IRISH WORK TOGETHER TO DROP WILDCATS

A balanced Irish offense and strong team defense led to a 62-48 home victory over Westerville South on December 12.

Scioto (3-0) trailed 6-1 early, but took control in the second quarter by defending the entire floor and working to make the extra pass that would lead to a better shot on the offensive end of the floor.

Three early Irish turnovers were converted to points by the Wildcats and led to the 6-1 deficit. Scioto battled back and the quarter ended 9-9.

The game stayed close early in the second quarter until Bradley McDougald fed David McKinley for a trey that gave the Irish an 18-13 lead. It was one of four first half assists for McDougald. The Irish continued to build on the lead and went to the locker room ahead 29-17 at the half.

Scioto came out focused to begin the third quarter and extended the lead to more than 20 points. The quarter ended with the Irish ahead 44-26.

After falling behind 49-29, a combination of transition baskets and eight consecutive missed Irish free throws gave Westerville South one more chance to get back in the game. The Wildcats went on a 17-2 run that cut the lead to 51-46 midway through the fourth quarter.

Jamare Mills had a key offensive rebound and strong put back that put the Irish ahead 53-46. Rainer Duzan got a steal on the next possession and sank both free throws when headed to the basket to give the Irish a 55-46.

These two effort plays gave the Irish enough momentum that helped them close the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run. Eric Stamets had two of his three steals during the fourth quarter.

Three Irish players finished in double figures, led by McDougald (18), Duzan (12) and Deji Olatoye (10). The latter was the leading rebounder for the Irish with at least 8 boards. Other Irish players in the scoring column were: Mills (9), McKinley (8), Stamets (2), Marco St. John (2) and Tyler Harrell (1).

The Irish play North Canton Hoover at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 at the College of Wooster. They will return to OCC action at Westerville North on Friday, December 19.