie soundtrack of 8 Mile.

The lyrics say, "Look ... if you had one shot ... or one opportunity/To seize everything you ever wanted ... one moment/Would you capture it ... or just let it slip?"

Rob Christie - the little big man - captured it with the words of the Bible on his back and Eminem on his mind.

Now he'll have a championship ring on his finger.

Not a bad little setup.

Mark D. Motz is sports editor for the Community Press East Group. Readers may call him at 248-8600, ext. 227.

Suburban Life

BY MARK

COLUMBUS -The Division I state basketball semifinals looked vaguely familiar.

Moeller High School had made a habit of putting together devastating streaks· to put an opponent away - 17-0 in 2:20 against Beavercreek in the district finals, 21-1 over the last 10: 15 against Springboro in the regional semifmals - on the way to the Final Four.

This time, though, the Crusaders were the streak victims, blowing a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter before coming up with an 85-74 victory against.

Cleveland Heights March 21.

Moeller led 61-42 with 6:06 to play after Josh Duncan's tip of a missed free 1hrow. But the· Tigers tied it 66-66 with 54 seconds left on Darren Jones' only

m !!6Jl§y~ ·" ;

Since 1951

442 West Loveland Ave Loveland. Ohio 45 140

. ..

1

I

·"

·~

Home • Recreational • Auto • Business Life • Annuties • Long Term Care phone: (513) 683-7911 fax: (513) 683-7949 lllttaij: •.,

0. MOTZ

SPORTS EDITOR MMOTZ@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

248-8800 ext. 241

The Insurance Center

Team ·North Sycamore won the fifth-grade boys Evendale Invitational Holiday Basketball Tournament sponsored by Phi Lambda PI, Evendale's teen group. Team members Include, from front left, Christopher Stelneman, Ryan Tepe, Matt Dlrenzl, Spencer Gillespie and coach Jim Dlrenzl; In back coach Eric Tepe, Jake Schomaker, Adam Zuboskl, Kyle Budde, Tim Pockras and coach Bill Schomaker. Not pictured are Sam Cavanaugh and Nick Kiser.

Moeller manages OT win in state semi

If you've got a news tip for ...

Call editor Dick Maloney at

ace. finish

lnfo@bauerlns~ll·com

www.bauerinsurance.com

.-

The Award Winning

16th Annual Winton Woods Uleanup

basket of the game.

Neither team scored the rest of regulation.

Osborne Gardner scored on a follow-up bucket for Heights to start the overtime. Bubba Walther gave Moeller the lead back with a three-point goal.

Gardner scored in the post, 70-69, before Moeller senior point guard Rob Christie gave his team the lead for good with a driving score with 3:10 to play.

"It was overwhelming, but we just kind of gutted it out," Christie said.

The Crusaders went on to add a trademark run of ffieir own, tearing off I 6 straight points to take an 85-70 lead with half a minute to play.

Moeller even ran a backdoor alley-oop play from Walther to Duncan, who slammed the ball home for a 77-70 edge.

The Crusaders suffered a scare the next time down the floor, when Heights undercut Duncan on his way to the basket.

The 6-foot-7 junior all-state selection came down hard, hit his head on the floor and had to leave the game, leaving some question as to whether or not he' would play in the finals.

Duncan finished with 27 points and 16 rebounds, while Andrew Brackman scored 25 and pulled in nine boards.

"They're a very good team," said Heights coach Jim

MARK

D.

Cappelletti. "To be as young as "I'm just glad to live to fight they are, they've got men on the another day," said Moeller head coach Carl Kremer. floor. Not kids."

Saturday, April 12th • 9am-12 noon (Rain or Shine) Vdunteers of ALL ages will meet at Kestrel Point (located beside Winton WocxJs Ranger Station.)

Over 200 people collected 3 TONS of trash in 2002.

Free park admission, cookout and prizes.

~

~.

For more information call:

FOREST PARK ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PROGRAM

Environmental

~I 1201 W. Kemper Road Forest Park, Ohio 45240 • 595-LAND (5263) ~,::

Learn To Drive With AAA

SP,rin§ into Nature

Cefe~ra+ion

CLASS DATES & TIMES

;f~t~~~f~~l.1f:;~~~~~-,;--session 1 April 14,16, 21, 23 May 5, 7,12, 14, 19, 21, 28 June 2

Session 2 June 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 July 2, 7, 9, 14

fvlOTZ/STAFF

Moeller High School junior Josh Duncan dunks for two of his 27 points In the state semifinals against Clevelan·d Heights High School March 21.

A historic look at family farming -enjoy sheep shearing, pioneer games, vintage toys and more.

Gorman Heritage Farm March 29-30 10-4 Saturday 1-4 Sunday

Fl.omRS & rEATWER$ 1 ,

educational hikes to Nildflowers and birds.

-

A- .. :1 1.,

1"l

'A~ I

I

good - __ ..e_ a~'- th .

_<--,___

.

~s

I

I

ton learn in ()hi o

,

if~~ se~ortd title I

.

.

'I

!I

··-·--·-·

-

.

''l'ren_' _in then_)_H·.itll the

II

_a11itude we were uoing to slay the giant."

JlrJillf guard Rob Cllristie

;

i-

lr.·, I·

Bv MAqlt U. Morz S:<Hm; Lrw.oH I

j

l

[,~~~;;_] vt·'a\·~~':io

.. -.,

'·"'"'

\l.

........... ~'-·

( '01 I:.\UH ·s ·n u ~ :<~'J ~miles and ,,,.,.,l<'·" '~ 1 " frcc"r ;1·1· i' '(I !,.,_1'" '\,-·--~ r··t'lc•tl ~),,. ·~"·,_.,,,,,, ··"'·~' ~. ITI"_.n~· J ...

.

4.1

.a~

·""'

(--'

J.,

.

~

l

··'~

'""'

- ~ 1\'lm·U:·J ·: lit:h S.:hov: took the \llri:" D. ~~~::ct/S: Divi-;ion Jl -.;t;:,;:· h~t<;.l,:;th,tl; titic wit!• a Moeller High School head basketball coach Carl Kremer. right, of Symmes Township and senior point guard Rab Chric;t1:: c • I Tlb) v.-in 0\\T nrm~:Jt:<\ ('fl \·brd~ 72 loveland (3) celebrate their 73-G5 victory flgains~ Brookhaven High School in the Divi!>!on I stnte basketb<til ch;:~!Tlp!cF':; <•! tl:t ;.;,•,,,•lll~I.''•L:ir (',·fl!vr.

'Jrv 19')f} C'r Ll<:;:dtT'-' ,,_,~:J ,,·,nn :·.state March :;!2.

1 l'tit:c ~,b;th in rl,c nation hy wcr~ goim1 to :hv :~,;,;or il<J.c:k dmvn:· "I diti•1.·t 111i1•': 'r v~ twld li.~c! as ~·ood."

More cm•er.tge, ;,j(il']t.'" \ ~P:,·'L,·;· 'i~';::;.: i>dirlt l SA 'imlay.

1 ''If~ uhm1t lwan:· said junior fpt·\'\ ':<.' i·•· "1< 1 ('(''II;, (''I') l(n·rl}fT O,:!•id "J Ui.dn't ~~u~tnl Rob ( 'hrislh: :-aid.

I he fkarct11" tmly loss .fo;;h Dtmt·an. \\1m ll'd \1m:llcr v it'• .' j ;;~i,tti. :r1J;1i1i1,;~ \w.tld (vd ~l;at-~!(10d. H!lt "Coadt 'ittid hoth tlw poi111.~ am! 12 rd-mtmd~ in tlw 1:r·: ,,, Wl'.~ lWHitht LSA Today's i tlli,, :" n; 1) hit gnPd. teafll" (in tlw ~tate "l'lPiJi. n·p team. Akron St. i "Tli. .\ \\\TC 'drch 1!ifkr.:nt tcWJI'i. ··Jf, great. lt fed" inde..,crib:rhk." ·:;;,:c'•!·St. Mary, ho•nc of prep pbc~ nuls and finab) play off intimidati<>:J ' >~L·jt \i·i1 ~: '! ..,..'t"Jf ,.~'~:.:~;\!:.~. J .,1f~~ ;~ ~-:.~;..;,.v_:_!l(:~ .. '"Thi•, :i:. the lw:-t !l.:cli11u l'H ~-' nomenon L~:Bmn Jam<.:s. whose Irish and hl' tnld us not to h:rd d.m<Jt.'" ~·-:d I! ~,;,or· 1~1\::.,~; i-..lt!\.; did.lo gl't here:· \\on th.:: Di' i:.ion Il title irnmediatdy jnnior torw:ud AndrnY Brad.m:m. ' ·" I!P had." .iunim guurJ !htbhu W• l.!IL.•r '" ': 1·1:\:•ukh;i\ en rl.t:: dc!\:udin!! state finished with l~ points on t<-for-· 1J <li~w;. prior to the J}iYision I contest. ~.·!.latupi~J:il cuw: :rlfo lhc !'mm: with a A"~ vi\- ~tv•..crus;~~r~'~ "'l v.cnt i11 then. with the attitude we ing from the t1oor. "GCJ , t~:wm. thv;, /J, .. ' ',:·:::rd. n:nJ,. ·d f'i.Jht in Ohio and <::. .

Corrt!nuc~' :c1. ' .

1

1

.)

1 ·2t..,, 1

COLLEGE BASEBALL College World Series

REDS FACT: Through Sunday's games, the Reds led the

At RosenblaH Stadium Omaha, Neb. Double Elimination Friday, June 13 Bracket 1 Stanford 8, South Carolina 0 Cal State-Fullenan a. LSU 2 Saturday, June 14 Bracket2 Rice 4, Southwest Missoun State 2 Texas 13, Miami 2 Sunday, June 15 South Carolina 11, LSU 10, LSU eliminated Cal State-Fullerton 6, Stanford 5 Monday, June 1G Game 7- Miami 7, Southwest Missouri •State 5. SW Mlssaun el1mlnJaed R1ce 12, Texas 2

major leagues with 11 multi-home run games.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Tuesday, June 17

Game 9 -South Carolina (45-21) vs.

Stanford (47-16), 2 p.m.

Game 10- Miami (45-16-1) vs. Texas (49-19), 8 p.m. l Wednesday, June 18 Game 11- Cal State-Fullerton (50~14) vs. Wtnner Game 9, 2 p.m.

Game 12 - Rice (55-11} vs. W!rmer Game 10, 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 19 Game 13- Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 11, 2 or 7 p.m., If necessal)' Game 14- Wmner Game 8 vs. Wmner Game 12, 1 p m , if necessary Note; Game 13 will be 2 p, m. only tf Game 141s necessary Championship Series (Best·of-3) Saturday, June 21 Game 1- Bracket 1 Winner vs. Bracket 2 Winner, 7:05p.m.

Sunday, June 22 Game 2- Bracket 1Winnervs. Bracket 2 Winner, 2:35 p.m.

Monday, June 23 Game 3- Bracket 1Wlnnervs. Bracket 2 Winner, 7:05 p.m., If necessaty

AMERICAN LEAGUE GB

LlO

NBA BASKETBAll Playoffs FINALS (Best-of-71 San Antonio vs. New Jersey

Wednesday, June 4

San Antonio 101, New Jersey 89 Friday, June 6 New Jersey 87, San Antonio 85 Sunday, June 8 San Antonia 84, New Jersey 79

Wednesday, June 11 New Jersey 77, San Antonio 76 Friday, June 13 San Antonio 93, New Jersey 83 Sunday, June 15 San Antonio 88, New Jersey 77, San Antonio willS series 4-2

Game 6 Box Score SPURS 88, NETS 77 NEW JB!SEY (77)-Mattin 3-23 0-0 6,Jefferson 6-151-113, Collins 2-5 0-0 4, Kldd 8-20 2·2 21, Kiltles 5-12 4-4 16, Harris 0-1 2-4 2, Wllhems 2-4 o~o 4, Johnson 2-4 0-0 4, Mutombo 1-12~2 4, Rogem 1-2 0-0 3, Scalabrlne 0 0 0-0 0, Slay 0-ll 0·0 0. ToJals 30·8711-13 77.

SAN ANTONIO (88)-Bowen 1-7 D·O 2, Duncan 9-19 3-5 21, Rob1nson 6-81-4

Baseball scores Monday's Games American League White Sox 4, Boston 2 Kansas City 9, Minnesota 8 Seattle 6, Anaheim 3 National League Chi. Cubs 4, Cincinnati 3 Florida 1, N.Y. Mets 0 Milwaukee 9, St. Louis 4 San Diego 7, Colorado 5 Sunday's Games Philadelphia at Cincinnati, ppd.

Toronto 5, Chicago Cubs 4, (10)

I· ~t~:~rr~rN~i~.~~:m;!:i~~~~ 5-83-413, Kerrl-1 0-0 2, WilliS 0-00-00, Colorado 5, Detroit 4 Feny 0-0 0-0 0, Sm1th 0-1 0-0 0. Totals Los Angeles 4, Cleveland 3 34-7417-25 88.

New Jersey... 25 16 22 14-77 N.Y. Yankees 5, St. Louis 2 San Antonio. 17 21 19 31-88 Pittsburgh 9, Tampa Bay 5 3-Pamt Goals-New Jemey 6-21 (Kidd 3-9, K1tt1es 2-6, Rogers 1-1, Iiams 0-1, Baltimore 5, Milwaukee 4 Jefferson 0-1, Johnson 0-1, Martin 0-2), San Antonio 3-15 {Jackson 3-7, Duncan Boston 3', Houston 2, 14 innings 0-1, Sm1th 0-1, Bowen 0-2, Gmoblli 0-4).

Arizona 12, Minnesota 8 . ~~u~~a:-1~):WSa~e:~~~~;-~1e{o~~~:~· Kansas City 5, San Francisco 4 20), Assists-New Jemey 14 (Kidd 7), San Antonio 20 (Duncan 10). Total fouls-New San Diego 1, White Sox 0 Jersey 25, San Antonio 14. Technicals-New Jersey coach Scott. A-18,797 {18,500).

N.Y. Mets 8, Anaheim 0 Oakland 9, Montreal1 LOCAL RESULTS Seattle 2, Atlanta 1 Florida 10, Texas 4 Amateur Baseball I

NATIONAL LEAGUE

I· Favorite

0-1

10 0

2003VSOPP IP

W·L

,~··.

8.10

0-0

13.2

4.6 1

9-3 1-0

1-0 6,0 60

0.00 4.5 0

0-0

B.O

5.8 4 3.0 0

4,50 3.4 6 3.0 0

KEY

W-L-Records include regular season and postseason; TEAM REG-Team's record In games started by today's pitcher; VS OPP-Pitchers record versus this opponent, 2003 statistics. .

Wednesday's NL

Wednesday's AL

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10p.m.

Toronto at Baltimore, 7:05p.m.

Cleveland at D'etroit, 7:05 p.m.

T.B. at Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota atKan. City, 8:05 p.m.

Boston at Chicago WS, 8:05 p.m.

Anaheim at Seattle, 10:05 p.m.

Texas at Oakland, 10:05 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Aorida, 7:05 p~m.

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.

Arizona at Houston, 8:05 p.m. $t. Louis at Milwaukee, 8:05 p.m.

San Diego at Colorado, 9:05 p.m.

San Francisco at L.A., 10:10 p.m.

-rm~Y

Underdog PHILADELPHIA 5V..-6V..

AUanJa Montreal EVEN-6 PmsBURGH FLORIOA . EVEN-6 Ny Mels Chl Cubs 6-7 ·- CINCINNATI HousTON-7~8-Anzona· Stlouis . 6¥.2-7\!

MILWAUKEE COLORADO· 7-8 San Diego LA.lAKERs· Blh-9lh San Franc1sco AMERICAN LEAGUE l!Pn~Y Underdog Favorite 12-14 Tampa Bay NY YANKEES 6~ 7 DETROIT Cleveland 7-8 BALTIMORE Toronto 6-7 Boston CHI WHITE SOX 6-7 KANSAS CnY Minnesota 7..S Anaheim SEATilE 8-9 Texas OAKLAND 9-11 Tampa Bay NY YANKEES

TOUR LEADERS

.

Tennis ERA

AlP

Money 1,Juan Carlos Ferrero, $1,477,800. 2, Andre Agassi, $1,398,805 3, Guillermo Coria, $969,236. 4, Roger Federer, $961,557.

5, Carlos Maya, $795,187 6, Ramer Sr::huettler, $724,356. 7, Ueyton Hew1tt, $663,989. 8, Felix Mantilla, $628,028. 9, Marun Verkerk, $559,648. ID, Andy Roddick, $557,140.

Champions Race 1, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spatn, 507. 2, Andre Agassl, Umted States, 442. 3, GUillermo Cona, Argentina, 371. 4, Roger Federer, Sw1tzerland, 345. 6, Carlos Moya, Spain, 319. 5, RainerSchuettler, Germany, 319. 7, Andy Roddick, Umted States, 280. 8, Martln Verkerk, NeU1erlands, 234, 8, Felix Mantilla, Spain, 234. 10, Gustavo Kuerten, Bravl, 218.

Enby System Ranldngs 1, Andre Agassl, United States, 3975.

2, Ueyten Hewitt, Australia, 3965. 3, Juan carlos Ferrero, Spain, 3760.4, Carlos Moya, Spain, 3160. 5, Rogsr Federer, SViitlerland, 2580. 6, Andy Roddick, UnitEd SJales, 2390. 7, Gwllermo Cona, Argentina, 2305.

8, Rainer Schuettler, Gennany, 1925. 9, David Nalbandian, Argentina, 1895.10, Jiri Novak, Czech Republic, 1805.

WTA Money 1, Kim C!Uslers, $1,670,060. 2, Justine Hen!ll-Hardenne, $1,537,468. 3, Serena Williams, $1,483,991. 4, lmdsay Davenport, $748,014 5, Venus Wllliams, $611,236. 6, AI Sugiyama, $522,825. 7, Amelle Mauresmo, $494,371. 8, Jennifer ~pnati, $476,854. 9, Chanda Rubin, $444,664.10, Paola Suarez, $369,422.

Ranklngs 1, Serena Williams, Umted States, 6006 2, Kim [;1JJsters, Belgium, 5274. 3, Justlne Hen:n-Hardenne, Belgium, 4772. 4, Venus Williams, United States, 4028. 5, lindsay Davenport, United States, 3477. 6, Amelle Mauresmo, France,3474. 7, Chanda Rubin, Umted States, 2554. 8, Jennifer Caprlatl, United States, 2430.9, Damela Hantucllova, Slovakia, 2353.10, AnastaslaMyskma, Russia, 2106.

Auto Racing NASCAR WINSTON CUP Points 1, Matt Kenseth, 2,275. 2, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, 2,090. 3, Jeff G01don, 2,052. 4, Bobby Labonte, 1,998 5, Kurt Busch, 1,933.

6, Michael Waltnp, 1,900. 7, J!mm1e Johnson, 1,853. 8, Rusty Wallace, 1,798. 9, Sterling Marlln,1,783.10, Marl< Ma~n. 1.740.

Money 1,JimmleJohnson, $3,090,310. 2, Kurt Busch, $2,879,590. 3, Michael Wallrip, $2,729,930. 4, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, $2,474,160. 5,JeffGardon, $2,318,054. 6, Bobby Labonte, $2,277,915. 7, Tony Stewart, $2,234,275. 8, Kevin Harvlck, $2,170,501. 9, Ryan Newman, $2,102,632.

10, Matt Kenseth, $2,054,719.

-NLLEADERS [lhrQugb Sunday's games) BAmNG

[lhrQugb Sunday's games} BAmNG GABRHPct. Pu)als Stl .......................66 235 56 89 .379 Rentena StL..................66 256 40 89 .348 Sheffield AU ....................64 238 54 82 .345 . AGanzalez Aa ................. 62 229 28 76 .332 Helton Col ..................... 69

252 56

83

.329

Vidro Mon .....................65 234 35 77 .329 Lo Duca LA .....................61 235 27 77 .328 CPatteman cnc............... 64 262 42 84 .321 lCast!!IO Fla ...................66 269 41 86 .320 Ueberthal Pnl .................54 200 26 64 .320 RUNS .

Furcal, Atlanta .......................................................... 60

~~~~~~. ~~~~~~0·::::::::::.::::::::: :::::.:::: ::::·::::.::::. ::::.: §~

Sheffield, Atlanta ......................................... ,, ... ,....... 54 RBI lowell, Florida .................................................. 57 P~~an, Colorado ...................................... ,, ... ,....... 57 Keams, Cincinnati .................................................... 56 Helton, Colorado .... .... .... .............. ..... .... .... .... 56 Sheffield, Atlanta .... ,................................................. 56 HOME RUNS Dunn, Cincinnati ......................................,.,_........ 22 lowell. Florida .......................................................... 21 Sexson, Milwaukee ................................................... 21 STOLEN BASES P1erre, Florida.............. .... .............. ..... .... .......... 28 DRoberts, Los Angeles .............................................. 22 EYoung, Milwaukee ................................................... 16 Delee, Florida ............................................... 13 LCasUHo, Randa ........ ,............................................. 13 PITCHING (7 Decisions)W-L ERA KBrown, Los Angeles......... ..........

Rueter, San Francisco................... .Pnor, Ch1cago ..............................

WWtl!fams, Sl•lOUis .... ..... .... ....

Ishii, Los Angeles............... .........

Chacon, Colorado.........................

Reitsma, Cincinnati ...................

.J

9-1

7-1 8-2 8-2 6-2 9-3 6-2

2.00 3.60 2.71 2.66 2.97 4.21 5.55

GABRHPcl. 'Mora Bal ........................ 56 200 44 72 .360 'MUellerBos ....................58 195 31 67 .344 BlalockTex .....................60· 232 37 79 .341 !Suzuki Sea ...................65 277 48 94 .339 MYoung Te< ....................65 255 39 85 .333 Symes Oak.-...................55 195 36 65 .333 Garclaparra Bos ............ 65 282 59 94 .333 Bradley Cle .....................52 191 34 63 330 Catalanotto Tor ............... 64 256 51 83 .324 BaldeiiiTB ......................65 264 35 85 .322 RUNS

CART

g~~~pdaorTio~~~ii::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::: ~~

ASonano, New York .............................................

MRam1rez, Boston ........ .... .... .... .... ..... .... .... .... .

BSoone, Seattle.......................................................

RBI CDelgado, Toronto ......................................... · Wells, Toronto ..........................................................

GAnderson, Anaflelm................................................

HOME RUNS

54 4 3

BBoone, Seattle .......................................................

JGonzalez, Texas ..................................................

STOLEN BASES !Surukl, Seatlle ....................................... ,... ,, .......... , ASonano, New York .................................................

18 18

6:

1 1

