DIV East District

• wes_mantooth

  

  Hesston;708864 wrote:Game day baby!!

  
  Who's playin?
• riders1

  

  wes_mantooth;708868 wrote:Who's playin?

  
  Well Ohio State plays at around 1:40
• THE4RINGZ

  

  Good luck Hiland.
• wes_mantooth

  

  whoa....an hour before gametime and it is packed
• wes_mantooth

  

  mirg says they sold 400 tickets over capacity.....should be interesting.
• september63

  

  why didnt you go?
• wes_mantooth

  

  september63;709009 wrote:why didnt you go?

  
  I am here with your buddy jimmy.
• september63

  

  Good Luck Hawks and Good Luck keeping him out of trouble later in this day!
• september63

  

  Nice win by Hiland 66-57.
• Hesston

  

  Party!
• THE4RINGZ

  

  Congratulations Hiland.
  
  Make for an enjoyable afternoon, doing some spring yard work and listening to the Hawks.
  
  Good luck next week.
• wes_mantooth

  

  Couple of thoughts...
  
  That was a very physical game and I thought the officiating was very inconsistent. This game is why I love small school basketball...everyone in the area is out supporting their teams. The place was loud the entire game and both teams brought gigantic crowds.
  
  The difference in the game was that Hiland's role players made big plays. #31 and #25 for Hiland for terrific in the second half. It seemed like Rosecrans role players missed some layups when they had a chance to take the lead late in the game.
  
  Dylan Kauffman is a terrific player, but he needs to make better decisions...too many poor "lollipop" cross court passes. Seger was solid but foul trouble really took him out of the game and Boyd was not catching in breaks with his 3 pters.
  
  As for Rosecrans, that little pt guard was unbelievable....he is going to be a great one. Their main problem is that they have ZERO depth. Very tough to navigate all the way to state with no bench whatsoever.
  
  Overall, this was terrific game with two very good teams.
• september63

  

  Next year if these two teams meet up again, I will have conflicting rooting interests. The Rosecrans will be part of the small school division of the ECOL.
• ricola

  

  wes_mantooth;709298 wrote:Couple of thoughts...
  
  That was a very physical game and I thought the officiating was very inconsistent. This game is why I love small school basketball...everyone in the area is out supporting their teams. The place was loud the entire game and both teams brought gigantic crowds.
  
  The difference in the game was that Hiland's role players made big plays. #31 and #25 for Hiland for terrific in the second half. It seemed like Rosecrans role players missed some layups when they had a chance to take the lead late in the game.
  
  Dylan Kauffman is a terrific player, but he needs to make better decisions...too many poor "lollipop" cross court passes. Seger was solid but foul trouble really took him out of the game and Boyd was not catching in breaks with his 3 pters.
  
  As for Rosecrans, that little pt guard was unbelievable....he is going to be a great one. Their main problem is that they have ZERO depth. Very tough to navigate all the way to state with no bench whatsoever.
  
  Overall, this was terrific game with two very good teams.

  Agree about the reffing: there was some major contact that was not called, and a number of touch fouls that were. May have caused Seger to have to sit more than usual, but thankfully didn't decide the game. And it was full, and loud. Fun game, especially if you could walk out a winner.
  
  Hiland's "role players" --31 and 25 (Jalen Miller and Jason Miller)--- are more than role players. Hiland has 3 nice players like you mentioned, but Jalen and Jason are every bit as capable as contributing as the other 3. They have done it all year, and did again today. Balance and depth made the difference today. Dylan had some uncharacteristic passes today---don't rememebr seeing much of those this year--But also came through with some clutch hoops and rebounds. And Rosecrans' guard Phyllis (?sp) and Kilbride are both the real deal, just not quite enough balance and depth to go woth them, but they have a very nice team and the two teams have a good chance to be back in the same game at the same place next year.
  
  Keep it going Hawks; we're half way there!
• majorspark

  

  wes_mantooth;709001 wrote:whoa....an hour before gametime and it is packed

  
  There probably has never been that many people in that gym. I got a late start leaving and did not get to Byesville until after 12. We got stuck in a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot for about 15-20 minute. I jumped out and had my wife park the car and head in to find a seat. It did not look like there was a seat to be found. Let alone two. I finally found two on the end zone between some Rosecrans fans. I sat down and waited for my wife. When she came and sat down next to me the guy next to her told her some one was sitting in that seat. He came back and looked at us kind of funny and my wife offered to move since he was there 1st. Its a good thing my wife is attractive. He is like we can all squeeze in. So there we sat shoulder to shoulder elbow to elbow. I could hardly get my cellphone out of my pocket.
  
