ONTARIO — The moment was never too big Friday for Brayden DeVito.
An ultra-athletic junior, DeVito netted a game-high 29 points to lead Shelby (12-8) past Ontario (6-13) 69-65 in an overtime thriller. He also compiled five assists, grabbed a board and forced a steal while playing all 36 minutes Friday night.
“I know for this team in the biggest moments, I’ve got to be willing to step up and make some plays for us,” DeVito said. “We just stay poised for these moments.”
After jumping out to an eight-point lead through the first quarter, Shelby’s composure was tested by a determined Warriors squad — led by freshmen Trindon Flenoury and Cardae Brown.
A third-quarter surge from Ontario flipped the score in the Warriors’ favor 41-40. But eight more minutes wasn’t enough to decide a winner. Shelby outscored Ontario 10-6 in overtime, led by clutch shooting from DeVito and a pair of free throws from senior Karsen Homan.
“Nobody panicked,” DeVito said. “Karsen (Homan) hit huge free throws to put the lead to four. We really knew what this (game) was coming into it.
“Every time we play this game, it doesn’t matter the record obviously. It’s going to be packed and we embrace it and we love to play in this atmosphere. It’s what’s fun about high school sports.”
Shelby coach Greg Gallaway said DeVito is the ultimate competitor.
“He loves to be in the biggest moments,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s in the fall on the football field for a game-winning drive or the ball in his hands when we need a bucket late in the fourth to force it to OT.
“You need guys like that in your program and on your team, that want the ball in their hands at those meaningful times. Credit to him for stepping up and making some huge shots for us,” Gallaway said.
Tournament atmosphere
Shelby and Ontario have developed as arguably the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference’s strongest rivalry in recent years.
Whether on the field, court or any other playing surface, Gallaway said both schools are always excited to compete. Neither the Whippets or Warriors remain in contention for a MOAC title this season, but no incentive other than friendly rivalry was needed Friday.
“The atmosphere was great tonight,” he said. “It felt like a tournament atmosphere and our guys stepped up in the big moments.”
Not far behind DeVito, junior Landon Foltz scored 16 points and Homan added 14.
Sophomore Michael Shepherd contributed six points and senior Anderson Brubaker tallied four. As a team, Shelby shot 50 percent from the field and sunk 2-of-7 threes.
Photo gallery
Ontario’s dynamic duo
Despite falling short Friday night, the future of Ontario Warrior basketball looks bright.
Freshmen Trindon Flenoury and Cardae Brown combined for 42 of Ontario’s 65 total points, including five triples.
“Credit to Ontario. They’re young, but they’re really talented,” Gallaway said.
Senior Grayson Ambrose scored 12 points and junior Jamir Jones added six. Other scorers included senior Bryan Carrizal Ramos (4) and junior Remington Schroeder (1).
(Below are photos of Ontario’s two senior basketball players and three senior cheerleaders. Each was recognized prior to the start of Friday’s game.)