~~~~~n~~·J~~~~~k·.::::.:::: . ::::.::::::::: . ::::.::::.:::: . ::::.: i~

18 18

~~~;~~~~~ac~~y::::.::::.:::::.::::.::::::::::.::::.:::::.::::: i~

Hairston Jr., Baltimore .............................................. 14 Mondesl, New York............ ......... ............... .......... 14 PITCHING (7 Decisions) W·L ERA Halladay, Toronto......................... loai2a, Chkago.. ......... .... .... ....

DWel~. New Vorl<.........................

Moyer, Seattle..............................

Meche, Seattle... ............... .........

Ponson, Baltimore... ......... ..... ...

Valdes, Texas...............................

9-2 9-2 8-2 10·3 9-3 • 9-3 6-2

3.91 2.24 3.63 2.99 3.13 3.64

4.62

LPGA Tm 1 Anmka Sorenstam ...

8

2 Se Ri Pak.. ............. 10 3. Grace Park .............. 11 4. Pat Meunier-lebouc. 10 5 Rosie Jones.... .... .

6.lorena Ochoa, .........

7.lone Kane ...............

8 Cnstie Kerr ...........

9. Catrlona Matthew ....

10, Ra~heiTeske .........

11.JuU Inkster .........

12. Beth Daniel.. .... ...

13. Mi-Hyun Kim .........

14. Candle Kung .........

15. Karne Webb. ........

16. Hee-Won Han ........

17. Pat Hurst ...............

18. Meg Mallon ...........

19. Jenmfer Rosales ...

20. wendy Doolan.... ..

21.laura Diaz .............

22. wendy Ward ..........

23. Michele Redman ...

24. Heather BoWie .......

25. Becky Morgan .......

10 10 12 11

12 11 10 9

11 12 9 11 12 11 11

9 11 11 11 11 10

$3,351,420 53,213,812 $2,892,538 $2,503,859 $2,284,140 $2,182,720 $1,687,727 $1,578,011 $1,578,011 $1,471,830 $1,433,872 $1,412,485 $1,355,393 $1,298,600 $1,280,933_ $1,221,573 $1,213,576 $1,201,719 $1,191,561 $1,151,596 $1,133.408 $1,123,345 Money $1,044,446 $603,638 $590,125 $459,166 $436,905 $384,628 $308,089 $304,327 $291,910 $291,829 $281,042 $264,918 .$263,907 $257,890 $253,603 $252,753 $235,033 $234,225 $209,943 $197,809 $197,094 $196,453 $189,670 $186,820 $186,437

Points 1, Michel Jourdain, 89. 2, Bmno Junquelra, 83. 3, Paul Tracy, 81. 4, Patrick Car~ · pentier, 70. 5, Sebastien Bourdais, 53. 6, Mano oommguez, 48. 7, Orlot SeNia,48. 8, Adnen Fernandez, 43 9, Mano Haberfeld, 36 10, Darren Mannmg, 34.

Money 1, PauiTrncy, $390,000.2, Michel Jourdain, $342,000. 3, Bruno Junque!ra, $296,500. 4, Palrick Carpentier, $267,500.

5, Sebastien Bourdals, $267,500. 6, Mann Dommguez, $202,250.· 7, Onol Se!VIa, $189,750.8, Adnan Fernandez, $180,750. !?, AlexTagllani, $151.250.10, Mario Haberfeld, $146,750.

IRL 1, Tony Kanaan, 217. 2, Scott Dixon, 168. 3, AI Unser Jr., 167. 4, Hello cawoneves.167. 5, Gil de Ferran, 167. 6, Kenny Brnck, 161. 7, Scott Sharp, 149. 8, Tomas Scheckter, 125. 9, Felipe Giaffone, 123.10, Sam Homish Jr., 122.

Golf PGA Tm Money I. Mike Weir .............. 12 $4,046,392 2. Davis Love Ill ....: ..... 13 $3,927,962 3.Jim Furyk ......., ..... 15 $3,402,241

Digest

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thomas eschews

Mon.

~­

~7.

Today

Today

Sun.

Wed.

Mon.

Notre Dame's Chris Thomas wasn't sure hej would be a first-round pick,-. so Monday he withdrewj from the June 26 NBA draft. J Thomas,.al 6-foot-1 pointl guard who wiil be a iti~ nior next season, said 1 May lie would stay ffil . the draft if hK1 thought h~t would b~ among the first 20 playetsl ". drafted. He later changed liis , ~- : mind and said he would sta) : ·· ~; . in if he was confident I$~> would be a first-round picl{l· MARSHALL: Clemson as,~. sistant and former Dayton:· · :- ~ .: aide Ron Jirsa was hired a}T- · · ~ -.. head coach. Jirsa, who r~~ ~ ~ :· > placed Tubby Smith at Geot-. ~, '.:' _ gia in 1997, succeeds Gre~-> :-: · White, who left Marshall oi · ~ · : · ~ June 3 to become coach 4{..::- ~ ·:: · the University of Charleston; a Division II school. ;l·: Jirsa went 35-30 in tvp· seasons at Georgia after re•_ placing Smith, but was fired in 1999 and replaced by Jil,nHanick. Jirsa's contract is four-year deal with a base sal-. ary of $130,000.

Wed.

m

Wed.

Thur.

SaL

SamslUlg Open ResuHs Monday At The City of Nottingham Tennis c.ntre Nottingham, England Purse: $452,000 (fnU. Series) Suffilce: Grass-Outdoor Singtes First Round Vladimir Voltchkov, Belarus, d Justin G1melstob, United States, 6-1, 7-5.

Arvtnd Parmar, Britain, d. Paui-Henn Math1eu, France, 6·4, 7-6 (4}.

Wayne Arthurs, Australia, d. Bob Bryan, United States, 7·6 (17), 7-5.

Hlcham AraZI, Morocco, d. Sarg1s Sargslan, Armema, 6·4, 3-6, 6·3 Mardy Fish (8}, United States, d. lee Hyung-taik, South Korea, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

Alexander Popp, Gennany, d. Vmce Spadea (4), Umted States, 7-5, 6-4 NenadZ1monjic, Serb!a~Montenegro, d Jonathan Marray, Slitain, 6·2, 6-4. ' Alex Bogdanovic, Britatn, d. Jap Mlhael Gambill (5), United States, 6-4, 5-7, '6·4.

Doubles First Round Jarkko Nfeminen, Finland, and Christophe Rochus, Belgium, d. Paul Hanley "and Nathan Healey, Australia, 6·4, 7-6 (3).

Chns Haggard and Robbie Koenig (4), South Africa, d Martin lee and Andrew Mur· ray, Britain, i-6 {4), 6-4.

>'

Away game

a

HORSE RACING River Downs Entries lODAY, 12:55 p.m.

13 5 0 61 sunny Ctr:s--s • ~g2 al~a~Vs R~C' " Choo Chao Chad 116 Blazmg Forest Invincible Right 112 KnlghtGia~ Matthew's Majesty 116 5 100 3 Maddie suawbenyTum 116 Secreuve Dare My Valentine 119 RP's lady Best Jest B a Lady 122 Mel Marie Ann Subtle Style 112 Noyana Music Muse 116 Jewel in the Hills

~~d-$ ' !f~ ~~d~U~p:tt.

HremsM~yn~-su,sop{5a'~,~Ygu~rJ 1mt.

Baseball

River Downs Results

Basketball

football

R~~~(~?o J~)' ~~~/' ~~6o

College

WkofUl~~g.,~~a do~ ' axg.~8·~t:20

NFL

Kansas City 4 2 20 los Angeles 2 4 9 Colorado 2 6 Dallas 143 9 NOTE: Three points for VIctory, one point for tie.

Saturday's Games Chicago 3, MetroStars 2 D.C. United 3, Cotumb11~ o Colorado 4, New England 1 San Jose 2, Dallas 1 los Angeles 2, Kansas C-:ity 1 Wednesday'·s Games Dallas at Clllcago, 8:30 \).m.

San Jose atlas AngeleS:, 10:30 p.m.

a

116 116 109 116

116 116 116 116 116 116 112 109 116 116

Southtown Slew 109 Chuck Yeager SpeedyReply 116 UBtheJudge Mercer's Cool Cat 109 a-Vertigo a-Cat Smger 109 Mr. Cash C1ty a-Coupled.

6 40 1 Thtrt.y Six ~~ ' !!t 's~~~/W~,sl>l.

Bema 116 Charming Home Jay's Pmfotmer 116 Huleo's Quest Term 116 'wen Clipped Sligo Creek 116 Shaack 3 Aght Nlgh~lh-$4,sor!f'l l~D~~h~~>•American League D' Spectal 116 Keen Cut Mr Kody 122 Strawberry Pop BALTIMORE ORIOLES-Signed OF Jared Rine Recalled OF lany B1gbie-from Ot- , -Two Winner's long_.119~ Wall to Wall __ ---tawaoftllelL Reach On Scooter 116 Last Expression Spectacular Dane- 119 Halo VIrginia CHICAGO WHITE SOX-Placed LHP er KellyWunschonthe15-dayCisabledllst.ret· roact1ve to June 12. Recalled INF-OF W1lhe Twenty ~a~6'200ifk 3is~·~frfa~' Gf. Harris from Charlotte of the IL Dream City 119 Aquanum CLEVELAND INDIANs-Agreed to lnsh Mag1c 116 Popular Patnot tenns With 1B Michael Aubrey and assigned Lena rose 112 Venwra Hotel him to Lake County of the South Atlanttc Annie's Runaway 112 Mtss Maria league.

MISS Kelsey 109 Kadeya TEXAS RANGERS-Agreed to tenns with RHP Jonathan Ramos and SS Scott 6 000 Club la~~ ' 'fl£3b~~pctJ:IFOyd. Welch and assigned Ramos to tile Anz:ona Prospecl,ive Wish 116 Mr. Moody Blue League and Welch to Spokane of the NorthRound Rock 116 Molino ROJO west league/Released RHP Jamey Wnght Wa!Ship 116 Dustlneer from his mmor-league contract Hey Bub 116 Vivara TORONTO BLUEJAV5-Ciaimed RHP ClitlcaiThinker 116 Scorched Earth ScottSeNiceoffwalvers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Optioned RHP M1ke Smith to Run Mauric~~S,l~~{; ctPt~?e ~l,l·p~ppy Syracuse of the IL National league Woody Run 116 Fly Man CINCINNATI REDs-Purchased the Stormy Waters 116 Roll On Big Ball contract of LHP Jimmy Anderson from He's On His Toes 112 Major Damage Louisville of the IL Optioned INF Felipe B J's Sm11e 116 Wild tcecapade Lopez to Louisville.

Brian's Ul Bud 112 Von Daun South Atlantic League LAKEWOOD BLUE CLAW5-An· Tony the~~4,500i~dnA~~s3J~ up, 6f, 122 nounced the Pt1iladelphla Phillies have as· 115 Abbadaba 122 TicK to the Wire signed 18 Matt Hooper, RHP Carlos Cabrera, 122 Myrtle's Ex Ray 122 Te Conqmstare 18 Bryan Hansen and RHP Carlos Urrutia to Automatic Teller 122 Para Sixes 115 Batavta of the N.Y. Knlcks-Penn league.

Cardiac Arrest 115 Proudest Sam 117 Atlantic league Fou~ort.y 122 Snowy Night 122 LONG ISLAND DUCKs-Announced the retirement of RHP Mark Tlwmpson. Purcnased the contract of RHP Ju11an Hered!a from Pennsylvama of the Atlantic League.

MONDAY Cenlral League lst-$7100, cl, 3YO uf F&M, !mi.

AMARILLO OILI.AS-SJgned OF Crny 1 PrdstWmn(RPrescott) 3.60 7.60 4.80 Uzarraga and LHP Robert Newland 2lricky Pnncess (!.Gonzalez) 8.60 4.60 RIO GRANDE VALLEY WHilE4 TkMeHmldy(POuZIS) 4.40 WINGS-Released RHP Julia Perez and OF Off12:55, Time 1:42.80.

Good.

Also Ran-Kitty's Jason Baker Signed INF lsmael GarcJa Gold, Ms. Z1poy, Wenloch's Pleasure, Classlano, Wolf SHREVEPORT SPORTs-Signed RHP Gin Exacta (1-2) paid $68.00. Supertecta (1-2-4-5) Kevin Perruccl and RHP Jerry Kno~. p01d $1,226 80 Trilecta (1-2-4) paid $388 00 Northeast League 3ni-S8,200, mdn, 3YO up F&M, Gf. ALLENTOWN AMBASSADORS11 Chatter rox (J.McKee) 8 20 4.00 3.20 Signed RHP Miguel Perez.

1 S1xTales (R.Prescott) 5.60 4.00 BERKSHIRE BLACK BEARS-Re· 9 P,nk Meow (M.Adam) 3.40 leased INF Mack Paciorek • Off 1:35.

Time 1:14.20.

Good.

Scrntched-This Northern League nam. Also Ran-TurkiSh Echo, White Hot ROCket, S!UOX FALLS CANARIES-AcqUired Ingenuous, Gina Serena, Ben'slady, RosyM, Supnse OF Eddie RIVero from Bangor for future conParty, T. J.'s Queen. Pick 3 (1~7-11) 3 Correct Paid siderations. Released RHP Corey Dagley and $1,315.80. Superfecta (11-1-9·5) paid $617.20.

LHP Eudy lajara.

Tnfecta (11-1-9) pmd $181.40 Exacta {11-1) paid $39.00 .

6 3 7lll1le Rocit~~~ro, <~, Y~ W/1 ~ 20 5.40 National Basketball Association 4 Jet Ski (I.Go112alez) 4.80 4.40 BOSTON -Announced F-C Bruno 8 Slew Roots {J.Guerra) 7.80 Sundov exerc1sed h1s contract option for orr 2:17. lime 1:14..40, Good. Also 2003-2004.

Ran-Ridelntothenlght, Broad Dot Com, Pru, Red Rush, Johnny Buck, Holy wars, A Call to Post, JUly, Mr Alchemy Pick 3 {11~1·7} 3 correct Paid National Football League $1,073.20. Supertecta (7-4-8·1) paid $5,830.40.

An.ANTA FALCON5-Signed WR LaTwin Trlfecta (7-4-8) paid $1,005.00. Exacta (1·4) Tarence Dunbar. pa1d $83 00.

GREEN BAY PACKER5-C~Imed PK 7th-S7 SOD, cl, 3VO up lmi.

1 CourtSawy (J.McKee) • 4.46 2.80 Owen Pochman off waivers from the N.'-1.

3 Big City 6oy (P Ouz!S) 3.60 Kn1cks G1ants.

2 Darth (R.Prescott) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS-S1gned WR J.J. Stokes to a one-year contract Off 2:58. lime 1:42.00. Good. Also MIAMI DOLPHINs-signed TE DonRan-Western Dream, Chance Kyl, Majestic Fan, Vme ald lee to a four-year contract Grove, MagicMiles,Jolie's Star, Gotta Stacked Deck canadian Foolball League Pick 3 (7-5·1) 3 Correct Pa1d $48180 Superfecta HAMILTON nGER·CATS-SJgne<J DT (1·3·2-10) paid $420.20. Trifecta (1-3·2) paid Johnny Scott, DB Emmerson Phillips and QB $76 20. Exacta (1·3) pa~d $14.20.

Reggie Stack.

0 3 s Ben's 2.20 2 Lovely Pnnce (!.Gonzalez) 10.20 4.40 3 lnvmclble Vmce (l Taylor) 3.80 Natianal Hockey League Off 3:40. Time 1:11.80. Fast Scratched-Here CALGARY FLAMES-Named Tom Comes Money Also Ran-Roman Gladrator, Saint D Webster eastern pro-scout M., Mr. Popeye, Snatchit, Saratoga Heath, Bold Annageddan, Mill Slreet Bl,es. PICk 3 (L-6-8) 3 Correct Paid $176 60 Supetfecta (8-2-3-6) pa1d $1,448.80 Tnfecta (8·2-3) paid $138.40 fxacta MID·CONTINENT CONFERENCE(8-2) paid $26.80, .

Named Ron Berto\'ich comm•ss1oner.

1 ALLEGHENY-Named Sandra San6 B~ ~'b~M~&~ff~s~YO up ~~6 ~J.J8Yd9.4o ford softball coach.

7 An~fraJdg(CChavcz) 5.00 4.40 APPALACHIAN STAlE-Named 3 Celtic Sptnt{J.Herrell) 6.00 Mark Spier n.mning backs coach.

Off 4:24. Time 1'48.80. Fast Also Ran-C!ystal BELMONT-S1gned Tony Cross, womPattern, Commercial Kisser, Hangin' by a Tread, en's basketball coach, to a five-year contract Hamet, Judy's Choice, Claire, Miss Comstock, extension Alslebeseelnya, 011 My Goodness, Pick 3 (%·1-6) 3 CLEMSON-Named Farrell Fin5tad Correct Paid $125 80 Superfecta (6-7-3-5} pa1d assistant rowmg coach and Emily Kwvl\a di$5,972.10 Trlfecta (6-7-3) paid $2,282.80. fxacta rector of operat1ons.

(6-7) paid $136.40.

DREW-Named Walter Townes men's 0 1 basketball coach. Named David Boutilier 11 12.00 men's ass1stant soccer coach.

12 Faith Heylln (J.Henell) 6.60 5.80 HIGH POINT-Named Josh Schertz 10 Sure Some {S.Moran) 12.40 and Sean Woods men's assistant basketball Off 5:07. Time 1•13.40. Fast Also Ran-Moby, coaches.

Harbor Mist, Perilad, John Ross, Desert Shadow, LA SALLE-Promoted Br. John Kane Cl)'ptomatic, Cl1arlie Waller, Spring Amour. and Mary Ellen Wyden to assistant athletic Kandaroo. Pick 3 (6-2-11) 2 Correct Paid $5140. directors.

Superfecta (11~12~1D-ALL) paid $8,089.40. Tnfecta LONG ISLAND U.-Named Elise Don(11-12-10) pa~d $16,229.00. Exacta (11·12) paid 0\/an women's ass1stant so::cer coach. $773.20, MARSHALL-Named Ron JifSa men's basllet.ba1! coach.

MISSOURI·ST. LOUis-Announced. the res1gnation of Shelly Ethridge, women's basketball coach, erfective June 30.

NEWBERRY-Named Chris Davldov· lcz: women's assistant soccer coach.

OHIO .STATE-Agreed to terms 'Mth Eastern Division J1m Tressel, football coach, on a six-year conW L T P i s GF GA tract extensmn 3 MetroStars 5 2 17 13 10 TOLEDO-Named Tandy Bradford Chicago 2 4 3 15 15 11 women's ass1stant baskeball coach.

New England 4 3 3 15 16 15 TOWSON-Named John Ardiwne Columbus 4 4 3 15 15 16 women's ass1stant basketball coach.

D.C. Umted 2 3 5 II II 9 WIDENER-Named Steven Carcarey Western Division baseball coach.

WLTP!s GF GA San Jose 2 5 2 17 13 11

Hockey

Sun.

0

WTATour

Doubles

l

1

Today

Hastings Direct Inti. Championships Reo suits Monday At Devonshire Park Eastboume, England Purse: $585,000 llier Ill Surface: Grass-Outdoor Singles First Round S1\VJa Fanna Ella, Italy, d. ClariSa Fernandez, Argentina, 6-2, 6·1· Alex.andra Stevenson, United States, d.

Lucte Ahl, Blitain, 6·3, 6-3 Conchita Martinez, Spain, d. Francesca Schiavone, Italy, 6-1, 6-3.

)

The Enquirer and wire reports

TENNIS ATP Tour

J

NBAdraft ~l for Irish j

Mon.

TRANSACTIONS

{Hame Team in CAPS) .

-

8 13 16 9 15 15 14 17 11 18 16 11 14 16 16 17 18 13 18 18 13 16

First Round Jennifer Capnatl, Umted States, and Magui Serna, Spain, d. Emmanuelle Gagliardi, Switzerland, and Meghann Shaughnessy, Umted States, 7-6 (2), 7-5.

Undsay Davenport and Usa Raymond {2), United States, d Aklko Moligami and Connie Mack League Saorl Obata, Japan, 6-1,7-5, Midland Redskins 9, Fielder's ChOice o Daniela HantucMva, Slovakia, and Midland Redskins 8, Fielder's Choice 1 I, Chanda Rubin {4), Umted States, d. Evgenla Kouilkovskaya and Anastasia Myskina, RL*Ssia, 6-7 (6), 6 3. 6-3.

. THE LATEST LINE

TODAY'S GAMES

4. liger Woods ... .....

5. Vijay Singh ..............

6. Kenny Peny ............

7. Emle Els ..... ..........

8. David Toms ...........

9. JusUn Laona rd .........

10. Jay Haas ...............

11.ChadCampbel\ ....

12. NICk Price .............

13. Steve Flesch .......

14. Chns DiMarco ......

15. Fred Couples ........

16. Scott Verplank ......

17. Rmy Sabbatlnl ......

18. Jeny Kelly ...........

19.JeffSiuman ..........

20. Charles Howell !II ..

21. Bob Estes ..........

22. Fred Funk .............

23. Robert Gamez .......

24. Phil Mickelson .......

25. StewartCink ........

TUESDAY, JUNE 17,2003 DS!

FNMO

SPORTS

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

JAGUARS: Jacksonville. signed ].]. Stokes to a one: year contract, meeting its' need for a No. 2 receiver and; giving the former first-round' draft pick a second chance in. the NFL. Stokes' deal in-: eludes a $150,000 signing bo-, nus and is worth $805,000. ·

WUSA Standings W L TPisGFGA Boston 5 3 2 17 17 18 Washington 5 3 1 16 19 15 Newvork 5 5 1 16 18 24 Atlanta 4 2 4 16 19 7 San Diego 3 3 4 13 12 12 sanJose 4 6 0 12 9 12 Carolina 3 5 2 II 17 18 Philadelphia 3 5 2 11 14 19 NOTE: Three points for \1ctoty, one point for tie.

Saturday's Games Philadelphia 2, San D1ego 0 Atlanta 0, Carolma 0, tie New York3, San Jose 1 Saturday, June 21 New York at san Omgo, 4 p.m.

Carohna at Boston, 7 p.m.

-..EASTERN CONFERENCE

Northeast Division W 7 6

L 2 2

CAMPBELL COUNTY: John: Schlarman will be fm..L nounced today as the new~ coach, Schlarman, 28, a for-' mer Highlands High and, University of Ke11tuckystandout· offensive lirteman,[ had since December been an assistant coach ·at Baylor, University. He came to Bay-~ .. 4orwith coach Guy Morriss';----GF GA staff after spending four i~ 1~ years as a UK assistant. li l~ Schlarman began his coach!

8 13 ing career with two seasons[ cF GA as an assistant coach at Bour-, ~~ l~ bon County. Schlarman re14 12 places Mike Corson, whoj li ~~ went 14-38 in five seasons.

TPis 2 23 3 21 5 3 I 16 3 5 3 12 3 5 3 12 Southeast Division WLTP!s 7 2 2 23 6 3 I 19 5 4 2 17 2 B 5 11 1 7 4 7 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L TPisGFGA 7 4 0 21 19 11 5 5 2 17 14 16 5 6 D 15 17 16 • 0 12 12 12 4 1914822 Pacific Division W L TPisGFGA Seattle 6 1 3 21 13 7 Portland 5 7 0 15 13 18 Vancouver 4 4 3 15 17 10 Calgary 4 7 1 13 9 25 NOTE: Three points for a victory, one for a tie.

Sunday's Games V!rgtnta Beach 2, At!ar,ta o Syracuse 0, Toronto 0 1 tie Rochester 3, M1lwauke:.e o Vancouver 1, Calgary l 1 tie Montreal 3, Ptttsburgn 1 Seattle 3, Indiana 2, ()t Monday's Games No games scheduled Tuesday'• Games No games scheduled

WNBA BASKUBALL Standings· EASTERN Cf,l)NFER~CE Pel 3 4 5 4 3 3

I .750 2 .667 3 .625 3 .571 3 .500 3 .500 wast1ington 5 .286 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pel 9 0 1.000 4 4 .500 ·I 5 .444 3 4_.429 3 6 .333 3 6 .333 2 7 .222 Saturday's Games los Angeles 67, New York 60 Detroit 93, WashlngJOn 56 Cleveland 84, Connecticut 56 San Antonio 62, Charlotte 52 Minnesota 77, Seattle·72 lndtana 79, Sacramento 67 Phoemx 76, Houston 61 Sunday's Games No games scheduled Monday's Games No games scheduled Tuesda,y's Games Seattle at Phoenix, 3 p.m.

Sacramento at New \1.1rk, 7:30 p.m. los Angeles at Detrolt, 7;30 p.m.

Houston at Minnesottl, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at Indiana. 8 p.m.

GB

*I I

2* GB

4*

5

5 6

6 7

East Division W L

Pet.

16 5 .762 11 6 .647 12 8 .600 II 9 .550 8 12 .400 3 16 .158 West Division

W L Pet. 6 II 10 10 12

11 Monday's Garnes No games scheduled Tuesday's Games Gateway at Ch!!Hcotne Kalamazoo at Rock!ord Mid-M1ssoun at Evansville Richmond at Cook County River City at Florence Washington at Keno.sha Wednesday's Games Gateway at Chilncotne Kalamazoo at Rockford Mld·M1ssoun at Evansville Richmond at Cook Count/ River City at Florence Washmgt:on at Ker~{)sha 'II

.

HURRICANES ALIVE: The; Miami Hurricanes stayed' alive \vith a 7-5 victory over Southwest Missouri State. I Miami (45-16-1) will play, Texas today in an elimina:: tion game. The winner of that matchup will face Rice'1 on Wednesday. Rice beat Texas 12-2 on Monday night1

Area colleges

1

MIAI'Iil BASEBALl.: Thej Pittsburgh Pirates announced the signing of. hometown product Michael' Carlin to a· free-agent conJ tract with their minor league' organization in Bradenton,, Fla. The senior outfielder,: MU's career home run lead~ er (44), batted .332 this sea~ son while producing single-; season school records of 68' RBI and 19 home nins. l MIAMI1RACK: Junior An.l drea Kremer has been named an All-American for/ the second time-during her career at ·Miami after she was the sixth American to cross the finish line in the' 3,000-meter steeplechase ll,i the NCAA Championships ill Sacramento. Kremer placeQ; lOth overall and ran a time Of 10:10.51, two seconds fastet; than her personal best. :;! 1

:~

KEENELAND STAKES: T!1e first three days of the ton track's fall meet will ill~ elude seven stakes races, i£;} eluding two Grade I events: The 17-day fall meet wj~ begin Oct. 3. Nineteen - ' stakes races, worth $4.5 mj:j, lion, are scheduled. TweJY~of those stakes races ar~ . graded. Eleven of the stak~ will be run on the turf, and programs will include ·~t- , ~ ~ least one stakes. , ; , ', ~,' '-:<r- "'- ", ".., ·.

LexingJ

frontier league

9 8 8 9 8

·College World Series

Horse racing

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALl

13

High school football

.684 .450 .444 .444 .429 .421

GB

J1-

Auto racing

.

';!-> ·

NASCAR: Roush Rachli!. ·

lost the primary sponsor oYi Jeff Burton's car when Citgo· Petroleum Cori;>., said it wa~ leaving after the season. ·;,· II Mike Skinner was :fired from Morgan-McClure Mo: torsports, ending a short ~d unsuccessful stint.

J

.... ,_. .....

...

-~---------,.~--,-----_ CD ; ,_, , ""= ,_-----:---'------~-~~-

'

-

'

... .

THE CINCINNATI

AUGUST

2002

cs-

GREATER CATHOLIC LEAGUE NORTH SPOTLIGHT

State basketball championship a driving force .,

' !· I

I i

!

Hoops·plavers 'J Bush Newton ' .

Bacon leaders

By To!ll Groeschen

1J1e Cincinnati E'UJ.rlirer

:. i

Leonard Bush has it all in his room.

His Roger Bacon basketball state championship hat, shirt, pennan~ and the most prized award of all- the ring.

Bush was a proud member of the Spartans' 2001-02 Ohio Division II title team, tl1e one

th<\t upset LeBron James and AkYon St. Vmcent-St. Mary in thre finals.

JAnd now, for. football.

B':;\>h, a senior linebacker and tailback, IS one of the area's top players and seeks a return to the playoffs. Bush and his fellow seniors want to make up for 2001, when Bacon lost in the first round of the Divisio.u II playoffs. '"Weknowhowtowin,from basketball," Bush said. "And nowwewanttogetbackto the football playoffs."

And Bush should lead them, inasmuch as a nonquarterback can lead a team.

"He's a senior, he's a leader, and we'vetoldhimifstime to step up,"Roger Bacon coach Dan Starkey said. .

Starkey also !"en!ions ~on Newton, a semor defensiVe tackle/fullback who, like Bush, wasatopreserveon the Bacon basketball team last winter.

"Bush and Newton have been there," Starkey said.

"The .other kids know that.

And we're asking them to do even more this time."

Bush, 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, is rated the No. 74senior prospect in the state by Ohio~ Future Stars recruiting

magazine. If he were bigger ;he'd be an even bigger pros:pect, but he still could find a ,home at a Mid-American Con'ference school. C":"tral Michl;gan,WestemMiChiganandAkron are among the interested.

Bush will play middie linebacker once again, and tliis year Starkey is putting him at a new position- tailback.

"He's looked good there so far,becausehecanrun,"Starkey said. "And at linebacker, he's a potential all-state player."

Bacon lost several premier players from last year, including quarterback Josh Haus-

GREATER CATHOLIC LEAGUE SOUTH SPOTLIGHT • i

"!

MID-MIAMI LEAGUE:SOUTH PREVIEW

back, 35-35 from 1989-1995) Last year: 3-7 Last lea~ Utle: 1994 Offensive formation: I that, althongh Moeller was a No. 14 senior in Ohio by Last year, Thatcher had 1,314 Division:.II Offens!ve starters back: 4 bit surprised that Thatch~r Ohio's Future Stars maga- all-purpose yards (662 ruslJ.Coach: Steve Ch, a nnell (13th Offensive ouUook: The Hornets ing, 437 receiving, 215 in kick did not get more college of- zine.

Division: Ill year, 79-54; same overall) will need to adjUst io their third fers.

Thatcher was a varsity returns). His total yardage Coach: Steve Woods (second system in three yean; with the Last year: 7-4 "I think Pitt got a steal," starter as a freshman, at safe- was nearly double the next year, 8•12; 19-51 overall) · return of Singleton. Kyle Jordan Last league title: 2000 Moeller coach Bob Crable ly. He also played defense as a best -individual in the strong Last year:- 4~6 returns from an all·league junior . said. "Maybe we didn't adver- sophomore before switching Greater · -Catholic ·League Offensive fonnation: Wing f ·

By Tom Groesehen Last leagiJe title: 1995 season to get the majority of the . tise him like some people exclusively to offense as a ju~ 'South division, generally conThe Cincitmati E1tquirer · Offonslve starters back: 5 carries. would like, but believe nior in sidered the top league in. · Offonslve lonnatlon: Spread After sitting out most of last Offensive outlook: QuarterMoeller suffered through a me, everyone Ohio.

2001. and wing T season with a shoulder injury, backs Evan Sparks and Cory This year, Crable will ask 5-5 season last year, and its knows about him.

Cody Miller will run the offense Smith will battle for the starling Offonslve starte~S baclc 2 Thatcher to move over and best player wants no part of Th<>re were a lot nod. Either will have the advan- Offonslve outiook: Despite a at quarterback behind an expeplay defense again, probably that again. of people tage of quick-footed Mike 5-8, 140-pound frame, senior rienced but nicked-up offens!ve EricThatcher, a senior run- looking at at strong safety. In college, McSorley at running back·and running back Luke Wolfinbarger line.

Pitt projects him as a comerning back/ defensive back, , hin1, includJosh Glancy at tight end. is coming off a fiiSt-team allThe Hornets have a pair of back. retumsforhisfourthyearasa ing Ohio league season in which he re-' small receivers iri Chris Perdue Defensive formation: 5-2 "We don't want to kill him, starter. He has seen the good State." · · c(lrded .~!6 receiving yards and and David Needham who will Defensive starters back: 7 (a 9-1 record just two years . Thatcher is . but he's too good an athlete to : >\08 on the ground. . . _ . .. ..need .to.stay healthy to bj!nefit Defensive 011tlool<: Clali<Cnpe_ · After playing at wideout last frorn.Mille(s droP,:back abi.li~es. ; keep off the field," Crable ago) and the bad (losses in- ranked among has a nose.forthe football and seasori, senior Jared.WenglikowBasketball player Justin Kimsaid. "I can promise you, dudin,g 55-0 and 47-0 last Cincinnati's top will lead Edgewood from the ski will assume the signal-callrney will take over at tight end year). For Moeller, a seven- five senior proswe're a lot· different team linebacker position. Teams will ing duties behind center Zach in his first season of football when he's in the game." time state champion, last year ·pects by recruitfind it difficult to go to the air Katris- the Wildcats' top return- and should bring some added Thatcher doesn't was a nightmare. · ing analysts against the Cougam' speedy, ex- lng lineman. Franklin will be athleticism to the offense. want to be remembered 'We've got to get it turned including perienced secondary featuring quick, but inexperienced on ofDefensive formation: 4-4 for anything more than around, get back to the old ESf'N's McSorley, Smith and Williams. tense.

Moellerways,"Thatcher said.... Ton1 Lemmaking Moeller a winDefensive starte"i back: 5 Key player. Tom Anglin. The ofDefensive formation: Multiple If that happens, Thatcher ming and ner again. Many coach· 11 ' ab'lity' t b th Defensive outlook: Lem·on-Monfenslve neman s 1 o o . Defensive starters back: 5 · c figures to be a big part ofit. At Super' · es predict Moeller will run and pass block should help roe lacks depth and will rely on 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he is Prep magrejoin the city elite this year, anchor an unproven, shaky front Defensive outlook: Wenglikow- . its best athletes to play well on with Thatcher the key . . for the Cougam. .ski recorded six interceptions to both sides of the ball. The Hor- . so good that he has already azine edicommitted to Pittsburgh at a 't or "We11 take it step by step;" Bottom ·nne: Edgewood made ··:Jeil<J Jrililklin lastsea.son: Tne. nets should be strong up thl!..,. position he did not play last Wallace ..

Thatcher said. 'We wantto its fifth straight playoff appearWlldcatswill benefit from rewrn- middle . . ·t f - - . ers iiavid"Snowden(47 tackles) K~ player: Jordan. He injured.. year-cornerback Thatcher's He is rat- Senior running back Eric Thatcher has seen show . people that last. year ance Iast season, despl e at1mg and.i>an Kohr (3 fumble reciov-, 4.4 sjleed has a lot to do with ed the good times and bad at Moeller, .. was definitely a mishap." to win the school's sixth straight eries).'at'defensive ends, as well his ankle in the preseason, but league title. An experienced ros- as the llnebacklng duo of Matt should be able to go. He needs ter will look to redeem what to help the Hornets establish Channell considered a "down Jennings and Jeff Carter that the run if they hope to be suecombined for 169 tackles last cessful on offense, as well as year."

Ranked by league coaches: well and has showed great poise In defensive back Mike Hurley.

Key·player: Thatcher. A four-year season.

A season~opening win over anchor the defense.

T:·: Preseason.

Key player: Larkin. As the most starter, he will bEl asked to carry a. 'k k' h Bottom line: Elder has a potentially fearsome force up front, the Bomb- big burden as the primal)' ballcarri; Indian Hill in the Skyline Chili Key player. Wengli ows 1• ow Bottom line: The HornetS"tibaSt , explosive offense_and rock-solid ·de- er defensive lineman will -have to er and also.'at safety. Rated among crosstown Showdown could.be . he adjusts f~m ~a~hin~ ~e a lineup of 22 seniorS..How they "Divlslon:,r-. ·· fensEve front .,Seven: The ohaU~nge~. · lea:d a relatively inexP'ertenced ·· the top 15 players in Ohio, he.has .. ...a:major: springlJ9ard .fpr,a_p~ren,~ .·_, b.all ·~ .t.hr~wtp,g 1t ~ 1.u. dt~~~-- . han'dle·the new·systemwill bif _cJj~gJl.>' ~~~...R~f11~el:_(§\!i)~r,, • ~ as arwa_xs; Is getting through a bru''· grp~p. Orri9.~ta1~· ,1'19.~~.P~m~. a~d orallycommitl:'d .to Pittsburgh. · , . • . .,.c ••niaJ . !tag~~. P?.V/Et(ry,o,~~~~' c·· - i .., . ~o~ th,~ . Y'I'-1.~?~~--~.s~~~~~hJ~~~~ the keY to the season: · <+ . . \ar sc:,neaunnhann 2~.0.2)m:lude~··-:-- many_:otti~~.-arfJ.S~.~~ns~~~m.'±f""'"Bott.9M1JIW:"Many figure-the·CrtJ-"'-"'0""'=- -·-.-c-_;._,...: ---:---~...:.-.~ __.,_ ·-~-- "~ffeflS.~-\~-1: -~·"--.------~·,· ·-=~·-- _ __ _,..... <. ----~ _.., _ _ Last year:U-2 . . . . the btg-school champiOns_of both_ Bottom nne: With a nay: quartersadetS will rebound from last years Bottom line: 'Franklin·has a-.. &•.. w"'l'c·k..

Last 1 gu tltl 2000 ( h d) Ohio (Cievela~d ~t. lg~~tius) and back and just six: starters baCk, the 5-5 .record, which tied the worst in· tough .schedule early on, and }s _ ea e e: s are Kentuc.ky (Lowsvtlle Tnmty), plus Bombers initially might not be the school.histo~. The seven-time Ohio Division: II underSized ai most positions: ~~~~e fo.rmatlon: !-formation; the Oh1o runner-up (St. Xavier). force they were last year (state run~ state champions ha~ a winless GC~ Coach: Jim Vanatsky~(1st year) ; The team's re;tumlng defensil{e DMslon: V ·offens•·e sta•·rs bac'· ner-up). But St. X always has treSouth season (0-3) 1n 2001, but Last year. .5_5 stan 15 on detense however Coach: Bill Tenore (first year) ...

•w"" 5 mendous depth and talent. with its could ,rejoin the city's top fwe if e .. ' ·.

• Last year: 2-8 • • open enrollment drawing playeiS things break right.

Last league tiHe. : 2001 are coml~g off solid seasons at Offensive outlook: Junior quarterback Rob Ronan (5-11, 165) takes Dlvlslon: I from all over Cincinnati.

Offensive formation: Balanced:, key positions; Last league title: None over forthe graduated Keith Bolger. Coach: Steve Rasso (25th year, OHenslve formation: Pro set Bolger passed for nea~y 2,000 176-79-2; 236.-125-7 overall), Offensive starters bacl<: 8 Offonslve starters back: 4 yards and ran for more than 500 . Last year: 13-1 Dlvlslon:.l Offonslve outlool<: Vanatsky, a : last y~ar, .aiJ_ d·.Ramsey sai~I,.Fiorian Division·· I Offensive outlook: 'Fenwick will .

Last league title: 2001 seven-year ve teran o1 co1era;·n·s D.ivisl.o.. n: . . II has similar skills. . h a·0 b c bl (2 d 5 5) Coach: Jim McQuaide (fourth year, .. . . ff I00 ks to b. . C h J Brod hi (3 d ear start.an ineXperltmce'd;-small · Coac 0 IIenSive Off<nslve formation: Multiple ·· ·.. : -· ra e n year, .. : · 11-19; 12th year overalj,72,56) . sta • · nng · oac : ason e : r Y · ' Elder-has a stmog core returnsophomore at quarterback but · olte~siV~ starter.! bacri: 3 .. · Last year. 5,5 .. ." .

La ·similar-success to Oxford. He 4-16; same overall)· " ,.. ing, .with, sev~ral ali~state c.andi· 19 tenore says 5-8, 155-poun8'i\nOffe~slve outlook: senior quarter- Last league tiUe: 2000 (shared) · La:: :::;~.-tiUe: 1995 mightnot have to make many Last year: 3:7 dates ln senior linemen Tom Anevdrew McDonald is adjUsting Well back Jim Gruber (5-11, 171) replaC' Offensive formation: Multiple I changes, however, ·as he inher- . Last leagiJe title: 1983 ski "(6-5, 270), Digger Bujnoch Offensive formation: Multiple its a stable of talented skill to vamity play.

(6-6, 265) and Marty Bauer (6-2, es M.~rty Mooney, who went to .Yale Offeilslve starters baCk: 6 · Offensive fonnatlon: 1 · Fenwick's offensive line, Its after-<-hree yea~ as· the starter. .

OffensiVe -starters back: 6 players.

265), senior wide receiver Bill Po· ~ '" .

-· Offensive outlook: Senior running · Offe 1ve utlook· After missing most experienced position, will . land (6-3, 186), and junior running SopiMmore QB Rob Schoen holt back Enc Thatcher (5_10, 175) is one Offenstve outlook: The lanceiS av-, ''You'll see some of the same ns o • back Bradley·Giatthaar (6-0, 220). (6·4, 205) could eventually be a of the top playen; in Ohio. last year eraged only 10.2 points a game last things we did at Colerain," he some of last season with a nag- feawre guard Mike Rossi, and Bujnoch Is the son of fonner factQ;i', he gained·1,314 au.purpose yards, . year. Senior quarterackJarrod Betz · said. ging thigh injUry, fleet·of-foot se- tackles Mike Dobrozsi and Joe Bengal!:: lineman Glenn Bujnoch.

S<>nior fullback Luke Unz (5-10, more than double the next best total (6-2, 200)returns til start, and Nick Byrd and Matt Holmes nior running back Jordan Biggs Schwab.

Poland haS.orally committed to the 185). is the top returning rusher, in the potent GCL south. At quarter- could be a sleeper. He'll throw to will split lime at QB, han(ling is back at full strength to shoul- Defensive fonnation: 4-4 Univ.ersity of Cincinnati. G!atthaar . having MUn for more than 600 yards back~ junior Ben McGrath (6-3, 215) Univeisity of Cincinnati-bound tight the ball to a slew of.fast running der much Of the option-oriented rushed for more than 800 yards Defensive starters ba!'k: 4 · with liv '[Ds last year. Senior tail-· is tentative~ scheduled to Start. Seend Brent Celek (6-4, 235), who is back or throwing to AII'MML running load after gaining 700 and 16 touchdowns-as a sbpho~ back R hawn Batchelor (5-11, , nior Nick Holcak (6·1, 175) passed starting.for the third suaight year. .d. " . yards on. the ground last seaDefensive ouUook: Running ll)Ore. last year's offense averaged· 180) -di notplay.:much·lastyear, · for 674 yards ln limitedQB duzy,l(lst · SeniOr rUnning batk,lrecelver receivers Josh Tirey an AfJUy backs.Marty Bidwell and Kenny 34.1 poinm a game, and this year's but has stood out in preseason. · The b ld d · Brian Holthaus (6-0, 170) was an Zimmerman. son, . . year, ~. Cl?U .. s~e. more_ uty at · · Trim bach will ·pull double duty at seems capQble of approaching top rec iver is senior.Sam . wide receiver this season. aii-GCL South second team choice' The offensive line·will be lead Defens_lve· formation: 5-2 · free safety and linebacker re-.. • that · MeDon ld (5-10, 170), who set a senior Reed Hamilton (6-0, 185), last year, when he caught 23 pass-'

by Evan ·Powell (6' 5, 215) and ' Defensive outlool<: Biggs_and Defensive formaUon: 4-3 school cord fast year.for most. who--has battled injuries the past two es. Offensive lineman Tom Doersam Nick Clawson {6-0, .210). · junior De\Yayne Purter return to · spectively~ DObrozsi Will also · play Uriebacker'. Tenore, however louchd wn receptions in a season years, also could be in the mix at (5-10• 195 falso was ali-GCL South Defensive formation: 5-man the secondal)'. The Pirates will Defensive starters back: 3 is co·ncerned with the team's (11). running back.

He and Thatcher are second team. fro t use five down linemen, inciUdDefensive outlook: Elder allowed depth considering its number of Up front, there are plenty of jutwo of the top -athletes in town. SeDefensive fonnatlon: 5-2 n · only 9.7 points a game last year, d 1 f · kn · Defen ~8 ing J'unior Robert Holbrook and .· two-way starteiS and llmltedre· nior receiver/defensive back Craig Defen.slve starters back: 6 . s1ve 5 tart ers baCn. tcps in the GCL South. It lost several mors an ots o un owns. senior Tommy Lucas. Defensive DeIenslve formation: 5-2 seNes. Becker (5-10, 165) also returns.

Defensive outiook: senior dofenDefensive ouHook: AII-MML de. staiS from that unit; Including all· improvement will be important if Key playec Sidwell. As a Defensive starters back: 3 Defensive formation: 50 · sive back Eric Elias (5·11, !80) and. fendem Matt Julian (DB) and state linebacker Andrew Ackennan · the Pirates are_to improve their sophomore, he's part of the and defensive back Ricky Brown.

Defensive oudook: Defensive tack- Defensire starters back: 6 senior linebacker Matt Miller (5-10, Phii.Garrod (DL) will lead TalaRamsey is counting ori senior deyouth moVement aild should ·· le Nick larkin (6-5, 257) is one of Defensive outlook: Crable has 205) both were ai~GCL South sec-' wanda. showin~ fensive end/ linebacker Tony AIS2Jllan the premier players~~ the state. dropped MM!ier's.longtlme 4.4 align- ond team choices'last year. Junior: DefenSive back Justin Porter Key player; ?Biggs. ·ff he·can gain .valuable eXperience While (6-2, 235) for leade~hip. Senior deLarkin is an outstanding run stop~. ment for a three-man front, enabling defensive lineman Nick Dooros ' and linebacker Matt.McGuire stay healthy,·West Carrolltqn being thrown ngqt i~to the aqfensive taci<Je Tony Catvitti (6-1, 225) per, and Is rangy enough to pjay .. ~ to ."drop':etght defendeiS ~ necas(6-4, 215), senior linebacketS Jake! should also enjoy breakout seac: . should get good:production out tion on both sides of the ball. and senior linebacker Chris Chambers defensive end. He will be joined up saty. Thatcher and Hami~on, both Barnhorst (5-10, 180) and Michael: . . . dd I of the ground 1 ~ame. . . .

He brings good slie. iri tlie'Fai: front ·oy senior Craig· Compton .(6'3,· Stevens (6~0, . 190), senior defen- · sons man expenence · e ense, · .

(6-1, 235) are the defensNe co-captwo-way standouts, will Start in the • from last season's league ch·am' Bottom ·.line·•. a·rodehil's ·~n· his·. con '~ secondal)' and backfield. tains. Ga!Vitti recovered three fumbles 235). SenlorZach Kleinfe!der {6-1, secondary.

Junior linebacker Ryan . sive back Tony Lanzillotta {6·0, . ..

7 third season (It the·hehn of the .

Bottom line: The Falcons have last season. .

220), a regul~r last year, has lltkens (6-0, 190) was the team's 155), and junior linebacker Aubl)' , pionship.

The defensive line and linebackmovE!d from defensive end to inleading tacl<ler lasi year with , inMcCrea I)' (5-11, 205) also return.

Key player. Byrd and Holmes.

Pirates. His team Improved from not had a winnillg-.season in 10 ers should be strengths. ftamsey is a side. Senior inside linebacker Dave eluding eight tackles for loss. 85 Key player:-Betz, the only·returning\ How Well they hanp!e Vanatsky'S 1-9 two seasons ago-to a.:. 7 last yeaiS and the Odds are stacked bit concerned about inexperience in Miller (6-3, 213) has moved over senior linebacker Blake Contadi· starter among GCL South quarternew system, and how well the year arld hopeS are high for an- against them again this season. the seconda~· from tight end. Senior Bret Betz no (6-3, 220) had 53 tackles last backs, threw for 1,096 yards, 8 TDs fitSt-year head coach ulilizes other step In !he right direction.

A 36-man roster will hurt FenKey player. Florian. Elder fans are (6-1, 195) has moved back from year.lncludlng six tackles for loss. and 12 interceptions last year. them. will detennine whether or.· wick, but Tenore believes the aalways eager to see what their next outside linebacker, and will proba- . In the secondal)', AII-GCl South Bottom line: The Lancem should not the Braves capture another . mount of sophomores se~ing quarte:rback looks like, and from bly play free safety. honorable _mention choice Craig ·. improve on la~tyear's record, but MML title. · playing time this year can only the looks of It, .Florian could be at Several key men were lost to Becker .also return~. ,He hi;!d t,w() in~ face a perennial battle to reach thei . DMslon: IV , help the program. the helm for a while. He's not _ espe·· graduation, ·lncludiog all-state Hne· te!£~ptiohS Ia~ year. .

