Scioto comeback reels in Westerville's WarHawks

By BRIAN INGLIS

Published: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:38 AM EST

SNP photo by Craig James
Marco St. John of Dublin Scioto elevates for a layup during a 52-43 Irish win at Westerville Central Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Should the Dublin Scioto boys basketball program go on to accomplish all that is desired this winter, one contest may stand out as the precursor to the glory of yet another Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division championship and a second consecutive Division I Central District title.

Having gone unbeaten through the league schedule each of the previous two campaigns, the Irish (5-1, 4-0 OCC) found itself on the ropes in the second half at Westerville Central Tuesday, Dec. 23. Down by double digits in the fourth quarter, Scioto was staggering like a punch-drunk prizefighter.

But that is when the champion decided to assert itself. Spurred on by a Bradley McDougald three-pointer to beat the buzzer at the end of the third quarter, the Irish picked itself off the mat, albeit bloodied and battered, and embarked on a blistering 21-0 run to crown a gritty 52-43 win.

Scioto coach Tony Bisutti, for his part, was just glad to escape with an unblemished league mark. He insisted that they are not all pretty, but a positive result still counts in the correct column.

"I was just happy to get out of there with a win, to be honest," Bisutti said. "We did not play well, but I learned long ago that you take a win like that in the OCC on the road any time."

The venerable coach went on to admit that complacency was an issue. McDougald seconded that opinion, but insisted that he and his teammates never felt despondent despite trailing 23-13 at halftime and 37-27 entering the final frame.

"We were never really out of it and we pulled it together when it had to be done," McDougald said. "We got some stops on defense and finally executed on offense and we were on our way."

The multi-sport star was the catalyst in the stirring run. McDougald accounted for a game-high 20 points but none were as vital as the three secured from a dramatic trey to conclude the third quarter and set the stage for Irish domination for the rest of regulation.

"That gave us a shot of confidence going into the last eight minutes," McDougald said. "It really sent us in the right direction and we started to play a lot better and hold the lead.'

All in all, the Irish sank 18 of 24 from the floor and coolly converted at the charity stripe in the waning moments to keep any hope of a WarHawks comeback at bay. Rainer Duzan added 13 for the Irish, who are looking forward to what 2009 might bring.

Of course, they are considering themselves lucky for surviving Westerville Central. Bisutti and his charges know that they are certain to receive everyone's best shot, especially because of the lofty reputation Scioto has enjoyed in recent years.

"Call it complacency or whatever you want, but it is a challenge to stay motivated," Bisutti said. "You can't assume anything, looking at the scores around Columbus, and you have to play your best no matter the situation."

According to McDougald, the scare figures to be a harbinger of good times. His tenure at Hard Road has often featured impressive performances manifested from difficult struggles.

"Moving forward, this will hopefully be more of a positive than a negative," McDougald said. "Anybody can beat anybody in the OCC and we have to respect every team that we play and just try and take it one game at a time."

Two more showdowns loom on the horizon, including a foray back into league play when the Irish entertain Olentangy Liberty at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. More immediately, however, a non-league showdown awaits with visiting Mount Vernon at the same start time Friday, Jan. 2.

No one questions the talent or desire of the Irish roster. What Bisutti and his staff are seeking right now is the proper cohesion going into the New Year.

"Something as simple as communication on both ends of the floor will continue to be important," Bisutti said. "Because when we are all on the same page, this can be a special team."

"Something as simple as communication on both ends of the floor will continue to be important. Because when we are all on the same page, this can be a special team."

--Tony Bisutti