Scioto takes down Brookhaven hoops boys on the road

By BRIAN INGLIS

Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:08 AM EST

High-profile non-league prep basketball battles between traditional Columbus powers are rare this late in the regular season.

But the Dublin Scioto and Brookhaven boys squads believe in being prepared for the upcoming Division I Central District tournament, and so local hoops followers were treated to a tasty appetizer before the main course.

Showing verve and steadiness throughout the proceedings, the defending area champ Irish (18-1) demonstrated why they are considered a serious repeat threat via a 56-40 triumph over the host Bearcats (11-8) Wednesday, Feb. 18.

A year ago, the reputable programs split a pair of meetings, although Scioto prevailed over Brookhaven in a district tournament final to capture its only area crown. The Irish have also taken three straight Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division titles.

"The more pressure games we have now, the more it will help in later situations in the tournament," Irish coach Tony Bisutti said. "I like having a game like this near the end of the schedule."

Scioto responded to a packed house with its usual unflappability. The Irish exploded for 22 points in the first quarter, weathered some defensive lapses and held a 31-25 advantage at intermission.

But the real damage was done coming out of the locker rooms. Scioto began the second half with a 12-2 spurt and was never challenged again by the City League stalwart.

"We're a veteran team and we came out and took control early in the second half with our defense," Bisutti said. "I am always confident about that part of the game because this team always plays well to begin a half."

The margin reached as high as 17 in the fourth quarter and the Bearcats were unable to mount a sufficient rally for coach Hali Robinson.

Two Scioto roster members reached double figures. Guard Bradley McDougald led the assault with a game-high 18 points, while point guard David McKinley added 11, a total that included three treys. Guard Terrance Watkins paced Brookhaven with 14.

And so now thoughts will inevitably turn to the postseason brackets. Second-seeded Scioto will open against Briggs at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Worthington Christian. The winner gets West in a second-round showdown at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Olentangy Orange.

Meanwhile, the Bearcats were to commence tourney play against Groveport Madison Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Worthington Christian. Whoever survived faces either fifth-seeded Dublin Coffman or Pickerington North in round two at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the same venue.