Bottom line: The team Is . '· upper tier of the GCL South. ·. -Ryan Ernst clally big; but moves and throws_ ""backer Matt.Vogele and all-state '· ~ Tom Groeschen . Coach: John Singleton (first year stacked with talent at almost

One purpose for all-purpose man

Thatcher's goal: · return Moeller to elite level

~-

..•.

feld and ·· receiver Beckham Wyrick. Those two also were leaders on the basketball team. .

'We11_ miss tJ:ose: guys; Bush srud. "But 1fs time for our class to step up now."

Starkey likes Bush the foot- · ball player but loves Bush the ·. person. . ·· "Leonard is one of the nicest kids we've had here, and : I'm starting my 26th year · overall at Roger Bacon," Starkey said. "He's a real gentleman, and you wouldn't know he's such a standout player. · , Enauili~rfile He's a winner, and you win Leonard.

Bush (with ball) is a tailback/linebacker. with kids ·l ike that"

Ranked by league coaches:

1 Edgewood

evef)' position from last season·.

If the offensive line pulls togeth, er and pulls its weight, it will be an exciting seas9n In.Oxford.

3. Franklin

Allen

•• • •• ~o ooooooooo••• •• ••••ooooooooooooooooooo"•••••••••><•••••• • """"'"'"'""'"'"""''''"'"'"'"'""""""""""'"""'""'""'"'"""'''"""'"""" ""' "'""'""'••••••••"•••••••• •• ••oo••••••••••"'"''"""

GREATER CATHOLIC LEAGUE SOUTH PREVIEW

LE;Jder

4 13

2. Talawanda .

.

f'en"

2 st Xavier

3. Moeller

-·

4 ·La S II • ae

4. West Carrollton

s.· Lem·on-Monroe

!"

i·

j·:·

_ _

•

·, G6 THURSDAY, AUGUST

....

\-

2002

THE CINCINNATI

j,

MID-MIAMI LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT

MIAMI VALLEY CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Lebanon's Tucker turns playoff losses into lessons

1 CHCA

Elder, One might think it odd for the premier defensive end in the Mid-Miami League to be thinking about a team 35 miles south in the Greater Catholic League . .

But the &;3, 230-pound ByRyan Ernst Tucker had two very specifT11e Cincimwti Enquirer ic reasons for his motiva· Dan Tucker had one tion: 42-12 and 33-13. Those thought in his head as he were the srores of the Warlifted thousands of pounds riors' two first-round playoff of weights this offseason. exits, courtesy of the

Senior spurred · to work harder in offseason

The Cincinnati Enquirer/GREG RUFFING

Lebanon's Dan Tucker had 90 tackles last season.

Panthers, the last two seasons.

"A loss is a loss," Tucker said. "You just have to keep your head up high. Ifs tough for those seniors that had to·go out like that.Bul: once I got back in the weight room, I just kept thinking about that (most recent) loss."

Last season's playoff appearance was the culmination of a season which saw Lebanon tie for the MML North title with a9-2 record.

Tucker's efforts on the defensive line .earned .him first-team ali-league honors in 2001. His 90 tackles, 3 'h sacks and 7 'h tackles for loss gained him more than just attention from the league's coaches, however.

"He draws a lot of double teams," Lebanon coach David Brousch said. "Thafs just an example of him being such a hard-nosed, tough player and other teams recognizing it. But that helps us out a lot because team's have · to change !heir blocking schemes a lot just to account for him."

Although as a sophomore and junior Tucker's main duties were rushing the passer and stopping the run, this season .brings a new role to a player whom Brausch calls a "quie~ leadby-example kind of kid."

"Usually I try to set an example \vithout yelling or anything like that," Tucker said. "But now that I'm a captain, and a senior, I have to be a little more vocal."

Once thing Tucker isn't afraid· to be vocal .about is his future. Although he has yet to receive a formal offer from any school, he said he plans to continue his footbali career at the next level.

His coach thinks ifs a pretty good idea "He's such an athleticKid at defensive end. He makes plays from sideline to sideline," Brausch said: "Really, he could play linebacker. I really think be could make an impact at a (MidAmerican Conference) school'' As for now, Tucker is · concentrating on not be- · corning another disappointed senior come playoff time.

"I think the whole team has thought about that loss last year. I think that's why we've bad such good emotion in the weight room," he said. "Our goal is to go undefeated heading into the playoffs..But you still have to get there, so we're putting the first 10 games first" The Warriors quest for playoff redemption . starts Friday atMason. .

E-mail renzst@enquirer.com

....................................................................................................................................................................................

MiD-MIAMI LEAGUE NORTH PREVIEW that," he said.

Jason Merkle returns after start· . Britt- will lead the P8nthers Ori de· After starting ttle last Six. games ing every gairie at 'nOs'e gua"rd, and fense.llle.inexperieilced second~ of last sea"Soli and throwing far Bartlett Is expecting big things ,. · a!)' and defensive lin~, however, · 600 yards, junior Ross Dearth will from Mike Lipscomb. will have only a short time to ad· play -quarterback. Behind him will Key player: O'Bryan. His speed just before Springboro's league .

DMslon: I be fonnerfullback Weston Casey, and skills on both sides of the ball opener with perennial MML pow~rM Coach: David Brausch (8th year, who was the lead blocker for Mun· make the Patriqts an exciting team house Edgewood.

66·16; same overall} cy as a sophomore and junior. to watch.

Key player: Reibel. How he takes Last year: 9_2 Ryan Cox, the Vikings' leading Bottom line: The Patriots are com- to the wing T could be the differreceiver from a year ago, is back ing off the school's first ever ence between winning and losing.

Last league HHe: 20 .1 (shared) and Sean Shade will lead a gruup Bottom line: Robens went 9-1 ·teague title, leaving the seniorMladM Offensive formation: Spread of experienced, athletic off.ensive en team with patentl a1 complacen· at Carlisle last season en route to Off&nslve starters back: 4 linemen. cy problems, according to Banlett a league title and playoff appear~ Offensive outlook: The Warriors Defensive formation: 4·3 . The quarterback question-wtll need ance. His ability to adjuSt fiT'm Div. · IV to Oiv. II, and his mam's •bllity are solid upIront,w to be solved -in ·order for Carroll · rr ith ahII-butff one· ·- ·Defensive starters back·. 5 · to· to mast.erthe'newoffense, ': - ··-~; ... starter-retummg: omJ eo ensr.;e ; Defen·siVe~out.laok: tnS!i:Je li!le~· --get-past an. ~mely,_ .~lented ·tHe key to the season. ___ · line from last season's: plaYoff '" backer Calvln·BeU retums ·as an Chaminade--Julienne team in week team. Senims dominate the U!ba- · all-league firSt te-ani selection. He 2. But Carroll returns a great deal non offensive line, with guard Eric led the team in tackles in 2001 of talent and size, so it should re· Oixon /ead_ing the way. with 117 . Tackle Matt Coleman main in the MML hunt.

Division: 11 lebanon might have a shaky was also a first team.selection.

Coach: Jason Krause (3rd yeclr; 1· start in the backfield, as junior Drew Bridewell returns at out19; 20-30 overall) quarterback Tyler Pritchard tries to side linebacker after starting every . . replace Charlie Rittgers, who is game ~sa junior, and cornerbacks Division: 1 Last year: 1~9 continuing his career at Dart· Michael McEiratll and Patrick Wells Coach: Roy Thobe (1st year) Lastleague title: 1994 (South· m~uth . Brausch said although should prove to be among the top Last year: 5. 5 west Rivers Conference) Pntchard ha~ yet to develop. Into cover·men in the league.

Last league title:_1965 (Western Offensive formation: Aex.booe the passer Rittgers W¥-, he 1s mo~e · k athletic and mobile Pritchard's .Key player: Bell. i11e 6-3, 212Ohio League) · Offensive starters bac : 4 main target will be i.ack steWart, pound O.hio: ~_ni~rsity·bound lin~· Offensive outlook: Running backs Offe_nslve outlook: It's been a long U!banon's fastest player. backers ability to plug up the m1d· Ryan McCoart and O.J. McDuffy, trip to get there, but senior Darren Sophomore· Ryan Noe will han· die w11i -be VJtal to Mlam~sburg · both junioJS, will have to look for Jackson is ready to take over- at die the majority of carTies in the quest for ba_ck·tQ-..back .titles. room behind an untested offensive quarterback in the option attack. backfield after seeing some action Bottom line: The Vlkmgs ha~e line. Josh Davis returns at quarterM Jackson, a 6·2, 210·pounder at linebacker last season. won or shared the MML North title back. Fairborn will tl)' to improve a who runs a 4.6 40, broke his arm the past two seasons. The team's unit which was shut out tour times In the first scrimmage againstT3· Defensive formation: 4-4 35 seniors are loa king to become last year.

Jawanda last summer and missed Defensive starters back: ~ the first class to Win three straight, Defensive outlook: Thobe will five weeks. When he returned, his Defensive outlook: Bookend deM but Lewis says the expectations bring many of the schemes he artn was in a cast and he Was fensive standouts Dan Tucker and are higher even yet. "With the way used at'Hamilton to a unit -that Umited to playing slotback for the Chris Addison will anchor the de· qur schedule is, we're looking to. had some suctess last year, allow· rest of the year. Krause moved . fense. The senior defensive ends beat Bellbrook {in week 1), and lng fewer than 18 points a game. him bac~ to quarterba~k, bu~.had are both returning starters. Tucker · then Loveland (in week 2). Then if · to hold h1m out of practice thJS is the team's le_ ad!n.g.re_ Wmil)g .we do that and do what we're ca· Key player. It McDuffy, who rushed week after a physical raiSed ques· tackler with 90 last season. pable of doing in the league, we for mo!')l than SOO_yards in 2001, tlons about Jackson's heart. A spa-Tackles Andrew JO"ries aild Greg should see an 11th week," he said. can get some daylight, the,offense cialist deared him this week. ~He's Burrows are also back as starters should be better. been through the .gamut," Krause to solidify the line.

Bottom line: Thobe comes from a said. ·The linebacker position is a bit winning program at Hamilton tore· look for Jackson and slotback of a qu.estlon mark, with Noe exDivision: II juvenate an operation that hasn't Mike Foucht to have most of the pected to start both ways along Coach: Steve Bartlett (8th year, Won a league title In almost 40 touches on offense. with backfield mate Ryan Smith.

38·35; 94-69 ove~all) years, It might be too early to start Defensive fonnatlon: 4-4 Jolln Kames, the team's defen~ Last year: 9 ~ 3 thinking playoffs, but the new Defensive starters back: 6 sive leader, will be back at free coach is sure to continue laying safety. ·. last league tiUe: 2001 (shared) the groundwork for an improving Defensive outlook: Krause used Offensive formaUan: Split-back defense. the 50 defense ·as head coach at Key player: Pritchard. He started veer lockland, but quickly decided It at safety last. season and is han· dling a big transition. "How fast he Offensive starters back: 8 "wasn't going to work in the develops and matures is going to Offensive outlook: The Patriots are MML. ~After experimenting with a be big,• Brausch said. set, excfipt for at one keY position DiviSion: II 4·6 and a 4·4 last year, he s9tM -quarterback. After the squad's Coach: Rodney Roberts (1st year. tied on making the 4-4 the .priBottom line: After moving up from nth ) mary look.

Div. ll, the Warriors have lost to t\vo scrimmages, Ute staff has yet seve year overa11 ' 24 •36 Linebacker Dusty Poore, a perennial pow8rhouse Elder in the to choose ·a starter. Junior John Last year: 4·6 6•0 , lQ5·pounder, will patrol the first roUnd of the playoffs for two Ross started the team's final five Last league title: 1999 middle. Feucht doubles as a straight years. Brausch said aiM gam~s of last season, inclu.ding Offensive formation: WlngT sticky cover comer, and tackle though last years 38' 13 filS!· two m the playoffs. But Chns dy s- 230·or lias moved Offensive starters back: 2 o 8e11VI 11e, a 11 , round exit looked bad on paper.- it Boehmer • a senl • po nd hors th rne 1 was a step in the right direction. from wideout to challenge fOr the Offensive outlook: Rrst·year u er, anc e · "We were more physical' with signal·calling duties.

Coach Roberts brings with him a The X·factor Is whether to u~e (Elder) last year," he said. "That Whichever QB gets the nod, he new offense, and says the Jackson on defense. K~ause satd makes·a difference in the offseaM will be surrounded by talent. Re· Panthers seem to be adjusting well c~llege coaches have hmted he . · mtght have a future there, and son. We know we have to get big· ceiver Patrick O'Bryan was the to the ~~~g T. .. .

Krause has him penciled In to start ger, stronger and faster if we want league's trl·player of the Year last "The k1ds have bought mto the at saf ty F .d n·ight to compete with those kinds of season and running back Justin system well," he said. "That's a _e n ay · · teams."

Mosher rushed for more that 1,000 positive thing for us; it gives them Ke~ playe:- Jackson, hands down. yards In 2001. Tight end Dave something to cling to. It gives them W~tle waiting for Jackson tore· RobertSOn combines size i:)nd good an identity." ce1~e cl;arance f~om a heart spa-. . hands, and has exhibited play· Springboro.'s main ball carrier clalrst. I was Josmg ~leep"for . making ability In the pres~ason. will be running back Matt Couch, a th<_>Se three or four nrghts, Krause Division: I · Clearing the way for the offense 5·8, 160·pound senior whom Rob· saJd. Coach: lim Lewis (14th year, S0- will be four returning starters on erts says ucan get lost behind Bottom line: After winn_lngjust 51; 83' 58 overall) the offensive line including Ben those pulling guards." ~me game in two previous seasons Last year- 7·3 Rulli {6M3, 320} and Andy Miller The Panthers' only two returning at Stebbins, Krause decided it was starters on offense are seniors Joe time to play a more realistic Last league title: 2001 (shared) (6·5, 260).

Defensive formathtm: 5--2 Crider and Steve Evans, who an-schedule. Gone are Division I pow· · Offensive formation: Multiple chor.an athletic line. ers Beavercreek and Lakota West, Offensive starters back: 7 Defensive starters· !back: 5 Junior James Reibel, a tirsfyear replaced by some smaller schllOis Offensive outlook: Former running Defensive outlook~: Jimmy Riggs, starter like Couch, will do the sig~ as Krause tries to let his kids heve . back Matt Muncy is now at Ohio one of the area's brest cover men, nal·calling for the Panthers and tJy some early success. ~we play .nye University and ·gone are his 27 car~ picked off_eight pas;.ses last sea~ to lead a very young offense. games before we get to our d~J; ties per game. lewis, however, son. He moved to S\trong safety for Defensive formation· 5·2 sion,M he said. ~In at least fo~ of says his team's offense will sur~ the Patriots in the oSffseason. f sl rt b. k: them , we'll be right in the ba~ 0 2 e en ve a ers ac • game." · .

1 . vive.

O'Bryan joins Riggs-;i ln ttie second~ Defensive outlook: Cnder and fel_ Ryan !mst ."We've got a lot of weapons ary to fonn a potenRona-.two low all·leagi.Je linebacker Danny · - ., still, and people are going to see punch.

Ranked by league coaches:~. -

1 Lebanon

a

..

;,. ·

-.•;woe:

6; Stebbins

4. fairborn

3. Carroll

5. Springboro

Division: V Coach: Cliff Hem (6th year, 27-23 at school and overall)· Last year: 7-3 LaSt league titre: None Offensive fonnatlon: Double slot and IMformation Offensive starters back: N/ A Offensive outlook: The Eagles·averM aged neany 30 points per game with a young offense last year. so they should be dangerous again in 2002. ' The offense is led by tWo firstteam aii·MVC performers in running back Robert Wilson (829 rushing yards, 616 receiving yards, 20 IDs) and lineman Patrick Coggins. Jason Bittner, a secondMteam MVC choice at linebacker, actually led CHCA in . rushing with 830 yards, and he's back as well.

The quarterback is second ~team MVC performer_Ryan H.uxtable; who completed 111-cf-211 passes for 1,695 yards and 161Ds last year.

Receiver Chris Collado, who caught 26 passes for 387 yards, was also second·team ali·MVC. Defensive formation: Multiple . Defonslve starters back: N/ A De~nslve outlook: Besides Bittner, Ieist year's second~leading-tackler, the defense welcomes back a pair of other second~ team al!·league honorees in senior lineman Jeremy Seebohm and junior defensive back Mike DeNoma. Seebohm had five tackles·for·loss,·while DeNoma led_ lastyear's defense with 98 tackles.

Key player: Wilson showed himself to be one of the.top all·around threats in the MVC last year, and that was as a sophomore. On a team With plenty of firepower, he's the guy who will worry opposing de· fensive coaches the most.

Bottom line: CHCA is still young, but i,s by any measure loaded with talent The Eagles' only loss came to North College Hill a year ,go, which makes the Sept 27 rematch ·· with the Trojans a huge game.

2. (tie) Cin. Country Day Division: VI Coach: lim Dunn (16th year, 128· 30; 136-35 overall) last year. 4-6 Last'league title: 2000 Offensive fonnaUon: Wing-T Offensive starters back: 7 Offerislve outlook: An offense that struggled eany a year ago finished the year on· the upswing, a trend Dunn hopes carries over into 2002.

The focal point is running back Matt Marshall, who ran for 1,486 yards a year ago. He's joined by re· turning fullback Phil Waller. Brad KeiSer, thrown Into the mix at quar~ terba:Ck last year after an injury to the starter in the first game, should be more comfortable. "We hope that an improved pa~lng game will beth~ key to ou.rseaso11," Dunn says.:CCD ran the ball about SO percent _of .the tirile last year:· . D····_U)ve !Otniation: 5' 0 .. r •teilstie starteiS baCk:7' .. i)efenslve.outlook: Th·e defense should be experienced and capable of competing well in the MVC. Mar' .shall,:doubling up at linebacker, led last years squad with 120 tackles, while ,Waller is also a standou~ at linebacker.

Key player: Marshall continues CCD's long tradition of outstanding running backs, although he's a little larger. than the protOtype in that line at 5-11 and 210. But he.knows how . to his physical gifts to his advantage When 'ninning the b~dl, or track· ing down other runners an defense.

Bottom line: Last years 4·6 showIng was the first time CCD finished below-.500 since the early 1980s.

Obvio~sly, MVC coaches don't think a secOnd sub.par year is likely.

Scheduling played a part, as all four · of CCD's non·MVC opponents were playoff teams a year ago. "Our guys want to tum this around," Ounn says.

"They've seen _ their brothers have succeSs here. We lost as manyle3gue games last year- three - as we did In all of the 1990s."

use

2. (tie) Summit Country Day DIVIsion: V Coach; Ty Copeland (2nd year, 7-3) Last year. 7-3 Last league II· lle:2000

'

Offensive fonnatlon: Pro~l Offensive starters back: 4 Offensive outlook: An offense that averaged 32 points per game last year will need a whole new set of skill position performers. Just a handful of starters are back. The unquestionable strength of the of~· fense is ·at guard, where Alex Bien and Nick Kolentse return as third· year starteJS. Receiver Wes Schilderink is the top returnee among the.skill play-

""'·

Defensive formation: 4·3 Defensive starters back: 4 Defensive outlook: Summit's de· tense is in slightly better position, if only because more backups gained experience last year in a number of blowout games.

Three aiHeague starters are back, led by linebacker Will Lippert.

Also returning are noseguard Justen Cheers and comer Dar.vin Ashley.

Unebacker Ryan Force and comer Stevie Muldrew also ·help make de· tense a Summit strength.

Key plsYer. Lippert might be the best pure football player on this years roster, but the real key player for Summit will turn out to be who• ever emerges as a skill player capaM ble of making something happen with the ball in his hands.

Bottom line: Summit started 1·3 last year, then got on a roll which should give the Silver Knights confi· dence coming into this season. The defense.looks like it will be high qual.ity,:but Sufnmifs sUccess will be determined by how its offense evolves.

4. North CciDege HiH Division: IV Coach: Bruce Baarendse (16th year, 72-81; same overall) Last yeai: 11·2 last league title: 2001 Offensl~ fonnaUon:" Pro set Offensive starters back: 4 Offensive outlook: Star running back Donnie Johnson has headed off to Penn State, but NCH still has the makings of a fonnldable offense .

Dejuan Tribble (918 passing · yards} returns for his third year as a starter, and has his favorite target back in reteiver Oarryl SnoW (37.5 yards per catch, 5 TOs). Linebacker Julian Rollins will double as a tail~ back this year. Aaron lear and Ryan Gardner are third~year starters on the line. · DefensiVe frimiatlon: 5·3 Defensive starters baCk: 6 Defensive outloOk: NCH had an ag. gresslve and hard·hitting defense last year, and should follow suit this year with a similar unit. Rollins and Gardner are veterans at linebacker, while defensive tackle Devaughn Wilkins (24 tackles-for-loss) Is getting some DMsion I college interest.

The real strength Is in the sec· ondary. Tribble set a school record with 13.inte_rceptions last year, while_Snow aiS() uses_ tlis consider~

r I

look: The Vikings are Installing a new~look defense as well, going to a 4-4 to take advantage of speed in the Unebacking and sec_ondary groups. Most of New Miami's veter· · ans play both ways, meaning the defense can not afford to spend ex~ tended periods of time on the fleld.

Key player: Trent was an allleague player a year ago, and will be in the midst of everything for New Miami as a featured runner and linebacker.

Bottom line: New approaches should make for an interesting sea· son for New Miami. Only one senior was on last year's roster, but a group of 12 seniors promise better leadership for this year.

6. Loeldand Division: VI Coach: Matt Stanyard (3rd year, 1-19; same overall) Last year: 1-9 Last league Utle: !993 Offensive formation: Wing·T Offensive starters back: 5 OffensiVe outlook: Depth is a critiM cal issue throughout the mam, birt at least Lockland has some experi· ence among its offensive players who are back.

Leading the way will be quarterM back Michael Collins. He will get · help from a strOng offensive line, which features returning starters Je· remy Witt, Milton Snelling and Aa· ron Sealey: Defensive fonnatlon: 4-:I · Defensive starte'rs back: 5 Defensive outlook: Uke the Of· tense, the defense's strength should be on the line with Witt, Snelling and SealeY.. Beyond that group, however, lockland's defense · will be very young.

Key player. Collins will be a key player in LoCkland's plans, as the Panthers try to improve upon last years output of just 7.2 points per game.

Bottom line: lockland·has only 19 players out for football, so the marM . gin of error is very small. The Panthers have had three straight losing seasons, and could be hardM pressed· to make much progress against a top half of the league that looks loaded.

r· '

7. Landmaril Christian

DMslon: VI Coach: David Pool (1st year) Last year. 1-9 Last league tiUe: None in MVC Offensive formation: Veer Offensive starters back: 3 Offensive outlook: Speed, quick· ness and discipline are the strengths of a Golden Eagles team that should be much better under Pool, a former Cincinnati Academy of Physical Edu· cation star and NFL player.

SoPhomore Sonny Snell, are-ceiver last season, will take over at quarterback with speedy freshman Clinton Books, son of fanner CAPE star Carlos Snow,.and Josh Bn,w!l.· -ao~_~ ,: ~;~~,~~- o~ _g~t¢r~.~~·.._ ,1 ::, •• -.: : Smith.lnthe backfielo •. ·- c . • The line Will b8 anchored by cen· Key player: Tribble. Af!er loSjng Its terTodd Pflug and tackles Phillip best seflioi" Class ever from !l year ago, NCH's prospects remain up· Medley and Jake Wolford. Daniel McGuffey and Brian Lafflins at the beat by having a leader like Tnbble still around. He has the skills to win receiver positions. ~we Wanted to see if we could games both with his offense and run and control the ball during the defense.

Bottom line: NCH moves up a class scririlmage against Jacobs Center," Pool said. M We did what we set out to Division IV.this year, while bid· to do and we didn't tum the ball ding goodbye to a 16-man senior over.n class that included three Division I Defensive fonnaUon: 4-3. recruits. If that sounds unfair, be care~ I wh[} y_ ou sh?:~ tears WDefensive starters back: 4 enough quality can still be found on. Defensive ouUook: Speed and the Trojans' roster-to make .a.run at quickness will also be the strengths another MVC title. of a young defense with returning starteiS Phillip Maley, Dustin Moon, Jake Wolford and Sonny Smith the leaders.

Division: V Justin Lee and.Jeremy Martin are Coach: Jeramy Rogers (1st yaar) also expected to play crucial roles for the defense.

Last year. 2-8 ~we're going to be aggressive Last league IItle: N/ A and fly to the ball," Pool said. "DisOffensive formation: Double-wing/ cipline is another key to .succeSs wing-T and the kids have bought it Offensive starters back: 6 Key player: Uke several coaches, OffensiVe outloOk: New Miami will Pool was hesitant to name the best switch·to a new offense this year player. that features misdirection and em· ~I've never seen one guy go out phasizes the Vikinfl:s' quickness. by himself and win a football Matt Trent is back at running game,~ Pool said uHe can't snap back, as is Ryan Davidson at quar· the ball, run or pass, and block. terback. Josh Moore and Rodney We're teaching team,and everybody Miller are veteran reCeivers. Josh has a key role."

Holland leads the line.

Bottom line: Developing a winning Defensive fonnatlon: 4-4 attitude is the fliSt task that Pool undertnok. gWe're instilling a mindset in the kids that they can beat anybody," Defensive Pool said. · out..With only three seniors and a host of freshman and sopho· . mores, the' Golden Eagles will be the underdogs in most game. But if the playeiS buy in, ·look for some surprises.

._, -

· ··~··

5. New Miami

·-

.

•.

-Carey Hoffman

c

2. Miamisburg

. i

st

·ClnclnnatiCounby Day's Matt Marshall (left) ran for 1,48€1 yards last season ..

Ohio State hockey••••••••••••E3

l!lfli

NCAA wrestling ..................... E4 Crew......... ;............................. E5

Qfut <!to\umbus Jl\\spatch

Baseball ..................................E6 NBA....................................... E12 Auto racing...........................E16

•

SUNDAY MARCH 23, 2003

IE .

BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT Division I

· Division II

Cin. Moeller: ......... 73 Brookhaven ......... 65

Division Ill

Akron_SV-SM ....... .40 Kettenng Alter....... 36

.J

ro

J

Division IV

Reading.......................50 Sugarcreek Garaway ....44

J

Marton LocaL .............. 62 Convoy Crestview........ .46

en

•

lll

NEAL C. IAURON I DISPATCH The Blue Jackets' Rick Nash slips around Thrashers goalie Milan Hnilicka to score in the second period.

Thrashers frustrate Jackets Columbus was looking for some payback but came away empty when it counted

By Aaron Portzline THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

.

-

c

The Blue Jackets were looking for revenge last night. What they got was another dose of the misery they tasted just five days earlier.

The Atlanta Thrashers served up another 3-2loss to the Blue Jackets, although this time it took place before a sold-out crowd in Nationwide Arena, and this time the.drama wasn't quite as dramatic.

Thrashers right winger Lubos Bartecko scored the winner with 7:04left, when a flukycbounce ofthe puck sent Barteck~ loose on a breakaway that started riear the Blue Jackets' blue line.

It was a crusher for Columbus, though · not as demoralizing as what happened Monday. That night, Atlanta's Dany Heatley . scored with 12.6 seconds left on a breakaway that started when he jumped out of the penalty box.

"We were looking for a little payback," Blue Jackets left winger Geoff Sanderson said. "We didn't get it. We couldn't get any momentum going against them."

What made last night additionally frustrating for the Blue Jackets is that they got the start they wanted. They controlled the ·first 20 minutes, taking the first 12 shots and outshooting the Thrashers 16-5.

Their reward?

Atlanta took a 1-0 lead with 1:46left in the period when Heatley unleashed a slap shot from the high slot.

"We dominated the first period,'' Blue Jackets interim coach Doug MacLean said.

"We had great chances to score, great -

See JACKETS Page E2

LaQuan Perry, left, is comforted by Andrew Lavender after Brookhaven failed to repeat as Division I state champion last night.

Moeller blows big lead but regroups to win championship

By Steve Blackledge

Brookhaven beats

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

-~,-'fhe-B~tflroys~c~-c-@t~~·~~~~;~~;f,f'lcu:(~'!:~~~:=i basketball team found out the But at the 58-second mark, hard way last night that as guard Denzel Lyles unexwinning a state championship pectedly penetrated toward the is a piece of cake compared free throw line, Bubba Walther with repeating. flicked the ball away and the Playing for a winning shot in Crusaders' Joe Kimener recovthe final minute of the Division ered. He was promptly fouled I title game, the Bearcats

by Jamelle Carnley. turned the ball over, starting a "The plan was to go for one spiral of doom as Cincinnati shot," Brookhaven interim Moeller carved out a 73-65 coach Andrew Williams said. victory before 16,246 fans in "Either one of the kids didn't Value City Arena. . get the signal or didn't kriow.

"In the last two minutes, When he decided to take it in everyone told us that ... I don't know what was going Brookhaven was really hard to through his mind." beat because of their great Kimener made the first of point guard," Moeller coach two free throws.

Carl Kremer said. "They're the Brookhaven point guard state champions, and they Andrew Lavender then missed LeBron James had 25 points and 11 certainly kriew what they were a pull-up 13-foot juniper, and rebounds as Akron St Vincent-St. Mary doing pulling it out like that, Moeller's Rob Christie rewon the state championship in Division but fortunately we made a play bounded and was fouled. His . II; b_eating Kettering Alter 40-36. and that led to a few others." two free throws made it 68-65 See story, Page E13 After Josh Duncan's two foul shots pulled Moeller (23-4) into See BROOKHAVEN Page E2

James wins title

MEN'S NCAA TOURNAMENT East Regional

Oklahoma ...... 74 .California ........ 65

South Regional

Stanford ......... 74 Connecticut ... 85

CHRIS RUSSELL I DISPATCH

Midwest Regional

Marquette .... 101 Missouri .... (OI) 92

I

Tulsa ............... 60 · lllinois .............. 60 Wisconsin ......61 Notre Dame ..... 68

West Regional 1

Arizona.:...........96 1 Duke ................86 Gonzaga .. (201) 95 · Cent. Michigan:60

1

Kansas ......... 108 Arizona State .. 76

Pushed into double OT, Arizona escapes Gonzaga can't pull off upset this year "When you look at it that this came in the tournament, it doesn't get any better than that. The Kentucky game would have to be SALT LAKE CITY- They No. 1," said Arizona coach Lute · played 50 minutes at 4,600-foot altitude with their respective sea- Olson, referring to the Wildcats' sons on the line. Neither Arizona 1997 national championship victory over Kentucky. "But this nor Gonzaga staggered to the one was No. 2." finish of their spectacular Stepp and Skinner each double-overtime classic last night in the Huntsman Center, making finished with a game-high 25 play after play after unbelievable points, but on the final, frantic possession, neither could make play. shots they had seemed to hit all There were no losers in this night. Skinner missed a wideNCAA West Regional secondopen three-pointer, and after round thriller, just one survivor grabbing a long rebound Stepp the top-seeded Wildcats. missed a short bank shot.

When Gonzaga's two heroes, The winning basket, as it junior guards Blake Stepp and turned out, was scored by AriTony Skinner, each missed shots zona guard Salim Stoudamire, in the last 22 seconds and the whose 10-footer from the right buzzer sotmded, Arizona had side with a little more than two emerged a 96-95 winner to advance to its third straight Sweet minutes left in double overtime were the final two points of this 16. Players from both teams fell wild game. All five Wildcats startonto the floor as the crowd ers finished in double figures, led offered a standing ovation. by senior guard Jason Gardner It continued for a qmple of minutes and after dragging them- with 22 and sophomore center selves to their feet, the players · applauded the crowd.

See. ARIZONA Page E2

By Don Markus

. THE BALTIMORE SUN

INSIDE a. Notre Dame upset fourth-seeded llli· nois in the West I E7 a. Marquette hit a11· of its shots in over· time to defeat Missouri in the Midwest I E9 1> Freddie Owens hit a last-second shot to lift Wisconsin over Tulsa I E7

Arizona players pile on Luke Walton, who rebounded a frantic, final missed shot by Gonzaga at the final buzzer ending the second overtime.

JEFF SINER I C~ARLOTTE OBSERVER

to state title game' .

It happen.s all the time. . Wm one. Whoop it up. Wm one and you're also handed a giant bull's-eye with that trophy. Those wearing bull's-eyes in Ohio's big school boys division rarely win a second. Those . wearing bull's-eyes rarely even get the chance.

Brookhaven got the chance.

BOB With that bull's-eye on its back and coach Bruce Howard in a HUNTER luxury box fighting serious illness, the B<latcats got much closer than most If the Bearcats' brush with history doesn't bring a state championship trophy, it at least deserves sustained applause. Just getting back to the title game under those circumstances is a remarkable feat .

This team deserves our admiration.

See HUNTER Page E2

Terps'VVilliarnsstill can,t bring himself to ease off the throttle NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Thavel bag slung over a shoulder,· the winning coach walked slowly down the arena corridor in the midnight hour.

"Another game," Gary Williams said.

There's always another game, another day, another test, another mountain to climb, another ocean to cross.

So the buzz of Maryland's memorable buzzer-beater against North CarolinaWilmington on Friday night lasted only as long as the team's bus ride from the arena to the hotel. Then, the coach gathered his assistants in his room and posed a question.

"What do we have to do to beat Xavier?" Williams asked.

T0DD Williams was up until3 a.m.

J0NEs; yesterday watching fihn of Xavier, Maryland's opponent today in the second round game of the NCAA Tournamen:t.

Such is March Madness and the relentless drive of Gru.::--f Williams.

"He's still taking his career as seriously as ever," said his daughter, Kristin Scott, who lives in Worthington. "A lot of people keep saying he's not as intense, but he is during practices, games and recruiting."

Williams, 58, has every right to finally rest in his 25th season as a college head coach. His team, after all, is defending national champion, and 20-9 despite having to replace four seniors from last season.

See JONES Page E2

_.

_

'

\

------------·----------------·---·------~---"----~--------·-'-------·---

-----·-·-·--·--·-~---·

-'--------~-

-ON THE AIR TODAY TELEVISION 9

Auto racing II> NASCAR Winston Cup Food City 500, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 28 · -: 1>- CART Grand Prix of Monterrey, :: 2:30p.m., Speed ;. 1>- IRL Purex Dial 200, 3:30p.m., ·.sc~._6

:,,Ji>.NASCAR Truck Lucas Oi1250, : 5-.p.m., Speed

><< \~ ~..;:

·cC.()IIege hockey·

;: ;'N9A~ Tournament Selection 1•

ShoW';B p.m., ESPN --..;.:·.

(·

'

' Golf·: ; ~ PGNBay Hill Invitational, 0: 2:30 p.m., Ch. 4 • 1> LPGA Safeway Ping,

5 p.m., . ;: "'Champions Toshiba Classic, ' 6 p.fn;', CNBC ~: ESPN2

:: Me~~~ college basketball ;: Ji>~G~ Tournament second round, ,. Bitt5q.tlrgh vs. Indiana, noon, Ch. 10 ,;·.,.. NCAA Tournament second round, •:}ieams)BA, 2:30 p.m., Ch. 10 '' .,.. Ni':'AA Tournament second round, :~ team~<TBA, 5 p.m., Ch. 10 : 1» NCKA Tournament second round, : tearjis.JBA, 7 p.m., Ch. 10 '·

.":t

Prq. basketball : 1» LA:\akers at San Antonio, • 1 P•l'n·~ Ch. 6 • 1> Niv/,Jersey at Cleveland, 7 p.m., :_ ~o~Sports Net 1

.,

' -Pro football 1> Are~a

League, Tampa Bay at Indiana, noon, Ch. 4

Pro.soccer Cleveland at Philadelphia, 1 P·f!J;: WUAB

The senior only played in Ball State's winning 200"yard medley relay, the BOOfirst three games this season because of yard freestyle relay and the 400-yard. recurring tendinitis in his right thigh. He freestyle relay. received an extra season of eligibility be,..

SKATING cause of the medical hardship but decided to turn professional.

Judge says he's resigning · The 6-foot-8 Smith declared for the after being penalized for speaking out NBA draft last year, then decided to reA central figure in the Salt Lake City turn for another season after experiencOlympics scandal is leaving a powerful HORSE RACING ing knee problems.

- International Skating Union committee New York Hero is surprise winner after being punished for speaking out of Derby prep at Turfway Park COLLEGE-HOCKEY against a new judging system.

Dominant teams to meet New York Hero ran down Eugene's Ron Pfenning's resignation from the In women's national title game Third Son in the stretch and won by a ISU's technical committee is effective neck in the Lane's End Stakes yesterday After dominant victories in the semiApril 15. He has been a member of the · at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. finals, Minnesota Duluth (30-3-2) and committee since 1994, and was re-electThe $500,000 prep race might have Harvard (30-2-1) will meet in the Frozen ed at the ISU congress in June. · dashed the Kentucky Derby hopes for 4-5 · Four women's championship game today Pfenning learned this week that he was favorite Lion Tamer,who finished in Duluth, Minn. being replaced as referee of the womeri's fourth.

Harvard dismantled Minnesota 6-1 event at the World Figure Skating Cham'New York Hero ($31.40) ran 1% miles in _and Minnesota Duluth dominated Dart- pionships, an apparent retaliation for his 1:50 3/5, four seconds slower than the mouth 5-2 in the semifinals. protest over the way the ISU is judging , track record set by Hansel in the 1991 events this season. _, COLLEGE SWIMMING Jim Beam Stakes, as the race was known Pfenning believes the ISU Council ·' Courtney-Brooks gets honor then. abused the judging process by eliminaN as Kenyon wins 24th national title Lion Tam.er was coming off three ing post-event discussion of marks. straight wins, including the 7-furlong Kenyon's Marc Courtney-Brooks, of St. B~cause the marks were no longer Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park, ED ZURGA J ASSOCIATED PRESS Charles, was named Division III available, Pfenning said the referee could and the Grade 3 Lane's End was a test to swimmer of the year for the second not accurately evaluate the judges. · see how he would fa:re around turns. straight year as Kenyon College won its • Southtown Slew added a stakes win 24th straight NCAA Division III swimPRO FOOTBALL Damion Hahn of Minnesota celebrates to his record with a victory in the $35,000 his 5-4 win over Jon 'fi'enge of Lehigh in ming and diving championship in Dilfer's son in critical condition guaranteed Howard B. Noonan Stakes at the 197-pound championship match of Atlanta. after virus attacks his heart Beulah Park.

The Lords totaled 756.5 points to win · Trevin Diller, the 5-year-old son of the NCAA Division I wrestling tournaIn the 6-furlong event restricted to the title by 372 points over second-place Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dil:. ment yesterday in Kansas City, Mo. Ohio registered 3-year-olds, Southtown Johns Hopkins. Denison was fifth (258 fer, is in critical condition after a: virus See stories, Page E4 Slew won by 7~ lengths for jockey Axel points). attacked his heart earlier this week.

Dasilva in the non-wagering event that Kenyon won 15 of the 20 events, inIn a statement released by the Sea. COLLEGE BASKETBAlL attracted only four starters. cluding all five relays. · hawks, the family said Trevin is "bravely Ball State's Smith says Also, Frankies Oyster ($11.80), ridden Courtney-Brooks won all seven events. battling a tough and uncertain illness." ' he'll enter NBA draft

