Houston falls in D-IV semifinals
By Tim Langevin
The hands that delivered Houston’s incredible high percentage shooting during its magical tournament run, got bit off by Harvest Prep’s tenacious, ball-hawking defense 54-39 in the D-IV semifinal Thursday before 9,422 spectators at the Schottenstein Center.
In six post season games, Josh Redd shot 83 percent from the line, Jacob Benanzer shot 65 percent from three-point-range, and Derek Estes shot 80 percent from the line and 50 percent from the field to guide the Wildcats to a memorable march through March.
This night, however, was a different tale. The senior trio shot 7-of-26 from the field, including 1-of-12 from the three-point marker, and a dismal 8-of-17 from the charity stripe.
Estes said, “We just shot bad. We couldn’t slow the game down and the offense couldn’t get set. Everything was rush, rush.”
Redd agreed, “Not making excuses, it was a bigger background than used to. We couldn’t get the job done. Our sets weren’t working.”
Perhaps, Houston was just happy to be playing in its first-ever state appearance.
“I am very proud of what we accomplished this year. We tied for the SCL championship when we were picked to finish fifth,” said Houston coach John Willoughby. “We surprised a lot of people. Might have even surprised ourselves.”
Perhaps, Harvest Prep arrived with intentions of winning a state title.
Warrior coach Mike Thornton said, “As for us, nothing has changed. The goal is still the same. Saturday will define our season.”
And in defense of Houston, he added, “They are a better team than they showed tonight. It’s hard to get here. This is a big stage. Hats off to them. I remember my kids first time (2007). Eyes were wide open. Everything seemed magnified. I’m sure the Houston kids were feeling the same thing.”
No nerves showing for Houston at the start as Estes scored on an acrobatic drive between defenders and then Travis Anderson scored a quick bunny in transition and it was 4-0.
Harvest Prep countered with an 11-0 run to take control. Ethan Brown made two free throws and scored the old-fashioned way on a three-point-play. Kejuan Skinner-Boyd got the steal and scored on a fast break layup. And Grant Harris and Shakir Dunning scored on back-to-back stickbacks.
Willoughby said, “Harvest was relentless on defense. We had open looks, but still rushed our shots. I was disappointed in our shooting. I think it was a lack of concentration, especially at the foul line.”
John Travis jumped off the Houston bench to score six points in a short span to cut the lead 16-10 to start the second quarter. The senior post player replaced Jacob Monnier who didn’t play due to pneumonia.
But another wicked 11-4 run by the boys from Canal Winchester smashed any hopes of an upset by Houston as the Warriors led 27-14 at the break. Brown and Harris dominated the offensive glass with four of the team’s nine boards and scored seven points a piece. The Warriors outrebounded Houston 21-15 in the first half.
Estes said, “They played hard defense. We did the best we could against them. They were constantly trapping and we couldn’t get into any rhythm or continuity.”
Harvest Prep extended the lead 51-29 with 4:05 left in the contest on a Kenny Robinson steal, who full-throttled coast-to-coast, elevated to the third floor, and served up a one-handed throw down.
Ironically, the momentum shifted in Houston’s favor. On the verge of a blowout loss, the Wildcats had a chance to cut the gap within four to six to eight points with about 2:00 left, but couldn’t convert at the line. Houston went 6-of-13 from the line in the final stanza. They outscored Harvest 10-3 the rest of the way.
Willoughby was all smiles, despite the loss and said, “It’s disappointing, but I am so proud of what these kids did. They will remember this day and look back at the memories leading up to it. And all the good-luck signs, newspapers, and TV. This all leads us into our new school building.”
Harvest Prep dominated the inside, scoring 40 points in the paint, including 14 second chance points, and hauled down 41 rebounds, 15 on the offensive glass. They forced 14 turnovers with nine steals and converted them into 14 points off turnovers and 12 fast break points.
Sixth man Grant Harris led the scoring with 14 points. Shakir Dunning added 10 and Eric Brown tallied nine.
Josh Redd and Derek Estes paced Houston with eight points a piece and Jacob Benanzer added seven with 11 rebounds.
Houston finished the game 10-of-23 from the line and 14-of-45 from the field.
Houston ends its proclaimed “Revenge Tour” with a 20-6 record. Not bad considering only about 3,000 people live in this rural farm community. And not bad considering Harvest Prep has 1.2 million people living in their vast area.
Willoughby concluded, “What great support from the SCL. I got e-mails, texts, and phone calls. What a great season for the SCL. Our league was well-represented this basketball season. I am proud of our team, school, community, and to be a part of the Shelby County Athletic League.”
Harvest Prep (22-5) continues its quest for a first-ever state title Saturday at 1:30 PM against Berlin Hiland (26-1).
Check this out! The Hawks defeated Continental 70-56 in the nightcap behind the bench scoring of 6-7 Seger Bonifant’s 23 points and 6-6 Neil Gingerich’s 10 points. The tallest backcourt in the NBA, 6-7 Noah Boyd and 6-5 Dylan Kaufman each added nine points. I am not making this #@&* up.
These kids are long and athletic, versatile and mobile, and if anybody can keep Harvest Prep off the boards, these hybrids can do the trick.
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