SCIOTO FALLS IN REGIONAL SEMIFINALS TO BRING RECORD SETTING SEASON TO AN END

Dublin Scioto lost to Westerville South by a count of 55-49 in a regional semifinal game to end a record setting season for Scioto.

The Irish put forth a great effort, but were a little off their game. At times they seemed to be in a hurry to shoot and did not show the same patience as they had most of the year and especially against Brookhaven. As stated earlier, effort was not the problem, as both teams played hard from start to finish. Westerville South was extremely hot from 3 point range canning 8 of them for the night, some from a few feet behind the arc.

The first quarter was fast paced with outstanding shooting from both teams. Westerville South nailed three 3-pointers for the quarter while Scioto hit 2. Westerville led 20-19 after 1. Scioto was led in the first quarter by Blair Gorniak with 6 points, David McKinley with 5, and Kyle Duncan and Bradley McDouglad with 4 each.

The Irish's downfall was the 2d quarter, as Westerville pushed out to a 35-26 lead at halftime. Ben Ashwill got into foul trouble and was on the bench for a number of minutes. Second quarter scoring was led by David McKinley with 3 and Ben Ashwill and Blair Gorniak with 2 each.

The Irish defense intensified in the 3d quarter, and Scioto appeared to dominate the quarter, however Westerville South scored a couple of baskets late in the quarter, as the Irish only outscored Westerville 9-8 in the quarter. The 3d quarter ended with Westerville ahead by the count of 43-35. David McKinley was again high scorer for the quarter with 4 points, while Bradley McDouglad added 3 and Blair Gorniak 2.

After Westerville South scored the 1st basket of the 4th quarter to take a 45-35 lead, the Irish went on a 12-2 run to tie the score at 47. During the run senior Kyle Duncan came up big scoring 8 points, including 2 consecutive 3 pointers to cut the lead to 47-45. Blair Gorniak added 2 points during the run. Ben Ashwill capped the run tieing the game by hitting 2 fouls shots with 1:37 remaining after being fouled after stealing the ball. The final 1:37 Westerville South outscored the Irish 8-2, including 6 out of 7 free throws down the stretch to seal the game.

Although this loss was indeed a tough one, this year's version of the Irish were fun to watch because of how well they played together as a team. The chemistry on this team was incredible, and the entire team and coaching staff deserves praise for this. I believe I speak for all the parents, and fans when I say it was the highlight of the week watching you guys play. To the Captains, Ben Ashwill, Blair Gorniak, and David McKinley, and our first year with the program senior Kyle Duncan (sure am glad you transferred to Scioto), you guys deserve special credit for the way this team came together.

While I don't know all the records this year's squad set, I know there were many. Some of the team records and accomplishments I am aware of include the most wins (22), best record (22-2), and first District Championship in school history. I am sure I will find out all the team and individual records at the banquet and will post them to the website once I do.

First, Congratulations to the entire coaching staff, Coach Bisutti, Coach Naab, Coach Moler, Coach Schwering and Coach Duzan for the great job each of you did and on the outstanding season.

Congratulations to the next year's returning players, including 2 year lettermen Rainer Duzan, Bradley McDougald, David McKinley, and Marco St John, as well as Dylan Coscia, Jamare Mills, Deji Olatoye, Eric Stamets and Destin Thomas. You guys definitely have the experience and ability to do great things on the basketball court again next year. I am definitely looking forward to watching next year's team.

Finally congratulations to a small, yet stellar senior class. I know losing your final game in high school will hurt for a while, but you guys accomplished great things in your high school careers.

Over the summer we heard rumors about this hot shooting senior who was transferring to Scioto from Bishop Watterson. We also heard a number of rumors about players transferring from Georgia and New Jersey that were not true. I am happy the rumor about Kyle was more than a rumor, and even happier that the "Hot Shooting" part was also true. Great job Kyle!

Blair, I also heard a rumor about you after last year's season ended. I remember telling your dad that he couldn't let that happen, and that he needed to have you call me if that crazy idea stayed in your head for more than a week or so. I had a bribe ready to get you to play, I am glad I didn't have to use it. We are all so glad you played this year and got a chance to prove what a dominating player you are. It was great watching you go up against bigger players game after game and dominate them. Great job Blair!

Ben, of course I am going to miss watching you play for Scioto the most! (Sorry Blair and Kyle). You were a true leader on this team and your leadership, both on and off the court, and while you may not realize it, that was one of the keys for the success this team enjoyed. Your unselfish play was a joy to watch. You have had a great career, oftentimes being called on to do the things that often go unnoticed by many, such as ball handling, defense, assists, getting on the floor gaining your team an extra possession. These are types of things that I enjoy noticing even more than scoring and rebounding. Great job, Ben!