by Lenny Frazzitta Jr., upset 8-5 favorite · he swam in and set NCAA records in the The statement did not say where he was Notion in the third leg of the $7,500 Ball State forward Theron Smith will . 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle and .hospitalized.

Distance Challenge Series. give up his final season of college eligi400-yard medley relay. He also wonthe bility to enter the 2003 NBA draft.

100-yard freestyle and was part of the -From staff and wire reports

SPORTS

CAPSULES

A golden Gopher

1> MISL,

Ttm!l'is I> ATP Nasdaq 100, 3 p.m., ESPN2 {tape .delay) Wonjen's college basketball NCAA Tournament first round, teim:is TBA, noon, ESPN2 1>- NCAA Tournament first round, Cincinnati vs. Arkansas, 2:30p.m., ESPN.1> NCAA Tournament first round, teams TBA, 6:30p.m., ESPN 1> NCAA Tournament first round, teanis TBA, Weber State vs. Ohio State, 7 p.m., ESPN2 1> NCAA Tournament first round, Xavier vs. UC Santa Barbara, 9 p.m., ESPN 1> NCAA Tournament first round, . teamsJBA, 9:30p.m., ESPN2 1>-

RADIO :Auto racing ',II> NASCAR Winston Cup Food City .'.500, 12:30 p.m., WHOK-FM . -'(95.5/1b2.3f ·-·· . ::-Men's college basketball J•• NCAA Tournament second round, :-Pittsburgh vs. Indiana, noon, :WBNS-AM {1460) -'11> NCAA Tournament second round, :teari)sJBA, 2 p.m., WBNS-AM ·(1460) ·11> N8AA Tournament second round, 'teamsTBA, 4:30p.m., WBNS-AM :(14f:lo) :Pro_ baseball :~> MLB preseason, Cleveland vs.

Cincinnati, 1 p.m., WMNI-AM (920)

1•

;,woll\en's college basketball >!> NCAA Tournament first round, 'Ohio .State vs. Weber State, 7 p.m., 'WOSU-AM {820), WOSB-FM :(91.1/106. 7) 1

The DisPatch is not responsible for unannounced

,changes, preemptions or interrlJptions of program· , ming~ qource: TVData

.. ·-;

'

::HOW TO REACH US SPORTS EDITOR ·D~m:ny~Goodwin ....... 614-461-8522 - dg?o~win@dispatch.com ·'· s~or11line ................ 614-4 70-4000 ·;•

,Sports fax .............. 614-461-8798 ·Sports e-mail...sports@dispatch.com --~

Schools or coaches can report

·ganie results after 6 p.m. by calling :614-461-5234. :"" Subrnissions for Amateur Listings '{college scholarship announcements, ;meetings, coach openings, outdoors ; notices) should be faxed to ·614-461-8798.

JACKETS

Nash skating it out from either side of Hnilicka to look for an opening.

FROM PAGE E1 The second time - on Hnilicka's stick side- Nash got rewarded afchances to take the lead." ter he dropped the puck to Pirjeta The difference was Atlanta goalie low in the right circle.

Milan Hnilicka, who has been one Pirjeta fed Nash with a soft pass step ahead of atrocious for most of in the crease.andNash used his this season. He stopped 16 shots in unearthly reach to poke it home. It the first period and 36 in the game, was his 16th goal of the season. winning for just the fourth time The Thrashers made it 2-1 at this season.

5:05 of the third period when llya "They should have had a couple Kovalchuk sent a blind pass from of goals," Thrashers coach Bob the boards into the slot. Matt Hartley said. "Hnilicka played very Hartigan wristed it through the legs well for us in the first period. Some of the Blue Jackets defense man of their shots probably should have Rostislav Klesla and through the been goals, but he weathered the glove of goalie Marc Denis. storm there.

The Blue Jackets countered 47 "We were lucky to be up 1-0. We seconds later, once again with the know that. But that's the way it Nash-Pirjeta-Davidson line on the goes sometimes." ice. Defenseman Luke Richardson The Blue Jackets made it 1-llate put a wrister on Hnilicka. The rein the second period, when the line bound fell to Davidson, who ofRickNash, Lasse Pirjeta and tapped it over to Pirjeta for what Matt Davidson-.Columbus' best. amountedto a slam dunk. ·--~--- .That's where the highlights endall night- was rewarded for its ed for the Blue Jackets. They played elbow grease.

Nash and Davidson worked the . well enough the rest of the way, but puck hard around the net, with a horrendous bounce ledto

HUNTER FROM PAGE E1

Bartecko's winner.

Thrashers center Tony Hrkac flipped the. puck into the Blue Jackets' zone, s'eemingly to dump it and give chase. Blue Jackets defenseman Scott Lachance tried to knock the puck down in front of him and Klesla, but he merely took the steam out of it.

The puck flopped over both Lachance and Klesla and landed right in front of Bartecko, who gathered it in stride near the blue line.

"I kind of pushed the puck, and I almost lost it," Bartecko said. "I just flipped it up in the air and it made it in, lucky for me."

One door down the hallway, the Blue Jackets weren't feeling so lucky. They had to be struck by a sense of deja vu. The Monday night loss was fres_h in their minds.

"We didn't get two points and that's really disappointing because that's a game we should win," MacLean said. "We. played "'(ell _ enough to win, but when you make too many big mistakes that doesn't happen." aportzline@dispatch.com

. is his team and his program, and he hasn't been able to coach since he was carried out of the locker room on a stretcher after spitting blood following a game in Orlando; Fla., on Jan. 25.

Howard already was suffering from colitis, but doctors discovered he was also afflicted with cirrhosis of the liver. He nearly died.

"We're really proud of what we've done," Lavender said. "We have a lot of young players who are pretty good. I think this will keep going." · That will be difficult with Lavender and Brandon Foust heading to Oklahoma, and history also argues against it; only a handful ofteams have made it to three consecutive state tournaments as Brookhaven has.

Coming back as a state champ is all the more difficult because everybody is gunning for you. That's why it's so amazing the Bearcats made it back under the most trying of circumstance.

"This Moeller team will have the bull's.eye on their back next year and other teams will be gunning for them," Williams said.

1Wo years ago, Brookhaven made .it to the semifinals and was beaten soundly by Cincinnati Elder. After the semifinal Friday, Toledo St. John's coach Ed Heintschel made a point saying that his team wasn't "scared of Brookhave11," which tell you how far the Bearcats have come since then.

A brush with history can build a reputation in a hurry. When the sting of defeat eventually stops, the respect will remain.

"We would have loved to have won it, but these guys are what Brookhaven is all about,'' Williams said. "They're what coach _ Howard embodies in terms of mind, heart and soul in.basketball. They brought a lot of joy here in central Ohio, a lot of fun. We have a lot of memories of these kids for the future."

"It was a major accomplishment," interim coach Andrew Williams said. "How many teams around the state of Ohio or anywhere can lose a head coach and still make it to the state finals? Particularly at the Division I level. It was a major accomplishment for the kids to be able to suck it up and get us here, despite all the things that we've gone through this year."

Brookhaven was dabbling in history even before·the ball went up in last night, long before its 73-65 loss to Cincinnati Moeller. The Bearcats were the first big school to make consecutive appearances . in the title game since West Chester Lakota in 1991 and_'92. Before that, you have to go back to Barberton in '76 and '77, when Linden spoiled its bid for two in a row.

The last team to win two in row was Cincinnati Elder in '73 and '74, more than 10 years before most of these players were born.

Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph might have done it in 1991-92, but we'll never know. After winning the Division I title in '91, the school dropped to Division II and beat Cambridge by one point in the title . game. That Villa Angela-St. Joseph would have even been there isn't a given. Division II is usually weaker than Division I. "It's extremely tough, first of all, just to make it out ofyourdistrict," Williams said.

"It's tough no matter.what division you're in. It's tough no matter who you are."

If this were easy, everybody would do it.

Almost nobody does.

"We've had a bull's-eye on our back all year," senior guard Andrew Lavender said.

"But we've been able to stay focused, even with coach Howard being sick and him not being able to coach us any more. But we stayed focused and coach Williams just moved into his spot."

Bob Hunter is a spor(s columnist for The Dispatch. · _ Howard's illness could have sidetracked the Bearcats long before they got here. This bhunter@dispatch.com

Game wrapup THREE STARS . 1> 1. Dany HeaUey, RW, Thrashers- Scored the game's first goal, but could have had a few more.This guy can create scoring chances. · · ·; 1> 2. Rick Nasll, LW, Blue Jackets- Put on apuck-handlifi{ clinic around the net and scored his 16th goal ofthe season.

1> 3. Lubos Bartecko, RW, Thrashe~- Barely made a peep before scoring the game-winner with 7:04 to play.

GAME SUMMARY Atlanta Columbus First period:ScorlnrL Atlanta, Heatley 34 {Savard, Tremblay), 18:14 {pp). Penalties-'Cowan, Atl {kneeing), :24; Exelby, Atl (holding), 7:11; Allison, Clm {cross-checking), 11:17; Ling, Clm;· major {fighting), 13:41; Cowan, Atl, major (fighting), 13:41; Alii-:·· son, Clm (tripping), 17:29. __ ._ .

Second: Scorinr2. Columbus, Nash 16 (Pirjeta, Davidson), 17:4 7. Penalties-'Denis, Clm, served by Vyborny (delay of garne), :42; Exelby, Atl {roughing), 17:47.

Third: Scoring-3. Atlanta, Hartigan 5 {Kovalch!Jk, Tjarnqvist), 5:05; 4. Columbus; Pirjeta 10 {Davidson, Richardson), 5:52; 5. ': · Atlanta, _Bartecko 6 (Hrkac, EXeiby), 12:56. Penalties-:--None. .·< .

Sh_ots_ on goal-Atlanta 5'9,12 .-._. 26, C~IUIJI.~Us J 6:l}!:l?~~/.J''" Power plays-Atlanta 1 of 3; Columbus d of 3. GoalleS'-'Atlanta'; ' Hnilicka 4-12-1 (38 shots-36 saves); Columbus; Denis 25-38-T- > (26-23). A-18,136 {paid).

JONES

sports was so important to him, an:d why he wanted to make a career of ·· FROM PAGE El that. He wanted to prove to his family that he made good decisions."

1Wo consecutive Final Fours. Ten Joining the elite group of coaches- · straight NCAA trips. A win from a sev- who have won NCAA championships . enth Sweet 16 appearance a decproved nothing to himself. ' ade. A new contract. More than 500 "I don't think at this level you can- : career wins. All suggest an opportuni- coach without confidence in your ty for Williams to get soft. abilities," Williams said. "I had that.

No chance. He still has a streetBut winning a national championship scrapper's defensive edge._ validates the way a lot of people on "The day I lose the love of the garne, the outside look at you. It'snotgoing. regardless of my record, I'll leave," to change how I am or how I coach." · Williams said. "I can't cheat the Actually, those dose to Williams game." have seen some difference in him So there he was stomping and away from basketball; Patsos joked screaming Friday night in the Gaylord that his boss now quotes movies, Entertainment Center as Maryland proving he watches more than game fendedoffN.C.-Wilmington with a films. Some think Scott's 3-year-old last-second three-pointer by senior son, David, has softened Williams a guard Drew Nicholas. bit.

Williams looked the same as he did "Outside of the game, he's a little · 14 years ago, buzz-sawing his way more able to enjoy the moment, re• through his third and final season as fleet, and maybe not take himself so : Ohio State coach. seriously," Scott said, . "He doesn't change on the floor.

She sees something else in her Never," said assistant coach Jimmy father: a realization that his job is Patsos, in his 12th season on Williams' secure, along with his place in coachMaryland staff. "He still coaches as ing history. Not that it's cause to ease hard as ever." up.

Insecurity often mistakenly con"He loves and has so much respect• jures up negative connotations. Some for the game, he's often said to me . · of the most successful and famous · that he wouldn't do it if he could not athletes and coaches are as secure give it 110 percent," Scott said. about their jobs as a toddler on top of There's another game today. He'll·· . a stairwell. roar some more. ' Williams always has been spurred "I'm still a basketball coach," on by such insecurity, like the artist Williams said. "It's all I've done for 35 who thinks the next painting will years. This is what I do." certainly make up for last flawed one.

"He wasn't raised in a sports Todd Jones is a sports columnist for house," Scott said. "His parents and The Dispatch. two brothers didn't understand why tjones@dispatch.com

m

ARIZONA FROM PAGEE1

- BROOKHAVEN FROM PAGEE1 with 34.3 seconds left.

Trapped on the left wing, Lavender committed himself in the air, then threw the ball out of bounds - a rare ,' iniscue for the state player of the year. >'' "I've faced Andrew Lavender a ton of ,"times in AAU and towards crunch time ':'I kept thinking in my mind, 'What's he ': going to do?' and banked on that and ;· got lucky a few times," Christie said, ,: . Christie sank two more free throws :;t() make it 70-65 and Brookhaven

closed its funk by missing three-point Foust said. "Their big men got the best shots in the final two possessions. of us tonight."

"Our shots just stopped falling for us, No big-school team has repeated as that's all," said Lavender, who, with a champion since Cincinnati Elder in game-high 23 points and four steals, 1973 and '74. almost single-handedly brought the Brookhaven (26-2) entered the game Bearcats back from a 13-point deficit in ranked No. 1 in the final AP and No. 2 the third quarter. "Moeller was just the in the nation and the bull's-eye loomed better team today." larger with each tournament game. · The 6-foot-7- Duncan, a hot junior.

"We had a feeling it would be this recruit, scored 23 points and grabbed kind of game that went right down the 12 rebounds to pace Moeller, which wire with the team executing best shot 54.3 percent from the field. down the stretch coming away with the "They're real athletic and strong and win," Williams said. "Most nights, that's they hurt us running up and down the been us. Tonight, it was Moeller." floor," Brookhaven center Brandon sblackledge@dispatch.com

Channing Frye, who also scored 22 to go along :with 12 rebounds.

Arizona (27 -3) will move on to Au.aheim, Calif., for the West Regional semifinals. The Wildcats will play fifth-seeded Notre Dame. Ninthseeded Gonzaga (24-9) will go back home with only the memories of one of the most exciting games in NCAA Tournament history.

"Gonzaga is not a team that's going to beat itself. Someone is going to have to beat them, and we were fortunate to do that tonight," Frye said.

"I'm pretty much exhausted and I'm sure th!lY are, too. If you're going to

)lave to go out in the tournament, that's the way to do it."

Despite seeing forward Ronny 1i.rriaffoul out with 2:16left in regulation and point guard Wmston Brooks leave the game the same way in the first overtime. Skinner had forced overtime with a rebound follow at the buzzer to tie it at 78. Arizona's Luke Walton, who had 16 points, nine assists, two blocked shots and three steals, made a basketwith4.1 seconds to go in the first overtime to force a ·· secondOT. .

There was one tie and four lead changes in the second overtime, the ' last coming after Stoudamire (15 points) followed two free throws by Skinner with what turned out to be the winning jumper.

''· ~~I~~0~~~~~~;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~H~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r~0~~~~~~~~~~~&

"

THE coLUMBus DisPATCH !Boys

State

Ba~etball

DIVISION 11: AKRON ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY40 I KETTERING ALTER 36

Tournament I suNDAY, MARCH 23, 2ooss

IIIIIIE13

•

DMsion I

rei

•

Final

Yesterday's result-cincinnati Moeller-73 vs.

Brookhaven 65 .

DMsion II Final

Yesterday's result-Akron St. Vincent·St. Mary

34-25lead.

"Ifelt like we weren't making enough shots," James said, "so I had to create inside an.d outside and kind of took over the game."

Petrocelli said, "He took the :·By Bill Rabinowitz game on his shoulders, and lHE COWMBUS DISPATCH that's what he's suppos<~d to do.

He's the best player in the land."

• LeBron James didn't want a But Alter refused to fade away, ~.:- ·cakewalk, even if that's what cutting the lead to 40-3(} on a :_. ·.:most people expected. three-point play by 6-foot-9 The most celebrated high-· center Adam Gill with 22 sec· ·school player in Ohio basketball ondsleft. history got what he Wiffited yesJames then made one of his terday. And then he gave most of rare mistakes when he overthe record crowd in. Value City throw a pass. That gave Alter a ,· Arena what they wanted. chance to put the game on the · Capping his extraordinary line in the final second<i. But ·scholastic career, James scored Zach Freshwater, in for defen~ 25 points to lead Akron St. Vinsive purposes in the las:t . cent-St. Mary to a 40-36 victory minute, missed a three-pointer over Kettering Alter for the Irish's off the rim, ending Altc.r's third title in four years. chances.

"I wanted a game today," SV-SM, which was up;;et by '•James said. "Ilove it when I'm Cincinnati Roger Bacon. in the out there with my teammates final last year, figured it ;:'lad to . and every basket counts." win a state title or be br:anded SV-SM (25-1) routed Alter underachievers.

73-40 a month ago in Dayton. So "I think I can speak fen my most of the 18;454 spectatorsteanunates," James said. "This is the most in state tournament the greatest moment of QUI life." history- figured they'd witness For James, the victory capped a coronation. The Knights (18-9) a season that included t:i.ps were determined to give SV-SM a across the country to plmy paycontest.

CHRIS RUSSELL J DISPATCH per-view games and an Ohio Playing with poise and disciHigh School Activities Associapline, the Knights took extended Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary star LeBron James, left, works against Kettering Alter's Jack Hilgeman.. tion suspension- overturned in time off the clock on nearly court- for accepting re;'tto jer- · every possession and built a seys for free. that gave the Irish a 25-22 lead court sense.

19-14 halftime lead. Doug Permo instincts, not coaching.

"I thinki'd describe my highwith 2% minutes left in the third James had 12 of SV-SM's . "They're the No. 1 team in the had nine of his team-high 12 school career as a roller ·coaster," quarter. points in the first half to keep nation and they got 14 points at points in the first half.

James said. "There were ups and James opened the fourth the Irish close. In fact, SV-SM half. I think that's pretty dog"They play~d great," Alter downs and double-loops, but it's quarter with a basket on an didn't get a point from anyone gonegood." coach Joe Petrocelli said of his alley-oop from guard Dru Joyce been the best {our years of my But Alter never had an answer other than James or Romeo players. "I told them, they're not life, being with my teammates."

III, hit two free throws and folnavis until Corey Jones hit a X's and O's. They're players. They for the 6-foot-8 James' blend of brabinowitz@dispakh.com lowed with a three-pointer for a three-pointer to cap a 9-0 run size, strength, qUickness and · know how to play the game. It's

40, Kettering Alter 36.

·" St. Vmcent.:st. Mary . reels in third title "during four-year run

Division Ill Final

Yesterday's result-Reading 50, Sugarcreek Garaway 44.

Division IV Final Yesterday's result-Maria Stein Marion Local 62, Convoy Crestview 46. r

DIVISION I Cincinnati Moeller 73, Brookhaven 65 Brookhaven

Spencer Corn ley Foust Lyles .

Lavender Perry Cumberland

Totals

FG 2 4 5 5 9 2 0 Zl

FGA FT FTA 4 2 2 6 0 1 6 1 4 15 0 0 19 2' 2 3 1 2 0 0 0 52 6 11

RB

3

'2 5 .3 3 '2 1 20

APTS 6 2 8 ~ 11 2 12 .1 23 .1 5 .0 0 10 65

J

·a

Cincinnati Moeller Duncan 7 16 8 1012.·1 23 Kimener 1 1 2 5 ; 8' '3 4 Brackman 8 1 2 ' 2 1 18 Christie 2 4 4 '2 ' 4 g Walther 7 10 2 2 '1 '' ..0 19 carter 0 0 0 1 0 0 Childress 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 Totals 25 46 17 23 31 9 73

·~

o.

Brookhaven Cincinnati Moeller

17 12 •27· 9-65 23 17 ·14,19-73

3"Point goals-lavender 3,L}'Ies 2; Walther 3, Duncan, Brackman, Christie. A-16,246.

DIVISION II Akron St. Vincent-St Mary 40, Kettering Alter 36 Kettering Alter . FG FGA Pen no 5 12 Stichweh 2 3 Gill 2 7 Hilgeman 1 3 Laumann 5 7 Keyes 0 1· Freshwater 0 1 Totals 15 · 34

FT FTA RB A PTS 0 2''l,l{ 2 12 0 O';U;~: 1 4 2 H.,,. · 2 6 1 2 2 3 0 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 8 36

Akron St.VincenrSt. Ma'ry .ft'l ~ . Travis 4 7 0 fj•\f:l 0 1 2 o o.".5 'o cotton Jones' 2 o~?~JX/' Joyce 0 4 0 1-,:.;.. o.:;! 5

s o.

James

Weems Totals

10 0

21 1

17

40

Ketlering Alter Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary

o

4 · 8~~1;!:~\ 2 25 0 O.>~t0";-1 0 0 q 10 22 :1 7 qo 6.13,6.j11-36 8 6rB\11.3-40 ·

3-polnt goa!s-Penno 2, L~umann;,~3~ 4. . A-18,454.

··~··

.>i

.. _,-_;'f:

DIVISION ill . \;,~,~ Reading 50; . ·~~ Sugarcreek Garaway 44 .~

DIVISION IV: MARION LOCAL 621 CONVOY CRESTVIEW 46

Flyers rely on defense a ainst bigger h

Reading

!

Marion Local's zone keeps Crestview's hulk under wraps -somEiocneiii"frorit and behind·- ·-· Toi:llem."·-- --=-- - ----- "'· Local h eld Crestview THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH . him, b ut th e keywas to keep ball . Mar1on pressure on their perimeter peo(23-4) without a field goal in the Despite its reputation as a state pie to keep him from getting it in last 5:15ofthe first half fo:r a 23-18 lead. the first place. I think we did an football power, Maria Stein MarA 13-4 run in the third quarter outstanding job doing that." ion Local had no nose tackles to Lichtensteiger totaled team sent the Flyers on their way. line up against mammoth Convoy highs of 16 points and 13 After shootingjust28 pe.rcent Crestview center Kory Lichtensteiger yesterday. from the fi~ld in the first half, rebounds but had to labor for them.

Marion Local hit 13 of21 (61.9 So instead, Flyers coach Keith Attacking the passing lanes, percent) in the second half.

Westrick drew up a plan to combat the 6-foot-4, 295-pound denying and tipping away interior "We let our defense lead our passes, the Flyers (24-2) scored 29 offense," Westrick said. "W11en Bowling Green football recruit , points off the turnovers they ere- players buy into that, you've from the exterior in. ated. always got a chance."

By limiting Lichtensteiger to eight shots from the field and "We knew coming in we were Craig Wolters scored 19 l'>Oints inducjng 20 Crestview turnovers, going to have to be very efficient and Kevin Garman 13 to p~ce and somehow find a way to crack Marion .Local, which won ~~s only Marion Local's defense carved other title in 1975. . that zone," Crestview coach Jerout a 62-46 masterpiece in the emy Best said. "But they really Wolters went 9 of 10 fro:r:n the Division N state championship · game before a crowd of 17,346 in cranked up their defensive inten- free-throw line to top a 20--of-31 sity, especially in the second half. tea:in effort.

Value City Arena.

"Without a doubt, we knew we It started with their guards. They "I tried to use my size to :my had to control Lichtensteiger, and did a tremendous job putting advantage," Wolters said. "1 told it's very hard to control a big, pressure on the guys distributing some of my teammates, I'm going wide, strong and athletic body the ball. They were physical inside because I'm qUicker and underneath and they had guys stronger than the guy guarding that size," Westrick said.

"We were trying to double him with qUick hands and feet in the me." whenever he got the ball, placing passing lanes. Give all the credit sblacldedge@dispatch.<c:om

~By'SteveBJaCI<Jeilge~~.-.. --~-

~--

CHRIS RUSSELL I DISPATCH

Marion Local players hoist the championship trophy. The school's only other state title came inl975.

-

Sugarcreek Garaway Renner 9 11 2 2 7. 2 20 Yoder 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 Miller 0 1 0 0 1 :3 0 Gerber 2535207 . --l!egula,=-'--~S-..!L...O...-.D--2-.3~~ ,Fanning 1 3 2 2 o 1 4 Totals 18 32 7 9 )4 9 44

Reading Sugarcreek Garaway

13 14 7 16-50 10 10 10 14-44

31)oint goals..:. Gertz 31 Stidham, Pike; Regula.

A-16,696.

DIVISION IV Maria Stein Marion Local 62, Convoy Crestview 46 Convoy Crestview . FG FGA FT FTA RB A PTS Delong 1624435 Purmort 5 9 1 3 ·6 2 11 .

K.Lichtensteiger 6 8 4 6 13 0 16Schaffner 0 212121 Owens 2623226 Williman 0 0 0 o <o•1 o Nedderman 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 Shindeldecker 1 2 0 0 .2 0 3 Orsbon 1 5 0 0 ·! 0 2 Totals 17 39 10 18 32 II 46 Maria Stein Marion Local 0 0 2 " 2· . 0 0 Schwieterman 0 Wolters 5 9 9 10 ,. 5 1 19 K.Garman 5 13 3 5 •· 3 0 13 Otte 36347.19 Prenger 3 9 1 2 ·2·1 8 Kremer 2 4 0 1· 1,1- 5 Luebke 01000.10 Bollenbacher 2 4 3 3 :4 0 7 G.Moeller 0 0 1 2. 0 ·o 1 S.Garman 0 0 0 2 1·1 0 Totals 20 46 20 31 · 28 6 62 Convoy Crestview Maria Stein Marion Local

6 12 16 12 46 12 11 19 20-62

3-point goals-DeLong, Shindeldecker; prenger, Kremec A-17,346. ·

I

DIVISION Ill: CINCINNATI READING 50 I SUGARCREEK GARAWAY 44

.:·.Blue De display patience, ":rend off Pirates to take title "We knew they were going to~ "I don't need to look at double-team Eric and D, and . lHE COLUMBUS DISPATCH the stat sheet. We got that we'd have to knock them down if we were open," Gertz Cincinnati Reading reached beat by a very9 very said. "That's what helped get the Division III state tournaus here." ·ment with an up-and-down talented team. " Bardall said the Pirates "had ..... style that's best described as SCOTI BARDAll to pick our poison" in deciding thoroughbred race horse. between guarding the middle Yesterday, the Blue Devils Sugarcreek Garaway coach or challenging Reading's showed they were no one-trick perimeter shooters. pony.

"We've always made teams Adjusting to Sugarcreek Gar- hawking guard John Gertz. ·Pirates center Tyler Renner beat us the hard way, and it's away's half-court game, Readeasier to make a 3-footer than ing clogged the middle and hit had 20 points, going 9 of 1~ enough three-pointers to win from the field, but forward it is a 23-footer," he said.

50-44 in the championship Joru:1 Regular, with 11 points, Reading built a 43-38lead game before 16,696 in Value was~ the only other player in with 1:23left on two free City Arena. douible figures. Garaway (26-1) throwsbyLaurisBarnesand "We were a little worried . was: 18 of32 from the field but layups by Nicholas Berter and when it was a low-scoring had: few second chances.

Aden.

'T don't need to look at the game because we like up-temGaraway closed to 46-44 with po," Blue Devils coach Rich stat ~-Tzeet. we got beat by a very, 10.9 seconds left, but Aden hit very talented team," Pirates Bensman said. "(Garaway) two free throws. wins a lot of games that way. I coach Scott Bardall said. "They "We shoot hundreds offree · thought our guys did a brilliant were composed at the throws every· single day," he ··job in the thinking part of this important times. Being second said. "We compete for Powergame." best (to Reading) isn't half bad.~' ades. Every day you have to " . · Reading (24-3) made Aden led the Devils with 17 focus no matter what the enviGaraway work for every shot points and seven rebounds, ronment. It's not that we wantwith an overplaying man-tobut the key might have been ed it more, but we stayed ,• man defense led by 6-foot-8 Gertz hitting three of the team's focused when they were pressfive three-pointers when Garcenter Eric Clemons, 6-5 foring." away sagged.

•ward Derek Aden and ballmznidar@dispatch.com

'L · By Mark Znldar

~--------~-·-----~

7

;>1

FG FGA FT FTA RB >!A PTS Aden.

6 13 5 6 ·7 !0 17 Clemons 2 6 3 4 7 '1 7 Hammersmith . 0 0 0 o· 0. 12 0 Serter 1 4 0 0;•' 2 2 2 Gertz 3 8 o 1 1 ;2 9 Barnes 1 2 7 8 3 ,o 9 Stidham '1 1 0 0 1 io 3 Pike ·1 2 o o, 010 3 Totals 15 36 15 19 '21' 7 50

------

STATE TOURNAMENT NOTES

No Jordan sighting for James' rmale

By Steve Blackledge and Bill Rabinowitz lHE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

in a sledding accident. He watched from the bench as Garaway fell 50-44 to Reading yesterday.

Disappointed as they wer<J, the Pirates had a healthy pel'spective on the loss: "(Senior) Nathan (Miller) was talking in the middle of the · fourth quarter that we have to have fun," Garaway coach Sc::ott Bardall said. "He was trying t:o · make sure we understood as a team that to win is not what lt's all about. It's about giving everything you have, and th<i.t to love and win is best, but to IC\ve and lose is second best.

"Second best isn't half bad.

We love each other in a way l'~e never would have if"\e hadn'.tt . gone through those two Ioss12s."

Rumors swirled all day yesterday; apparently untrue, that the original Chosen One, Michael Jordan, was expected in Value City Arena for the Division II state final pitting Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary against Kettering Alter.

The buzz contjnued that James would sign a lucrative deal with Nike after the game. A reliable source said paperwork .for the contract is complete, simply awaiting a signature.

Asked for a timetable on the shoe contract and an impending official announcement about turning pro, James said, "No, I have no Champs again dates for any of that stuff.

-What's next for me is a party All but four members of Mmria tonight." . Stein Marion Local's DivisiomN state champion played ior the Perspective on their loss 2000 and 2001 Division VI state football champs.

Few teams have overcome as much tragedy as Sugarcreek TWo-sport senior standout Garaway did this season to get Craig Wolters balked when to the Division III state champi- asked how enduring numerous onship game. football battles helped the FlyAssistant coach Glen Lorenz, ers achieve their latest title.

38, died of a heart attack during · "Not that much, really," he said. "We got beat in the the season. Then senior Brian• Lash, one of the Pirates' top regional finals this year and that was fuel for our basketball seareserves, was seriously injured

son as much as anything. We definitely weren't going down again."

It also marked the third time that boys and girls teams from the same school captured titles in the same season. Both teams posed together for pictures after the Ohio High School Activities Association awards ceremony. . .

"There wasn't any extra pressure on us to win, but I'd say it was in the back of our mind, 'Don't let them girls beat us,' " guard Chad Otte said. · Honored

'Rob Sheldon of 'Bucyrus Wynford was given the prestigious Paul Walker Award for long-time service to high-school coaching.

Sheldon has won 16 secti«:mal, six district and regional championships.

Making history

Marie Anthony of Columbus became the first woman to officiate in a boys state tournament game, calling St. Vincent-St. Mary's 40-36 victory over Alter in the Division II final.

Anthony has 30 years of. ··: experience, 26 at the · tournament level. sblackledge@dispatch.com , brabinowitz@dispatch.com · •

THE coLUMBus DISPATcH

1Sprts 1suNDAY. MARCH 23, 2003

~ SPRiNG TRAINING AL standings

0

ATPIWTA Nasdaq-:!.00 AT KEY BISCAYNE FLA

w Kansas City

L PC1: B 636 7 611 9 609 11 577 10 565 11 522 11 522 12 500 11 500 12 478 13 458 15 348 16 304 15 286

14

Toronto

11

Ch1cago M nnesoln

14 15 13 12 12 12 11 11 11

Cleveland Oakland

Texas Boston

Baltimore New York Seattle Detr01t Anahe m

8 7

Tampa Gay

6

CCHA Tournament

Men

AT DETROIT

Yesterday's results Consolatton Northern Mrch gan (5) 4 Ohro state (3) 1 ChamptonshiP Mrchrgan (2) 5 Ferns State (1) 3

Friday's results Semrfinals Ferns State (1) 4 Northern Mrch gan (5) 2 M chrgan (2) 3 Oh1o Stale (3) 0

NL standings VI L PCT. 16 7 696 15 7 682 15 8 652 12 Chicago 9 571 13 Colorado 10 565 Houston 11 10 524 Ctncmnat1 12 12 500 New York 12 12 500 San Franc1sco 12 500 12 Flonda 12 13 480 Pittsburgh 11 13 458 los Angeles 10 13 435 10 St lams 13 435 Phlladelphra 9 12 429 9 Mtlwaukee 16 360 San Diego 6 14 300 Note Spflt..squad games count m the standAtlanta Montreal Anzana

Women

NIT Yesterday's result Second round Creighton 96 s ena 86

mgsz games agamst nowma;or feague teams do not

Today's games Second round Rchmond (20 10) at Sa nt Josephs (19 10) 2 p m Marquette (1613) at Iowa (1714) 3 p m florrda State (1712) at Auburn (1911) 4 p m Ar zona State (1613) at Baylor (2110) 6 pm

Yesterday's results Toronto 4, Cmcmnat1 1

Cleveland 10 Detrmt 3 Atlanta 4 N ~ Mets 1 Flonda 8 Bait more 1 Montreal4 St LOUIS 0 Ph1ladelpl11a 11 Boston 6 las Angeles 6 Houston 4 Tampa Bay 8, Pittsburgh 2 M nnesot 14 NY Yankees 3 Te><as 4 Anaheim 3 Oakland B Colorado 7 San Franoho 6 Chrcago Cubs 6 tre 11 rnn Milwaukee 11, Chtcago White Sox 8 Seattle 6 Anzona (ss) 6 tte 10 mmngs San Diego (ss) 6 Kansas Crty 5 10 lnnmgs san D1ego (ss) 3, Arzona (ss) 1

MEN'S SWIMMING NCAA Div. Ill Championship AT ATlANTA TEAM SCORES Kenyon 756 5 Johns Hopkms 384 5, Emory 292 Carnegre Mellon 272, Den son 258, Wheaton 200, Whitworth 169 New Jersey 136 5 Amherst 132 5 Kalamazoo 124

TBA Second round Oregon State (15-14) vs Fresno State (1911) Wyom ng (18 11) vs Colorado State (19 11) MJSsoun (16 13) vs Ball State (20 8)

WRESTLING NCAA Championships

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL

AT KANSAS CITY

Ohm Slate del Qumcy 30 27 30 26 30 17

Quarterfinals Oregon State Fresno State wmner vs Anzona State Ba}lor wmner Montana Wyammg-Mon

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS Ohio State 196 925, Utah State 195100

tana State Colorado State wmner vs Ms

sour -Ball State wnner, Iowa Marquette wm

Today's games

WOMEN'S TENNIS

ner vs Cre ghton (23 B) St Joseph's Rch mond wmner, Auburn Flanda State wmner.

Friday's results Ftrst round Ball State 91 Ind1ana S ate 87 OT V/yommg 76 Montana 74 OT Colorado State 87 Montana State 74 Oregon State 77 UNLV 58 Fresno St 87, Sa 1ta Clara 72

MEN'S TENNIS

DIVISION Ill TOURNAMENT ATTERRE HAUTE IND

Yesterday's results Thtrd place WIS Eau Clarre 82 Rochester 77 20T Champtonshtp Tnnlty 60, Eastern Connect cut 58 Wheaton, Ill 5, Demson 2

Friday's results Semtfinals Trinity Toxas 63, Rochester NV 54 E Connect cut St 52 W1s Eau Cla1re 49 OT

NAIA DIV. I TOURNAMENT AT JACKSON, TENN

Quarterfinals Yesterday's results Oklahoma Crty 83 Central State 73 SCience & Arts Okla 66 Wayland Bapt , Texas 50 Vanguard, Calif 61 Oklahoma Chnsttan 60 S Nazarene Okla 74 Pmnt lorna Naz Calif 61

Blue Jays 4, Reds 1 abrhb•

4122 3 0 1 0

1000 4020

Semifinals

3 0 0 0

I 0 0 0 4121 2000Hnske3b 3121 Woodward ss 4 D 1 0 Ryanrt 4000 Berg2b 3100

41

Anderson Rosario Jr Gonzalez Wrght Luna Sull van Frazz tta Jr

116 116 116 116 116 116 116

52 21 61 81 15 1 12 1

Rosano Jr Calo Wr ght Donaghey Luna Collins Gonzalez

116 116 116 116 116 116 116

20 1 20 1 81 61 72 21 85

Today's games Oklahoma City (34 0) vs Scrence & Arts Okla (22 13) 7 p m Pomt lama Nazarene, CalifSouthern Nazarene, Okla (27 9) vs Vanguard Calif (28 9) 9 p m

NASCAR TRUCK Lucas Oil 250 TODAY S LINEUP AT MESA MARIN RACEWAY BAKERSFIELD CALIF

~ ~

NIT Yesterday's result Second round Provtdence 69 College of Charleston 64

Today's game Indians 10, Tigers 3

3VO & 116 116 116 116 111 111 116

15 1 81 10 1 21 61 52 41

Detrott

Second round Srena (20 10) vs W Mrch gan (20 10) 7 p m

Torrescf Lombard II

Friday's results

H1gg~nsonrl

TENTH -$4,500 elm, F&M, 3VO & up,

21

Ashleys' Pnde Modollng Margot

Wr ght Endres

116 116

Ve Songs Last

Nolan

119

52

Wobmann Joame s Way Proud Proneer Ramblm Amber Span sh Blush

Sull van Donaghey Guerra Luna Anderson

116 116 116 116 116

81 15 1 12 1 41 10 1

First round Temple 75 Boston Col ege 62 Iowa 54 Iowa State 53

INDY RACING LEAGUE Purex Dial 200

K ngsale rf Palmer dh Paquette 1t Chapman !11 Munson 3b

TODAY S LINEUP AT PHOENIX INTER NATION AL RACEWAY AVONDALE ARIZ

Haselman G

5%t

Second round

Santiago 211

Yesterday's results Third place Wooster 78 Hampden Sydney 74 Champ1onshtp Wrlhams 67 Gustavus Adolphus 65

IP 2 2 2 I 1 1

H 1 2 2 3 1 0

R 0 1 1 1 0 0

ER BB SO 0 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 0

PAR 71 AT NEWPORT BEACH CC NEWPORT BEACH CALIF

Ind ana

4

4

PA 358

714

387

354 319 345 393

Western Dtvtston 5 los Angeles San Jose 5

714 451

Anzona Colorado

571 143

4

1

368 326

Southern Drvtston Orlando 6 Georgta 5 Tampa Bay 5 Carolina 0

429 273 500 355 429 333 143 400 857 714 667 000

371 330 390 277

156

16, Cleveland Hetghts 1

GIRLS LACROSSE

NCCA fifth place Brown Madsen DavsL,O 1 VERMONT Robmson Blazek Dxonw 1-o

CART Tecate Telmex Grand Prix

R ER BB

4

IP

H

B 11 0 0

01 02

3

50

4 6 2 1 2 1 0 0 R ER BB SO 4 4 2 1 2 0 0 0 0

Thomas Worthmgton 14, Westerville 4 WESTERVILLE Goals-Savage 2 Rudolph Metge Saves-Gtllman 12 THOMAS WORTHINGTON Goals-Ranktn 3 Skelton 3 Palmer 2 Hadden 2 Jackson, Still well Chartes Lavelle Saves-D ssett 4 Halftime 7 D Records• WV 0 1 TW 2 0 Hartley 14, South Dayton 2 SOUTH DAYTON. Goals-Sui! van 2. SavesSchramm 7 HARTLEY Goals-Hartge 3 Rosenberry 2 Kebe 2 Chan 2, Gasbarro Orellana Stromberg Kl ne Elflem Saves-Larson 2.

Records: SO 0 1, HART 11 Dublm Coffman 17, Cm. Indtan HillS DUBLIN COFFMAN Goals-Trafrcant 5, Sm th 3 Dav1s 2 McBnde 2 Nicholson Fritz Thomas, Strall Keenan Saues-Ryan 5 Rob son4 CINCINNATI INDIAN Hill Goals-McCaw 2 Sweeny 2 Johnson Saves-Connoly 11 Halftrme 7 4 Records: DC 1 0, CIH 11

404 306 342

Amencan league Boston Red Sox-Opttoned RHP Ryan Rupe to Pawtucket of the Il AsSigned Jeff Sm th to thetr mmor league camp

c

New York Yankees-Asstgned C Mt hel Her

National Conference Eastern Drvtsron Buffalo 3 3 Detroit las Vegas 3 New York I

MEN'S GOLF Chns Schenkel Invitational AT STATESBORO, GA Tap team scores (out of 15) 1 Clemson 567 2 Wake forest 569, 3 Auburn 571 4 Flonda and North Carolma State 575 Also-15 Ohro State 607 Top mdtutduai-Ciaxton (AUB) 138 OSU tnd1Vtduals-13t Doran 143 64t Valhna 154 66 Anderson 155 67t Hall and Rrddell

Wiffl!

OLENTANGV Goals-Copeland 3 Baker 3 Sheen 3 Duncan 2 Domm Irion Wr ght Kearns Navarro Saves-Keefe 14 Hallbme 11 0 Records CH 0 2 OLEN 1-o

ATFRANKFORI KV

Central Drvrston

Pf 397 429 307 306

Roanoke Invitational

CLEVElAND HEIGHTS· Goal-Jones Saves-

Semtltnals Wt hams Mass 74 Wooster 72 OT Gustavus Adolphus 79 Hampden Sydney Va 68

American Conference PCT 714 625 429 429

AT SALEM VA

Olentangy

Friday's results CHAMPIONS TOUR Toshiba Senior Classic

NCAA Tournament Today's second·round games AT BOSTON

L 2

MEN'S TRACK Roanoke Invitational

BOYS LACROSSE

AT SALEM VA

latest compostte odds from las Vegas

3

MEN'S LACROSSE

Masstlon Jackson 7, Westerville North 6, 20T MASS!lON JACKSON Goals-MeGogrn 4, Sgler 2 Weigand Saves-Hess 10 WESTERVILLE NORTH Goals-Ehnrnger 3, Peters 2, Braman Saves-Tdl14 Halft1me Mass!lon Jackson, 4 2 Records MJ 2 0 WNO 1

DIVISION Ill TOURNAMENT

Infante ss

51

College basketball

5 5 3 3

Demson 18 Indtana Pa 4

BASEBALL

TODAY 5 LINEUP AT FUNDIDORA PARK MON TERREY MEXICO

w

Thlfd place-Josh Lambrech (Oklahoma) dec Jessman Smith (Iowa) 52 Frith place-CI nt Wattenberg (Cornell) dec Bw He zer (North ern Ill no1s) 9 5, Seventh p!ar:::e-Mark Becks (Penn State) dec Greg Parker (Pr nceton) 5 3 197 Champronshrp-Damlon Hahn (Mmneso ta) dec Jon Trenge (Leh gh) 5-4 Th rd place-Muhammed lawai (Oklahoma State) dec Sean Stender (Northern Iowa) 7 4 Ftfth plar;;e-Justm RUlz (Nebraska) dec Chns Skretkow1cz (Hofstra) 7 4 Seventh placeKyle Smith (Mtch gan) won b~ fall Marc10 Bote! ho (fresno State) 2 32 285 Championship-Steve ~tocco {Iowa) dec Kev n Hoy {Atr Force} 8 3, TM1d place-Boe Rushton (Bmse State) dec ~t Cummms {Penn State) 10 8 Frith place-Kellan Fluck ger (An zona State) def Tammy Rowlands (Ohro State) by med forfert, Seventh place-Matt Feast (Penn) dec John Testa (Cianon) 8 6

Texas Tech 57 San Otego State 48

Walbeck c

TWELFTH-$4,200 elm, 3VO & up, 61 Request Granted Anderson 116 81 Wrll Savell Luna 116 10 1 Summer Buy Endres 117 51 Shoptaw Donaghey 116 15 1 lethal Frazz tta Jr 116 12 1 Rossman Wnght 116 41 He Is A Hero RosariO Jr. 116 52 Red Baris Guerra 116 21

Grand Raptds Dallas Chicago

165 ChampiOnShip Matt LcaJ\ey (II mrus) dec Troy letters (Leh gh) 6 3, Thtrd placeJacob Volkmann {Mmnesota) dec Matt R Kmg (Edmboro) 6-D Ftfth plar;;e-T} rone lewts (Oklahoma State) dec John Clark (Ohro State) 12 6 Seventh place-Frank Edwards (Navy) dec Tyron Woodley (M•ssourr) 3 0 174 ChampJOnshrp-Robbre Waller (Okla homa) dec Carl Fronhofer (P ttsburg0)7 2 Thtrd place-Chns Pendelton (Oklahoma State) dec Curts Owen (Anzona State) 17 4.

Frith place-Brad Dlion (Leh•gh) dec Shane Webster (Oregon) 11-6 Seventh place-Mark Fee (Appalaeh an State) won by fall Ryan Lange (Purdue) 1 57 184 Champ1onsh1p-Jake Rosholt (Oklahoma

