To accurately gauge Friday's dominating display put on by the Dublin Scioto boys basketball team in an Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division meeting with host New Albany, one had only to witness the Eagles student section.

Enthusiastic chants from a boisterous and raucous crowd eventually strayed away from the topic at hand as the Irish pulled away in the first encounter between the two programs. Although the Eagles retained their spirit, defeat was evident as only mock cheers came cascading down when Scioto gave up a rare basket.

But then again, what else could be said about a convincing 52-20 win for the still-unbeaten Irish (12-0, 5-0 in the OCC Capital)? Even Scioto coach Tony Bisutti seemed pleasantly surprised at the punishing and frenetic defense unleashed by his club.

"We were pretty good defensively," Bisutti said. "In no way did I expect going into this that we could do this to them."

Not one quarter found the Eagles reach double figures and they finished with 20 turnovers on the evening. In fact, New Albany was limited to just five points in the middle periods combined and failed to change the scoreboard for nearly seven minutes in the third stanza.

Guards like Michael Eubank set the tone for the Irish in their full-court assault. When the Eagles did get into half-court sets, pressure on the dribbler was constant and unrelenting by whoever Bisutti put on the floor. Afterward, Eubank was all smiles.

"You can't ask for anything else because it was a total team effort," he said. "In practice, you don't look forward to pressing drills. But once that adrenaline is going during games, you get excited and get after the ball."

A standing-room-only throng of spectators gave the matchup a postseason feel. The home supporters were soon left to wonder, however, as Scioto surged in front 24-10 at intermission.

The aforementioned shutout streak by the Irish ensued after the break and the Eagles never got within 14 points the rest of the way.

"Our guys worked really hard on the game plan and executed," Bisutti maintained. "We acted like we had been in this situation before, which we have this year."

Leading the way for Scioto was Austin O'Connell, who accounted for 12 of his game-high 16 points in the second half. Kevin Lolli added 10 points, all in the opening 12 minutes of action.

"Austin is one of our go-to guys offensively," Bisutti noted. "But when we've had to make a move during close games, we've had different people carry us."

Balance has been a hallmark for the Irish, currently ranked No. 6 in the Division I state poll. All told, eight roster members scored against New Albany, which sits one game behind in the league standings.

"I don't think we have role players out there, but guys that can do a little bit of everything," Bisutti said. "When guys are keying on each other then we are tough to beat."

That notion will be tested during a pair of upcoming tilts. On Friday, the Irish entertain league foe Franklin Heights at 7:30 p.m. before a venture down to West Virginia to face Parkersburg 24 hours later.

According to Bisutti, all of the immediate focus is on the Falcons and remaining unblemished in the league.

"We're going to put everything into that league game. That will be the priority and the game on Saturday will be more of a bonus," Bisutti concluded.