FUNDAMENTALS LEAD TO WIN OVER LIBERTY

Scioto used defense, solid rebounding, interior passing and made most of their free throws in putting together a workmanlike 58-35 win over OCC Cardinal Division foe Olentangy Liberty at home on Tuesday.

A suffocating Irish defense held Liberty to zero three-point attempts in the first half and the Patriots finished the game 0-7 from long range. They were averaging 6 made three-pointers per game in four previous league outings.

In addition to defending the perimeter well, the Irish came up with 9 steals and forced 18 turnovers. They held a 31-15 rebounding advantage for the game and made 11-14 free throws.

The victory extended the Irish winning streak to 5 games and leaves them 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Cardinal Division. Liberty fell to 4-4 and 2-3 in league play.

Leading the way in the scoring column for the Irish was senior wing Eric Stamets with 11 points. He had 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Also scoring in double figures were Bradley McDougald and Marco St. John with 10 points.

McDougald and sophomore post Jamare Mills had led the way with 6 rebounds apiece. Mills chipped in 5 points.

Senior David McKinley returned to the lineup after sitting out the Mt. Vernon game due to injury and had 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a game high 4 assists.

Deji Olatoye had 6 points, 3 rebounds and a team high 3 steals. Other Irish players in the scoring column included Raneal Ewing and Tyler Harrell with 4, and, Rainer Duzan with 3.

Leading the way in scoring for the Patriots was Will Cheesman with 9 points. Others who scored for Liberty were: Michael Fries (8), Michael O’Neill (7), Matt Napier (6), Tommy Waterwash (3) and Zach Michael (2). O’Neill and Napier led in rebounding with 3 apiece. Five different players had 1 assist each. Cheesman and O’Neill were credited with 3 steals.