Hillsdale Slips Past EC In Final Seconds.

January 14th, 2012

Elyria Catholic hosted the Hillsdale High School Falcons on Saturday for a non-conference match-up at the Coliseum. The Panthers looked to snap the four game losing streak they are suffering, and to move on with momentum into next week. Although when the final seconds came around, Hillsdale raged victorious by only two points, 52-50.
"The one and only positive is that we played hard." Coach Kuchta explained, "Outside of that, we didn't rebound the ball well, and they probably out-rebounded us. We turned the ball over a lot, and at times we were not in touch with what was going on on the court."

With EC struggling in the past games, tonight was a different story against Hillsdale. The first quarter EC came out on a 9-2 run in the first two minutes of the game. Hillsdale being the good ball club they are, bounced back quickly from the fast paced scoring of Elyria Catholic. Both teams ended the first quarter with 13 points.

The intensity between both teams did not change come the second quarter and into halftime, as Hillsdale only went into halftime on top 27-26. Elyria Catholic made 9 out of 22 shots and but turned the ball over 10 times the whole half. Junior Tyler Riddell went into halftime leading in points with 10, followed by Holley with 6.

The third quarter was still a show, and a close game for both teams. The back and forth action was nothing new at this point. Hillsdale ended the quarter up by 1 point, 43-41 after Jeremy Holley sunk a buzzer beater three-pointer to limit the point deficit. The fourth quarter intensity was something EC has faced all year with WSC rivals Avon, Midview, and Vermilion. Except this time around, EC could not pull through. In the last minute, Elyria Catholic cut the lead down to two points 50-52, as Hillsdale inbounded the ball, EC was putting full court pressure and attempted to take the ball away. A controversial "kicking" call as the ball was on the floor was called on EC, and Hillsdale could get another inbound.

Hillsdale got down the court on a fastbreak, but the 6'5" Sophomore Jeremy Holley blocked the Hillsdale layup for EC to have one last chance to score two.

The Panthers came down the court and passed it to the team's best shooter Tyler Riddell, who shot one from the elbow. Riddell just missed the shot, and Hillsdale rebounded the ball for the 50-52 victory.
"Our kids played harder tonight, and I was happy that our kids got after it and showed a little excitement and a little enthusiasm." Coach Kuchta credited.

Elyria Catholic is now 6-6, and 4-2 in WSC play. The Varsity Boys will take Tuesday off, and prepare for the Vermilion Sailors at Elyria Catholic on Friday, January 20th. EC will then take on cross-town rival Elyria High on Saturday.
"We have a big week next week, and it should be interesting. We had a close game with Vermilion last time and I'm sure they want that revenge, so we have to win and get this thing in the right direction." Coach Kuchta said.

Stats:
M.J. Lotko - 2PTS,
Ceevan Shelton - 1 AST
Cory Strasko - 4 PTS
Tyler Riddell - 14 PTS, 1 RB, 1 AST
Danny Whitacre - 13 PTS, 7 RB
Jeremy Holley - 13 PTS, 7 RB
John Stursa - 2 PTS

JV Company: The JV Panthers Bring the Smackdown on Hillsdale

When talking to Coach Taylor hours before the JV tip-off, the EC Boys Hoops Blog asked him, "What is the plan for tonight Coach Taylor?" and Coach Taylor answered, "To put up points." Very straight forward Coach. The JV Boys did not disappoint their Coach, and along with the capacity crowd beating the Hillsdale JV Falcons 56-31.

Sophomore Angelo Cruz did his duty as the big time shooter in this match-up against the Falcons. Cruz hit 4 of his 7 three-point shots last night and had 14 points overall. Cruz was not the only one who shined in this game, Sophomore Luke Michalski dominated the paint having 5 RB, along with all of his 10 points inside the paint. Freshman D.J. Graham still brought his fast paced gameplay to the mix putting up 11 points in this match-up. Conner Riddell added in 8 points to the mix, Andrew Konno hit a three pointer and had 5 points overall, and Jake Dempsey had 4 points inside the paint. The JV Boys are now 8-4 on the season.

Official Elyria Catholic Sports Reporter
Jake Hromada '14