Fri Feb 10 2012
by Devan Matthews
Correspondent
The Nordonia High School boys basketball team came from 17 points behind with seven minutes remaining to knock off Firestone in the opening round of the Division I district tournament at Copley High School March 1.
The result was a 62-60 victory for the Knights, who advanced to the sectional championship contest March 4. Unfortunately, Nordonia suffered a 70-36 defeat at the hands of Akron East in the sectional finals.
In between, the Knights won their final regular-season game March 2, beating Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division foe Normandy by the score of 54-44 at home.
As a result of that trio of contests, Nordonia finished the 2009-10 campaign with an overall record of 7-15. The Knights were also 4-6 within the division.
"We turned up the [defensive heat] against Firestone," said Nordonia head coach Matt Cash of his squad's sectional semifinal clash. "We started pressing, and they started turning the ball over and we reaped the benefits."
Senior guard Kory Clark set a new Nordonia school record by notching 10 steals in the victory.
In addition, the Knights boasted a very balanced offensive effort. Junior forward Nick Robertson led the way with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while sophomore guard Jarred Ruffin produced 14 points and seven boards.
In addition, junior guard Brandyn Clark contributed 14 points, four assists and three steals and senior guard Desmond Coggins accounted for 10 points, six assists and three steals.
"The kids played hard and they never gave up," said Cash. "We avenged the overtime loss from earlier in the season. It was an exciting game, and the kids were really excited that they were able to come from behind to win it."
Even though the Knights won vs. Normandy, they were fatigued from the game the night before.
"The kids were sort of tired, especially coming back from 17 points down the previous night," said Cash.
Sophomore guard Patrick Osborne led Nordonia in scoring with 11 points, while sophomore guard Nick Rodriguez added 10 points and three assists, Coggins recorded nine points and three assists and Ruffin added eight points and four rebounds.
Other statistical leaders for the Knights included Robertson (seven points, seven rebounds, two steals) and senior center Kezmei Spencer (10 rebounds).
If Nordonia was tired against the Invaders, the Knights were downright exhausted against the Orientals.
"Our kids were dead tired," said Cash. "We only go about eight or nine [players] deep to begin with, and we just had no legs. We were missing easy lay-ups and foul shots, and we were a second slow getting to the ball."
Brandyn Clark was the only Nordonia player to reach double digits in the scoring department. He tallied 13 points and also dished out three assists.
In addition, Coggins produced seven points and two assists, junior center Zach Lewis registered six points and two rebounds and Robertson posted three points and 10 boards.
E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113
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