  I tell you what though it was one of the greatest experiences I have had at a high school basketball game. These Rosecrans fans I sat with were some of the nicest people. We each rooted for our teams. We were actually enjoying commenting back and forth to each other on the game about the players, coaches, and refs. They were very knowledgeable about the game. I told the guy next to me I hope you don't mind my elbows banging into you. He is like hey this is great. This is how it should be. Loved high school basketball and the atmosphere. In the end him and several others around us wished Hiland luck and hoped to see them in Columbus. Glad we got there "late" and got to watch the game with these folks.
• majorspark

  

  Also something else about the crowd size that was funny. The dude on the PA announcing that there are seats for everyone when the bleachers were clearly packed. If everyone scooted together tightly you could maybe squeeze in an extra 30 or so. Yet a couple hundred of people are standing in the corners and the lobby waiting to get a seat. Then he gets on and says its ok to sit in the isle. The isle quickly filled up and the corners were still packed with people standing.
• majorspark

  

  As for the game it was as expected. Obviously as already pointed out Hiland's depth was evident. As was pointed out by the Rosecrans fan sitting next to me, "Hiland has just too many weapons". Rosecrans missed a lot of shots in the paint. Hiland's height and defense had a lot to do with that. I have seen teams all year have to alter their shooting patterns for fear of the block. Same result missed shots. I was very impressed with Phillis. Very quick and only a sophomore. His only big mistake was gambling for the steal in the waning minutes. It almost appeared like he was intentionally trying to foul to stop the clock. He knew he fouled but genuinely looked surprised that it was his 5th foul. My guess someone on the coaching staff failed to emphasize to him that he was playing with four fouls. Usually this falls on the assistants.
  
  Another thing I noticed in the 4th when Rosecrans were only down by one their was too much dribbling by Phillis awaiting his penetration. Rosecrans needed more passing and working the ball around the perimeter to eventually find the open man. My Rosecran buddies agreed. Though I was thinking the same thing they were the first to bring it up.
• majorspark

  

  wes_mantooth;709298 wrote:Dylan Kauffman is a terrific player, but he needs to make better decisions...too many poor "lollipop" cross court passes.

  Rosecrans switched to a 1-3-1 and trapped in the corners. At 6'5" Hiland's guard Kaufman usually towers over his defenders. Rosecrans had 6'6" Kirkbride up top to trap Kaufman. Used to seeing over the defense he made a couple of bad passes. But yes when in this situation he needs to make better decisions. The switch in defense gave Rosecrans who were down about 8 created enough temporary confusion in Hiland's offense to get back in the game.
• wes_mantooth

  

  majorspark;709629 wrote:Rosecrans switched to a 1-3-1 and trapped in the corners. At 6'5" Hiland's guard Kaufman usually towers over his defenders. Rosecrans had 6'6" Kirkbride up top to trap Kaufman. Used to seeing over the defense he made a couple of bad passes. But yes when in this situation he needs to make better decisions. The switch in defense gave Rosecrans who were down about 8 created enough temporary confusion in Hiland's offense to get back in the game.

  
  Yeah, I agree with that. I also think it hurt Hiland that at that time, Seger was sitting on the bench with foul problems. A weak spot in that kind of zone is the high post. Having a tall guy that can knock down medium range jumpers makes a big difference.
• ferflog

  

  10 starters. 1 senior (Hiland). Same time, same station. Next year.
• ricola

  

  actually Hiland started three seniors, but agree the same teams may likely meet there next year (unless they change things up and they meet in the semis)
• majorspark

  

  Video summary courtesy of WHIZ. You can definitely see how packed the place was.
  
  http://www.whiznews.com/content/video/361766
• Hesston

  

  Div. IV Meadowbrook District final: Jalen is Johnny on the spot as Hawks beat Bishops
  
  By KEVIN LYNCH
  Daily Record Sports Writer
  
  BYESVILLE -- The Div. IV Eastern District championship between the top two teams in the state was a game that featured one wave of momentum after another, with the biggest splash coming from Hiland senior Jalen Miller.
  
  The southpaw drilled a 3-pointer with 3:44 remaining in the game to turn a 2-point lead into a 5-point advantage for the Hawks.
  
  Miller then drew a charging call at the other end of the floor, and when Dylan Kaufman stuck back a miss to put the Hawks up seven (54-47) with three minutes to play in the game, the final wave washed over the fans at Meadowbrook High School.
  
  From there, the Hawks made just enough free throws to hold off a late charge by the top-ranked Bishops to hand Rosecrans its first loss of the year 66-57.
  
  The win sends Hiland to the Canton Regional on Tuesday at 6:15 against Windham.
  
  "When they went to their 1-3-1, they got our movement to stop," Hiland coach Mark Schlabach said. "We finally got a little bit of movement on that possession and Jalen came open. He hits the biggest 3 of the year, and then takes the biggest charge of the year on back-to-back possessions. I just can't say enough about that kid... he's got guts. He's got a lot of guts."
  
  Miller led Hiland with 18 points. The Hawks had four players in double figures.
  
  "We went to that 1-3-1 which caused them some problems, but they hit some big shots," Bishop Rosecrans coach Todd Rock said. "That one kid (Miller) had some big shots for them. We hadn't seen him do that too much when we watched films. That was the difference.
  
