The saying 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' would be an apt description of the Dublin Scioto boys basketball team.
The Irish (8-6, 5-5 Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division) don't have one player who stands out above the rest. They are best described as a bunch of good players who, when playing together as a team, can be very good.
The team however got a first-hand look at what can happen if one of those parts is out of commission.
Scioto has played the last few of games without starting guard Josh Ashwill and has suffered the consequences.The Irish are currently on a two-game losing streak, falling 58-46 at home against Westerville South Jan. 24, and 61-41 at Westerville North Friday, Jan. 27.
In games earlier this season with its full allotment of players Scioto beat North and lost a nailbiter to South.
"We're so dependent on each other," coach Tony Bisutti said. "We've had eight different guys score in double figures this season. Believe it or not, just taking one guy out of the lineup is a pretty big deal for us."
Ashwill, who suffered a high ankle sprain, is expected back soon.
"He's just getting back," Bisutti said. "Hopefully we can get back to where we were before he went down. Recently our defense hasn't been as good."
The Irish were scheduled to host Jonathan Alder Tuesday, Jan. 31, and will return to OCC Cardinal play Friday, Feb. 3 (7:30 p.m.), at Westerville Central.
Bisutti sees a lot of potential in this bunch, assuming they all can stay healthy.
"I think our team is like some of the teams we've had in the past," he said. "A squad that can pull it together at the end of the year and knock some teams off in the tournament.
"I've been pretty happy with the effort these guys have been giving. I feel good about us being prepared for the tournament. I don't think there's anything we haven't seen this year."