Alter and CJ clash in rare postseason meeting
By Mickey Shuey
Competition is usually a good thing. In the case of the Alter/CJ girls’ basketball rivalry, it’s a great thing. The two schools may both be in the GGCL, and sit a few miles apart, but that only adds to the heated competition.
Splitting the regular season series with a win each, the Knights and Eagles will have one final bout – this time with a trip to Columbus at stake. This is the fourth year in a row that Alter has reached the Regional Championship, and the first for Chaminade since their 2004-05 State Championship run.
The Lady Eagles earned their spot in the first of the two games played at Springfield High School on Tuesday evening. After a close first half, CJ managed to pull away late, defeating the Stallions of St. Francis DeSales by the score of 46-37. Samarie Walker, arguably CJ’s most prolific D-I basketball recruit ever, led all scorers with 15 points.
St. Francis’ Doone followed the UConn signee with 14 points. The Stallions finish with a record of 15-9
As for Alter, well, one might say they were facing some pretty “Brave” souls. Indeed, the girls from Indian Hill managed to keep the Lady Knights in check through the first quarter. However, the Regional Final bound Alter squad was able to squirm free, putting the ax on the Hill, 58-32.
Kelly Dunham accounted for 17 of the Lady Braves’ points, and the Knights had 3 players in double figures (A. Christie, 15; W. Dabbelt, 14; K. Howe, 12).
“We are so very fortunate to have this great opportunity,” said Alter coach Chris Hart, referring to the chance to play in the Regional Final game for a fourth straight year.
“I think it adds to the excitement [that we’re playing CJ], certainly from the fan’s perspective anyways. It’s also helpful for when we review the scouting report with the girls. They’ll know what we are talking about.”
Alter beat CJ earlier this season on the Eagles’ home court, only to have the favor returned with a few weeks left in the regular season, which also ended the perfect season hopes for the Knights. Friday’s game will assuredly be a defining moment for the two teams, as they face off for the first time in the postseason – at least in the past decade.
Though they have played the likes of Purcell Marian, Badin, Carroll, and even McNick, nowhere in the vaults of the OHSAA tournament archives is there a word of Alter playing the Eagles in girls basketball. Only once has fate nearly lent a hand in making the match up a reality, that being in the 2002 season. Purcell edged CJ in the District Championship, keeping the Eagles at bay until now.
The Knights and Eagles will tip off this sure to be classic at 7:30 at Springfield High School.
Thursday, an all-inclusive preview of CJ will be posted, and on game day, Friday, Alter will go under the microscope.
Remember…every moment could be spectacular, but it’s up to you to make it so.
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