WOMEN'S LACROSSE

State) dec Scott Parker (Prmreton) 13 5

IP H R ER BB SO 621113 110001 200001

EIGHTH-$4,500 elm, F&M, up, 61 Dancers F nale Luna Qreametta Nolan Gentle Dem1 FrazZitta Jr Necessary Ev1l Calo Crusader s Belle Endres The Flag Stands Wr ght Lady Lu Anderson

149 Champ1onsh1p-Enc larkm (Artzona State) dec Jared lawrence (\iimnesota) 10 8 Thtrd place-Jesse Jantzen \Harvard} dec Jerrod Sanders (Oklahoma Stole) 53 F1flh place-Jake Percival (Ohro) llec Coli n Robertson {Bo se State) 9 6 :Seventh placeJon Masa (Hofstra) dec Duns,lm Manott (Cor nell) 12 2 157. Chamoronshrp-Ryan B'rtm (M1ch1gan) dec Alex T rapelle (IIhno s) 7 3 Third placeShane Roller (Oklahoma Stat_) won by fall Luke Becker (Mmnesota) 0 3" F1flh placeScott Owen (Northern IllinOJ<) dec Keaton Anderson (Ohto State) 7 4 Seventh placeGray Maynard (Mrchrgan Stat.) dec Derek Zmck (Leh gl) 12 2

308 368 387 431

nandez and INF Davtd Post to thetr mmor league camp Oakland Athletrcs-Opt1oned LHP Ed Yarnall to Sacramento of the PCL

FORMULA ONE Malaysian Grand Prix

Tampa Bay Devil Rays-Released DH Greg

Vaughn, RHP John Frasca tore and RHP Bob Wells Optloned RHP Delvm James RHP Jason Standndge INF Antomo Perez and INF Jared Sandberg to Durham of the IL

TODAY'S LINEUP AT SEPANG CIRCL!IT MALAYSIA

Toronto Blue Jays-Optmned RHP Corey Thur

Pro basketball

man to Syracuse of the IL

321 316' 310 434

Nat1onal League Florida Marlins-Optioned LHP Oswaldo Matre na and RHP Steve Kent to Albt querqua of the

PCL

Pro hockey

NLL standings Eastern DtVISIOn

VI 8 5 3 1

L PCT 6 5Z1 7 417 9 250 12 077

GF 180 162 138 162

GA 183 169 152 201

Central DIVISion Buffalo 11 Rochester 9 Albany 6 Columbus 6

846 692 462 500

189 173 156 132

!39 144 !51 149

Northern DIVISIOn 11 Toronto Calgary 7 6 Vancouver Ottawa 4

733 5B3 500 308

185 147 153 140

151 153 161 161

Phliadelphta Colorado New Jersey New York

Yesterday's results

Montreal Expos-Asstgned lHP Enc Knott to thmr mmor league camp

Buffalo 11 Ottawa 9 Phrladelph1a 19 Calgary 13

PGA EUROPEAN TOUR

Basketball

Today's games Colorado at New Jersey Calgary at New York Rochester at Columbus

Bradley Dredge

NBA Ch1cago Bulls-Actrvated F Eddre Rob nson from the njured I st Placed C Dal bar Baganc on the InJUred hst

Van Phillips

Friday's results

Colleges Detrott-Announced the res gnabon of Anne Rexford women's basketball coach

" -

--··

.___j

THE ~owMBus msPATcH

1Boys St«!Jie BasketbaU Touurnam~nt I sATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2003

DiVISION 61: AKRON ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY 71 I CANTON SOUTH 46

V-- M ta es out South playing as team Travis 16 points, Joyce's fiye three-pointers carry Irish into final

DIVISION I Semifinals

Yesterday's results-Cincinnati Moeller·{2J~4) 85, Cleveland Heights 74, OT; Brookh~ven ~9,

Toledo St. John's 53.

Brookhaven (26-1), 8:30p.m.

By Bill Rabinowitz

DIVISION II Semifinals

·Beechcroft

t

walks away

sadbutnot humiliated

By Bill Rabinowitz THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Beechcroft done in by 14-of-48 shooting

By Steve Blackledge THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH.

In hindsight, the task doesn't sound so unreasonable.

Just make four more baskets, for a 3 7.5 percent shooting day,

r..,-

date James auu ron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Division II state final.

There wasn't much topsychoanalyze in Beechcroft's 5345 semifinal loss to Kettering Alter yesterday before an an c nounced crowd of 15,778 inNalue City Arena. The Cougars just couldn't put the ball in the basket. . "That obviously killed us, the _way we shot the ball,'' Beechcroft coach Kent Burgert said.

"You can't shoot 29 percent in the state tournament and beat anybody."

The Cougars went 14 of 48 (29.2 percent) from the field en route to a season-low scoring output. They came in averaging 66 points per game on 45 percent shooting. · Credit Kettering Alter for play-. ing its usual stingy half-court defense and slowing the pace of the game to its liking.

"Still, we're a lot better than that," Burgert said. "We were confident and ready to play, and I thought for the most part we got good looks, but the shots just didn't fall. There's not a whole lot more we could have asked for."

The fundamentally sound, meticulous Knights merely maintained a lead of 8-12 points the entire second half. Beechcroft (20-6) never could get over the hump.

Alter (l 8-8) will face St. Vincent -St. Mary (24-1) at 5 p.m. today with another snail-paced affait a virtual certainty. The Fighting Irish won their previous meeting 73-40 in Dayton Arena.

"A lot of people say we're

slowing it down, but if that's what getting a good shot means, so be it," said Alter's Doug Permo, a 6-foot-5 senior guard.

"For a team used to running up and down the floor and scoring as much as they do night in and

!M were."

Senior guard DeQuan Owens, Beechcroft's only double-figures scorer with 13 points on 3-of-16 shooting, admitted so much.

"We were trying to get our rhythm, but you can't do that wheri the shots aren't falling," he said. · "We were only down about 10 points the whole second half.

Anybody can come back from that, but nothing would go.

They played some pretty good defense. You've got to give it to them."

Permo, an All-Ohio wide rec!liver in football, scored a career-high 24'points and grabbed l() rebounds to pace the Kllights, who are 3-0 in state championship games, the most recent coming in 2001.

"Our defense held us together again," said Alter coach Joe Petrocelli, in his 39th year at the school. "It's been our mainstay the whole run. We just made a few baskets when we needed them."

If a record-setting 82-31 state semifinal loss to Cincinnati Roger Bacon last season was humiliating, this one was just plain irritating for Burgert and his players.

"There was one sequence there in the fourth quarter where they made four straight turnovers and we had three-ontwos and two-on-ones two of them were layups- and couldn't come away with a single point out of it," Burgert said.

"That was huge. It also pretty summed up how the whole day went for us." , sblackledge@dispatch.com

'" ' ···.

yesterday's results-Akron St. Vincent~St.-.

Mary 71, canton South 46; Kettering Alter 53, Beechcroft 45.

·

·

Final Today's game-Akron St. Vincent-St. MaJY"(24-

1) vs. Kettering Alter (18-8), 5 p.m.

DIVISION Ill Semifinals Thursdats _results-Sugarcreek GaraWay 70~ Archbold 59; Reading 70, Bedford Chan~l6i •

Final

·

. •

Today's game-Sugarcreek Garaway (26~i) ~'s.

Reading (23-3}, 2 p.m. ·- '"" ---=- .1.

DIVISION IV Semifinals Thursday's results-Maria Stein Marion local 72, Elyria Christian 47; Convoy Crestview-73, ')

Wellington 40.

·

Final

~',

Today's game-Maria Stein Marion local (232) vs,Convoy Crestview (23-3), 11 a.in.

DIVISION .I Brookhaven 59, Toledo St. John's 53 Barabino

Hillesland Raymond Carr Roberts Keller Kanney Totals

''

~')

'

FG FGA FT FTA RB .A PTS 2 4 0 0 3 ' 0, .,.s 2 0 0 1' 1,,·,,._4· 2 5 10 2 3 5 ' 1 . ll 3 5 0 0 2., 2... ,,9.

8 18 3 4 3,6; .. t1; 1 I 0 0 1. •0 " 2.

0 i o o s.o,.Q 21 42 · S 7 20 IQ "53

Brookhaven Spencer Carnley, Foust

1>

,_' --1

Toledo St. John'S

Lyles lavender Cox Totals

DIViSION II: KETTERING AILTEIR 53 I BEECHCROFT 45

., ·

Today's game-Cincinnati Moeller {22-4) vs.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

nine rebounds and dishing out doubt yesterday. With Jamres and six assists.

Travis pounding the offensive But ·his teanunates, particular- boards, SV-SM went on a SJ-0 run . Before the.state basketball ly 6'foot-6 senior forward Romeo ·to lead ll-2. The lead never tournament, Henry Cobb joked Travis, senior guard Dru Joyce III dipped below seven and svvelled about a proposition he wanted and junior guard Corey Jones, to 35 in the middle of the fourth to make to OHSAA commission- were sharp as well. quarter before SV-SM cleared the er Clair Muscaro.

To be sure, they benefited bench. from the extra attention Canton Because basketball is Content to feed teammates supposed to be a team game, South (23-3) devoted to James. most of the game, James man~ the Canton South coach said, Still, Travis made 7 of 10 shots aged a couple of spectacular why not have LeBron James play from the field for 16 points. moments. one half of the Division II state Once, he stole the ball, Joyce made 5 of7 three-pointers semifinals for St. Vincent -St. for 15 points, and Jones made dribbled downcourt, faked a 3 of 5 three-pointers for nine ·Mary and then sWitch sides and Canton South defender in the play for the Wildcats in the points. lane and soared for a dunk.

For the game, SV-SM (24-1) second half.

Another time, he drove for a "Then we'd see who the best ~ade 11 of 22 three-pointers. left-handed slam. team is,'' Cobb said.

James was only 1 of6.

Ronnie Bourquin scored 13 ; "When you play in the shadow points to lead Canton South.

The answer was made obvious of the greatest player in Ohio yesterday in SV-SM's 71-46 He becarrie the school's career · high-school·history, people tend scoring leader with 1,176 points. victory in Value City Arena. , · to want to overlook some of the James might make SV-SM the SV-SM will go for its third state talent the other guys have," Irish title in four years against mythical national champion, but his teammates are plenty coach Dru Joyce II said. "That's Kettering Alter. The Irish beat so.i;llething the guys have to deal Joe Petrocelli's Alter team 73-40 good without him.. with. They .understand that Lein February.

"We are awfully disappointed . Bi:on's the guy and they accept we lost," Cobb said. "But "You can't re-create that game,'' St. Vmcent -St. Mary is a great their roles.

Joyce said. "If I could, I would, "Could we do it without team. I think they're a great team but you can't. Coach Petro is a without Mr. James. I really think LeBron? Of course, I believe we great guy and a grea:t coach. I could, Right now I don't have to know he's been thinking about NEAL C. LAURON I DISPATCH they might have gotten here without him." worry about that. We want to be what adjustnients he can make LeBron James, shadowing Ronnie Bourquin of Canton South, had James was his usual impressive able to do it with him." since time expired last gan1e."

19 points, nine rebounds and six assists for St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Tlie outcome was never in brabinowitz@dispatch.com self, scoring 19 points, grabbing

:

Final

2 4 7 2 6

o 21

;;s

1 2 2' ·3, .0 0 4 ·o '· 8 2 6 13 2 .:16 4 6 2 3'· ··"8 9 5 7 2' 2' 22 I 0 0 1 0 ''0 39 12 21 25'10 5~ 4 8 9 8

Toledo St. John's Brookhaven

10 11 17. 15 ·.53" 13 11 22 13-"59

3"'PPint goals-Carr 3, RobE!rts 2, BarabinO;

-,

lavender 5. A-17,527.

Cincinnati Moeller 85, Cleveland Heights 74, OT , :·; Cleveland Heights Nixon Gardner Grey Jones Battle Ledwell Strickland Hanyes Powers Butler Thompsoo Boyd Totals

,,,

FG FGA FT FTA RB A· PTS 160231Z 4 6 1 5 3 ·o '10 110010;2 421225312 410343213 1 1 0 0 0 0 '2 0 1 0 0 0 0 · 'b 2400104 3 4 0 1 0 1' 9 7 11 0 0 8 1,· 14 1 2 0 0 2 0 ..2 240022·4 30 71 6 14 30 10 74

Tyler Perry walked off the court Cincinnati Moeller Oucan 12 16 16 3 27, with his warm-up shirt pulled over Kimener 1 2 4 3 6 his face.

Brackman 12 20 9 ,2 ·, 25 Christie 4 9 1 6 13 James Lloyd had a towel draped Walther 3 9 0 5· 8 over his bowed head.

Childress 1 4 4· 3 ·6 Dierkens 0 1 .o DeQuan Owens said he was.

Totals 33 61 85 "devastated."

Cleveland Heights Yes, a loss in the state tournument, Cincinnati Moeller to come so far and fall short, stings 3-point g·oals-Powers 3, Jones 2, Battle 2, ·.., all the way to a player's core.

Gardner; Walther, Duncan, Christie. Ac-16,423. is devastated and there humilfati~d.. riiucn asireecll- ~~ ~- ~DIVISION-II~--~- ~ ·- ---:;-~: .~~ · Kettering Alter 53, croft's players were hurting after losing 53-45 yesterday to Kettering Alter Beechcroft 45 ,, . ' in a Division II semifinal, this was Beechcroft FG FGA FT FTA RB" A Pi'S merely a defeat. The Cougars didn't lloyd 2 1 2 s- r ·i 0 have to exit Value City Arena knowDudley 3 6 0 0 7.:1::~ ing spectators were wondering how 1 o o 2 •. o . a Alman 3 7 5 6 6 'o • 9 Welch 2 they ever got there in the first place.

Owens 3 16 5 6 I" 1, , 13 That was the case last year after an Wilson 0 6 0 D L 2,... 0 1 0 0 0 0 . '3 Moore 1 82-31loss to Roger Bacon. Owens Suber 0 o o o o 1' "a didn't play in that game because of Perry 2 3 o o 1" o' .. '·~ Totals 14 48 11 14 29. ~· '45 injury. Just sitting on the bench was r-. '.1::· Kettering Alter painful enough.

Penna 6 10 9 10101•24 "It was horrible," he said.

Stichweh 5 5 1 3 6, 1 ·i•H So it was of considerable consolaGill 4 11 0 2 6 '2 " 8 Hilgeman 1 5 0 0 3 ··6 " '2 tion that the loss yesterday could be 4 2' ·2· ,.,.,6 Laumann 1 4 3 mostly chalked up to a bad shooting o o·· -0' '2 Keyes 1 2 0 0 1 r. -0 11 0 Freshwater 0 0 0 day rather than a total collapsil.

Totals 18 37 13 19 3o·•i2 53 went through it last year "They NEAL C. LAURON I DISPATCH PHOIDS Beechcroft 8 9 6· 22-'-.45 and I thought that definitely 12 12 11,'1~-p} Kettering Alter Beechcroft's DeQuan Owens, 34, takes the ball to the basket helped," Beechcroft coach Kent 3-point goals-Aimon 2, Owens 2, Mo'on:fDOd~ against Kettering Alter's Adam Gill. Owens had 13 points.

Burgert said. "We had a great week ley; Penna 3, Laumann. A-15,788. ;;. ·,fJ of practice. They were confide:nt.

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mai'Y ?f, We felt we were ready to play, and Canton South 46 , · : '· I thought we did play hard."

I·'' Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Sirjo Welch was the Cougars' lone FG FGA FT FTA RB A PrS returning starter from the 2002 Travis l~ ~ ~ ~-· { ~~ semifinal, so it was a remarkable Cotton 35002'39 Jones achievement that Beechcroft even Joycem 5 70 042;15 made it back.

James 816249619 1 I 0 0 1 I ·2 Weems "I was really surprised we got back Glasper 1200013 here again," Owens said. "Going to 010 0 0 0 ..0 Danzy 0 0 0 0 I' 0' '" 0 McGee the final four of states, that's like 1 2 o o o·o-',.i· Garrett once in a lifetime, and we did it 1 2 0 tl.:o··2 Johnson Totals 28 47 4 7 2313:7} twice. Some guys play higll-school Canton South ball for four years and never get past 3 o' ·•'6 3 districts."

4 f "9 4 3. 4 13 Beechcroft has reason to believe it 5 0 0 0' "0 could become a regular at the st,ate 1 4 ,0' ·6. tour~amen,t. Owens, James Lloyd, 2 2 0 4 1 0. 0 0 · and Wayne Dudley are the Cougars' 1 2 0 '2 only seniors, and Burgert brought up 2 o ,~ 0 several freshmen to get a taste of 18 10 23 ··5··'16 ,·'1, tournament atmosphere.

"We've got 11 of 14 kids bac.k," Burgert said. "Going through this J~point goal!t-Jayce 5, Jones 3, Garrett:·_, -.; 1 twice, we're all looking forward to Glasper, James; R:Bourquin.· A-18,409~ '1 . -1 d ..-,_'[;.

Beechcroft head coach Kent Burgert, left, and assistant Denis next year."

Toler can't bear to watch the end of the Cougars' semifinal loss. brabinowitz@dispatch.com •)!

•. :·

i

i

r

•'

.

DIVISION 1: CINCINNATI MOEILLIEIR 85 I CLEVElAND HEIGHTS 74, OT

~·... fJ

. . :.,I _)

,.

,.,

Moeller blows big lead, then routs Heights in overtime : :

By Bill Rabinowitz THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

A 19-point lead had evaporated in six stunning minutes. Now . overtime of the Division I state semifinals had arrived and Carl Kremer had every reason to wonder about the psyche of his Cincinnati Moeller players.

He saw less shock than determination and confidence. Reassured, Kremer watched the Crusaders dominate the extra four minutes for an 85-74 victory

' over Cleveland Heights last night in Value City Arena. · Moeller (22-4) will play Brookhaven for the title tonight.

"When I looked at guys on the bench, I didn't think I'd looked at guys who thought we were going to lose," Kremer said. "I think our guys felt we survived and now we felt it was our turn."

Cleveland Heights [22-4) scored the first basket of overtime, but Moeller answered with a 16-0run.

That Moeller needed overtime

seemed unlikely for most of the game. Through three quarters. the Crusaders didn't have much trouble with Cleveland Heights' full-court pressure, which led to easy baskets for Josh Duncan . and Andrew Brackman, Moeller's 6-foot-7 juniorstandouts.

Duncan (27 points, 16 rebounds) and Brackman (25 points, nine rebounds) were a combined 24 of 36 from the floor. .

When Duncan tipped in a missed Brackman free throw to

make it 61-42 with 6:03left, garbage time seemed imminent.

Instead, momentum swung suddenly. The press started forcing turnovers, Moeller missed some free throws and the Tigers got hot.

"It was kind of overwhelming," Christie said.

Cleveland Heights cut the lead to nine with just under four minutes left but seemed doomed when they could slice only another two points in the next two minutes,

But U.Shawn Butler hit a three-pointer and scored or:" a putback to make it 66-64 with 1:12left. After Duncan was stripped on a drive, Tigers point guard Darren Jones tied the score on a layup with 57 seconds left.

Moeller tried to hold for the last shot, but Christie lost the ball out of bounds with 35 seconds left. · That gave the Tigers the final possession. Jones held the ball and waited until just a few sec-

onds remained before atteri;t~t:~ ing an off-balance three-pointer that wasn't close. ' ·, :0: , That the Tigers had little I.e:(!;:;~ for overtime didn't diminish · coach Jim Cappelletti's . ,. • admiration for what his teain ' : had done. , " :::: ~ "A close friend of mine said''' ; there's never any quit in the . :: ~ Tigers, and I think you saw tha( tonight," he said. "I've never:'· "• been any prouder of a team '' ··· thanlamofthisteam." ·. · .,.: brabinowitz@dispatch.con(•

THE coLuMBus DISPATCH 1High

- El2u '·

...

Schools 1sATURDAY. MARCH 22, 2003

.

"·.-·

DISPATCH- AG0NIS Cl U8 80YS All-STARS ZNDTEI\Ml JOE DAVIS

Thomas Worthington 16'6" I Sr. 116.2 ppg.

DWIGHT HOLMES

Reynoldsburg 16'5" ISr.l17.5 ppg.

MARCUS McCANTS

Wellington I 6'2" I Sr. I 21.2 ppg.

DEQUAN OWENS

· Beechcroft 15'11" I Sr.l17.9 ppg.

DAVID PETERSON

Big Walnut I 6'5" I Sr. I 22.3 ppg.

3RDTEAM JAMELLE CORNLEY

Brookhaven I 6'6" I So.l14.3 ppg.

DAN DELUCIA

Watterson 16'3" I Sr.l14.2 ppg.

DARREN PORE

Hartley 16'4" I Sr. 116.8 ppg.

NATE STOUGHT

Millersport 16'2" I Sr. I 21.7 ppg.

DUSTIN ULTICAN

Pickerington 15'11" I Sr.l17.5 ppg.

SPECIAL MENTION ,, ·.1 I

'·-

"',

..

·,.. "

"

East

6'2" ISR.I17 .4 ppg.

··.·

•r

.d'i'· .,

ANDREW.IJWENDEit Lancaster

6'0" I SR.I17.9 ppg.

Brolildlaven

5'7" I SR.I16.5 ppg.

lfEIU~A~DEZ S~UVER ·

Canal Winchester

6'2" ISR.I20.1 PJII~.

6'7" I SR.I16.2 ppg.

Oklahoma signee

Western Carolina signee

Oklahoma signee

*'·Player, of the year: Andrew Lavender, Brookhaven* Coach of the year: Jack Greathouse, Laneaster1tc

.,

.,

BRANQOIItFOUST

Brookhaven

'~~-~.~ -~

'')

Lavender stan

tall among All-Stars

prep players March

. By Steve Blackledge

little of his value to the Bearcats and immense game presence.

Cleveland.

"His numbers at the end really don't "I watched· the Mc- mean anything," Newar¥ coach Jeff Donald's game on TV Quackenbush said after a regional my eighth-grade year semifinal loss to Brookhaven. "He and that's when I de- does so many things in terms of getcided I wanted to ting guys open and co'ntrolling the play in it," Lavender flow of a game. He just breaks you said. "It's one of the down."

Jack highest honors a Joining Lavender on the all-star Greathouse player can achieve. team, composed of players from · Only the best players in the country schools in Franklin and its six contigget invited." uous counties, are his OklahomaIn fact, only two other Columbusboundteammate,.Brandon Foust; . area boys have played in the game: CyrUsSmith of East, Kyle Greathouse of Lancaster and Hernandez Skiver of Martin Nessley of Whitehall in 1983 and K~nny Gregory of Independence Canal Wmchester.. in 1997. . The coach of the year is Jack Lavender's statistics- 16.5 points Greathouse, who guided Lancaster to and 9.2 assists per game- speak a best-ever 23-l record and the 26 in Gund Arena in

. THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Despite his miniature status,Andrew Lavender always dreamed big.

"As an eighth~grader, Andrew told me his goal was to play in the McDonald's All-Star Game and we talked about things he needed to work on to get to that level," Brookhaven coach Bruce Howard said.

Wish granted. . Among his numerous accomplishments- first-team All-Ohio, Mr. Bas...... ketballrunner-qp, a Division.lstate :':championship, a full-ride scnolarship . to Oklahoma and nowthe,DispatchAgonis Player of the Year+ thir5foot-7 senior point guard was named to play in the McDonald's ;All-Star Game honoring the nation's finest

regional final .

Not lost with the coach is the fact that four members of the DispatchAgonis team play point guard.

"That's a coach's dream, isn't it," the elder Greathouse said.

Greathouse, who has spent 24 seasons as a high-school and college coach, will regard this among his most memorable. The Golden Gales (23-2) survived a rugged Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division schedule before advancing to a regional final, where it battled defending state champion Brookhaven to.the last second before falling 46-43.

"We have a great program with program kids," he said. "We thought v.;e could be good, but not this good. H's been a really fun ride." sblackledge@dispatch.com

Kevin Anderson (Thomas Worthington); Cordayl Ballard (Mifflin); Ro_ss Banaszak (Delaware); Steve Berk {Lancaster); Austin Black {Wellington); Gabe Brooks (Franklin Heights); Casey .Brown (Ready); Matt Cannan (Dublin Coffman); Richard Cox (Licking Heights); Tyler Evans (Logan Elm); Adrian Fayson (West); Art Ford (Bexley); Devin Fullc {Licking Valley); Mike Gilliam (Buckeye Valley); T.J. Johnson {Newark); Tony Julian {Dublin Coffman); Chuck Meadows (Independence); Chad Miller {Fairbanks); !(en Ottrix (Hilliard Davidson); Mike Philibin (Oientangy); Kevin Price (Jonathan Alder); Allesondro Roberts (Groveport); Bryan Robinson {london); Chris Rollins (Amanda-Ciearcreek); · Theodore Scott {Whetstone); Craig Stewart (Circleville); Julian Sullinger (Northland); Dustin Ultican (Pickerington); Ted Uritus (Watterson); Will Wagner (East); SirJoseph Welch (Beechcroft); Adam Wells (Lakewood); Ryan Wiersma (Newark); LaMarr Williams (DeSales); Kyle Young (North· ridge); Josh Zawacki (Amanda·Ciearcreek).

HONORABLE MENTION Ryan Allen {Mifflin); luke Almendinger (Big Wal· nut); Mike Angles (Westfall); Justin Banks (East); Jimmy Berkeybile {Hartley); Jay Butler (Pickerington); Steve Calhoun (Tree of Life); Anthony Calo (Westerville south); Jeff Carroll (Watterson); Tris. tan Cook (Oiiio Deaf); Torry Cornett (Independence); John Ferguson (Reynoldsburg); Jimmy Gardner (Northside Christian); Andrew Good (Bexley); Matt Gray (Worthington Christian); Shane Gregg (Whitehall); Ross Gruenwald (St. Charles); James Helton {East); Brian Hertlein {Bloom-Carroll); Karim Jackson (Walnut Ridge); Matt Jaynes (Maranatha Christian); Jason Kauer (Village Academy); Adam Kirchner (Newark Catholic); Thomas Kluz (Upper Arlington); Pete Kraus (liberty Christian); Scotty lake (Newark Catholic); Scott Laslo (Gahanna); Sidney Latham {Reynoldsburg); Antone Leftwich (Mifflin); Adam Lesch (Newark); Brian Levine (Bexley); Denzel lyles (Brookhaven); Nick Moore (Westerville South); Robert Moore (Central Crossing); Josh Murray (DeSales); Wade Pi cock (Licking Heights); levi Robinson {Licking Valley); Mitchell Severance (Millersport); Drew Shaw (Westfall); Everett Spencer (Brookhaven); ' 'Jimmy Stern (Hilliard Darby); Donald Sue! (Eastmoor Academy); Bryan Tedder (Whitehall); Mark Troutman {Canal Winchester); Daniel Utts (Circleville); Stefan Vasiloff (Franklin Heights); Brandon White {Bexley); Chris Wiggins (MarionFranklin); Brian Williams (Oientangy); Jimmy Wooten (Hamilton Township); Eric Yates (Dublin Scioto).

:--ATHlETES OF lHE WEE~{ r

1.

~

llie·two Dispatch-Agonis Club .' 'athletes of the week, based on - -pe'ifcirmances from March 10-16: DeQuan Owens, Beechcroft, boys

basketball Owens, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, scored 23 points in 'each of two games last week, powerlngBeechcroft to its second con,secutive Division II state tournament. In a 59-53 regional semifinal victory over Gallipolis Gallia Academy, Owens scored 10 fourth. quarter points. He went 7 of 13 from.the field, 8 of 12 atthe free ttirowline and made five rebounds.

Them· on Saturday, Owens hit a baseline jumper with 54 seconds remaining for the game-winning ·· · basket in the Cougars' 73-69 win --over East Liverpool in the regional finaL He went 7 of 14 from the • field and 7 of 8 at the line with five· - -rebounds and three assists. Owens i{averaging 18 points per game.

<

>

Brittany

Hunter, Brookhaven, girls basketball Hunter, a 6-3 senior center, proved her selection as Ms. Basketball in Ohio was no flul\e in tne Division r state tournament, In a 68-62 semifinal loss :against eventual champion Beaven·creek, she scored 27 points on 10-of-24 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

Hunter, a Duke University signee, also grabbed nine rebounds and had two steals. She averaged 23.5 P9iQts, _17.6 rebounds and 6.0 tMe~!) per game.

Owens and Hunterwill receive :plaques sponsored by Ohio Nation. al Financial Services during an Agonis Club luncheon yet to be scheduled at the Confluence Park Restaurant, 679 W. Long St.

ABoVE: Beechcroft

players suffer through the closing seconds of their Division II semifinal loss to Kettering Alter.

LEFT': Denzel Lyles, left, and Brookhaven teammate , Jermaine Cox, right, go for the . ·steal against Brandon BarabinoofToledo St. John's in a ·Division I semifinal in Value City Arena.

NEAL C. LAURON I DISPATCH

LeBron James of Akron St. Vmcent-St. Mary soars for a dunk in a Division II semifinal against Canton South.

'-.

-------------

------~-------------'---------

-------·

C14 SATlJRDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 200~

SPO~S

WE

Boys basketball

No.· 1 Moeller

·Hamilton puts down: Panthers with pressure

pl~ys

like it

or smart, and that's a bad Big Blue whips . ·combination."

After the Big Blue's secundermanned · ond-quarter nui that netted · the· 14 ·point lead, Elder Ehler by 23 couldn't cut into the deficit,

Duncan keys romp over Oak Hills

which remained 16 or more the remainder of the game.

"We put aside that Elder E11quirer contributor was without some' starters,'' The lessons learned by Hamilton senior Jon Smith Hamilton coach Lany Allen said. "We knew we had to during a lopsided preseason fight from the beginning and scrimmage loss to LaSalle notletup.Wehavetwoback paid off for the Big Blue Fri- from last year when we went day against the Elder 20-3, and the expectations of Panthers. goingto state are the same."

Employing a full-court Smith led Hamilton with a press that forc.ed 17 turn- game-high 17 points and six overs, the Big Blue beat.El- rebounds.· Josh Couch reder 54-31 in: ·.the opening corded 15 points and seven game of the i-wireless Invita- rebounds. · tiona! at Xavier University's ' Allen, was most pleased Cintas Center. with the lack of Big Blue "La Salle's a good team, turnovers during· the :first and it was ugly in the scrim- .half. ·· mage," Allen said of the loss "Did you see we only had. to the No. 3-ranked Lancers. two turnovers at halftime?"

"We knew after La Salle that 'Allen asked. 'We took ·care we had to press in order to be of the ball, which was a key, successful. . Tonight; the and also had a lot of deflecpress was the difference." tions, which kept Elder's ofIt was in the second qtiar- fense out of gync." ter that the press was effecNo. 7-ranked Hamilton tive and turned the game in . plays No.4 St. Xavier on the Big Blue's fa\70r.

Tuesday in Hamilton.

Holdinga14-lllead,HamElder takes on St. Henry ilton forced six consecutive on Friday.

Elder turnovers to breal' the (311 - Carey 1 0 2, Janszen I 3 5, game open, with Jon Smith MelroELDER 2 4 10. Murphy o 1 1: Nienhaus 2 o 4, Sander3 1 7, Giffen 0·2 2. Totals: 9·39 11-14.31. and Adam Myers each scorHAMILTON (54]- Wagem 10 2, Lampley 12 ing four points en route to a 4, Brooke02 2, Huffl 03, Smith 8117, Myers31 6 215, Totals: 22-48 7-9 .25-11 advantage with 4:10 re- 7,54.Miller·2 0 4, Couch ' maining before k1lftime. ''I don't ·think there are Elder........................... 9 5 8 9 -31 many positives th<>.t came out HamiHan ..................... 14 16 13 11 -54-3-polnters-E Mello 2. H Huff, MyefS, Couch. of this game,'~ said Elder Rebounds: H34 (Smith 8, Couch 7). E27 (Sander A~ists: H 12 (Huff 3). E 6 (Mello 3). Steals: H coach Joe Schoenfeld, 8).

12 (Lampley 3, Myer5 3). E 4. Records: H 1-0, E • whose team was \'\<ithout five 0·1. Attendam:e: 1,500 (estimated). players. 'We didn't play hard

By Dave Schutte

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Josh Duncan dominated around. the basket, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead top-ranked Moeller to a 55-36 victory over Oak Hills at the Cintas Center Friday nlght. .

Duncan, a 6-foot-7 junior, also had four blocked shots, as Oak Hills- ranked No. 9 in the Division I poll - was forced irito contested shots-away from the basket.

The Highlanders shot only 25.5 percent on the nlght, including just .2-of-22 from 3-point range. · Moeller's lead stood at18-13 at halftime. The Crusaders shot 50 percent from the :field in the second half and helped build the lead by converting on 14-of-17 free throws after halftime. · Garrett Smith led Oak Hills with 11 points. The game was the season · opener for both teams.

Om! HILlS (36] - Cornelius 0 2 2, Smith 4111, Dleblch 1 0 2, Ray 0 2 2, SKalski 10 2, King 12 4, Schroeder 31 7, BrnckhoiTO 11, Hammonds 215. Totals: 12-4710-18 36.

MOEllER ISSJ ~ Chlistle 14 6, W?lther 215, Juenger 1

3 5, Becker 113, Duncan 8 4 20, HowanJ 0 2 2, Kllnener 10 2, Brackman 2 1 5, DeTemple 0 11, Childress 3 0 6. Totals: 19-40 16-22 55.

. Oek Hills Moeller

7 . 10

6 B 15-36 8 13 24-55 3-Polnters: [)..Kinney, Ayers, Evans, Mason.l-Snell4, Shannon 3. Records: D 1-0.l 0·1. . 3-pointgoals: bH -S~lth 2; M- Becker. Recorrls: OH 0:1, M 1-0.

Deer Park 72, landmark 68 -Deer Park's Eric Ayers made two free throws with 35 seconds left to seal the victory. .

Landmark had cut the lead to two points before Ayers stepped to the line. .

Deer Park took the lead in the, third quarter, when Jeff Kinney scored nine of his' 11 points.

Mick Shannon scored 19 points · and grabbed i2 rebounds and Aron Westbrooks added 14 points and 12 rebounds for Landmark.

The

'Enquirer/JEFF

~oger Bacon's Jon Newton hits the floor for a loose .ball, holding 'off Winton Woods defenders onFriday.

St. Clair in· c ntrol as Spartans.ti Warriors Senior center's double-double turns the· tables py Carey Hoffman jstzquirer contributor

Atlastyear's i-wireless Invitational, Roger Bacon played so impressively ns to suggest it would be a Division II t1tate champion~p contender.

One year and one state ·champions1llp trophylater,•the Spartans are yet again giving off that impression.

With 6-foot-8 senior center Monty · DEER PARK (72]- Kinney 5011, Phll!lps 12 4, AyeiS~8 St. Clair moving into a featured role, 21, Evans 2 0 5, Lampe 1 D2, Mason 5 213, b'Reilly 6 0 12,.

RutherfonJ 12 4. Totals: 27 14 72. tqe defending Division II champions lANDMARK (68] - Ervin I 1 3, Westbrnol<s 5 4 14, McGuffey 1 D 2, Davis 4 4 12, Snell4 0 12, uuklns 2 2 6, kitocked off defending Division I Shannon 8 0 19. Totals: 25 11 68. • ·state runner-upWmton Woods 64-59 Deer Pari< 10 26 23 13-i2 Ftiday at Xavier's Cintas Center.

Landmarf< . ... . ·.

16 . 22 .17 .1~ 3-Por~;rs: D--Kt~r!eY:AY;rs, Evans:· MaSon. L-sneu~;- _-:- -T~·_-, ~-­ -rRoger Baco,n (Hl)-ent€~rs'the,sea· -" Shannon 3. Records: D 1-0, l O.t son ranked No.lmtlle 1'!.;nq•utr·ers Finneytown 79, Northwest75,.. · visions mV C03iChE~S Ryne McCormick scored 24 points Woods is No.2 and had· 10 rebounds and Mark sion I poll. .

Both teams played at a high level, Hawkins added 22 points for the given that each lost two players who Wildcats. · · The Wildcats ensured the win by went to Division! colleges. . "'This was exactly what we wanted hitting 13 of 19 free throws in the -make a statement about who we are · fourth quarter. (despite) the guys we lost," said NOIIlliWEST (75] - Pleasant 1 0 2, Cowherd 2 0 6, St. Clair.

Walker 4 0 8, Chappell 6 4 16, DuKe B 3 22, Waite 3 0 6, Ekhator 5 313. Tota~: 2910 75. · A supporting player last ·season, FJNNEYTOWN (79] - BenfonJ 11 3, Haw~rys 8 6 22, St. Clair had a huge impact Friday, Green 4 2 10, Meader 1 7 9, Smith 1 2 4, Daniel 0 3 3, McCormick 10 4 24, Citron 12 4. Totals: 26 27 79 finishing with 26 points and 11 reNorUJwesl 16 16 13 · 30-75 bounds. And that came in just three Fin""'ft>wn 2~ 14 18 27-79 qnarters, as he sat on the bench the 3-Painters: N· COwherd 2, Duke 3. Records: F 1-Q, N 0-1. entire second quarter with two fouls.

Goshen 65, Felicity 45 -The "He's a very good player," Roger Warriors went on a 22-3 run after Bacon coach Bill Brewer said. "He Felicity had pulled within 43-42. knows he has to get the majority of Brad Monk and Kyle Hadley our shots to get us to go." combined for 15 fourth-quarter St. Clair had seven points at halfpoints. ·· time but scored four straight third' Monk finished wjth 17 and HadThe Cincinnati Enquirer/ JEFF SWINGER quarter baskets to give the Spartans ley19.

Roger Bacon's Leonard Bush grabs a rebound in front of Winton Woods' their largest lead, 38-24.

Jeremy Hatfield scored 11 for Fe· ''He came out and shot the ball Jamaal Akbar on Friday at Cintas Center. licity. w!'ll,"Warriors coach David Lumpkin said of St. Clair. "He got the ball deep sixth man, chipped in 10 points and within five with 33 seconds left.

FELICITY (45] - Uttle4 0 8, Smith I 0 2, Power 3 1 8, Hatfield 50 11, Taggart31 7, Butts 3 3 9. Totals: 19 4 45.

"It's the :first game, so you can't get in the scoring zone (m the third quar- seven rebounds.

GOSHEN (65)- Monk7117, Anderson30 6, Hadley6 7 ter), which we didn't want. That gave "Both teams have had good play- · down," said Lumpkin. "I feel we'll get 19, Fisher4110, Spreen 113, lehnert 103, McClanahan f 1 3, Gulley 2 0 4. Totals: 25 1165. hiin his confidence; he stepped out ers waiting their turn to play," Brewer better, but we've got a way to go."

Felicity · 12 16 12 5-45 Mack Hunter scored 16 points for andhita3andreallyjustplayeda:fine said. 'These guys have been waiting Goshen 9 16 18 22-GS ·Winton Woods, and RashadWilliams basketball game." their chance; so they're not going to 3~Po1nters: F-P0wer2,· Hatfield. G-Monk 2, Fisher, lenhert.

Recorns: G 1-0, F0-1.

St. Clair scored 13 of his team's 14 hesitate. It's the.same way for Wmton added14. third-quarter points. . · Woods. The difference tonight might Western Brown 58, Fayette· Winton Woods (59)-Williams 5114, Anderson 10 4 25, . Wmton Woods got a similar per- have been that all our (new) guys Hunter 6 o 16, Akbarl 0 2, H.Brown 1 o 2. Totals: 23-515-9 59. ville 48 -Western Brown took Roger~con(641-Johnson319,Smith5111, Waymire 10 formance from 6-5 senior CJ. Ander- were seniors." · over the game in the second half of 2, StClair 9 6 26, Newton 2 2 6, Bush 3 4 10. Totals: 23-40 son, who finished with 25 poin.ts and . Bacon's cohesiveness was tested 14-22 64. the game in the :first round of the seven rebounds. Marcus Smith, a sel- throughout. the second half by the Winton Woods .......................10 12 11 26 -59 Holiday Inn tournament.

The Broncos were led by center · dom-used reserve last season, made Warriors' trapping defense. It took a Roger Bacon .........................:11 19 14 20 -64 goals: WW-Wllliams 3, Anderson, Hunter 4; RB-Johrtl)on all :five of his shots and added 11 toll, as turnovers and missed foul 3-polnt · Ryan Melvin, who scored 18 points 2, St·Ciair 2. Records: WW 0-1, RB 1-o. points.

Leonard Bush, last season's shots allowed Winton Woods to draw and pulled in eight rebounds, and forward Cody Brooks, who scored 16 points.

Forward Nick Moler scored sev- · en of his 11 points in the fourth quar- · ter. Moler's points came off of a strong pressing defense, sealing the victorv for Western Brown: W£STERN DROWN (58] - Barber I 2 4, Davis 2 4 8, Brooks 7116, Moler 5111, Hiler 0 11, Melvin 7 318. Totals: 2212 58. ' · FAY£111MUE (48) -lies 7115, Amann 2 0 4, Byrd 21 5, Milk!r30 6, Pertuset319, Lyklns103, Crone216. Totals: 20 4 48.

Westem ~rown Fll)'elleville

10

13

IS

16-58

.7

15

13

13-48

3-Pointers: WB· Brooks, Melvin. F.,. Pertuset 2, Ulrens, crone. Records: WB 1-o, F 0-1.

Kings 75, Indian Hill 61- Kings

'built a nine-point lead at the half then coasted. Indian Hill cut the lead to two but Bryan Gayheart led . Kings back, scoring 12 of his 28 points in the third quarter as the Knights increased their led to 10.

The Braves were led by Michael Ward who scored 15points and Wm Meyer added 11.

KING$(75)- MedleyO 2 2, Waods408, Gayheartll4 28, Lauderback2 3 8, Testerman 10 3, Garvin 3 0 8, Walters 7 217, EVans 0 11. Totals: 2812 75.

INDIAN HILL (61]- Meyer 50 11, Warn 5 215, Rolls 3 3 • 10, Wonnell6 012, R'ezal2 0 4, Shah 419. Totals: 25 6 61.

Kings 21 14 22 18-75 Indian Hill ' 15 11 21 14-01 3-Pofnters: K- Gayheart 2,.Garvin 2, Lauderback, Testerman, Walters.IH- Ward~· Meyer, Rolls. Records: K 1-0, IH 0-1.

La Salle showed Colerain Four Lancers scored in. why it is ranked third in the double figures, leq by Justin Enquirer's preseason coach- · Orr, who had 13 points and eight rebounds. es poll Ftiday night.

TI1e Lancers used an 18-2 Selm and John Thinnes . · rim late in the t!lli-d quarter scored 11 points apiece. and into the fourth to break . Justin Beigel and Domiopen a close gan1e en route nic Goodman each scored · to a· 59-32 victory over the nine points for Colerain .. · Cardinals in the i-;>ireless In'tati..on aJ atXlJ'S.C'llltaS Cen- 9,Rhoadesl03,0rr5313,Selm431l,Fiynn25 IASALLE(59)-Thinnes50!1,Ruberg30 VI ter. . 10, Stanchek 1o 2. To~ars: 21-58 a-12 59. . , CULERAJN (321- Goodman 4 0 9, Yeary 21 Th e OUtbUrSt WaS ·trig7;Aibett307,Beigei329.Totals:12-273-932. gered by two 3-pointers each La san_...................... 12 13 16 18- 59

by Michael Selm and Ray Colerarn ..................... 8 B 6 IO- 32 Ruberg, enabling La Salle to ~i,~~6·~;~d~~~-e~;:~bi.'~~;~~·~:,~:~~~~: · 10 {Thinnes 3, Orr 3). C 4 (Goodman 2).

Pull away fro. m a ;'33 "21 1ead LRebounds: L36 (Orr 8, Flynn 5). C 24 (Albert 7). into a 51-22 advantz,ge.

Recams: L 1-o. c o-1.

Anderson. looldng to pull upset against No.4 St. Xavier tonight players in Anderson's Chris Norwell (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) and St. Xavier's Unranked in the Enquir- . Craig Cashen (6-foot-7, 190). er's preseason boys basketThe opening game at ball coaches poll, the Ander- noon has Mount Healthy son Redskins can make a playing Western Hills. · statement in today's show- . In tl1e 1:30 p:m. game, case game· at the i-wireless . Princeton, No.5 in the DiviInvitational at Xavier Univer- sion I poll, meets Woodward, sity's Cintas Center.

No. 3 in Division II-IV. Anderson play~ No.4 Loveland, led by 6-8 Eric St. Xavier at 7:$0 p.m. in the Van Buskirk who will play at sixth of seven games in the Miami University, meets two-day,event.

McNicholas at 6 p.m.

The game will mtttch two · Tickets are available at of Cincinnati's bes.t inside the gate. ·

Enquirer contributor

America's Cup

Kentucky prep football

What's next for

Highlands·on the vvrong end. of 45-6 rout in state semis

Dennis ·conner?

By Neil Schmidt ·

The AsSociated Press

17te Cincinnati Enqttt'rer

AUCKlAND, New Zealand- DenMOUNTVER,NON, Ky. - The mercy rule instituted America's Cup, a departure provisional on legal wrangling ashore, helped reveal the Peter Gilmour's OneWorld Challenge de· last season requires a running clock if a team leads by changing face of the world's oldest sport- feated the Stars & Stripes teal"fl of 45 or more points. Highlands ingevent.

Dennis Conner (left) . had seen that a few times this <Conner's latest campaign, stopped , season, even twice in the shcnrt Friday with a 4-0 repechage loss to time here or not."

Cornier .still can cling to the hope his · playoffs.

Seattle's OneWorld Challenge, is his Never could anyone imagninth Cup can1paign isn't over. His Stars ninth and perhaps his last.

Conner has won the Cup four times, in & Stripes team, representing the New ine the clock running as pity 1974, 1980; 1987 and 1988, and lost it twice, York Yacht Club, is involved in action be- on the Bluebirds.