  "They made their foul shots at the end, which were crucial. I knew they would," Rock added.
  
  After Kaufman put the Hawks up seven, Zak Kirkbride, the Bishops' leading scorer, drilled a 3-pointer to bring Rosecrans back to within four, 54-50.
  
  Kaufman, who scored 17 for the Hawks, scored at the other end to push the lead back to six with 2:23 remaining.
  
  The Bishops' sophomore point guard, Jake Phillis (18 points), fouled out with 1:18 to play and Jason Miller began the parade to the foul line for the Hawks down the stretch.
  
  "We haven't played a close game in so long, where we haven't had those pressure-packed possessions or needed pressure free throws," Schlabach said. "We hit the big ones. Jason hit the front end and that took some pressure off of him. He was able to step up later on and make his free throws. We did enough there at the line to stay two possessions ahead."
  
  Jason Miller hit 5-of-6 foul shots, Seger Bonifant split a pair, Noah Boyd swished a pair and Kaufman capped off the scoring with a pair of free throws. Jason Miller finished with 12 points and Bonifant added 13 in a balanced Hiland attack.
  
  "We had so many guys play big and have their moments," Schlabach said. "In the first half, the points Seger got were hustle points. He got offensive rebounds, tip-ins and points in transition. For him to get those kind of points in a game like this shows how bad he wants it. It's the first time he's played in a game like this."
  
  Hiland led 15-9 after the first period. Kaufman was fouled on a bucket, but when he missed his free throw, he rebounded the miss and stuck it back for a four-point play.
  
  The Hawks came out hot, hitting 7-of-13 shots from the field in the first quarter, while Rosecrans managed only three first-quarter buckets on 13 attempts.
  
  "We thought if we could get the lead and then spread them there at the end, but we could never get the lead," Rock said. "We missed some easy shots and there was that one charge there that could go either way.
  
  "You've got to make layups," the coach continued. "We had so many easy shots in the first half that we just did not finish."
  
  Hiland led 22-14 on a Bonifant stickback late in the second quarter, but the Bishops scored seven straight to pull back within one.
  
  Bonifant then hit two free throws and added a stickback to extend the lead back to 26-21. Jason Miller rattled home a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer, giving the Hawks a 31-25 lead at the half. Bonifant had 12 of his 13 points in the first 16 minutes.
  
  "I thought we did a good job against the move-in, Bonifant, in the second half. We got him in foul trouble," Rock said.
  
  With Bonifant on the bench for much of the third quarter, the Bishops battled back to within 42-41 after three.
  
  "We wanted to get out of that third quarter and get Seger back in there," Schlabach said. "We were just trying to survive that third quarter. We weren't as aggressive as we probably should have been. We didn't have our best offensive lineup out there. We knew about the 6-minute mark we were going to put him back in. He didn't score any buckets, but he brings a level of calmness that really helps us out on offense.
  
  "A big focus of ours was, we didn't want to foul them in the paint," Schlabach added. "They get to the foul line so much. They're a good free throw shooting team. We didn't always play good defense, but we didn't foul them either."
  
  Clinging to a one-point lead to open the final frame, Jalen Miller drilled a triple to push the lead back to four.
  
  "Just when you thought we had a chance to pull away, they just made a big play," Schlabach said. "We had a couple big offensive rebounds, Dylan had that tip-in, and plays like that which answered their runs. Those were big."
  
  Kirkbride (18 points) tripled to close the gap to one again, and after a Hiland miss, the Bishops had a chance to take the lead, but came up empty two times.
  
  "We pulled to where we were down one, ran a couple set plays, but had some tough misses. But that's why you play the game," Rock said.
  
  Jason Miller scored to push the lead back out to three, and after Phillis split a pair of free throws, Jalen Miller drilled his fourth, and biggest 3-pointer. And followed it up with his stellar defensive play.
  
  "This is a game kids dream about playing in," Schlabach said. "We have a coach (Jason Mishler) who played in the '99 game (the 97-90 thriller won by Hiland). We talk about that game all the time. We (the coaches) watched that game the other night just for the fun of it. I don't know if they'll talk about this game like that one, but for our kids, it was a special game."
  
  Hiland improved to 23-1 with the win, while Rosecrans bows out at 23-1.
  
  "It was a tough loss. I'm proud of our kids," said Rock. "We had a great season, and I don't think this takes away from what these kids accomplished. Kirkbride and Phillis played pretty well. Every kids should be able to play in an atmosphere like this."
  
  Phillis fouled out with 18 points
  
  "It was a great experience to play in that game," Bishop post Zack Hill said. "It's kind of a shame these two great teams had to meet at districts. It was exciting. The atmosphere was pretty electric. It's too bad we couldn't pull it out.
  
  "Hiland's a great team. They're well coached. They played the better game today," Hill added. "They're a really good team. They took it to us today."
  
  Kevin Lynch can be reached at 330-674-5676 or [email protected]