The Elyria Catholic Boys Basketball team took the trip to Vermilion High School to play WSC foe, the Vermilion Sailors in what was an ecstatic battle from start to finish on December 9th, 2011.
The first quarter, both teams came out cold, and ending the quarter with Vermilion on top 15-12 over EC. The Panthers struggled a bit from the 3-point line, hitting no threes in the first half alone, as well as the free throw line, which they only hit 2 of 5. Although, EC still had a game inside the paint which they can be dangerous in, and the Panthers used that advantage once more last night. Going into halftime, Tyler Riddell and John Stursa led the team in points with six, and EC was only down by one point, 24-25 to Vermilion.
Proven from the Lakewood and Firelands games, EC knows how to make an interesting second half, that keeps you in the game at all times. The third quarter resulted in a big turn around for EC, Sophomore Jeremy Holley scored 12 points alone to rally ahead the Sailors and finish out the third quarter up 44-36. "It feels really good. We needed to get the ball inside more on offense, and we did just that." Holley had to say after his 21 point performance. "We talked about pounding the ball inside, and giving the ball to (Holley). He got 10 touches inside the paint and scored 14 points." Coach Kuchta had to say about Holley's performance, "Jeremy has really done a great job, he's really developing fast as a young sophomore. He has a lot of pressure on him, and he's handling it very nicely."
The start of the fourth quarter, the switch turned, and the momentum started to side with the Sailors. EC started to make mistakes and commit fouls, which Vermilion took advantage of. Vermilion rallied back and cut the lead down to 2 with just 26 seconds remaining. Despite loud crowd conditions, and an amped up Vermilion student section, EC's clutch free throw shooting by Joe Dempsey, Cory Strasko, and Holley saved the Panthers once more this season. "They were loud." Holley said about the Vermilion crowd, "But you just learn to tune them out, and it's just you and the basket." Also, Tyler Riddell came up with some big shots from the corners of the court to lift the Panther lead. Of his 21 points, he scored 10 in the fourth quarter.
The Panthers summed up the fourth quarter beating the Sailors 66-61. EC is now 3-1 on the season (1-0 in WSC). "It feels pretty good (to win), and I'm happy for the kids. We're 3-1 and they wanted to win bad, and we found a way to get it done." were Coach Kuchta's thoughts on his the team's victory, "(The team) works hard, and we really deserve (to be 3-1). We have a tough schedule coming up, and Midview on Tuesday. So we'll really see what we're made of then." The Panthers host Midview Tuesday December 13th in the Coliseum at Elyria Catholic starting at 7:30.
Stats:
Jeremy Holley - 21 PTS, 15 RB
Tyler Riddell - 21 PTS,
Cory Strasko - 6 PTS
Daniel Whitacre - 6 PTS
John Stursa - 6 PTS
Joe Dempsey - 2 PTS
Xavier Bennett - 2 PTS
EC had just 12 turnovers, and was 11-19 at the free throw line (58%).
The JV Boys beat Vermilion 46-22 on Friday as well. Angelo Cruz hit two 3's and had 10 points on the night, and Freshman Ceevan Shelton hit two free throws and four buckets to also lead the JV team with 10. Connor Riddell led the team in rebounds with seven. The JV Panthers are also 3-1 on the season (1-0 in WSC) and will play Midview at EC starting at 6pm.
Quick recognition to the fan in the EC section holding the "'Tis The Season To Be Holley!" sign, it was brilliant!
Official Elyria Catholic Sports Reporter
Jake Hromada '14
Great article Jake. Keep up the good work! Nandi and Michele Cruz
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