Until it h,appened Friday. in 1983 .and 1995, Conner was the :first fore the Cup's international jury and ArIn perhaps as shocking a American to lose the Cup, in 1983 when bitration Panel to have OneWorld disqualAustralia ended the New York Yacht ified. The New York team, supported by result as any in Highlands Club's 132-year tenure, and the :first to re- · challengers of record Prada, alleges One- history, the Bluebirds were gain it, in. 1987 off Fremantle, Western World breached Cup protocol by stealing routed 45-6-by host RockcasAustralia. · tle County in a Class AAA design secrets from o.ther teams. · Conner, 60, is contemplating quitting If a ruling kmade in its favor; Stars & state semifinal. the Cup. He silid Friday, after losing to Stripes could replace OneWorld in Cup Records were not immediately available as to when the OneWorld: "I don't kitow if this is my last semis that begin, provisionally, Dec. 9. nis Conner's emotional exit from the

_.

last time Highlands ha:d lost a game this decisively, but it was the worst loss in coach Dale Mueller's 10-ye<lr tenure. · 'We're stunned tbat we got beat this bad," Higlhlands senior linebacker Jen::y Scarlato said. "But we play,ed our butts off this year. No ome expected us to get this fau·."

The Rocket~. (13-l\l, ranked second in the :final AAA · state poll, advance to meet No. 4 Boyle County (12-2) next Saturday in the state championship game.

Last year, Rockcastle beat Covington Catholic before falling to Boyle in the final.

Highlands (10-4), ranked seventh in tl1e state, had beaten top-ranked . Lexington

____

___:____ --~-'---

Catholic last week.

Rockcastle totaled 370 yards to Highlands' S3. At· halftime, with the score 3'2.-(), the yardage advantage was 233 to minus-16.

This was Highlands' :first playoff loss to a team. other than Covington Catholic since 1995. From the start of the 1996 postseason through last week, Highlands had been 27-2 in the playoffs.

Highlands ·o o 6 -- 6 Rockcastle_Co. . 12 20 13 0-45 R-M. Hayes 17 pass from Anderkln (run failed) R-Andcrkln 1 nm (run failed} R-Reagan 9 run (pass failed) R-Reagan 10 lnterceptlon return (D. Taylor Kick) .

R-Busse!l 10 interception return (D. Taylor kick)

R-Reag8n 3 run (kick failed) R-BuSsen 6 run (D. Taylor kick)· H-J. Klingenberg 2 run (no conversion) Records: RC 13-1, H 10-4.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2002 C13

THECINCINNATI.ENQUIRER

PROF-Childcare in my home, WHEELCHAIR Elect Sun-Sat, all shifts, ages 2 yrs & w/cushio~ & batt chrgr, $1400. h•ghback wheel cha1r, up. 513·541·2472 $175. (513) 474-0858 MAINEVILLE··Affordable,

AMBERLEY·4BR, 2V2ba

. culdesac, ;zcar gar, new: roof, A/C, winaows, crpt & paint.

Deck, appraised $220,000 7505 Elbrook. $185,000/0BO Must Sell!

S13-561-98SS, 489-4111

Large Northern Ky based DME loving child· care in my home. company seeking full-time . 513-697-7469

MADISONVILLE-·5201 Ebersole. 28R,. totally rehab, wood deck, dbllot, bsmt, new 2 fee,

Therapist. Responsibilities in-

~~g~1mJ ~f~-2o'if-~~35 Northside-Updated

celestcrv.

work w/ minimum supervision

BR

I

. BICHON FRISE pups, AKC': reg, M&F, family raised in home. 859·689-7776 .

..:.···

desired. Home care experience

SOUTHGATE-·2 BR condo, 2 Doll House. new carpet, roof, preferred. Salary commensuSA, eqpt, 1st fl. WID hkup. v;indows. $465/mo 793-1374 rate wl experience. Excelle~t $625 + utils. 859-441-2114 benefits. Resumes to confi-

ANDERSON··Immac 4 BR, 2

stry, 2 masters 8°,, main fir

lndry,

1

dude set-uRi follow-up and on-call. Self-starter able to

~~ !~~t~f~!~~~~f~!~

~iet

·1~i~esf;~eh~es~n.· .'~us~at~ Rd:

BLUE HEELER··MIF. ·DOS:;·· 10/22. Tails cut. Wonmed. 1s\ shots. $150 (859) 635•7594

dence to: Northern Ky Respi-

ratory Care, 2020 Madison Ave., CovinJ<lon, Ky 41014.

WAI.NUT HILLS--Free utils..

NORWOOD· A must see I Attn: Mike rY9wning Remodeled 1 &2 BRs, bus line, 5124 Montgomery Rd, poor Sec 8 ok, 513-595-6798 credit ok 513-588-2775

$176,900. (513) .; 4-2202 BLUE ASH··Re,:·Jv for im·

Homes:...

med. occup. Ramb(,ng ranch,

2189 sf new crpt fin LL, 3 BR, $189,900/nbo. Shown by appt only. 51J-761-2665

BEDROOM .Suite-·K/Q bed,

dresser.

~mil

mirror,

chest.

N.

stand. Still in box. $1650. Can delioer 513-476-2952 DINE1TE SET'Wood &_glass, w/4 chrs, must go; coffee & end tbl $125 (859) 371-0236

COLERAIN TWP·NW Schls.

22and new 3 BR, 2 full BA, 1 car gar, Ranch vo/full bsmt. $115,000. 513-20C-4769

DINING RM SET··Tbl w/2

Delhi-New listing! 4 pr ranch,

=~=="'-'""'-'":"-""'-"-· cond, $250/obo. Glass cock-

v,

GEO TRACKER. '!12. Red, good shape, 94k mi, $2200, ob!l 513-378-4253

tail tbl $25, 513-385-1366

HONDA Accord EX '02.

V6, Only 1600 mi. 7 yr/1 OOK warr $20,500 (513) 753·1167

DININGROOM TABLE Cherry, oval, 2 leaves, 5 ~~~~o/ ~~~~lib pads,.EC. $300

HONDA Accora Lx '91. Blu •.

5 spd, 4dr, 1 ownr, 202K, nuns good, recs, $2600,.779-6931 .

!eaves, 6 chrs, dark maple, exc

1 ba, lg lot. Oak H1lls Schls. · ' $89.000.-513-922-2717

DIAGNOSTIC Computer, 1 BOSTON TERRIER PUPS yr old, from (Cornwell Tools) AKC, 1st shots, wormed,, 1979 thnu 2001 foreign & do$400. (513) 753·8587 mestic cars & trucks. PortaPower 1 yr old, used 1 time, BOXERS· AKC, show qualitv 1 000 lb transmission jack, 2 PUP.S. CHAMPION SIRED & ~ yrs old. 750 lb eng stand, 1 yr peillgr backed w/generations old, battery charg!!r/ jumper of Americas "best in shmv" many other itemsror sale. Call champions. 859·393·9334 for info (513) 474-3749 BULL MASTIFFS··AKC, CD PLAYER• BMW 6 disc w/ 5 fern, 2 maleshfawn w/black remote for 1996 and newer, mask, ready C ristmas week, $150 513-779-8025 will hold until Christmas Eve. $750. 513·988-6245

4

CAVALIER · KING CHARLES-Pups, born 101'1.

· CKC, exc pet/camp. Ava:J MADISONVILLE 3 BR 2 sto·

12/1' $800. 937·444·6151

2'ow~~w t~~Jrtsi~inB &d~~~: $435/mo P&l. .· 561·5979 793'5280

CHIHUAHUA.' -PUPS··AKC. CHEV AP,ache 10 '60.

-1st shots, wormed, $300Truck, 3spiJh 6 cyl, new int, $350. (513) 753-8587 bed, turqoise, ardwood COCKER SPANIELS·AKC. chrome bumpe>;51 grt shape $11 500, 859·3"4·9797, buff & blk & wht, M & F, $400 (513) 541·2135

Agent

CLEVES· 3' Rivers, Lg 1 &2 br, CA, bale, crpt, wbfp, fdry, pkg, $12!1,900 egpt $395-S575 4B1-5125 PRICE HILL ()pen 2·4@ 3441 Bassett off Elberon. Lovingly restored CLIFTON-2 br, top llr, huge, to perfection! Magnificent free heat, W/D bav winds, 3BR, 2BA home wi2C gar, exp brick, eat in kit. lidwd.flrs, private rear yard w/fountain & bale, yard, walk to hosp/univ.

1100. (513) 281-12_68 pool, screened porch, 2 FP, gounmet kit& more! 771-9393 CLIFTON-434 !<lotte• 2br, no f!ets, wtrincl, SS95, wid, a/c,

f§¥:04~ !==4-J 1

iNFINITII;30 '9·8. whtlian, exc cond, loaded incl spoiler mnrf, gold pkg, 1 owner $10,91YO. 513'923-3783

SALES CONSULTANT Leading National Secunty Co ..

BLUE ASil--3-BR, gar, appl,

looking to expand sales dep~ Seeking Sales peoP.Ie expen~ enced in residentia! or corn· CLIFTON··Gasli~ht. LR, DR, CLIFTON· 2,'4,5,6 BR, free $1 ,380 WEEKLY GUAR· mercia! security sales. EOE ANTEED. Field Marketing Please email resume to: WEST CHESTER O~en Daily 3 8R, ba, eat in k1t, lidwd ftrs. wid. nr UC, 5675-51100 + Associate. FT o'r PT, 5690 columbus@vectorsecurlty.com ulil. No Sec 8, 861-5426 10-6. New Home 6261 Chap- 1730. 221-2257 bonus for a $2,070 total

g;~-489~1~;~N45 ' 1

oR.

pellfield Dr. Go_ rgeous 3 brb2 CLIFTON NR-1br lc, w/DR, = ba, brick ranch in desira le hdwd fl, ht, wtr, ld1 , 3 mi to neighborhood, 2640 sf up~er UC $455-$495. 4 -5'125 2660 sf lower, 3 car gar, rull walkout, many extras!

Covington-1-111R, Cul-de-sac lot $349,500. CIA,' WID, nice quiet (513)777-6177 . street. 859-331-UIJ94

~(.ds1f95:~;~:~~~:9%r

weeldy paycheck.

No COVINGTON-'E.11th.

3 rms, bsmt. No pets. I140wk skills, education, experience. All qualify. Legiti· + dep. 859·380-7199 DILLONVALE-·3 BR ranch,

mate, honest home em-ployment.

$22~

cash

detach 1V2 car aar, C/A, .hirin& bonus. Guaranteed $795mo+dep 614·g27-7060

•

•

513-S57-7373

05400 '!18.

LEXUS White/Tan, Xenon, all records, one owner, traction, Nakamlchi stereo, .perf. cond. 82K mi $20,900. 513·477·8110 Cell

LR SET~-3 pc, sofa sleeper 1 love seat, lounge chr, GC, must sell >200. ff61-3192

•••••

· PIANO-"In good cund, must sell. 5600 w1n negotiate (513) 861·3192

FORD F2SO '99. Super cab, NISSAN 300ZX '90. Auto, 8' bed, diesel. 80k mi. red, good end, 113k mi. $19.500. 513-678-2767 $5900 neg. 513·984·4560

COVINGTON·1 Bll remod, EASTGATE-·3 BR ranch, 2 eqpt, 2019 Donaldson. car gar, · $795/mo + util. $400+deo 859·356·U.!i.22_ 513·474·6001 after 6pm .

B"·

. COVINGTON. 2 equip!· EDEN PARK-Nr Wilms Y, 3 kit, $390 +dep & util. BR, eqp, porch, bsmt, WD 859-380-9067 261-:i132 hkup fncd $895 481'·5125

ny. Construction experience a E WALNUT HILLS· Nice 1 ELSMERE·-2 br lg kit, io LR, must. Knowledge of Peachtree BR, DR, eqp, AC. parkg, DR, decl<,·yard, on bus. l700 & ComputerEase a plus. Send skyl,.t. i575+util 2Q'I-7840 + utrl & dep. 8!;9-384-2994 resume to PO Box 1224, attn: EDGEWOOD SCHOOL MASON· 67 Holly Park. DISTRICf Close to 1·75/275.

12x60, 2BR, appl, new crpt, 4 rm duplex, nice res. area. plumbing, skirting, S5000 obo Furn or unfurn, lndry, newer 513·777-9564 kit. $495 + 1 mo dep owner pays water/san., •;, of/ Dec. if '75 ACADEMY ·In Orchard !mmed ace. No pets. Good Lake Park, 2BR. new access rental :eis 513·885·11800 $6500 (513) 732-2421

SRLANGER-4257 Lafa~etle Ct. 3bdr/2ba ranch. Fnsh

Bsmt. 2 car att gar. No pel:5.

5875/mo 859~5'94~4844

FA~RFIELD

TOWNSHIP 2,000 sq~ ft. 2 story, 4 BR 2V2 BA 1st fl. L<undry, eqpt cat in

~-N~wport,

Ky. 41072.

mdosed porch, finished lower level willi fireplace. Open ~un

3-5p. 513·221·4121

HYDE PARK-1031 Delta.

2Br, hwd firs, from $595, mwE~Q%J"B~T;:~g~i'a~~ inc! heat. 513-871-6688 Cumberland · Realty, HYDE PARK·Dix 1 1"R, lg new ' 800 •688 •5737 · kit,_ parch & deck, .~ar. a/c, ·Beautr'ful secluded acreage 5525 + dep ' 513 ) 2 2412 KY on un-discovered ·state Rark -HYDE PARK,Nr-Upscale 2· lake. Lots of woods &'wildlife. 3BR, 1BA, gar, hdwd, cia, wid $1000 {?13) 521-1190 Nr shopping. 800-847-8307. www.canyonrunresort.com MILFORD· 2 BRtf 5485 _5500 , KY• All new galed

~·; -

KY· Cute cottage LOTS of· decking, dynamite view, BOAT DOCK, Lake Cumber· land Realty, 800-688-5737.

llUU.ER

1BR $425, h wtr inc, no do€S- 513-831·3639 MT LOOICOUT··Dil:e 1 8R, carport, garden level. W/D, no pets $595. 871·3010

o

Dedicated lanes

o co

2600 mi per week

* Chicago & back

preferred. Full time position

Man thru Fri and some Satur~ days. Excellent benefits avail~

MOWER-Snapper, 33", HI Vac, 12hp, new eng!1'hyr.

Needs carb. 2 bagger & thacn· erizer, $275. 513-677·1705

Great Pav ~ 80% DrOp & Haok ~ Home Weekends Class A & 2 yrs Exp w/Hazlhat

able. Fax resume to:

859-655·2409 Attn; Kyria

1·800-788-8726

RIDING MOWER··Craftsm-· an, 18 HP, 44" deck.

(513) ·398·6552

www.tcsohio.com

FRONT . DESK--Mason specialty off•ce FIT. Must be abie to work flexible hours and

days incl. evenings and

Satur~

~erson.

Fax resume·

(513) 459-8030 or e-mail

linda@snorenomore.com

MEDICAL ASSISTANT· Lg Ped Practice seeking posl· live .ndiv for FT position in fun

LAWN SPRINI<LER CREW 'EADER

Beer Signs~Great Xmas gifts.

Neons, lights & more.

work environment. Fax rew c.. sumes Attn: Leah to 874w5731 Opening tor an exp. leader Buy/sell. (513) 742-1142 or mall to 5900 BOymel Drive Benefits, Ins, vac, IRA. Join a Hummel Plate Collection.· Fairfield OH 45014

Laredo

118k mi, exc cond. $421YO (513) 604-3753 Jack Russell- Pup, Female, $75 cash 513·616·0690, JEEP Cherokee Country '93. Maroon, hew .eng/tires, 812·637-3287 "'$4"'5,00'-'(""51-"'3"-)=:;34"'7-"·7,;84""9'---Jack Russell Terriers-~uppies w/ pedigree, $350 JEEP CJ7 '87._ 5spd, good reatfor Xmas 859-384-7452 i~~~ ~~~~\ ~: Ji~~~ ~ng,

5

1 2

2

JACK RUSSELLS··Gora. eousl Christmas pups, S155- Jeep Grand Cherokee La· 13501 859-234-3303 before 5 redo ~94. 4x4, VB, 74k mi, tow pkg, custom lthr. gaLAB··AKC, yellow M, pick raged, new tires/batt, nuns pup, 8 mos. 4,y, old choc M. great $7500 513.484-0824 ~300-$400. (937) 393·2609 JEEP Grand Wagoneer LAB· pu~s. AKC, choc> 12 <89. VB, PS,-PB, PW, 1'L, llhr wks, Will deliver, >250 int, no rust, excellent. cond, 859-925·3291 $5000. 513-755·2657

OLDS Cutlass Supreme SL '94. 6 cyl, 4 dr, ltnr, all pwr, fully loaded, 89K mi. A MUST SEEI Excellent cond, $4495. · 859-344-0446 PLY COLT VISTA '92.

Very Reliable. 5-spd $2500. (859) 485·6432 PONT Bonneville SE '01.

Lthr, Onstar, mnrf, bronze, $15.200 (513) 752·1449

PONT FIREBIRD '93. load· ed w/ lthr, red,· .103k mi, $4500 abo 513-378-4253

PONT Grand Am SE '01.

MAZDA B4000 '94. LE Cab 28k, aula, Red. $8800.

Plus 4x4, cap, A beauty, 513·295·2166 942·4973 110k mi $7000 513-961-4068 · PONT Orand Am GT '97.

MITS Montero LX '90. V6, V6, red, 2dr, 97k mi, PD, .Pl Shih Tzu··HO! HO! HO! 4X4, fully loaded, tinted, 89k PW, snrf, cd, exc cond, well Vet v"d, 5 males beautifu"' ong mi, $4600 513-238-2286 maint $6800 513·481·2913

wr

marked. Parents on premiseS. Must see, make offer NISSAN '90. 5wd, runs SATURN SL2 '00. 4dr, auto,

days. Exp. preferred but will

tram right

Cherokee

'92. Black, pw/pl, tow pkg,

Energetic and dependable per·

son needed for No. Ky Joca~ tion. Previous DME experience

como!ete new rehab of brick 2

"-'~==='-"""'-"'""""'llyde Park· 1 blk Sq. Lg 3-4 BR new 2 Fam, eqp, WD, CA. deck, ROrch $1600. 871·9862

JEEP

MOVING~

applv $15·20. 513-248-0557 Sat. 4·8; Sun. 10-1. The Nail ENGAGEMENT RING-Never Image. 9600 lv\ontgomry Rd used, wht gold band w/.38 fax $13-248-0690. . baguettes/.72 ct pear shape POP MA.CHINE··Recond1t· .ctr stone, F color, appr $6400, 'flned. Delivery & warranty. sell $3000 (859) 653-4969 '7o0. (513) 385-4706 .BUY/SELL Diamonds/Gold.

Wholesaler, 513-777-4100

~'"

ki.t. 2 car gar. $1350mon+dep ext. 3

.tam,' hdwd, fully eqpt, 1 qlk to s~r, must see. 3525 Snaw. $ 295/mo. (513) 608-4400 HYDE PARK··28R, W/D, AC, $1100/mo + utils.

513 - 924 - 0937 HYDE PARI<, Nr· New 4 BR, 3'h BA, gas FP in FR & MBR, frig, Central vac, security sys, 2 c gar, overlk river, 3 mi to 3 51 3 231 9493 city JOOO. •. MILFORD· 3 BR, 1 BA, bsmt, 1 c atth gar. oil ht, C/A, secure d ST5 S775m 831 2496 ep 1 · o.

MONTGOMERY·3 BR, 2 BA twnhs, gar, wid, c/a, d/w, yrd. $1125. 513-509·6080

t~6k~r~~~& 5~~:~~u~9'7

·Miii~li!At\\!IH~ Fleet Service Compa~y. needs a fretd service meChanic with

jewelry case, pedi~ diesel experience and their own tools. Only the best need cure chr,·cabnt, 2 nail stations.

513~860·9860

FAIRMOUNT·28R, "?egp+t. $475; 3BR, 1 1hBI'., " 75 FT THOMAS-Spacious 4 rms, deo+otils. 662·2905 ANDERSON TWP--Nr, 2 BR, 1st fir, eqpt eat-in kil, P.at1o 1'12 BA, townhouse, FP, gar, water/sanrtation pd. w/o, ofl GOSHEN·-h of duplex. 2 br, st prkg, no pets $460/mo + bsmt, gar, c/a, yard care. No great location, Reserve of dep (8'591 441-1055 . pets. $675. 513-575-5007 Turpin. Excellent condition 5118,000 513·232·0948 OOLF MANOR-3-48R, eqpt HDYE PARK/Oakley Nice 2 kit 1w/w cr~t. ht & wlr inc, sec br, kit DR, hdwd, $675 mo + NORTH· LANDEN-Sunrise blag prkg 513-761·2438 utils & dep. (513) 825-8033 Landing. Water front ranch, jacuzzi, cathedral ceilings, HYDE PARK-·2 BR, 2 BA,

FORD Lariat F1SO '02. Ext NISSAN Altima GXE '01. cab, 7500 mi. loaded, extras, 18K miles, 'black; limited edi· $26,900 513-236-8889 tion·trim, auto, loaded, CD. all pwr, fact warr, exc cond, nonOMC Jimmy SLT '95. 4 dr, smoker: $13,295/obo.

859-384·1241

For local construction compa-

flfstclass te~m. 513-941·4500

• or tepeserv1ces.com

Annual

Plates,

1971-1988•

Pl~tes 19721978. 1975 1st Edition Anniv.

Mother's Day Plate.

$·rooo 513-893-2616

513-353-0669 good, body rou , 138K. !400. 513-893-00 5 SHIH·TZU·Puppies, 4 M, ::! blk, 1 wht & blk, ready for NISSAN Frontier XE '01.

Xmas $200 (513) 553-4D84 251( m1, all records, must see. lots of extras. $9800 Call beWEIMARANERS··3F, 8 wk; fore 3 pm (859) 371-3988 old, hunting stock, vet v, shols. $400. 812-584-1135 TOYOTA Land Cruiser '96.

White, fully loaded, 220K mi, WESTIE Male pijps, regis- GC, $14,500. 513-706-3938 tered, health guaranteed.. !375 ea. 765-825-4050

air, 41k mi, exc cond, $6195 513-207'2913 .

TOYOTA AVALON XLS ,00 loaded lthr snrf 33k ml ¢ ' 2 995 51 48 3 3

£

3. 9. 44

·c:c·=·=-"-'"-'=-="'---

WHEATEN TERRIER-PUll-'-.

AKC, born Aug 23. $800.;.._ (317) 375-1113

OAKLEY··B rms, on busline, MT WASHINGTON··1 BR, no utils .included. $800/mo. lower lvl apt, A/C, indry.

(513) 871-4100 No smkrs, no pel·i. $300.

513·474-7493 NORTHSIDE--3 BP, 2 BA, ht/wtr pd, eqpt, lnc•y, $650.

513-661-82421. 451-1247

&0~r~i~~®fl0il@.illf<iiltG •

1::.'~'[/W

erw i"\Yf\J erv

PRICE HILL-Amustseel · 1712 Mihion, 3BR 513-588-4555

PIERCE TWP··5 acres, Locust Hill Rd. Wood· Northside- Lg Eff. E~uip Kit, ed/meadow. 513-509·8410 Heat/Eiec pd, 1st fl 285+dep WALNUT HILLS. Roomy 3 Occupational Therapist 321-3623[>83-304)' br, 2 ba, equip kit. DR, carpt, Physical Therapist NORW000·28r, ;:ppl. furn, fenc yd $675. 859·572·0308 W/D, off st prknJ.C, ht incl. WESt' CHESTER·3 br 2 112 $525/mo. 513-388~,Jill.4__ ba, full bsmt, fenced yd.

MT AIRY··4 fam brick, PLEASANT RIDGE· 1 BR, $1300.+ dep. 866-495-6044.

P.Orches, garage, senior bldg. clean, quiet, new carpet, Our expanding therapy com$185,000. 513-856·7330 parkg space, free heat, pany has FT-PT-PRN positions 5400+'12 mo oep. 522-4392 available in the surrounding area. Licensed therapisls only.

PRICE HILL--1 & 2BR freshly Exc. compensation & benefits painted, crpt, Sec 8 ole $100 . pkg Call Laura toll-free: dep. (5131 471·0304 (BOO) 710-3510 Price Hill· 1BR, secure. 3740 Fax: bit St. lawrence, nwr , bldg, FAIRFIELD-Custom (847) 441·4130 or htiwtr ldry S395 481-5125" home! Over 4000 sq ft, 4BR, e·mail resumes@ 3BA, full bsmt, huge deck .selectrehab.com PRICE HILL·1BR, w/w crpt, w/hot tub, 3 car gar;lse/buy, www.selectrehab.com htfurn, 1270 Beccl1. 1345 + $355 000 call 513-728-6320 dep. 513-661-3581 ·

TREADMILL--Great shape.

Christmas gift. $200 firm.

(859) 261-5473 TREADMILL-True 0~16%

VOLVO DL '82. 4 DR, stick, red, daily driver, must sell: $500. (513) 221-0755

400,

ind1ne, Oo-10 MPH,

VOLVO 580 T6 '00. 6 C)!l turbo, lthr, cruise, ale, sunrl, DSTC, 25,623· mi, exc cond, $27,000. (513) 321·0447

115V, $700 (513) 574-5817

Select Rehabilitation

PT

Dreaming of Driving a Big Truck?

=~-=-==-=,

We make it happen. Only $1995. Job Placement assis- PINBALL.. 60's, Bingo, Can~ tance available. Tuition relm~ Can, Bally, Sliding Screen, bursement availab!e. Allied $1600, like new, 51J.793-9710 731·330<1 Australian Sheperd- pup, F, COL Training 1 Sardinia, OH Blue merle, $75 cash 5131-877-24S-5320 PINBALL N\ACHINES-(2), 616·0690 '812·637·3287 f')\ '96 Goldeneye, '95 ~.polio 13, ~~-~)~~-------, $2400·· eacli, or best offer.

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER Puppies. RARE. Sturdy lltlle (513) 941-0186companions. 1st shots, wormed, M, $650; F, 1750; 5 red & 1 blk/red. AKC, 513-734-0572

Volvo S80 T6 '01. Loaded, Dk grn; Immaculate cond, 63k hwy $28,500 859-689-9415

VW Beetle OLS '01. 1 adult owner, EC, 32k mi, 2.0L 4 cyl, a/c, auto, crs/tlt, pw/pl/~m.

CAD Brougham '87. Good htd sts, p mnrf, cass/CD, cond,. reblt eng, well maint, Gold. 113,495 513-625-1029 $1500. (513) 252-6778 CAD DE VILLE '94. hntr VW Jetta .'88. 1.BL, new grn, good cond, 110k mi, tires, new pa.rts, runs great, EC. $950 OBO 513·257·1065 $5500. 513-522-1796 Cavalier '93.

CHEV suns/looks griod, 5 spd, new motor, 12ok mi, $1300.

513·451-1759

VW Jetta Ill GLS '!16. 5 spd, AC, loaded, all pwr, sunrf, 76K mi, looks & nuns great. $5950/obo. 513·892·1092 .

C12 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2002

. THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Greater Catholic League - North Division /

C slight choice· over

·state champion Bacon Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted by league coaches:

COACH: Joe Staley (18th season, 205-187) lAST SEASON: 14-9 (second in league) KEY PLAYER: CNathan Peavy OUROOK: C-Jwas the coaches' narrow choice over Bacon, the defending state champion.

Peavy, a 6-foot-8 senior who will play college ball at Miami, is c:J's go-to player. He was first-team aiiGCL last season.

Ryan Patrick and Richard ~oole, both excellent outside shooters, will handle the guard duties.

Anthony Turner (6-4) and Kenny Akridge (6-2) join Peavy to bolster C-J's inside scoring and defense.

Enquir.erfile photo "We have greatguard depth and David Shull (left) will help Badin's inside game. quickness," Staley said. "Nathan LAST SEASON: 13-9 (tied for will be hard to guard, but our lack of comer last season, losing to Roger Bacon in the regional fir,1al. Badin third in league) size will be a weakness." has five returning players .and could KEY PLAYERS: GBrian Stampcontend for the North Di:•tision title er, F Adam Hamilton for the first time since 19'99.

OUROOK: This will be a· typical Shull and Brown shoL!ild form a Doerger-coached team, one that · COACH: Bill Brewer (10th sea- solid 1-2 punch. Shull, a '5-7 senior isn't big but scraps on defense fo!Ward, averaged 13.5 po;ints and 6 (man-to-man) and is up~tempo on son, 133-83) lAST SEASON: 25-3 (Division II rebounds per game, Bro•wn, a 6-1 offense. · senior, averaged 7.5 pQiints while state champions) The Rockets lost their top three TOP PLAYERS: C Monty. St. making 86 percent of; his free scorers, buf college prospects throws.

Clair, GDave Johnson Stamper and Hamilton are a good Senior center Josh B:i'inck, and start. · OUTLOOK: The Spartans were hit hard by graduation, losing six se- senior guards Alex Oswalr{l and CoStamper, a 6-3 senior, has basniors from a team that beat LeBron rey Jones are the other Ra\,os players ketball bloodlines - his mother is Loveland's all-time leading scorer.

James-led Akron St. Vincent- with extensive experience,.

St. Mary for the state title.

He was second-team all-league last season, averaging 11 points per St. Clair, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound game. senior who committed to Miami, will - ;§ FR • • • · " be the firSt option on offense. "'-?h th,(0:'~'UI~rr·mg #e,Qi!;~lf Hamilton, a 6-5 senior, averaged St. Clair was first-team aii-GCLseCOACH: Joe PetrOC'-llli (39th 8 points an outing. lection last season after averaging season, 673-207) 12 points per game. lAST SEASON: 13-11 (tied for 6" P'iUif(:~U Johnson, a senior guard·, was third in league) CO second-team aii-GCL when he averKEY PLAYERS: G/F Doug Pen-· ACH: Randy Reeder (second season, 9-14; 44-65 overall) aged 5 points an outing. no, CAdam Gill The Spartans will field the bigOUROOK:Aiterispicikedt.ofinLAST SEASON: 2-12 (sixth in league) gestteam in the GCLNorth, with Jon ish in the middle ofthe division, but ·KEVPLAYERS: GBilly Finnell, G Newton (6-5) and Kevin Waymire history might suggest oths,rwise. The Charles Smith (6-7) joining St.. Clair underneath.

Knights have 32 consec~tive winOIIJlOOK: The Cavaliers return.

Seniors Marcus Smith, Zach ning seasons under_ Petmcelli and three starters and will field a baiGruenwald and Leonard Bush were won its 21st district championship anced team with help off the bench. role players last season and should Iastpseason. 6 ' Still , th ey fllUSt rep 1ace 32 pomts ·· · - , · contribu~e. _ · enno, a -,oot- 5 sen,•nr, was. an and 15 rebounds er arne lost to ___ _"Badm played us tough last y~ar_ all-leag~~ selection after averagmg graduation.

P _g <mrttras-everytmdy-1Ja1::1\,am:H ttr:nR --1-2:5-pomts per gamecG:itr, a 6-9-se-~-- F·nnell .. · . -·--,=;---"tw __,,_ -- -- ~"~-· N " · · · d b. d 1 , a JUntor, 1s a a-year they re o. 1,. Brewer said. n:or, ~verage 7 re oun 'S. - starter. He averaged 10 4 . ts Enc La~mallii (5.1 ppg» is the on,' pom .per :IR" ill!<3ldh'~ ly re;umfilg letterwinner in, the back- game an? a GCL-Ieadmg.4 ass:~~· --court and Andy Stichweh \ 2 0 g) and 1s be:ng scouted by several DIVICOACH: Fred Hesse (fourth sea,_/will c~ntrib~te at forward, · PP sian I ~alleges. . son, 28-51) // Sm1th, a sen:or, was a starter LAST SEASON: 14-11 (fifth in . .!!L Md..,gj.g;:ho~.WS part of the time last season. league) Seniors Matt_ Peterman (6KEYPLAYERS: FDavid Shull, G COACH: Jeny Doert;er (28th foot-5) and Grady Butier (6-3) proKevin Brown season, 370-200; 450-250 over- ,vide size upfront, while guard Dustin OU'llOOK:TheRamstumedthe .all) Woods is also experienced.

a

The Ciricinriaii Enq

-

Derek AileniS'a ltey feturnee·for'1neR'eaeffn~ue Deyils,"'BUtfie migl'iTmiSS tne'staitof the season because of an injured shoulder. ·

Cincinnati Hills league·

Reading is the team to beat, if Devils can beat injury bug· Finneytown will count on Hawkins, a first-team aii-CHL guard who averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per <11 !fJ.e.cai',g~M>.f\'1 2.;. ~%~~~~ij~~Zffi game last season.

Depth is akeytothe Wildcats' COACH: Rich Bensman success. Adams plans to play 10 (13th season,.153-92) players.

LAST SEASON: 23-3 "We will need other players to (league chCJmpions) pick up their game both offenKEY PLAYERS: F Derek sively and defensively," M:said.

Aden, C/F Eric Clemons .

One key player co~ld be seOUTLOOK: The· Blue Devils nior pointguard Layne Meader. lost four starters from a team led He injured.his ankle prior to last by all-state and CHL Player ofthe season and never got completely Year Kenny Brady. Last season, healthy. Adams feels he can get Reading earned a No. 3 ranking In the Enquirer's Division II-IV COACH: Jim Reynolds (13th solid production from Meader.

"This year's team has a good coaches' poll and a regional run- season,.175c98; 235-131 overmixture 9f players and the right ner-up finish. all) The Blue Devils had a slow LAST SEASON: 18~6 (sec- time to install a new system," Adams said. start in preseason, due to the and in leagu@) football team's success and sevKEY PIAYIERS: C Luke era I injuries.

Trenz, F Brad Darter. _ COACH:-JirnPrugh (first seaAden, a 6-foot-5 senior, averOUTLOOK: The Mustangs aged 12 points and 12 rebounds have nine mmsecutive winning son) LAST SEASON: 12-8 (third .per game, and shot 48 percent. seasons and have won the CHL from 3-point range. But he is five of the pilst seven seasons. in league) KIEV PLAYERS: F Ollie Kenstruggling with a separated They have ar1 81-15 record over dall, GJohn Perin shoulder and remains question- the past four ~easons.

OUTLOOK: The Braves, who able for the start of the season.

This year'.s team must overHe was·firsHeam all-league and come the los.s of six top players, reiurn eight seniors and three jufirst-team all-district last season. including RoPb Hem (23 points, niors, will build around ·their deJake Haire, a 6-foot-7 senior 8 rebounds) ilnd SteveJudor (12 fense and post play.

Leading Indian Hill's offense center, also is questionable as . points, 6 as§!Sts), who are now will be seniors Perin and KendalL he recovers from toe surgery. playing at Denison University.

Already a tall team for a small The Musfangs, who return Both were standouts on the school, the Blue Devils have players who accounted for a to- Braves' football team.

Indian Hill must overcome the added Eric Clemons, a 6-8 trans- tal of 14 po'lrts per game last loss of Joe Haarman (15 ppg), fer from Mariemont. Clemons, , season will rely on the insidewho led the area in blocked out pl~y of seniors. Trenz and who walked on at Indiana. shots with 107 and averaged 9 Darter., rebounds per game, signed with rrenz al • 6-foot-8, 2400hio University. pounde(. sho?Uid be an imposing' COACH: Jeoff Gabbard (secBensman hopes to find team force inside .. 1He averaged 8.3 and season, 6-15) chemistry early in the season. points and ;7.2 rebounds last '· LAST SEASON: 6-15 (eighth · Reading has focused on funda- season. in league) · menta Is since "talent sometimes Darter, a 55:11senior guard, is .

KEY PUWERS: G Kyle Mahasthetendencyto getcompla- a thre,aUromn:outside. He made son, GJeremy Phillips cent," Bensman said.

41 percent offJlis 3-pointer.s; and OVilJJDK: The Wildcats made six 3-pointers in the dis- have a solid backcourt combinatrict championship game. tion in Mason, ajunior who averCOACH: Tony Gentry (fourth aged 8.4 points per game last season, 33-35) season, and Phillips, a senior ~SEASON: 8-13 (fifth in COACH: Dan Adams (first who averaged ·7.1. league) season, 0-0; 10-54 overall) Six-foot-1 forward Daniel KEY PLAYERS: FKevin WeyLAST SEASON: 8-13 (sixth Rutherford averaged 5.4_ points bright, GChrts Huening in league) and 5. 7 rebounds, while 6-6 OUTLOOK: The Cowboys, KEY PLAYER: G Mark Haw- center Chad O'Reilly averaged who are coming off two consec- kins 4.9 points. Rutherford had knee utive losing seasons, hope to OUTLOOK: With a new surgery following the football bounce back behind their five re- coach and a new system, the season, so it's unclear how much turning lettenmen.

Wildcats might take a while to he can contribute early.

Weybright, a 6-foot:5 junior, gel.· Deer Park got a boost when Teams listed in orderof predicted finish as voted by league coaches:

was afirst-tenm all-CHI: performer who averaged 15 points and 1iJ rebounds per game. Huening, a 6-4 senior, was second-team aii~CHL after averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds per game.

TWo other experienced contributors are 6-7 center Geoff Tollett (6 points, 5 rebounds) and 6-4 fof'/lard _Barry· Winston (3 points, 3 rebounds).

The Cowbqys could get help from>Walnut Hills transfer Trey Tudor;a 5-7 junior.

guard Ertk Ayers transferred in from Moeller. " The .kids have worked hard in the offseason and are focused in practice," Gabbard said. 'We have fiye kids with starting expe· rie)lCe and ale looking forwardto the season."

il1> li~~Jy~c~~ COACH: Kyle Haney (fourth season, 19-45; 32-62 overall) LAST SEASON: 5-16 (seventh in league) KEY PLAYER: CMatt Fox OUTLOOK: The Yellow Jackets are coming off a difficult season, 'but several underclassmen got valuable playing time that could benefit them this season.

Haney is implementing a completely new system, opting to play an up-tempo style on offense and employ a full-court press on defense.

Taylor's most notable returning player is Fox, a 6-6 senior who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game.

"We need someone to emerge as the team leader," Haney said. · The Wildcats' strengths come from a deep bench.

"We have many interchangeable parts regarding our offensive makeup," Haney said. "We also feel like we have some pea: pie who can score, and that has been a concern in the past.'

COACH: David Wainscott ·(fifth season, 38-50) LAST SEASON: 12-9 (fourth , in league) KEY PLAYER: C Robby

·Brown OUROOK: Wainscott's primary concern Is replacing guard Phil Landes, last season's leading scorer who is playing college ball at Washington & Lee. The most likely candidate for that duty is Brown, a 6-6 junior who averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds per game and was a second-team aii-CHL selection.

Aside from Brown, production must come from seniors Billy Douglas, Steve Bollinger, Ross Ballinger and Wally Raines.

····:···········································································~

.....................................

~························

Greater Catholic league - South Division.··

Lancers best of.strong bunch·

Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted by league coaches:

·

COACH: Dan Fleming (13th season, 160-128; 166-141 overall) lAST SEASON: 15-7 (tied for second in league) KEV PI..AY!ERS: GJohn Thinnes, FJustin Orr OUROOI(: The Lancers return a pair of first-team aii-GCL perfol1l]ers in Thinnes and Orr. _Thinnes, a 6-foot-4 senior, averaged 15 points per game, while Orr, a 6-6 junior, averaged 11 points.

On the inside, Orr will get help from Tim Teepe (6-6), Nick Dooros (6-5) and Ryan Stanchek (6-5).

"Our strengths are good shooting, togetherness and toughness," Flynn said. "But we must rebound and earn our breaks. I don't know how we can hold our opponents to · one shot per posses-sion."

M©:1f'.:~n~w COACH: Carl Kremer (19th season, 190-98) LAST SEASON: 12-11 (fourth in league) KEV PI..AYERS: F Andrew Brackman, F Josh Duncan; G Rob Christi~ · OUTLOOK: After finishing last in the South last season, the Crusaders appear to have the talent to win it all with three st(!rters and. a standout transfer in the lineup.

Moeller-will field a talented inside attack with juniors Brackman (6-foot-7) and Duncan (6-7).

Duncan, a major college prospect and Enquirer All-Star, avera~J,ed '\.1 .~ \}()i\\tr. a\1\l ~ ~ \10'1\()\1\1~'<> per game last season. He can score equally well inside and out, and has 3-point range. . Christie, a second-team allleague player, averaged 8 points and 4 assists per game.

The Crusaders got a talent boost when 6-3 junior guard Bubba Walther transferred froni Colerain, where he av~raged 15.9 points per game.

COACH: Scott Martin (ninth sea-

>nn,;<odHo

photo

~t Xavier. center Cra;!g Cashen, being lifted after a sectional ~1n la.st seeson, will play at Eastern Michigan Umvers1ty aft:er finishing this season.

son, 107-54) LAST SEASON: 14-'1( (tied for second in league) KEY PLAYERS: cCraikcashen GJohnny Wolf o ' ,OUTLOOK: Although t11he Bombers lost four starters to grftaduatlon Martin has a lot of young-ftalent that sho41d develop as the seoason progresses.

Eastern Michigan-bouund Cash·en, a 6-foot-8 center, shoould be a \10'\1:.10 ~~:>~'\\ \~:>~. ~<o <>'l<eraged 18 points and seven rebounds· per game; and was effective when fouled, making 74 percent of his free throws.

• · Johnny Wolf, a 6-2 sophomore, proved to be a potent outside threat after his call-up from the junior varsity late last season.

KEY PLAYERS: G Gene Mello, GMark Janszen OUROOK: The Panthers lost all five starters to graduation, so ·'t>c\\<;;)'e\\\~\~

mu<;;,\. 'o'l\\~ -a\1;)\l\\~ "~\a­

lively inexperienced players.

Mello, .a 5-10 senior, averaged 5.5 points and 2.4 assists per game last season, while Janszen, a 5-11 senior, averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 assists.

Thomas Sander, a 6-7 junior forward, averaged 14 points per game on the junior varsity, and Schoenfeld feels he could develop into one of the city's finest forwards.

Elder must wait for two of its bet, ter athletes- Bill Poland and Digger Bujnoch -to finish the football sea' son.

"I think we can be as good as any GCL South team before the end of the season," Schoenfeld said. "The COACH: Joe Schoenfeld (12th challenge is to take what we have,build a good team defense and deseason, 169-87) lAST SEASON: 14-7 (first in termine how we can best help each other to be effective on offense." league)

----------------------------~~--~--~~~··----------------------------~~

THE CINCINNATI

Southern Buckeye

Conference - National

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2002 Cll

Fort Ancient Valley Conference- .Buckeye Division

Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted on league coaches:

Warriors· No •. 1 choice until proven otherwise

1. Clintc~1DMa~~~e

Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted on league coaches:

Wilkinsons give Ma~sie the edge COACH: Brian Mudd (fifth season, 4642) LAST SEASON: 12-10 (tied for first in league) I(EY PLAYERS: G Ryan Wilkinson, G Kerry Wilkin~on OUTLOOK: The Falcons return six lettermen from a team that lost eight of its games by "four or fewer points.

The Wilkinsons are both all-league selections. Senior Ryan was honorable mention after averaging 12 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Sophomore Kerry was aiiSBC after averaging 9.1 points and 3 assists while shooting 41 percent from 3point range. ' Senior forwards Ben Wilkie and Jarrod Bevon will be important players. Wilkie averaged 6.2 points and 3 rebounds; Bevon 4.3 points and 3 rebounds,

2~

Geowgetow111

COACH: Jerry Underwood (eighth season,88-67) LAST SEASON: 9-13 (tied for third in league) · - KEY PLAYERS: G Ryan Seesholtz, C Brandon Bannister · OUTLOOK: The G-Men, who .finished behind East Clinton and Clinton-Massie last season; feel they can contend for the league title.

- One big reason for that is Seesholtz, a 6-4 seniorwho Is the reigningSBC Player of the Year. He averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals_ and 2 assists per game last season.

Also returning is 6-8 Bannister, a second-team all-league selection who averaged 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Adam Griffith, Blake Holbrook and Mike Dennis are the other top returning players.

Queen City Conference

Bulldogs, West Hi are neck-and-neck ).1"}

-1 ~· Wi~ton Wood~ COACH: David Lumpkin (eighth season, 114-31; 196-73 overall) I.AST SEASON: 26-2 (first in league) KEY PLAYERS: F C.J. Anderson, G Mack Hunter OUTLOOK: Most coacheS who lose fourstarters to graduation would be thinking "rebuilding," but not Lumpkin. · "We return our leading scorer (Anderson, 19.3 points) and the top reserve player (Hunter, 8 points)," Lumpkin said. "These two seniors will lead a very strong group of underclassmen that could make people forget rebuild and say reload."

Heath White, a freshman transfer from Newport (Ky.) who averaged io points on varsity as an eighth-grader, and junior Harrison Brown give the Warriors additional outside shooting.

Winton Woods has won three consecutive city titles and seven consecutive league championships.

5.

2. J%1!1derl!S0~1

COACH: Frank Brandy (12th season, 110-101) LAST SEASON: 15-6 (third in league) KEY PLAYERS: CChris Norwell, GRyan The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL E. KEATING Patzwald OUTLOOK: The Redskins appear to Anderson's Chris NoJWell, a 6-foot-7 center who averaged have the talent to make· a nm at Winton 22 points last season, is the primary reason the RedWooqs for the league championship. skins are the second choice in t~e FAVC-Buckeye.

Returning starters ·Norwell, a 6-foot-7 center who averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Patzwald, a point guard who en seniors, have to count on several players division finish. scored 11 points and had 4.5 assists, are who have no varsity experience.

Chappell, a 6-foot-2 sophomore swingthe biggest reasons. · · McDonald, a 6-foot-10 senior wl1o has· man, started every game as afreshman, av. Sam Miller, a 5-foot-10 senior who sat committed to Morehead State, averaged eraging 10 points per game. He could out last season, returns at guard. Football 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. emerge as one of the top players in the standouts Ty Hall and Kurt Shoemaker also _Brech, the quarterback on the football team league. are expected to contribute. who has committed to Bowling Green for Waite, a 6-4 senior, and Ekhator, a 6-2 "Getting football players late will hurt baseball, will play point guard. He averaged senior, form a solid front~:ourt. Ekhator avduring early season games," Brandy said. 5.0 points and 2.5 assists last season. eraged a team-leading eight rebounds.

"How well we shoot as a team will also be a Josh LeFever, a transfer from Boone COACH: Dusty Miller (seventh season, factor."

County, should help. Harrison opens its 59-50) ""• , . new arena against Fairfield on Saturday.

LAST SEASON: 14-7 (tied for first in .;)). l.\A@~OTii COACH:'Tom Jutze (fourth season, 25league) COACH: Greg Richards (eighth season, 35; 96-98 overall) KEY PLAYERS: F Eric Parker, G Todd 91-56) • · COACHi Craig Mazzara (eighth season,· WT SEASON: 7-14 (sixth in league) Jurber · LAST SEASON: '17-4! (second ·in 97-75) KEY PLAYER: G Robbie Noshcang OUTLOOK: The Astros will need someleague) _ -·-·. .. _ __. _ LAST SEASON: 10-12 (fifth in league) _•· OUTLOOK: Competing in this difficult one to step up if they are to capture their KEY PLAYERS: G Chris Hill, GJ9rdan KIEYPI.AVEIRS: GMilttFirestone, ( Bi)':-·reague will be a challenge fo(iHeam that fourth league title in the last five seasons.

Faulkner son Simpson, GJustin Zieman returns only one experienced player.

They won the SBC last season after moving OUTLOOK: The surprise team in the . _OUTLOOK: Experience will be a team Nosl1cang, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, will from the Kenton Trace Conference. _ Buckeye Division last year, the Comets -strengths. The Barons return six playejSwhq_ have to_b_e the l.eader on and off.the.court.. · - __,i'arker and-Jurberarethe onlyretuming ···- · ·graduated starter$: BufFaulkrier(f6 started at one time last season. · 'The keys to our success are ball control, players with varsity experience; East Clinppg, 7 rpg), a first-team aii-FAVC selection, Firestone, a 5-10 senior, is the l~ading rebounding and good half-court defense," ton graduated eight seniors, four of them and. Hill (12 ppg, 6 rpg), a second-team returning scorer at 11 points per :game. lutze said. starters. Parker, ·an all-league and honorchoice, is a good start. · Simpson, a 6-1 junior, added 11 points, able-mention Southwest District guard, avMason must overcome a lack of height- while Zieman, a 6-6 senior, should improve eraged 14.7 points per game.

