ONTARIO — Mansfield Senior coach JT Reese is getting around on crutches these days, courtesy of a broken kneecap suffered while practicing with some of his Tygers.
Actually, this group is more like cubs, and while they can bite at times, they are still learning what it takes to compete at the varsity level. That was the case on Saturday night at Ontario High School, when Sandusky delivered the latest lesson with a 78-62 decision in the Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge.
“We don’t measure success by wins and losses,” Reese said. “We want to get better for longer periods of time.”
Reese said the Tygers (1-4) did that against a superior foe playing a suffocating 2-3 zone.
“We played better for longer periods tonight,” he said.
Mansfield Senior actually outplayed Sandusky (4-1) in the first quarter and broke to a 14-13 lead. The Blue Streaks began to tighten their zone in the second period, and claimed a 34-32 halftime edge.
“Our 2-3 zone gave them a lot of problems,” Sandusky coach Colin Irish said. “We started getting some stops and they took some quick shots.”
Sandusky began to create separation in the third period, opening a 53-45 advantage, then scored 12 of their first 14 possessions in the final quarter to finish it.
Senior Jayrese Williams paced the Blue Streaks with 28 points, while Keith Williams contributed 14.
Junior B.J. Patrick was the top Tyger with 22 points, while sophomore DaQuan Hilory and senior Dashawn Harris scored 12 points apiece. But Senior High made just 8 of 39 treys, while Sandusky drilled 30 of 53 field goals.
“Once we started attacking the rim we got some easy looks,” Irish said. “I love where we are. We’re getting better and I told the kids we need to get back in the gym and get even better at practice next week.”
OCC wins Challenge: The Ohio Cardinal Conference nipped the OCC 3-2 in Saturday’s Challenge. Madison, Ashland and Lexington topped Bellevue, Shelby and Ontario, respectively. Norwalk beat Mount Vernon and Sandusky stopped Mansfield Senior for the NOL victories.
SPONSORSHIP: The Richland Source NOL-OCC Challenge wouldn’t be possible without tremendous partners. The NOL-OCC Challenge is presented by Mechanics Bank Be the Change scholarship program in partnership with The Holden Agency, Marco Photo Service and BW3. Supporting sponsors include Olive Garden, North Central State College, The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Rinehart Walters Danner Insurance, Prospering Life Events, Text Loyal, The Vault Wine Bar, Best Buy, and Lantz Star Graphics.
