Gahanna-Lincoln vs Dublin Scioto

IRISH FANS...............

This is another game that the Scioto Irish faced that when you compare the teams on paper, the outcome should have been different than it was.

No disrespect to authors, news columnist nor web authors.......thewebguy is glad we play the game!

The Irish got the most out of every player on the floor last night against the Gahanna-Lincoln Golden Lions. There are 32 minutes of basketball played and the game was not decided until the last two seconds!

Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch wrote an article this week talking about the fun and drama that each of the High School Tournament games bring to the players, coaches and fans. This game provide every bit of that to everyone in attendance.

Lets' talk basketball.................


The Game

It was a rough start for both teams in the beginning stages of the first quarter. Both teams had trouble with passes, "happy feet" and some good defense.

The IRISH made it very clear to the Golden Lions, the ball was coming down low to Clark Crum and they better get ready! Time and time again, the passes were attempted to get to Clark. However, the passes were either deflected or were too low for the big guy.

The Golden Lions made it very clear that the ball was going to be in one of three players hands, Hancock, Linhart or Summer. The IRISH did not let their coach down as they played a tight defense, had their hands in the air and deflected a number of passes to thwart the Golden Lion offense.

After two minutes of some frustration on offense, the IRISH got the ball into Clark Crum and the scoring started. Clark accounted for 7 of the 9 points scored by the IRISH in the first quarter. The remaining two points was scored by Austin O'Connell on an offensive rebound and put back. This young man is making a very good habit of positioning himself on the offensive boards.

The IRISH opened the second quarter with a four point lead. Again, the same message was given by Coach Bisutti, you must stop the big man. The Golden Lions were not able to stop Clark in the second quarter. Clark spun and weaved for four inside lay ups as the IRISH maintained their four point spread at half-time, 21-17. Zack Duzan and Austin O'Connell chipped in two additional points apiece to assist in the scoring.

Thewebguy was very satisfied with the team ball movement in the second quarter. As each possession got the IRISH deeper in the second quarter, the look of determination on the players became more intense and thewebguy felt as if each player knew they could win this game! This intensity grew as the game went on.

The third quarter started with the Golden Lions incorporating a trapping defense on the court side of the ball. This defense had much success as the Golden Lions came back from the 4 point deficit to take a one point lead at the end of the third quarter.

The IRISH scoring in the third quarter was helped along by a technical foul called upon one of the Golden Lion players. LJ Freeman stepped to the line and drained the two freebies and Steve Oesch drained a three point shot from the side. Clark Crum dropped in four points against a much tighter defense. Zach Duzan was 1 for 2 from the foul line and the 3rd quarter ended with the IRISH trailing by a score of 32-31.

Zach Duzan got the IRISH going in the fourth quarter with two points from the foul line. Zach found himself among the tall timbers inside, while he forced a shot, he used his cunning ability to lure a Golden Lion player to commit a foul. Zach calmly sank the two free throws and the IRISH were on their way to a solid performance both offensively and defensively in the 4th quarter.

Kyle Rolf made two very critical 3 point baskets in the fourth quarter. Kyle drained the two baskets in two trips down the court. As Dick Vitale would say, "Nothing but Cord, BABY from a Prime Time Player!" This gave the IRISH a much needed lead of 44-37 with just under two minutes left in the game.

The IRISH stepped to the foul line ten times in the fourth quarter and sank eight of the shots. Zach, LJ, Jordan and Clark were asked to keep the IRISH lead and were successful.

The game was not over as the Golden Lions were at the foul line with two seconds to go and were down by two. Now every coach wants to be in this situation. Two seconds to go in the game, down by two and your star player is shooting a 1 and 1.

Kollin Hancock made the first and pulled the Golden Lions within one point to 47-46. Even though Kollin Hancock was the star player (22 points) he did have trouble tonight at the foul line. He was a total of 4 for 9 from the charity stripe.

There was no bigger rebound than the one pulled in by Zach Duzan at the two second mark. This was a tough one because the IRISH defensive rebounding on foul shots was weak tonight. In fact, the game would not have been close had the IRISH been more effective in boxing out and taking care of the shooter. However, the seniors were not going to be denied!

The look on LJ's face when he stepped to the line at 7 seconds was amazing. Seeing Zach leap through the air to snag the game winning rebound was awesome! This senior class is determined!

The Scioto scoring was led by Clark Crum 23 points, Kyle Rolf had 6 points while Zach Duzan and LJ Freeman added 5 points each.

The Irish Varsity record is now 14 wins and 8 losses. They tied for third place with Olentangy with a 6-4 record in the OCC Cardinal Division League.

The final score was Dublin Scioto 47 and Gahanna-Lincoln 46.

Dublin Scioto's next game is TUESDAY, March 1, 2005. The IRISH play Thomas Worthington Cardinals (15-7, 5-5) at the EXPO CENTER COLISEUM. Game time:8:00 PM

The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Lancaster vs Westland game for the district championship. The date of the fourth tournament game is Saturday, March 5, 2005. Game time: 5:30 PM.