Faulkner and Justin Burning are the tallest on his 4 rebounds per game. · players at 6-foot-3 - with its quickness.

Transfer Jason Perry, a 6-J guard, reCOACH: Jerry Couzins (second season, "We must play solid defense and contin- - turns from Mariemont and will help the 4-17; 227-138 overall) ue to play as a team, which led to the 17 backcourt. He played his first two seasons LAST SIEASON: 4-17 (seventh in COACH: Jon Crall (fifth season, 27-58) victories last year," Richards said. at Amelia, league) LAST SEASON: 6-15 (tied for third in The good news is Faulkner has overSenior Josh Prather, who sat Ol\t the KEYPILAYEIIS: FChuckStorck, FBiake league) come a broken wrist and is ready to go. past two seasons, also could contribute.

Zimmerman KEY PLAYERS: GJustin Little, GRyan OIJTLOOK: Transfers Dustin Schaffer !1)), fh,l\,n,ff'\£'2!\'!,MZN!(if Taggart · · · ~~. H~wriJ£on (Deer Park).and Ryan Burlas (Mason) will OUTLOOK: The Cardinals return four · COACH: l<evin Wentz (eighth season, COACH; Tom Orth (second season, 4- add experience to a young team. guards, led by seniors Taggart'and Little.

77-74) . 18; 104-88 overall) · Post players Storck (8. 7 ppg) and ZimTaggart averaged 9 points, 6 rebounds and LAST SEASON: 12-10 (fourth in LAST SEASON: 4-18(eighth in league) merman (7.5 ppg) give Turpin a solid 1-2 2 assists, while Little added 8 poi'nts and 4 league) KEV PLAYERS: G/ FJeremy Chappell, F punch inside. Sophomores Josh Shonim, assists ..

KEY PLAYERS: C Kevin McDonald, G Chris Waite, F Nosa Ekhator Alex Trakas, Will Norwell, Darren Armstrong However, Felicity is very inexperienced Alan Brech OUTLOOK: The l<nights expectto be im- and Ryan Burlas also are expected to see in the frontcourt- the only players over 6OUTLOOK: The Wildcats, who lost sev- proved and hope to challenge for an upper-. playing time. feet are sophomores.

three

s. S©Jtavi@J COACH: Mike Hatfield (five seasons, 40-49; 66-88 overall) LAST SEASON: 3~18 (tied for seventh in league) .

KEY PLAYERS: GJon Bailey, C Richie Trogden OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs return leading scorer and firsHeam all-league selection Bailey, who averaged 16 points per game last season.

Bailey leads a group of five Batavia se· niors who should break the school's streak pf two seasons without a wi~ning record after winning the SBC in 2000-2001.

T~e inside game will be led byTrogden, a 6-6 center, who averaged 8.points and 8 rebounds, ·and 6-1 forward Steve Dalton, who averaged 4 points.

The Bulldogs have depth, and outside shooting should be another strength.

_6.

!lli@J~\C:h~:5t~r

COACH: Andy Wood (first season) LAST SEASON: 1-20 (tied for seventh in league) KEY PLAYER: G Ben Prewitt DVTLOD& Wood inhents a Wildcats

team with seven letterwinners, led by Prewitt, the team's leading returning scorer· and rebounder.

Blanchester has a formidable frontcourti in Luke Roy, a 6-foot-6 senior, Aaron i O'Rourke (6-3) and Jon Freeman (6-3).

11. WUUtJm~blUlrg COACH: Dan McKibben (second season, 10-12) · 'LAST SEASON: i0-12 (fifth in league) KEY PLAYERS: FChip Schwettman, F Jeff Westendorf OUTLOOK: The Wildcats graduated six seniors and return a team low on varsity experience. Leading the way will be the team's only seniors, Schwettman and Westendorf. · Those two should get heip from junior point guard Travis. Hinkle, who expected to challenge for playlng·time last season but missed 16 games with a broken finger.

.

.

-

·············································································································································································

Van Buskirk pushes Tig_~rs to the. top Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted on league coaches:

'1. L~'JlVf:~@i'~d .

COACH: Tim Partin (first season) LAST SEASON: 20-3 (first in league) KEY PLAYERS: C Eric Van Buskirk, F Clif Ramsey OUTLOOK: Partin inherits a team that lost eight seniors, including James Cripe and Kevin Schappell (combined for 31 points and 13 rebounds per game).

Van Buskirk, a 6-foot-8, 220-pounder who committed to Miami, averaged 12.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He'll be joined up front oy Ramsey, a 6-7; 240pound junior.

The key for the Tigers will be at guard, where Evan Deis, Kyle Gallenstein, Eric Eb.·bers, Adam Stanley and Chris Lee are contesting for playing time. ''The development of our inexperienced guards will determine how successful we are this season," Partin said.

~~King~ COACt!: Brent Allen (fourth season, 2440) ' CASrSE:ASON: tO-it (third in teague) KEY PLAYERS: CJohn Walters, GBryan Gayhart OUTLOOK: This could be a breakthrough season for a big, strong- Knights team that got better as last season progressed. · Walters, a 6-5, 225-pound senior, was a firi>Heam aii-FAVC selection last season and- impressed in a Miamisburg summer league that included college players. · Gayhart could be the team's most. improved player ·after a hard-working summer. He plays shooting guard despite being 6-6.

DrSJW Lauderback, a 5-8 guard, was an

Teams listed in order of predic- who we are supposed to and probted finish as voted on league ably pull a few upsets."

Mills is hopingto mix an up-tempo game wit~ an improved half41 t~i;E&~) \.~ <"-'» / court offense. · _ COACH: Jim Leon (13th seaChancellor, a 6-6 senior, returns son, 209-94) as one of the league's best big LAST SEASON: 17-6 (first in men. He was an honorable-menleague) tion all-league pick after averaging KEV PLAYERS: F De' Andre 9.2 points, 11- rebounds and 5.4 Fitzhugh, GRobert Perkins, GShan- blocks per game. non S.mith Chancellor needs some help in OUTLOOK: The defending QCC outside shooting, and that's where champions received a needed infu- guards. Ali Salaam and David Allen sion oftalentwhen senior~ Fitzhugh and forward Matt Pilgrim come in .. __ and Smith of North College Hill and Mills' biggest concern is lack of Perkins of Mount Healthy left their experience. schools to attend Woodward.

Fitzhugh averaged 19.2 points n"'""""" and nine rebouncs, while Smith COACH: Jim Pugh (fourth seascored 13 per game with 5.2 as- son, 31-32; 234-185 overall) sists. Perkins led the Fighting Owls LAST SEASON: 14-7 (third in last season with 13.1 points and 5 league) assists.

KEY PLAYERS: GTy Cass, FDiThe trio will join the top returning yral Briggs • player, Raymond Edwards, who avOUTLOOK: With a lack,ofexpeeraged 11.6 points an·d 13.8 re- rience, Pugh hopes to. avoid a slow bounds per game. At 6-foot-5, Ed- start. wards will start at center as the The team is senior dominated, team's tallest player. but only two players, Cass and A tough schedule and limited Briggs, have real varsity experience. depth will be challe.nges.

Cass, a 5-7 senior, averaged 8 points per game. Briggs, a 6-4 junior, averaged 7 points and 6 reCOACH: Terry Nelson (sepond bounds. Both started last season. season, 15-_7) · "We neecj to settle down and get LAST SEASON: 15-7 (second accustomed to playing in front of a in league) crowd every night," Pugh said.

KEV PLAYERS: G Stevie HorThe Owis will use·d a mix of man ton, G Taurean Stephens, F Gabe and zone defenses to keep teams Etter off balance. " · OIJTLODK: Nelson will unleash Without a proven scorer in the a style of basketball he refers to as lineup, Pugh will call O(l eight or "organized confusion." Nelson will . nine players to provide points. use anywhere from 10 to 12 players in order to push the tempo and wear down opponents.

COACH: Steve Morris (fourth With the quick p.ace and ample season, 20-44) talent, the Mustangs should be one· LAST SEASON: 9-13 (seventh of the area's highest-scoring in league) teams.

KEY PLAYERS: GKevin Davis, · Horton, a 5-8 junior, was a first- FPatrick Blanchard, G/F Ed Herring team aii-QCC choil~ after averagOUTLOOK: The Senators hope ing 11 points and 8.5 assists last to break a string of six straight losseason. ing seasons and rebound from a Stephens is the 3-point special- disappointing seventh-place . ist (50-for-110, 45 percent), while league finish last season. ..

Brian Sellers and Etter are the priDavis, the only returning starter, mal}' inside threats. Etter averaged • was an honorable-mention ai_I-QGC 8.2 points and nine rebounds, and choice after averaging 9.2 points Sellers averaged 5.4 and 4.2. and 2.1 assists.

Guard Brandon Kendrick, who He'll get help from two talented averCiged 5,Lf points_and 4.3 _re, _players- who. have transferred in. bounds, also will ccmtribute.

- Herring, a 6-foot-4 senior, transferred from Aiken, and Blanchard; a 6-foot-8 center, moved from Cali· -COACH: Steve Gentry (second fornia. season, 9-12) lAST SEASON: 9-12 (fourth in ·league) ·COACH: Kevin Higgins (second KEY PLAYERS: G Percy Hurt, G season, 4-16) Quantez Robertsocl, G Brandon LAST SEASON: 4-16 (eighth in' Maupin . • league)_ • OlfilOOI{: Hurt returns as one KEY PLAYERS: FJustin Phoeofthe area's most e;xciting players. nix, ·G Durrel Jackson . He was a first-team !Enquirer DiviOUTLOOK: The Falcons will rely sion I All-Star afte.r averaging 20 oil a group of eight juniors to impoints and 5 assists per game. prove upon last season.

Robertson (10 points, 10 rePhoenix, a 6.-foot~3 senior, averbounds) and Brancion Maupin (11 aged 11 points and 7 rebounds. · points, 6 assists) wU be called up- Jackson, a 6-2 senior guard, added on to increase the1r output. They 10 points. could help fill the loss of 20-point Aiken must overcome .inexperiscorer Drew Crawfo;·d. ence and a lack of height. Its tallest Two up-and-coming players to player, Solomon Johnson, is listed watcli are junior DaiTal Payton and at 6-4. · sophomore Chris Kr,ight.

aii-FAVC selection as a point guard.

Brad Maurer, Kings' star quarterback, sat out last season with a broken leg suffered in football, but he is returning io play - basketball.

tive since the Indians forfeited five games ·for using an ineligible player.

Marksbury, a 6-2 guard, averaged 12.5 points and shot 76 percent from the freethrow line. Murphy, a 5-7 senior, averaged 3.2 assists per game. Seniorswingman BriVt~~ ~ JB~ r~git(g~~'~1 an Stewart averaged 6.3 points per game.

COACH: Jeff Stevenson (fourth sel!son, Some help inside could come from 6-5 30-35; 121-158 overall) junior AI Dipiano, up from the junior varsity.

LAST SEASON: 6-15 ·(seventh in league) KEY PLAYER: C Chris Thirey COACH: Pete Hopewell (first season) OUTLOOK: The Hurricanes will field an ILAST SEASON: 11-11 (fourth in league). experienced team as their top four scorers KEY PLAYER: F Ryan Brewsaugh return.

OUTLOOK: This will be a rebuilding seaThirey, a 6-foot-8 senior, was a second- son, and Brewsaugh is the only returning team aii-FAVC selection. Wilmington's oth- experienced player. The junior averaged er top returnees are Josh Adkins, Zach Hol- 3.8 points in 18 games.

Seniors Cody Campbell, Thad Stall and lingsworth and Zach Grove.

Finding ·a replacement for graduated ·Mike LaSeur, and juniors Keven Masters, point guard Marquis Nance will be a.chal- Danny McConnaughy and Dwight McVey lenge. MartweJones, a running back on the will also compete for playing time. football team, could be the answer.

i

.

.. ,

7/<> ""'·'c""""''''"''

J1k~

COACH: Michael Young (sixth season, 51-50; 106-114 overall) LAST SEASON: 8-12 (tied for fifth in league)

COACH: Bob Ward (first season) LAST SEASON: N/ A(second in league) KEY PLAYER: GKevin McBreen.

· KIEV PLAYER: FKyle Hadley

OUTl.OOK: Adjusting to a new coach is always an obstacle, but the Rams return three experienced seniors: McBreen is the school's all-time leader in 3-point shooting. Scott Lutterbie (6foot-7), Josh Overton (6-5) and Kyle Young (6-4) form a formidable froritcourt.

OUTLOOK: As in past seasons, Goshen will field a hard-nosed defensive team that features a man-to-man defense and an uptempo offense in an attempt to overcome a lack of height.

Hadley, a 6-foot senior forward, has assumed the leadership role. He played .only seven games last year while battling injuCOACH: Jack Bouldin (14th season, · ries to his thumb, nose and eye socket. He 92-168) averaged eight points and four rebounds I..AST SEASON: 8-15 (tied for fifth in when he was healthy. league) Steve Fisher, Kyle Gulley, Nicl\ Spreen, KEY PI..AVIERS· GMatt Murphy GMatt Joe Leonard, Zack Bunnell, Luke Mcintosh • · ' Marksbu .,~' and Thomas Messer also are expected tQ OUTLOOI{: Last year's record is decep- contribute.

-·

~~m£

.COACH: Walter White COACH: Greg Mills (second LAST SEASON: 7-13 (sixth In season, 6-15) league) LAST SEASON~ 6-15 (fifth in KEY PLAYERS: GChad West, F league) Dave Oestreicher KEY PLAYERS: CWalter ChanOUTLOOK: Six players return cellor, G Sydney Pickard, G David with varsity experience. West and Jacl\son Oestreicher are the most seasoned OUTLOOK: Mills is optimistic of the retume('S. West-averaged 10 about his team's progress. points per game and Oestreicher "We are much better than we pulled in 6 rebounds per game last were last year," he s,;id. "We'll beat season.

.

-

.

.

Raymond Edwards (left) and D' Andre Fitzhugh will help Woodward attempt to defend its QCC title.

------ -------------' -----

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2002 C13

Mid-Miami. League - North Division

Greater Miami Conference

irebirds, Vikings tabbed favorites One new face is Cambron, a first-time head coach. He'll be able , to build around one of the biggest frontcourts in the GMC, with five players at 6-4 or better. Bradley and Buckner provide scoring punch.

Teams listed in .order of predic· ted finish as voted by league coaches:

[~f:llN,\\Jr\\t!ll W~it COACH: Mike Mueller (17th season, 486-25!3) LAST SIEASON: 12-9 (12·4 league) KEY PLAYERS: FBrian LaChapelle, C Dan DeGrace OUTLOOK: West returns seven players from last season's 12-9 team. · · The Firebirds might have the ar· ea's strongest Inside combination in 6-foot-5 junior LaChapelle and 6·8 senior DeGrace. They are on pace to become the school's all· time leading scorer and rebounder, respectively.

0~ ~.,. ("'""")' ~ 1;'..., ~~

COACH: ·Matt Wissman (third season, 23-21) LAST SEASON: 13-10 (fifth in league) KEY PLAYERS: F Nate Salis· bury, G Chris Schrank OUTLOOK: Fairfield lost three double-figure scorers, including a double-double· performer in Norman Plummer.

Salisbury scored in double fig. ures several times last year and is an excellent shooter. Schrank is more of a slasher who complementS him well. Kevin Wolfe, a junior, should step up at guard, while classmate Trent Hanna will likely play point guard.

ii»ri\..,,.,.,e.,.., ,HHH!~\1#1 f'4Vf:l ~

{f

COACH: Paul Andrews (12th season, 141-105; 244-172 overall) LAST SIEASON: 15·7 (12-4 league) · KEY PLAYERS: G Jarrell Wil· Iiams, F/C Ross Morin OUTLOOK: Like West, Princeton is anchored by the return of two players, 6·2 senior Williams and 6-7 sophomore Morin, who fell just short of averaging a double-double as a freshman.

Princeton's graduation losses from last season's 15· 7 team, however, are more significant, leaving Andrews uncomfortable using more than his top seven players at season's start.

The Vikings' backcourt should be solid, with Williams joined by re· turning point guard Dominic John· son (7.0 ppg).

Mark Dorris, a 6·2 junior, aver· aged about 4 points per game.

Middi~tow~~ COACH: Bob Nocton (seventh season, 58-73; 228-181 overall) LAST SEASON: 7-14 (5-11 league) KEY PLAYERS: F James Frazier, GAaron Kerns OUTLOOK: While not bereft of all proven talent or experience, Middletown will have to quickly deal with the loss of last year's leading scorer, Darrell Hunter.

Four lettermen are back from last season, led by the 6-5, 215· pound Frazier. He'll get help from 6-6 senior Scottie Wilson.

The Middies' strength figures to come from a speedy set of guards.

Kerns, ajunior, will start at shooting guard, joined by classmate Mal· calm Tipton, last years assist lead· er, on the point. ·

COACH: Larry Allen (sixth sea·

son~4~:S~~~v~~~1 ( _

14 2 league) .

KEY PLAYERS: GJosh Couch; FJon Smith OUTLOOK: Last season's GMC champions return their top two scorers but will be considerably younger elsewhere in the lineup.

Couch, a 6·3 senior, might .be the GMC's top 3-point shooter. .

He'll be Mr. Outside to the Mr. In-~-~-. side-role,.played byc.Smithra {)..5, 2.10-poun.d all-league player who will play for Rollins College. . . ..

Behind those two, Hamilton will • -·depemlonaSlew of untlerclass· men. The Big Blue will feature more ·size than any recent team, and AI· len believes they have the athleticism necessary to put on the full· court pressure that last season's team employed. kl 21'} 4'I<,§'f>';,"""'""'MP '97<) ~tt...)!HHl~~!~v.& ~

COACH: Rob Matula (third season, 19-25) LAST SEASON: 13·9 (fourth in league) KEY PLAYERS: FSteve Kenne-

Hamilton's Jon Smith averaged 11.9 points per game for the Big Blue last season.

C«:~~@;R'Dliifu

Lebanon likes looks of season Teams listed in order of predic· · ted finish as voted lly league coaches:

season's team lost to graduation, .

Back's concern is rebounding and defending with an undersized team. "!. ~..~b©Jno~ Kierstead, an aii·MML pick COACH: Tom Russell (first who averaged 6 points and 6 asseason) sists per game last season, and 5LAST SEASON: 22·2 11 senior Sc~omburg, the Vikings' KEY PLAYER: F Tyler Pritch· leading. returning scorer (7.5 ard · ppg), will need to make up for the OUTLOOK: The Warrtors will loss of Matt Muncy and Adam Re· field an experienced team, return- millard, who each averaged dou· ing four players who significantly ble-digit scoring last season. contributed to last season's 22·2 4. r©!i,wb~ll'~'ll record.

Pritchard, a 6-foot-4, 180· COACH: Todd Grimm (fourth pound junior who averaged 17.8 season, 20-43) · points last season, will show the LAST SEASON: 10-11 . KEY PLAYER: F Marna Huff· way, along with John Karnes (5.4 ppg), Jordan Langston (8.4 ppg) . man and Derek Cole (9.8 ppg).

OUTLOOK: The Skyhawks A strong supporting cast of locik to build on their first non-los· Brandon Heileman (6-6), Jeremy ing regular-season record (10·10) Langston (6·4) and Jeremy Ham- in 15 years. monds (6·2) will be on the inside.

Joe Bozeman's addition will Ryan Buszek, Gordie Lewis and help that cause. A 6-foot-3 com· Jacob Carroll are backup guards. bination guard, Bozeman trans-· ferred from Wayne 'and, according ~t '%.rP'llwi'w'""'i0'A"{fb =• to Grimm, is being recruited by Di· COACH: Troy Holtrey (12th vision I colleges. season, 179-62) Huffman, an MML honorable LAST SEASON: 18·4 mention last season and FairKEY PLAYERS: FRyan Teets, born's best returning player, F Brian Alge needs to stay healthy. The 6-7 juOUTLOOK: Teets, an all- nior missed a handful of games league selection,. averaged 12 with knee and wrist injuries. points and 9 rebounds last sea· 5¢ C©JifmH son. He and Kylu Morris (7 ppg, honorable mention) have been of· COACH: Herman Burger (ninth fered to play attht) Air Force Acad· season) emy. Alge, Wh(l averaged 10 LAST SEASON: 6"15 points per game last season, also KEY PLAYER: F Dan Bieden· returns. ham The Panthers should have a OUTLOOK: The Patriots will be strong season based on a scrim· improved, with Biedenharn (19 mage with Moelltlr, in which they ppg) an.d senior guard Mike Gabrwon every quarte1·. inger (10 ppg) leading the way.

Burger also will look to return· :!;,L Nti©l~lt i:;b~JJrg ing point guard Adam Heider (6 COACH: Frank Back (third ppg), along with frequently used season, 28-19; 60-70 overall) Paul Day, Josh Eckley, Eric Farrell LAST SEASON: 16-7 and Andy, Farrell.

KEY PLAYERS: PG Matt Kier· stead, GScott Schomburg Note OUTLOOK: l\1th .four starters Dayton Stebbins also particiand 50 points per game from last pates in the MML North. ...........................................................................................

COACH: Jason Adkins (first season, 0-0; 0-0 overall) LAST SEASON: 8-12 (seventh · in league) KEY PLAYERS: FJustin Beigel, G Dominick Goodman OUTLOOK: Colerain starts as a blank slate, due to 90 percent of last season's scoring gone and a .!l new coach taking over. luIVISIOU -16.7..-points<and-7·6'--reeeulld!rjler-~~FaFt!mately,.,--the~iiiglllafldef'S<-crcapable>fmwarct:--:lamescf>ews~i\dkins,.whtr:playel:Funder leg;-_-· -· · · -- :._~ ·: · · · -.. ·· . -. ·: -~= ~~-=-·game in his second se. ason as a havedepthatguardinR.ickyCorne· 6-3freshman,comesinwitharep- endarycoachJoePetrocelliatKet· 8 starter. lius and Chris Hammonds, who utation as one of the city's best teringAiter,hasbeentheCardinals' . The presenc~ of Pierson and ~~!h saw varsity time as SQ~QQ::.:..nintll_~gri!.ders.~------YiliS.l!Y.ll.ssistant.tbeJasttbree.sea,__ ~----- .. --··· ___ .. ... --··· -·- __ - .. .I...JUI. . . _ .. poffifgu·araRo5s Sierra rne~ns the mores. Kevin Brockhoff, a 6·6 se· ""'' sons. He'll convert Colerain to a 0 starting. bac.kcourt. is . b.ack intact. nior and the team's biggest player, §., motion offense to take advantage t?• 0 •,n'!'~ leads the inside game.

COACH: Joe Cambron (first of the team's athleticism. Seven of 11• .~. "---4.!:1nz !Mi~:iBl}.. season, 0-0) his players played on the football Teams listed in order of predicOUTLOOK: As Grov~ imple· COACH: Mike Price (12th sea· 6. tL©JkOt© !fi:\l::~t LAST SEASON: 3-18 Cardinals, meaning they are off to a ted finish as voted by league ments his man-to-man defense, son, 157·84) COACH: Wally Vickers (first KEY PLAYERS: FJustin Brad- late start because ofthe playoffs. coaches: he hopes to find the right scoring LAST SEASON: 10·12 (8·8 season, 0-0; 130-125 overall) ley, F Brad Buckner . Justin Beigel and his twin, Brancombination on a young team, league) LAST SEASON: 3·18 (2·14 OUTLOOK: AnumberofCincin· don,· should both start inside, Allen, a 6·3 junior forward; and KEY PLAYERS: GJustin Ray, G league) nati teams have enjoyed break- where 6-3 defensive lineman Nick COACH: Pat Kreke (14th sea- 6-foot senior shooting guard Joey Andrew Bowers KEY PLAYERS: GDustin Hill, G through success in recent seasons Davis also provides some beef. son, 156-135) Downs return to the starting lineup OUTLOOK: Price is upbeat Jeremy Sallee. with senior-laden rosters. That forColerain's opening weekend LAST SEASON: 9-12 and are joined by junior forward about a team he thinks will be more OUTLOOK: If there's one mys- mula could fit Milford, which has features a Friday date with arch rival KEY PLAYERS: F Mike Klein· Tim Vaught, and sophomore up tempo. Oak Hills won't be as big tery team causing intrtgue among eight seniors among its nine return- La Salle, followed by a Saturday gers, GRob Kreke guards Drew Frahm and Danny as last season's squad but should GMC coaches, it's-Lakota East. ing letterman. game with Northwest.

OUTLOOK: The Falcons Manning. should make the league's biggest Dustin Gillette, Chad Muntzin· turnaround. ger and Bubby Robinson round After taking its lumps last sea, out the eight-man rotation, while son without a sen\or on the team, sophomores Brian Corn and Chris Fenwick boasts a roster full of ex· Dunn could see playing time. ing starters, including Downs.

LAST SE'ASON: 12-10 that qualified for last season's Divi· Brady Metz. perience. Not onlr does the start!L !Edgewood "Entl1usiasm is sky high," Ross KEY PLAYER: F Andrew Bayne sian IV state semifinals. ing five return -the entire squad is ~,,.,h.~ a'~IV'~'"'''llff"fk"~""1: ~:rq:)1 ti~!i~*~"'=.~~xo;,...~<,;)) OUTLOOK: Bayne, a 6-foot-3 As a result, Hines will rely on said. "We also have a freshman back.

COACH: Jeff Waugh (first seaCOACH: Mike Pratt (10th sea· senior who averaged 14.4 points Stacy and Michael on the outside, class that can contribute."

Kleingers, a senior, averaged son, 0-0; 81·50 overall) son, record N/A) and 4.5 rebounds, is the mainstay with all of his Inside players young 13 points and 12 rebounds per LAST SEASON: 6-15 LAST SEASON: N/A for a young team that must play and inexperienced. Blake Kibler, game last season, Juniors Kreke KEY PLAYERS: F Brian KEV PLAYER: G Nate physical and attack the basket.

Tyler Palmer, Nick Peaco, Derek COACH: David Disbro (fourth (6 apg) and Art Bidwell (9 rpg) Hangbers, C Alan Weber McDonald Wamsley and Greg Harvey must season, 44-20) round out a solid t1io of returners.

OUTLOOK: The Cougars' sucrrt'"'e«>"""' f\rn i~1~i@1 OUTLOOK: The Tigers graduat· LAST SEASON: 13-8 step up on the inside for Whiteoak cessful football program has over1& ;&;,.

COACH: Cliff Green (second ·to post another winning record.

KEY PLAYERS: C Danny Reh· ed four starters and will rely on shadowed the basketball team, McDonald to run the offense. Pratt season, 8-13) age, G/F Gabe Focke COACH: Doug Brown (first which last season struggled to a Girls basketball LAST SEASON: 8-13 OUTLOOK: This will be a re- will also look to guard Jeff Lansing, season) fifth-place finish.

KEY PLAYERS: Tanyen Pear· · These schools were inadvertentbuildingseason for a small, inexpe· center David Hotel and forward LAST SEASON: 9·12 First-year coach Waugh takes Adam Buddenberg to make things son, Marvin Sims ly left out of the girls preview: rienced team.

KEV PLAYER: G Bobby Win· over after jobs as an assistant at OUTLOOK: This could be the Sophomore Brandon. Kaiser will happen. ' kler Miami University-Middletown take over the point-guard duties, season Shrader contends for a secOUROOK: Brown inherits a and, more recently, head coach at North Adarfli£; with Focke at shooting guard. Rehtional championship.

COACH: Rick Hosea (second Braves squad with a roster dom· Germantown's Valley View High COACH: Dave Young (16th seaPearson, a 6-foot-6 junior cen- · season, 8-12) age, a senior, is the only experi· inated by seniors and juniors.

School, where he compiled an 81· son, 217-119; 258-144) enced inside player. ter, is expected to dominate in the LAST SEASON: 8·12 Talawanda has two ·Of the 50 record in six seasons. ·we have no one over 6·foot-3, LAST SEASON: 18-5 middle along with Douglas Waldon KEY PLAYERS: F Patrice league's best guards in Winkler, "It's a chance to move up to a KEY PLAYERS: FJosh Geeslin, (6-7) and Rashon Cheatham, while Smoot, GJeanetta Jackson , and. rebounding and defending the an all-league selection who aver· larger school, and a bigger and post will be the keys to success," F Kevin Richey Sims will run the offense.

OUTLOOK: This is the third seaaged 13.2 p.oints per game, and . more competitive league," said OUTLOOK: The Green Devils ·we must maintain a high level sonforaCougarsteamthatwillfeaDisbro said. senior Rashawn West. The post Waugh, who plans on implementwill field a small, quick team that of defense," Green said. "Our per- ture an all junior and sophomore players must rally around West ing a motion offense, while f,@St~ft'f"l ifc~!f~'l\1,Mihl returns five players who saw limited forrnances must be clean and lineup. and Winklerforthe Braves to chal- switching between man-to-man 1 , teamwork stressed at every level."

Jackson will run the offense, and COACH: Rob Beucler (eighth action last sP.ason. lenge for the league title. and zone defenses.

Senior Andrew Gill will run the Patrice Smoot is expected to con· season, 128-35) <;So offense, with Josh Copas, Richey, trol the boards~ LAST SEASON: 24·2 COACH: Jim Philpot (fOUrth KEY PLAYERS: Josh Carlise, Cade Harper and Geeslin manning The supporting cast includes COACH: Denny Ferguson the inside. season, 38-10) veterans Juanisha Gibson, Jackie Adam Bolender (third season, 17·25; 32·54 overCOACH: Tim. Kellis (second "We're pretty quick and have LAST SEASON: 21·2 all) _ OUTLOOK: The Warriors lost Meatchem and Erin Beamon.lmani season, 2-19; 287-150 overall) KEY PLAYERS: F Kellen Rogers, out last season with a wrist three starters who averaged 45 players with a good amount of LAST SEASON: 9-12 LAST SEASON: 2-19 injury, also is back in the lineup. points and 27 rebounds from last playing time back," Young said. Shank, FAaron Whipp KEY PLAYER: F Zach DeZarn, KEY PLAYERl. PG Chris Hunt OUTLOOK: A lack of height "Our strengths are desire and season's team that reached the Di· "We're not very big and don't have FJared Wenglikowski OUTLOOK: After last season's many offensive weapons." (tallest player is 6-fooH) must be athleticism,"Hosea said. "But we vision Ill state semifinals.

OUTLOOK: Thre senior-heavy last-place finish and the deparBeucler will rely heavily on se· Wildcats .roster is !highlighted by ture of Sean McMonigle and Ro· wr,;;lf'li~Y;:P"'·"' overcome by quickness, speed, lack experience and all-around u~"IP'~;~ i? good outside shooting and de· skills. niors Carlise (9 ppg, 5 rpg), BolenDeZarn (first-team iMML; 14 ppg), land Hamilton, the Hornets are in COACH: Mike Kennedy (fourth fense. der (4 ppg) and Chad King (3 ppg, Luke Wolfinbarger ((second team; search of answers regarding their Shank (17 ppg, 9.. 5 rpg) will ffmnDJ!D~t;::w Paid~itr1 2 rpg) jn an attempt to duplicate season, 40-26; 139-143) 8 apg) and Wengliilmwski (honor· · defense and post production. the 24."2 record.

LAST SEASON: 9-12 · lead a Spartans team that will also COACH: Don Nelson (first seaable mention).

Hunt, a 5-10 senior and three"We rnustfind a way to compete KEY PLAYERS: F/C Mike Hen- feature Whipp, a junior who is proj- son) Franklin lost Its two best post year starter, averaged 9 points per offensively and play better de: derson, F Dylan Kennedy ected to be one of the SouthwestLAST SEASON: N/ A players - 6-6 Ben Wolfe and 6-4 game last season and was an fense," Beucler said.

OUTLOOK: Quickness, good ern Buckeye League's best players.

KEY PLAYERS: G Charelle Ai· Andrew Noble - to graduation. MML honorable mention. He will ball-handling and athleticism will "We just make the other teams kens, Desiree Edmonds Stepping in Is Nick Donisi, a 6-4 look to get the ball to senior Cody Hawmo~y be the Blue Jays' strengths, but play at our pace to be successful," OUTLOOK: This will be a build· senior center who didn't play last Miller, a 6-4 center who played on season. the varsity as a sophomore but .(;OWfi1WU2Fllity they lack size and strength, and Philpot said. ing season for a Shroderteam that " have suspect perimeter shooting. will start an all-underclassmen linemissed all of last season after COACH:JeremyPatterson (secGuards Josh Cahall and Justin up. shoulder surgery. ond season, 15-4) Fultz will handle the outside duties, COACH: Pat Hines (third seaAdkins will run the offense, with .

Senior Jeremy Wagers (6-4) LAST SEASON: 15-4 with Kennedy and Henderson on son, 41-8; 261-145 overall) Edmonds, Beverly Morton, Kristine and freshman Pat Harrington KEY PLAYERS: F/C Robert the inside.

LAST SEASON: 23·4 Smith and Jamila McGee also earnCOACH: Ryan Grove (second (6-4) will help the Hornets, who Downs, F/C Michael Holmes KEY PLAYERS: Jerod Michael, ing starting positions. season, 8·13) moved to Division Ill from II, battle OUTLOOK: Two transfers, S~Jt'N Jeremy Stacy Aylsha Ewing, a transfer from LAST SEASON: 8-13 in the paint with the rest of the Di· Holmes and Parrish Feagin, add COACH: Brian Graham (second OUTLOOK: Only one starter Hughes, is expected to see playing KEY PLAYER: F Mike Allen vision !-dominated league. deoth to ateam 1~'-ad~e_d_w_it_h_re_tu_rn_,_s_ea_s_o_n,_1_2·_1_0l_ _ __;,,_~_cs__ta_c_y_)r_et_u_rn_s_fo_r_a_w_ild_c_a_ts_te_a_m_ time.;\

dy, G Evan Pierson OUTLOOK: Sycamore was the GMC's surprise team last season, finishing fourth in the conference.

The Aviators return their top four · scorers from that team.

Leading the way .is Kennedy, a first-team aii-GMC performer last winter. The 6-4 forward averaged

·be skilled throughout its lineup.

Leading scorer Ryan Bookwalter is gone, putting more of the,offensive burden on Ray, last year's No. 2 scorer (8 points per game).

Bowers, his running mate at guard, broke an ankle during socc~r season and will be lost until at least Christmas.

It's certainly not because of last season's 3-18 record. Rather, it's because of Vickers, who took over a similar situation earlier in his career at Sycamore and led the Aviators to the top of the GMC standings for the first time in school history.

Hill and Sallee are experienced guards, while Scott Wyckoff can be

M' M' . L

F. enWIC.k .retn•nmg · .. •

exp·erienced roster

h

Independents and others COACH: John Green (second season, 7-14) ILAST SEASON: 7-14 KEY PLAYER: GJeremy Evans OUTLOOK: The Indians graduated the entire varsity and must rely on a completely new team. Evans, a 5-foot-10 junior guard who transferred from Springboro, will take over leadership with the rest of the starting lineup not set.

"We'll have to grow up fast and not use inexperience as an excuse," Green said. "If we have some early season success, we could have a good year."

Chrii*·Uan .

COACH: Ronnie Gradison (first season) LAST SEASON: 1·19.

KEY PLAYER: C Ravone Littlejohn .

OUTLOOK: This will be Cincinnati Christian's final season in the Metro Buckeye League before joining the Miami Valley Conference beginning in the 2003-2004 school year.

Ravonne Littlejohn, a 6-foot-5 senior center who averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds, is back, along with senior guard Dustin Moon and transfer Ben Gilles.

"Defense and the transition game are the keys to our success," Gradison said. "Also, blending the new players into a new system with the returning players is important."

C~ari< Mi.':Y~t~S$'iOTi . COACH: Rich Ross (second season, 6-15) LAST SEASON: 6·15 KEY PLAYERS: FSamson Ge· breberhane, G Cameren Settles OUTLOOK: This is Clark's second season and one that should show improvements.

Gebreberhane, a 6-foot-5 soph· omore who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds, will show the way, along with Settles and point guard

s h o· . .

laml eague - out

Cer!trral

..,

ClO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 200'L

Coaches honored by teams' top rankings

By Dave Schutte · Enquirer contributor

Reaction from coaches of the teams voted No. 1 in i:he Enquirers Division I and Dhdsions II-IV preseason basketball polls were predictable. . 'When you get older, you learn to handle these things better," said Carl Kremer, coach of Moeller's No. 1-ranked Crusaders in Division !."It's an honor, but at this point, we're overrated. We played well during ..the summer, and when you get a notable transfer, people analyze this. La Salle beat us twice last year and lost only one player.

That's the team I voted No. 1."

Wmton Woods, the Divisimi. I state-runner up last season, was voted No.2, followed

by La Salle, St. Xavier and Princeton. Overall, six teams were awarded at least one firstplace vote,. and Moeller received 13: Roger Bacon, the defending Division II state champion, is No. 1 in the Division II-IV poll,

followed by Reading, . McNi- ented and well rounded, but cholas, Badin and Woodward. we lost four starters," Lump· "Obviously, the guys voted kin said. 'This season, we're on what we did last year," Rog-· young and not so talented. The er Bacon coach Bill Brewer biggest thing is to take one said. "If the kids continue to game at a time and try to imimP.rove, we eventually have a prove."

The Warriors' only returnchance to be a good team."

Moeller's top ranking ap- ing starter is C.]. Anderson, an illside player who shot 62 pearsjustified. · Although the Crusa.ders percent from the :field while avlost three .productive starters, eraging ateam-best 19.8 points they return senior point guard and 6.0 rebounds. Also returnRob Christie andJ osh Duncan, ing is. backup poirit guard a 6-foot-7, 210 pound junior Mack Hunter and a host of who is a highly touted Division players from Winton Woods' I prospect. Junior Bubba Wal- undefeated ]V team.

'We have two early season ther, a shooting guard who transferred from Colerain, tests (Roger Bacon and Withadds another dimension to a row), which we'll use as meateam blessed with an outstand- suring sticks," Lumpkin said.

"At this point, expectations are ing inside attack.

Andrew Brackman, a 6- high because of the caliber of foot-8 junior and the son of for- players. The kids are looking mer Hughes coach, Mark, will at the possibility of being a also start for Moeller,. along . good teani." with Joe Kimener (6-3) and La Salle coach Dan Fleming was thrilled with his team's Ryan Childress (6-7) .

Wmton Woods coach David ranking.

Lumpkin also questioned his "It's an honor to be third and I hope we can live up to it," team's No. 2 ranking.

"Last year, we were so tal- he said. 'Two years ago, we

were also highly ranked, but we had bad chemistry and didn't do well."

But this season, Fleming points to outstanding chemistry as one of the Lancers' many assets. La Salle also returns major college prospects Justin Orr and John TI1innes.

'The seniors were sophomores on that team two years ago and that's why nobody expected us to do well last year," Fleming. said. "But we won our first 11 games and the kids are excited about this season."

St. Xavier coach Scott Martin will build his team around senior center Craig Cashen (committed to Miami) and sophomore guard Johnny Wolf. The remainder of the Bombers' lineup will be :filled with untested players. · · Monty St. Clair, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior who signed with Miami, will anchor Roger Bacon's offense · along with Dave Johnson,' a 6-foot senior guard.

'We have five seniors who are hungry after waiting for.

their turn to start.'' Brewer said. 'We'll lack experience, but at the same time, most of these guys are seniors."

If Brewer's assessment is on target, No. 2 Badin might betheteam to beat.JohnShull, a 6-foot-7, 200 pound senior forward, will have an outstanding senior supporting cast of Kevin Brown, John Brinck, Alex Oswald and Corey Jones.

Woodward coach Jim Leon is excited about 2002-2003 since he returns four players who averaged double figures in scoring last season.

DeAndre Fitzhigh (19.2 ppg) heads the list that includes Robert Perkins (13.1 ppg), Shannon Smith (13.1 ppg) and Raymond Edwards (11.6 ppg, 13.8 rpg). ' McNicholas will :field a competitive team that includes returning starters Rob Stamper, Adam Hamilton and Nick Dyment. · Rea~g has ohe of the city's biggest frontlines With two 6-foot-8 and one 6-foot-7 player underneath.

Monty St. Clair and the Roger Bacon Spartans were voted No.1 in the preseason Divs. II-IV poll.

St. Clair is a 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior who signed with Miami University.

Southern Buckeye. Conference -American

Miami Valley Conference

Vikings declared favorite after returning all starters

Tight race,. but Lionsleadpack

Teamslistedinorderofpredictedfinish as voted on league coaches:

will be led by senior Shannon, who despite being co~sidered small for a center (6-foot-2), averaged 15 points and 9 re1. M~W n\<\i~it~i bounds per game last season. SophoCOACH: Kevin Lakes (third season; more guard Snell tJopes to improve on his.

23-22; 98-41 overall) · 6-polnt average as he will once again run LAST SEASON: 15-9 (7 -15 league) the Eagles' offense. .

KEY PLAYERS: G/F Myron Shelley, G Davis believes once his team gains Josh Moore some confidence, it should be able to erid OUTLOOK: New Miami is this sea- a streak of 10 straight losing seasons. son's MVC favorite, returning all five start·?: r~ •.., "''IP"-' """'blfV P.%"''1§

ers.

Teams listed in order of predicted finish as voted on league coaches:

. · 1. N~w Rkhmcmd COACH: Rex Brooking (third season, 17-25; 70-43 overall) LAST SEASON: 13-8 (8-4 league) KEY PLAYERS: G Tyler Henderson, F Brian Erdman· · OUTLOOK: The Lions lost their leading scorer, rebounder and point guard from last season's team, which finished third In the SBC. Leading the way are Henderson (15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds per game) and Erdman (11.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals).

New Richmond, despite losing three starters on offense, returns an experienced lineup (seven seniors) whose strength should be the inside game.

@.;, -t'tih it~ ~'¢§WJ~ 1% ~,a 11 ~.#~ F

