Boys basketball vs Monroe - 2-9-2009

The fans that came for the boys basketball game in the OHHS gym against Monroe on Monday night got their money’s worth, as not one, but two games went into double overtime.

Josiah Miller knocked down 19 and Kevawn Brooks added 15, but it wasn’t enough as the Monroe freshman team was able to hold Matt Burgoyne to 3 points and Ed Denmon to 4, winning the close game 55-51. Rounding out the scoring, Elias Whitefoot had 8 and Paul Johannsen 2. Brooks had a good night from the line, shooting 6-for-8, but as a team the freshman only hit 18 of 35 free throw attempts.

Things were looking good in the JV game, as the boys grabbed a 10-6 1st period lead, and holding it to lead 20-17 at the half. The lead was increased to 31-25 at the end of the 3rd, but the ‘Cats could score only 6 points in the fourth, allowing Monroe to come back and tie the game at 37 at the end of regulation. In the first OT, Oak Harbor got a couple of quick scores. Blake Schulle hit first, then Oak Harbor stole the ball as the defense put pressure on Monroe and David Tillotson hit on the drive for two more. Monroe scored with 2:20 left in the 4 minute overtime, and again with just 3 seconds left. Monroe fouled the Wildcats as they were driving up the court, stopping the clock with 1.2 seconds, but the free throw was missed, ending the 1st overtime 41-41. In the 2nd overtime, Monroe scored first with 1:45 left, then Trace Paul put back a rebound with 25 seconds left. Monroe got a shot off with just 3 seconds left that bounced off the rim, but the Bearcats were able to grab the rebound and a desperation throw from just outside the key rolled into the net as the buzzer sounded. The final score – Monroe 45, Oak Harbor 43. Denzel Hardin led the scoring with 14, including going 8-10 from the line, and Trace Paul added 8. Josh Evans scored 5, Connor Paul, David Tillotson and Blake Schulle 4 each, and Nate Young and Justin Counts 2 each. The JV boys were missing two key players for that game – Ryan Fakkema was ill and Michael Harrison was out for team issues.

The varsity boys also held the lead at the end of the 1st, 17-10, but let up on the offense a little in the 2nd, scoring only 7, but still taking a 24-20 led into the locker room at the half. The cold shooting continued in the 3rd, with the Wildcats scoring 8 to the Bearcats’ 15, leaving Monroe ahead by 3 heading into the final period 35-32. In the 4th, Jay Stout and Mike Washington, Jr combined for 11 points, and the game was tied at 45 with just 45 seconds left in the game. Monroe scored 2 with 20 seconds left, then Washington drove in for two to tie it again with 12 seconds. The ‘Cats had one more chance to win in regulation, as they had the ball OOB under the Monroe basket with just 3 seconds. The play worked to perfection, as Jay Stout got open just inside the 3-point line and got off a good, aimed shot, but it bounced off the rim as the horn sounded. In overtime, Steven Bratt scored first, but Monroe quickly responded. Monroe then hit a FT the take a 1-point lead with 1:25 remaining, but 11 seconds later Stout sank both of his FTs to give the lead back to OH. Monroe had their chance to win at the line with free throws, but the Monroe player made only 1, knotting the score at 51. Neither team could score again as time ran out on the 1st OT period. In the 2nd OT, Washington scored the first points, but Monroe came back with a pair of free throws, then added a 3-pointer to take a 56-53 lead. Rashaad Smith sank two FTs with 1:15 left to make it 56-55 for Monroe, but Monroe hit two more free throws to bring their lead back to 3. With just 19 seconds left, Washington was fouled on a drive to the basket, and the basket was good, cutting the Bearcat lead down to 1. On the ensuring free throw, Mike missed – his only miss of the night – and Monroe was able to secure the rebound and scored twice more on free throws, ending with a 2OT win, 61-57. Washington was the top OH scorer with 20, followed by Stout with 17. Beaux Haley finished with 8, Smith and Colby Anter 4 each, Steven Bratt and Josh Fikse 2 each. Phil Nadeau was out for team discipline, and Jimmy Edens is still out with a broken hand.

The boys play their final game of the season tonight vs. Marysville. It's senior night so come out and help recognize the seniors and their parents, all of whom put a lot of time and hard work into the basketball program.

Photos are HERE...finally!