Shelley, an All-State honorable menCOACH: Howard Brownstein (18th tion, should pick up right where he left off. season, 295-98; 357-115 overall) averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds per LAST SEASON: 11-12 (Hi league) ' game. Moore, a 6-foot-5 senior center, KEY PLAYERS: GSteven Daly, GPe. will be the Vikings' post presence again ter Graves · · after averaging 15 points, 9 rebounds and OU"i'LOOH: In his 18th season at the 5 blocked shots per game last season. . helm, Brownstein has an Indians team he Lakes fielded a starting five consisting says could be hurt by its lack of depth. of four juniors and a sophomore last seaAlthough GGD returns five seniors, it son. After struggling early, the Vikings only has nine players on the varsity roster. showed'vast improvement. This season, With two players currently injured, the InLakes expects a much· deeper team with dians find themselves outnumbered at the L. ___ .theJeturo~ofseniorRyan Dell,,wbo was ouLoC.starLm·, mt:s..:_sea:son,,....,--~~~~------'-·4c·---:--""*;;;b! with an injury, and juniortransfer Stepheh After averaging 5 and 6 assists .· ' Jackson (Fairfield). per game last season, Daly.will once again · li'll <"'~R-' 0 run the offense. He will be helped by fellow ?S. ""'~ ~""J"" senior guard Graves, who hopes to 1mCOACH: Tim Edmonds (first season) prove on the 4 points and 4 assists he avLAST SEASON: 13-3 (12-41eague) eraged last season, KEY PLAYERS: CJeff Hager, PG Tyler Brownstein also expects help from seMorelock, G Robbie Wilson nior forward Webb Lawrence and senior OUTLOOK: Edmonds begins his varsi' .guard Aaron Anderson (a transfer from tycoachingcareerwith ayoung team filled New York). Brownstein ·says Anderson's with promise. · success "will depend on how quickly he All-Conference center Hager returns af- adjusts to our style of play." averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds Brownstein believes the Indians will as a junior. Fellow senior Morelock (4,6 improve, and if they can overcome their assists) also returns, with junior guard Wil- weaknesses (size and depth), ttiey will be son expected to pitch In for an Eagles of- more competitive in the MVC. tense that lost nearly 20 points per game .

1. S1:.:ven ~~m$ with Jay Morelock's graduation.

COACH: Jeff Berry (first season) Edmonds has a team loaded with juLAST SEASON: 8-12 (6-10 league) niors(10), and says the quicker they step KEY PLAYERS:. G Alex Derkson, G up, the more success CHCA will see.

Mark Mitchell, FRamsey Reid OUTLOOK: Berry takes over a team · S~Jmmat (OMflltfY that went 8-12 last season and returns Day get ready for basketball, has · seven seniors.

By Dave Schutte drawn the interest of Division Derkson~willlead the Stingers' offense COACH: Walt McBride (second seaE11quirer contributor II and III schools. for the secan·d straight season, and he will son, 15-6) Only a handful of the Cin"At one point last season, be joined by sharp-shooting guard MitchLAST SEASON: 15-6 (13-3 league) cinnati area's top senior bas- Derek led the city in 3-point · KEY PLAYERS: GJohn Falconi, G/F ell. ketball. players remain un- shooting percentage," ReadOnce the Stingers learn Berry's system, Alex Tieman signed, and most college ing coach Richard Bensman OUTLOOK: Summit returns two start- they could see improvement every time recruiters are now expected said. "At 6-5, he has a soft shot ers, Falconi and Tieman, from a team that they go out on the court. to tum their attention· to ju- and can also seal an opponent finished 15-6 under .first-year coach niors and sophomores, on the inside." .

McBride. The Silver Knights must replace The seniors who have cornMiiuni coach Charlie Coles three starters who all averaged double figCOACH: Kent Varies (fourth season, mitted are Roger Bacon's landed tWo of Cincinnati's . ures in pointS last season.

19-42) · · Monty St. Clair (Miami), Win- best inside players in St. Clair The job of running the offense will go to LAST SEASON: 7-13 (3-13 league) ton Woods' C.]. Anderson and Van Buskirk.

Falconi, who averaged 11 points per KEY PLAYERS: FJohn Brown, GQuin- .

(Hargraves, Va. Milita!y "Monty put on 15 pounds game, and hit 38 percent of his three- cy Gurry Academy), St. Xavier's Craig and spent a lot of time and efpoint shots. Junior forward Tieman will OU'ROOIK: Although they lost 13 Cashen. (Eastern Michigan), fort in the weight room," Ragbring his 13 points and 7 rebounds back, games last season, Varies believes the TiReading's Eric Clemons er Bacon coach Bill Brewer and help also is expected from transfer ·tans aren'tfarfrom success since seven of (Ohio University), Hamilton's · . said. "He's playingmorephysRene Cheatham, who boasts a 32-inch those defeats were by six points or less; Jim Smith (Rollins College) ical and his shooting skills vertical !eap, according to McBride.

Expect two newcomers to carry much and Loveland's Eric Van Bus- have improved."· · · of the offensive load. Sophomore forward N~rth (oUeg~ Brown, a transfer from Pennsylvania,· kirk (Miami).

Wmton Woods coach DaSome uncommitted se- vid Lumpkin predicts a great COACH:Jami.e'Mahaffey (first season) should be a dominant presence in the niors are Woodward's ·Ray- · future at the Virginia-based LAST SEASON: 18-4 (15-11eague) · post. Also new to the program, sophomore rnond Edwards, Anderson's rnilitruy academy for AnderKEY PLAYERS: PG Rob Roundtree, G Curry (Western Hills) brings shooting abiiChris Norwell, La Salle's John son, a 6-foot-6 inside player for Dejuan Tribble ity.

Thinnes and Reading's Derek the WmTiors last season.

OUTLOOK: Even though the Trojans St. Bernard's inside play mustimprove Aden.

"C.]. (Anderson) will have have four seniors on their roster, they in order for the Titans to compete against · "Raymond was all-state in a different role this year," graduated all five starte'rs from ateam that New Miami and CHGA. Also key is to cut football and is down to picking Lumpkin said. "He played inwon the MVC crown last season. down on turnovers and improve outside Notre Dame, Boston College, side but will move to point Junior point guard Roundtree is the re- shooting.

Ohio State, Purdue,· South guardandforward.He'saninturning player with the most·V!Irsity experiCarolina and Miami (Fla.);" side player with good outside. ence, and he will need to improve on lh'is Woodward coach Jim Leon skills. He will sign Division I 6-polnt average to become the offense's said. "He could probably play after spending one year at the leader. Tribble, who didn't play last sea" · COACH: Steve Farquhar (fourth seaeither sport in college." academy." · son, should also be a big contributor; · son, 21-43) Norwell also is destined for The most sought-after unFirst-year coach Mahaffey is stressi;ng LASTSEASOI\!:4-17 (2-141eague) college football. derclassrnen are Josh Dundefense, saying he exoects them to be the KEY PLAYERS: GMike Collins, FGoMeanwhile, Thinnes is can, Bubba Walther and Anconference's best defensive team. rey Farley, GJordan Gibson looking for a place to play. drew Brackman (Moeller), · OUTLOOK: Although the Panthers "John hasn't had any Divi- De'Andre Fitzhugh (Wood5. lanvd~mark have only two seniors, they return six play, • • ers who have started games at one time. sionioffersasyet,andi'vegot ward), Justin On· (La Salle), ChW~!:tt~ar~ Guards Collin? and Gibson.will run the blisters on my fingers from Steve Horton (Western Hills), calling schools," La Salle Jordan Faulkner (Mason), COACH: Ed Davis (third season, 10- offense and should be helped by senior .coach Dan Fleming said.· Ross Morin (Princeton),Jere25; 183-96 overall) point guard Chris Pittman, who ,is back af"He's an unbelievable worker my Chappell (Northwest) and LAST SEASON: 8-13 (5-llleague) termissingthefinal14games last season; and a hard:nosed player. In Tony King (Oak Hills).

KEY PLAYERS: C Mick Shannon, G Junior forward Fa~ey will be the Panthers' Sonny Snell, GJulian Davis · main presence inside after averaging just John's heart, he wants to play Moeller coach Carl Krern. Division I basketball, and er predicts a great future for OUTLOOK: Landmark returns a team over 16 points per game last season. don't be surprised if he even- Duncan, a 6-foot-7 junior forloaded with seniors (seven), and coach • Farquhar believes his team holds an Davis believes that with consistent play, advantage with. its athleticism. However, tually signs;" ward/ center who can shoot 3Aden, a 6-foot-5, 238-pound pointers or score inside. the Eagies could reach the. top ofthe MVG. .th.e Panthers lack inside size, with its 'tallLandmark returns three starters and est player, Farley, only 6-2. senior who skipped football to "Josh is one of the more

Einding_a.pointguarrLand~p.!.aying_solid,defensec._

will be imperative. ·

2. Hinsbow'o Reading's Eric Clemons is one of the Cincinnati area's top players.

The Cincinnati Enqui.rer/ CRAIG RUTILE

w

e 's top seniors select t · eir colle es

3.

4.

Hni

;-_

I ..

COACH: J.R>Moberly (seventh season, 95~39) LAST SEASON: 14-7 (10-2 league) ...

KEY PLAYERS: GDerrik Haithcock, FAnthony Beverty OUTLOOH: Haithcock and Beverly, the team's top scorers last season, return to lead a group that ·.·.doesn't have much varsity experience.

Haithcock averaged 14 points and 5.1 assists, and Beverly pitched in 11 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season. The Indians should challenge for their fifth SBC title in the last six years.

l. Gr~~nfield McCI~in · COACH: Rick Van Matre (22nd season, 339139) . .

LAST SEASON: 14-8 (7-51eague) · KEY. PLAYERS: G B[ll Cullom, FAdam Montgomery OUTLOOH: The Tigers have strong guard play . that. will b~ led by Cullom, who averqged 16.4 points, 6.0 assists and 3.8 steals per game last season. Their inside game will need to develop since there are only three players tallerthan 6-feet on the roster.

versatile and skilled players in Cincinnati," Kremer said.

"He's a quality kid who can play well on the inside or out• 4. Western B~'own side. Before it's over, he wili be one of the most heavily re- · COACH: Bill Garrett (third season, 16-2 7) cruited players in Cincinnati.''

LAST SEASON: 9-13 (6-61eague) Kremer also expeCts WalKEY PLAYERS: GRyan Melvin, GAaron Davis ther, an: outstanding shooting OUTLOOK: Strong guard play will be what the guard, and Brackman to land Broncos build on eariy in the season. Point guard Division I. college offers beDavis leads the way after averaging 9.0 points per fore-graduating in 2004. game as a junior.

A Division III all-state playWestern Brown must overcome itS inexperience er at North College Hill last on the varsity level and lack of size, with its tallest year, Woodward's Fitzhugh is player being S:foot-2 forward Adam Hiler. anofber. player who will ·be Melvin~:who averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 reclosely watched by Division I bounds per game last season, will lead the recruiters.

Broncos' inside game, with help from Hiler and se"De'Andre can post up in- · nior forward Cody Brooks (4.7 points, 3.0 reside or move outside," Woodbounds per game). ward's Jini Leon said. "He averaged 19 points last year and 5. (tie) Clermont NE is being watched by the D-I and II scouts." .COACH: Mitch Haas (first season) If. Justin Orr comes LAST SEASON: i4-8 (9-31eague) . through as expected, the 6KEY PLAYERS: F Josh Stetson, G-F Scott foot-6 ·La Salle junior could Sheperd jump to the top of college re' ounooK: This will be a rebuilding season for cruiters' wanted list. . • ·the Rockets, who lost four starters to graduation, "Justin is loaded withtalEmt including their top three scorers. and ability," Fleming said_ Finding a point guard appears to be the biggest "He's much improved atound ··.obstacle first-year coach Mitch Haas must overthe basket and is a betteJA . • come. Matt Oliver, Jason Jones and Josh Clem are shooter. Once he :fills out and •· fighting for the position. gets stronger, the sky is lhe The Rockets' strength will. be on the inside, with limit."

.

'

Stetson (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) and Sheperd (6-

Other underclassmen wh® foot-5, 180) ~he acknowledged leaders. Sopho.. more Josh Fishback (6-3), Tony Jeffers (6-4) and could develop into majorprosipects are Ryan Patzwald (An,Justin Rader (6-5) also will see action. derson), Jeremy Chappell .

(Northwest), Heath White 5 .. (ti~) B~thel~''rate (Wmton Woods), Brian LaCOACH: John Patrick (eighth season, 66-83) Chapelle. (Lakota West) and LAsT SEASON: 8-13 (5-7 league) James Dews (Lakota East).

KEY PLAYERS: G Brendan Houser, F Brian

Contributors . Writers: Dave Schutte, George Schutte, Garey Hoffman; John Schutte, Chris Varias, Kyle BUrch and Josh Bowling. Copy Editors: Mike Ball and Justin Hathaway.

Designer: Gha~ie Svitilik

cunningham · · • OUTLOOK: The Tigers return a strong lineup with Houser, Cunningham and Matt Gilbert..The trio leads ateam with four seniors and four juniors, all of whom played last season.

With a deep bench and experience, Bethel-Tate must improve upon its rebounding and defense.

\

High school basketballl2002-03 boys preview

MIKE SIMONS/For the Cincinnati Enquirer

Winton Woods' C.J. Anderson returns from last year's Warriors team that finished as state runner-up ·in Division I. The Warriors are No.2 in the preseason area poll behind Moeller.

con·start s' polls

Moll r, atopcoa

By Dave Schutte

ll'llluu;~;,.m~

n.l"V

Warriors deserve their No.2 ranking, with games against 1. Roger Bacon (221 Roger .Bacon tonight at ~vi273 2 g (f''i3)' ·· ;•:'''ili95 er's Cmtas Center and With "'' ?Jnic .:".:' · 'i9i Withrownextweek. ea 3 3 ' ;voodyv?rd ( ) · ·.•·.•.,· .·.' ·.·.··•.··,·1·•.·.2····8·.·.

• "At this porn't, expectati'ons open race for ~;he b~ys bas- 'iCst:xiNi6i{fl';; · ··. l28 4,'!y!cNic~iilas.···•·•·•. ketball champiOnships.

'5:"?rincetlin(i)' ' . . . ii4 .. ~~ad,il~i(~J ·• ·..•.•.· •.•·. .·.•·•.·,. :.·. bareer. hiof.gohurb. peclaayuesres,?.fLthumepcki~n> Although Moeller was ~f:£~«bia.yte$t(1)". :<;:g(l 5§,PHrqei.<M§rtam• ·.· ·. · .· ··.167 said. "Our N team was Uiidepicked as the Division I 'Cilamilton · · · 10 7. Madeira team to beat in the Enquir- aiL\li~~i~(ri'Hi\i§'·,:•:· ' ·~B. 8\Wi~fili!Jg, c'>?~ feated last year and we are 2~ looking .at the possibility of er's preseason coaches' 9.'0akHills .•. ·. . ··. · 46 9. CHCA poll, five others received at· ~(}\(WittirowL :r .. · " 33 W•tinrt¢Y\~\'!n.:< ' · ~~ being a good team." least one :first-place vote.

Like Winton Woods, coach Wmton Woods,lastyear's Divi- Reading were close behind.

Bill Brewer's Roger Bacon team sion I state mnner-up, is No.2, fol"No one wants the No.1 rank- was also hit hard by graduation 'lowed by La Salle, St. ~vier and ing, including us," Moeller coach and returns Monty St Clair, a 6Princeton.

Carl Kremer said. "It puts a hull's foot-8 center who could dominate Defending Division · II · state eye on our backs, but we'll ap- underneath. champion Roger Bacon received proach it with the kids that it will Mostofthearea'stopteamswill 22 :first-plaee votes to retain Divi- make us stronger." be in. action tonight or Saturday at sion II-IV's No. 1 position. Badin, Wmton Woods coach David Cintas Center, the site ofthe 11· Woodward, McNicholas and Lumpkin will quickly find out ifthe game i-wireless Invitational.

Enquirer contributor

Division B

l!!ll'an ... uvau

ma

~~:~;;0~~~:~~ i~;~imNffa~x'i> . iii~

1i·.·.··oi,.·s7.:.

.>' '

INSIDE: Four pages of boys basketball previews, C10·13 ··-·····-··-..

-----------

-,

THE CI~CINNATI ENQUIRER

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2003 Cll

BASEBAlL

Baseball insider

j

I

i

Tranlmell asks trusted friend for guidance

Cardinals e ·pe~ting to b' and in Central

By Kevin Kelly

Sparky observes Tigers on the field

The Cinci1111ati Enquirer

JUPITER. Fla. - Glancing across the Cardinals' spring training clubliouse, pitcher · Matt Mprris shakes his head. ' · Hanging in lockers along the east . wall are jerseys adorned with the last names Renteria, Vma, Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds and Martinez.

'Thafs pretty much our lineup right there," said Morris, the Cardinals' No, 1 starter, about sho1istop Edgar Renteria, second baseman Fernando Vma, leftfielder AlbertPu- · jols, third baseman Scott Rolen, cen' terfielder Jim Edmonds and first baseman Tino Martinez..

"I sit here and think to myself, 'Shoot, if I can hold the other team to to runs we might have a chance.'"

Based on that lineup's offensive and defensive production last season, St. Louis should be a favorite to win the National League Central for· the fourth consecutive season.

'There's going to be a lot of competition, and we're the-team everybody is going to rise up for," Morris said., Despite considerable personnel turnover on the pitching staff- oix pitchers from 2002 are gone, five are new - this essentially is the' sante team that overcame so much adversity last season.

Players dealt with the death of pitcher Darryl Kile and a host of ear· ly injuries to the pitching staff to still win 97games overall and the NL Central by 13 games; St. Louis won 57 of its 94 gameS The Associated Press/JAMES A. FINLEY after Kile's death in late June, going Matt Morris, pitching against Montreal March 6, has a solid hold on the Cardinals' No.1 starting spot.

21-6 in September.

Woody Williams and Brett Tomko are expected to follow in the rotation, but two spots are unsettled. · But after sweeping defending World Series champion Arizona in threw batting practice Friday for the Cardinals at a glance the division series, the Cardinals first time this spring. He is eXpected 2002 record/finish: 97-65, 1st NL Cer1tral, lost 4-1 to Giants in NLCS lost Rolen to a shoulder injury and to be ready for opening day. then were defeated in four of five "Some ·people kind of question Manager: Tony LaRussa (8th season with Cardinals, 604-592) games against the Giants in the Na- their talent ·and health,"· manager Coaches: Dave Duncan (pitching), Marty Mason (bullpen), Dave McKay tional League Championship Series.. Tony La Russa said of his pitching (first); Jose Oquendo (third), Mitchell Page (hitting), Joe Pettini (bench). rhe Cardinals were 3-for-39 with staff. "It's just a matter of staying 11nners in scoring position and healthy. I think we have enough talProjected lineup: ;vere outscored 23-16 in the series. ent to be a good club." _ Pos-player ........ ·• .... · 2002 statistics "Obviously it was disappointing," The pitchers expect plenty of sup~I?~Et;,@!l'\do.'t!fl~ ; .. 317Q,jY,$t()l~r\i~~§~.'J.:i'$9qrtflq~~; . . . . . ;).[;\ ; ;aid Martinez, who hit .262 during port. . . .

RF-Eii Marrero .262: 18h~~er~n~,66.RBI 080 :e~e~:e ;~~~~~s:~ ' com- le:,~~~iit i%a~~~~~ci:~ r~*~~~~~fki~§j{f} jJi[L:~if~~ n}%~tiffi~~ ~~f~gr~~'Q;.gi}~p~~~[pqta, The attitude this season is one of 144RBiafterbeingtradedfromPhila$~j$c()(tBfllell' •1;':2$6,~3'ihQ'iiler~iJs;Tfp;~8fi " ' :

!d .

~:;~ri<f~iJ~~~~k~~f1;8¥~ .~el~~ci~~~[~oii'~~j~~~lli~~J£ ·.· ·1··~-~~i~

~;a;;~~··.-[~~~i·.~.&~~:lt!~ft~~~-~7tta~~7i~t()J~n"~~i;~~-'?

~o.1 starter, with Woody Williams, RBI (127) and runs (ll8).

<'i i

Morris is :firmly implanted as the '.dinals in batting (.314), homers (34),

;vho twice was on the disabled list ast season, and Brett Tomko, acIuiredin a trade with the Padres, be:Jind hiin. As many as four pitchers tre vying for the final two spots.

Closer. Jason Isringhausen has been delayed because of an arm iniury but was impressive when he

"IthinktheguysgotalotofeXperience the past couple of years, getting to tli.e postseason," Martinez said.

'The guys that have been here are not satisfied with getting there anymore. They want to get to the next level and have a chance for a championship."

i C-fo,1ikeMathe,ny : spcfvlatf:Moriis

.244, 3 home runs, 35 RBI

tf~9i':3;lf~(ERAiffistri~e(l~f$.¢4Vi~l@ ' [ RP-Jason lsringhausen · 3-2,2.48 ERA, 32 saves l Additions: RHP Joey Hamilton, RHP Chris Carpenter, RHP Brett Tomko, i CJoe Girardi, RHP AI Levine, RHP Dustin Hermanson, CSteve Torrealba, OF i Orlando Palmeiro

i Subtractions: LHP Chuck Finley, RHP Andy Benes, RI:JP Dave Veres, C Mike

~ DiFelice, RHP Rick White, RHP Luther Hackman, RHP Jamey Wright, OF AI : Martin

Motebook

Athletics won't offer Tejada long-term deal "he Associated Press

PHOENIX- Oakland will not ofor Miguel Tejada a multi-year con•act to remain with the team after :Jis season, owner Steve Schott said aturday, acknowledging the A's an't afford to keep the AL MVP. Schott said Oakland would not egotiate with the star shortstop, hich Tejada was hoping to do durtg spring training. He wants a long-~.......~~- ~,1._1.,_..,.__1\~

Onn'+ f.f

home run in the 1947 World Series, died at 81. Gionhiddo caught DiMaggio's drive to left field in Game 6, saving an 8-6 :win for the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees went on to win Game 7 in the second of many World Series they would take from the Dodgers.

GAME REPORT: David Cone's perfeet spring pj_sappeared in the thin air of Mexico City. Cone started with a 1-2·3 inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers, then was hit hard. He lasted 2~ innings, giving up six runs in the Mets' 16-ll win in 1I innings.

1111 Steve Avery, trying to revive his career after two years out of a tying baseball, threw two scoreless in·

system is broken down when only two or three teams can pick up a player of Miguel's caliber and sign him to an eight-to-10-year contract and pay him the money he Tejada deserves.

11Us small-market team with the system we have just can't afford him." " _,__..._____._,_____,uld not ·Jecause, guy." }ionhidier who

ningsfor the Tigers in a 6-4 win over the Braves.

II Mark Buehrle threw four shutout innings and Carlos Lee hit a grand slam as the 'ilVhite Sox battered the Brewers 8-1.

II Dee Brown doubled twice and drove in two runs as the Royals beat a split squad of Rangers 124. Brown, . trying to win a job as a reserve out:fielder, leads the Royals with 14' RBI. ill Livan Hernandez pitched :five innings in his longest outing of the spring as a Giants' split squad team beat the Padres 9-3.

Ill Orlando Palmeiro went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI as the Cardinals beat the Eicpos 10-6.

nois, but it now seems likely he will be in the bullpen. lAKElAND, Fla•. - When In the Mets camp,· Glavine he left Detroit after the. 1995 · entered the weekend having a)season, Sparky Anderson :fig- lowed 17 hits and eight earned ured he'd ne.ver wear a Tigers runs in 8% innings. uniform again.

And in the Braves camp, Anderson, who won World Hampton entered the weekend Series championships .with having allowed · eight earned both the Reds and the Tigers, runs and 16 hits in nine innings. was an unhappy man after his SHORT HOPS: Braves right· 17 years in Detroit. He was at bander Paul Byrd (sorerightelodds with owner Mike Ilitch bow) has pitched just one inand didn't like the direction the ning this spring and will proborganization was · ably open the heading. season on tile So it was no disabled list. surprise that he Ill Kenny was inducted in Lofton .signed the Baseball Hall with Pittsof .Fame fi.ve burgh and will years later wear- · play center ing a Reds cap. :field and bat But there he · leadoff. If the · was Friday night, Pirates are not wearing his old in. contention Detroit uniforn1 in July, he again. could be tradWhat ed to a team changed? looking for a · The 69-yearleadoff man. oldAndersongot That's exactly a phone call, what hapAlan Trammell, Sparky Anderson, who man- pened last Sparky's old aged Detroitfor 17 seayear, when shortstop and the sons, was back in uniLofton signed team's new man- form Friday at the a one-year ager, needed request of new manager deal with the help. That was all Alan Trammell.

White Sox and it tooldor Ander.was dealt to son to forget abot1t the past and the Giants in I uly. get on an airplane.

Ill The Yankees may yet un"I'm asking him to critique load Raul Mondesi or Randell me and the whole organiza- White. With Phil Nevin (sepa-. tion," Trammell said Saturday. rated shoulder) out for the sea· "I justlove to sit and tall{ base- son, the Padres are looking for ball with him." outfield help and have interest When he heard Anderson in Mondesi and White. didn't want to wear a uniform, Ill Baltimore is still looking coach Kirk Gibson, another of for a big-name bat. The Orioles Anderson's stars, did what are looking at Carlos Beltran, a Sparky had so often done to free-agent-to-be who is likely to him: Took him in the coaches' be dealt by Kansas City. Theon· room and closed the door. ly hitch is that the Orioles do Wheutl!e door opened, Ander- not have enough talent in their son had the uniforn1 on. And he system to entictHhe Royals. was headed for the dugout, not 1'111 Tampa Bay manager Lou -.the press box.

Piniella has"'aniiounced that two "I just thought it was the 21-year-olds, Carl Crawford and right thing to do," Gibson said. Rocco Baldelli, will be in his STRUGGLING ARMS: High ex- starting outfield. This is a risky pectations have been placed on rush job, particularly with BalJ ose Contreras (Yankees), delli, a golden prospect who has Tom Glavine (Mets), and Mike just 166 at-bats above the sin- Hampton (Braves) as they join gle-A level. 'They're green in new teams this season. certain areas; we recognize So far this spring, all three that," Piniella said. "But ·you have struggled. know what - so what? You live Contreras, the Cuban defec- with that and you encourage tor who landed a four-year, $32 them and you teach them." million deal, had been brutal II Rob Bell, the right-hander before turning in five shutout whom the Braves dealt to Gininnings against the Devil Rays cinnati four years ago in the on Friday. Entering that game, Bret Boone-Mike Remlinger · he had allowed 14 hits and 15 trade, just washed out of the earned runs in eight innings. pitching-poor Texas organizaThe Yankees have said that tion. Just 26, Bell has lost all Contreras is not in danger of touch with his curveball, his opening the season in the rni- · best pitch.

Enquirer 11ews urvices

Mark your baseball calendar March 25-26: Opening series, Oakland vs.

Seattle, Tokyo. · March 26: Last day to place players with nonguaranteed contracts on unconditional release waivers without paying their entire 2003 salaries.

March 30: Opening day for other teams. Active rosters reduced to 25 players.

March 31: Reds' Opening Day at Great American Ball Park.

July 15: All-Star game, Chicago.

July 27: Hall of Fame inductions, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Try One On for Size Seat Sale - March 22 & 23 Tour the Great American Ball Park. Pick out your favorite available seat. And it's yours for the season.

Season Tickets call

per month for 36 months on in-stock cars only, 12,000 miles per year, $.20fmile for excess. Tax, license and registration not Included.

'6131 Ste\Vart.Rci<:~d Off 1;,71N s·outfi of

KCnwobd

(513) 271~8.700

"WwwobinWsto·rC.Coni

1 March

31, 2003.

.! 26 years experience as a hair transplant speciaHst .! Personally pertormed over 14,000 procedures. .! Clientele that include some of the most prominent celebri1ies i .! Results tliat are admired by doctor.; of all specialties. .! Affordable fees.

FREE Info Packet &Consultation

·80()..301-HAIR or 513-321-3601 I!IBIIIABI.COM

765~7500

C12 SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2003

FN

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER ·

HIGH SCHQ!)L BASKETBALL

Reading makes free throws when it counts the most '')

Blue· Devils earn first state trip ·since 19 78

By Dave SchuHe Enquirer contributor

.I

FAIRBORN- Free throw shooting has been Reading's Achilles heel this season as the Blue D~vils average only

60 percent. : ! But, with a trip to the state toUrnament on the line, the Blue Devils converted 15 of 20 dtning the :final3:47 to defeat Columbus Bishop Hartley 6149 iu the Division Illregional fiiial Saturday at Wright State's Nutter Center. ' Reading plays Bedford Chane! iu the state semifinals Thursday (9 p.m.) at Value City Arena iu Columbus. It is the Blue Devils' first appear-

ance smce 1978.

Reading held a 46-43 lead with · 4:32 remaining.; The Blue Devils took the air out of the ball, forciug Hartley to' foul. · Derek Aden, Rodney Stidham, John Gertz, NickBerter and Eric Clemons came through atthe free throw line, thwarting Hartley's comeback attempL "We ·did everything we wanted .to do except shoot,"

Hartley coach Randy Kortokrax said. "I felt we outhustled and outrebolmded them but we're not a good 3-poiut shooting teain."

Reading trailed only once: 6-5 iu the first quarter.

From that poiut, the Blue Devils worked the ball iuside to Clemons, ·and the 6-foot-8 senior center responded with 13 poiuts iu the first half and 23 for the game.

'The game plan. was to

keep'ihe pace slow and work the ball iuside," Clemons said.

Clemons ended the. first half by making a 40-foot shot, which gave Reading a 25-18 lead.

'Thatwasmyfirst3-poiuter and probably my last," Clemons said.

Throughout the second half, Hartley made run after run, cutting the deficit to four, three and two poiuts on seven occasions, but Reading al-

ways responcled..

'Thafs one of our strong poiuts," Blue Devils coach . Rich Bensman said.

"Youneverknowwho'sgo· iug to score and thafs makes us hard to defend."

Aden also came through iu the second quarter with iu• spired play as Clemons sat on the bench with two fouls. In the fourth quarter Aden made 6 of 8 free throws.

Lamjs Barnes also played

an · outstanding defensive 'game, limiting Hartley's Jimmy Berkeybile to five poiuts, 10 below his season average.

READING (611- Berter 14 7, Clemons 8 6 23, Barnes 2 2 6, Gertz 3 210, Stidham 12 4, Aden·2 6 11. Totals: 17-39 22-36 61.

BISHOP HARILEV (491 - Berkeyblle 2 0 5,

Pore 7 9 23, Jones 215, Assmann 2 o 4, Calloway 1

2 4, Angle I o2, Staten o11, Hopson 215. Totals: 17-5314-2149.

Reading ...................,.... 9 16· 12 24-61 Bishop HarUey............. 6 12 IS 16-49 3-pointe~: 'R (5·16) Berter, Clemons, Gertz 2, Stidham 2. BH (1-17) Berkeybile. Rebounds: R(32) Clemons 9, Aden 6. BH (37} Pore 16. Assists: R(11) Gertz 4, Sames 3, Berter 2. Bli (7) Assmann 4.

Turnovers: R11, BH 12.

State hopes on Moeller, Reading

i

!,

Area teams still contending for basketball titles

The Cincinnati Enquirer/ERNEST COLEMAN

Roger Bacon's Monty St. Clair (left), Kevin Waymire and Jon Newton sit on the bench after a loss to Alter in a Division II regional final.

·p rtans' repeat Last year's

iBacon's loss removes one we ofthe tournamenfs most an- very long stata_c.hamps~~- ~ tic,ipated. ~!<>D'.lln~~'" a,~ tl!e .~BreV>'~!'cc~"''""'-~-~·o,-,.c,. ...,,., - · · · . ·· Spartans were closmg m on . ~ter an:otherdatewithJames. 'The third quarter gate with a 7-0 "LeBron's Revenge" angle. burst, takiug a 21-18lead. The would have been played up Knights went ahead to stay at by state media, but no more. · 23-22late iu the third quarter,

By Tom Groeschen 'Thafs the least of my and build their lead to as The Cincinnati Enqttirer worries right how," Brewer much as eight poiuts at 32,24. · · , When it was over, Bacon FAIRBORN, Ohio - said.

Brewer had few worries playerskepttl1eircomposure Roger Bacon was denied a possible state title rematch early Saturday, as Bacon as they slowly walked off the with LeBron James here Sat- rolled to a 14-5 lead at the floor. Spartans fans also app!auded i:he team warmly . urday when the Spartans lost start of the second quarter.

A niue-poiut lead seemed when it left the arena, 34-29 to Kettering Alter iu the Ifs Alter's eighth state Division II regional basket- huge in a game like this, but t11en Bacon went cold against tournament trip in coach Joe ball :finals.

Bacon, which upsetJames' ·Alter's piuchiug'2-3 zone de- Petrocelli's 39 seasons.

"Our eighth trip to state, Alrron St. Vmcent-St. Mary fense. By halftime, Bacon's and ifs still unbelievable," team iu the 2002 state fiuals, lead was down to 18-14.

"We shot 47 percent iu the Petrocelli said. fell one game short of the Fifirst half and 17percentiu the Of the game, he said, ''We nal Four j:his time.

"I thiuk all of us wanted the second half," Brewer said; just needed to control tempo chance to go, back, but we glanciug at the stat sheet and make the most out of our possessions. And I thought didn't get it done," said Mon- "Thafs the bottom liue," The 6-foot-8 St Clair, Ba- we did a great job of defendty St. Clair, Roger Bacon's con's star, had a tough time ing Monty St Clair and David standout senior center.

Alter's victory was no sur- gettiug good shots agaiustAl- Johnson."

The GCLNorthhas placed prise, siuce the two te1)IDS ter's 6-9 Adam GilL Alter also had split then· two Greater was able to deny much pene- a team iu the,Pivision II state Catholic League North regu- b·ation by Bacon poiut guard Fiual Four for the 11th lar-season games. The low David Johnson. Offensively, sb·aightyear.

KETTERING ALTER (17-81- suchweh 3-4 score also was no shock, as Alter poiut gilard Doug Pen6-9 12: Gill 2-2 1-2 s: Hilgeman o.o 1-2 1: · g influence Laumann the two defensive-miuded no was aSt "'ad '-< ym 1-2 0·0 2; Penna 2-7 3-5 7; Fresh~ater 7. Tota~:.ll-20 11-18 34. teams routinely play such With SeVen poiutS and fiVe aS- 3-5 0·0 ROGER BACON {21t-61- St. Clair 2-10 4-8 8: games.

SiStS. Newton 2-2 2-2 6; Johnson 3-10 O..Q 7; Smith 2-5 St. Clair, who was averag- g:~g:Jl~~~~~s~ft~f~11~~2o9oo.oo Waymi" ''We've had a great run, and ifs unfortunate that it ing nearly 20 poiuts a game, KetteringAiter ................. s 9 9 11-34 had to end that way," Roger was held to eight points. Roger Bacon...................., 12 G 4 7-29 3-poin\Offi: 1\A 1-4(Freshwater), RB 1-12 (Johnson).

Monty St. Clair of Roger Bacon has his shot blocked by Bacon coach Bill Brewer Jolmso n had SeVen poiuts.

Rebounds: KA 14 (Freshwater, Stlchweh 4), RB 24 Alter's Adam GilL St. Clair scored eight points. ''We couldn't get Monty (Waymire 5).

Assists: 1\A 6 (Peono 5), RB 6 (Bush said. "Give Alter a.lot of credtl1e looks he needs, and then 31. Turnove~ 1\A 7' RB 7. !'t" .. 'o·

ust·ed by Alter

Moeller turns Hamilton blue Crusaders cruise to regional title in 81-43 blowout

By Tom Groeschen The Cincinnati E12quirer

The Cincinnati Enquirer/ERNEST COLEMAN

Moeller's Rob Christie (3) scored only four points, but the point guard dished out six assists and kept the Crusaders~ offense in high gear all day.

FAIRBORN - It was supposed to be a good game. Instead, both teams were shocked by Moeller's 81,43 destruction ofHamilton iu the Division I regional basketball final Saturday.

Moeller (21-4), which advances to the Fiual Fom for the first time siuce winniug the 1999 championship, rolled to a 17-4 first-quarter lead and neverlet up. TI1e Crusaders play iu Friday's semifinals (6 p.m.) at Ohio State's Value City Arena agaiust Cleveland Heights (22-3), which beat Massillon Washiugton 73-63 for the Aleron regional title Saturday, 'The final score is not an indication of how great a team Hamilton really is," said Moeller coach Carl Kremer. "On a given day,. sometimes your

shots fall like that."

Hamilton (2D-5) was coming off three straight overtime wius over Ciuchmati powers La Salle, St. Xavier and Princeton.

But the Big Blue fell behiud 8-0 and was never h1 tl1e game. . Moeller's toweling front liue, led by 6-7 juniors Andrew Brackman (19poiuts) andJosh Duncan (18), had its way against a slightly smaller Hamilton team. There also was the steady, heady backcourt of shooting guard Bubba Walther (20 poiuts) and poiut guard Rob Christie (six assists)Hamilton will endorse Moeller's state title bid, after what transpired Saturday.

The Big Blue could not muster any rhythm against Moeller's swari:niug defense, which continually · denied penetration. It was 33-17 by halftime and 61-33 after three q11arters.

Jon Smith was Hamilton's only double-figure scorer with 14 poiuts.

"It's been agreatrunforus," Hamilton coach Larry Allen said. ''We just ran into a very hot team. I don't want to slight

Moeller iu any way, but the three very emotional games we played recently may have talcen a toll on us."

The rout was so complete that Moeller's student rooting section chanted a rhetorical question to Hamilton: "How'd you GEfhere Moeller was the preseason No. 1 team in The Enquirer coaches poll, and officially upheld tl1at forecast Saturday.

"Every game, teams would say, 'Ifs Moeller, we need to give them our best game,' " Christie said. ''We've faced a big-game atmosphere every time out. All our hard work back iu September, October and November is payiug off."

MOEUm {21-4].- Duncan 6-14 5-6 18; Kimenerl-2 2-3 4; Brackman 7-9 4-5 19; Christie 1-7 2-2 4; Walther 7r9 1-120: Trainor0-0 1·21; Watt 1-2 1-13; Caner Q-1 0-0 0; Juenger 1-1 Q-0 2; DeTemple 2-4 0-0 6; Stovall 0-0 0-0 0; Childress 1-4 2-2 4; Dlerke~ 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 27-53 18-22 Bl. HAMILTON {20-5!-Smith H 8-914; Mlllerl-5 1-43; Huff1-6 0·0 3: Mycrs2-71-25: Couch HO 0-0 7; Wagers 1-2 0·0 3; Lampley 1·5 0·0 2; Williams 0-0 0·0 O; Dixon 1-2 0-0 3; Brooke 1-2 0-0 3; Bierly 0-0 0-0 0; Moore 0-0 0-10. Totals: 14-4610-16 43.

Moeller-17-16·28-20-81 Hamilton-4-13-16-10--43 3-pointers: M 9-14 (Walther 5, DeTemple 2, Duncan, Brackman), H 5-22 (Huff, Couch, Wageffi, Dixon, Brooke). Rebounds: M 38 (Duncan 8), H 28 (Smith 7). Assists: M 17 (Christie 6), H 7 lamp:ey 3).

Tllmovers: M 13, H 16.

Tom Groeschen

on

reps

Roger Bacon won't be back to defend its championship, but the Ciuciunati area so their cousiu, so that will this week still conld add to be three of them now iu colits list of boys state basketlege," Minor said. ball titles.

Caldwell, a quarterback, Moeller won a Division I was the Enquirer's Division . regional Saturday and will IV player of the year iu 2002. play iu the state semifinals Barnes is a wide receiver.

Friday.

Former Reading star receiver Vample, signed last year In Division III, Reading succeeded in joiuiug Moeller with Ciuciunati. · iu Columbus next weekend.

GYMNASTICS: The 2002-03 The Blue Devils defeated Co- All-Southwest District gymlumbus Hartley for a region- nastics team, as listed by aral title Saturday nlght ea coaches: . But Roger Bacon, the deFirst team: Emma Sartifending Division II state ~ ni, Stephanie Bentley,and champ, lost its regional fiual Dea Brandensteiu (all Lakota Saturday.

West); Justine Russell (Wiu- · The Ohio boys state tour- ton Woods); Hannah Hiudle nament began iu 1923 and and Allison DesJardins (Lahas run through various kota East); Emily Kiuman class iucarna.tions. From and Leigh Deimler (Ander1923-56 the schools were bro- son); Abby Usto and Gretchken iuto Class A (large en Gates (Purcell Marian); school) and B (small school) Sarah Comte (McNicholas); divisions. From 1957-70, the Danna Deans (Turpiu).

Honorable mention: classifications were Class AA (large) and Class A (small), Alexis Coy, Tori Brokamp, The state went to three Michelle Bieszcak and Jenny . classes (AAA, AA, A) from Mackzum (all Anderson); 1971-87. The current fourStephanie Chartier and·Devclass system (Divisions I, II, on Brandensteiu (Lakota III and IV) took effect iu West); Ann Long (Purcell 1988.

Marian); Jenny Haar (MaHere is a list of Greater son)_ Cincinnati's state champions HUISMANN HONORED: from the various classes, list- Mercy coach Mary Jo Huis. --,ed iu order-.of.ehampionships ...mann.wasJ10nored at this won: weekend's girls state basketSeventitles: Middletown ball tournament with one of (1944-46-47-52-53~56-57). All the Ohio High Schoo!Athletthe titles were at the bigic Association's annual school level, and the total Sports, Ethics and Integrity (seven) is a state record.

Awards.

Three titles: Hamilton Each year, all22 of the (1937-49-54) and Elder (1973- OHSAA's sanctioned sports' coaches associations and the 74-93), all big-school titles.· Two titles: Lockland four allied professional orgaWayne (Class B iu 1952, nizations can honor a mem1955); Roger Bacon (Class ber with such an award. The AAA iu 1982, Division II iu Ohio High School Basketball 2002).

Coaches Association this One title.~ Mariemont . year selected Huismann, · (Class B, 1953); Hamilton who is 519-175 iu her career at Mercy.

Taft (Classl\A,1962); Lincoin Heights (Class A, 1970); Huismann will coach the Ross (Class Ji\A, 1980); FenEast team in the second anwick (Class}\, 1982); Purcell nual McDonald'sAilAmeri" Marian (Class AAA, 1985); can girls game March 26 at Woodward (Division I, 1988); Cleveland's GundArena, Badin (Division ill, 1988); La- with Princeton's Dee Davis kota (Division I, 1992); La among the East players, Salle (Division I, 1996); Moe!CLASSIFIEDS:. . ' · I , 1999) , St• XaIll Amelia seeks a gins basketball nead coach Ier (DlVlSlOU and bays soccer assistant Call AD Mike Rapp, vier (Division I 2000).

753-5120. ' • II Lakota East seeks teams for a track FOOTBALL: Reading playInvitational Apnl26. Call ooach Jason Undsey, 777 1 ers Adam Caldwell and Lau-~ ~~ford seeks an assistant wresUing coach. ris Barnes will play at Tiffin Call AD Hank Ohnmeis, 576-2208. ' J · ' II Western Hills seeks freshman baseball BI ue Devt s coach Ken Mlgames. Call coach Don Ulmer, 859-341-1664. nor said.

'They're cousius, and Email tgroeschel!@el!quirer(UC's) Charlie Vample is al.com,

----------------