The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Fairview wins first, final PAC crown
Some games just mean a little more, and for Fairview’s Luke Howes, this one meant everything. Howes delivered a sensational performance in front of a hostile crowd with timely passing, aggressive, yet smart defense, and a relentless attack on the basket. The recipe was one for a night to remember as he helped Fairview top Clearview, 69-61, to earn its first share of a conference championship since 1962 and spoil Clearview’s senior night at Frank and Ann Szalay Memorial Gymnasium on Feb. 15. This will be the last PAC crown to be earned as the conference will disband at after this season.
The 6-foot-2, junior guard amassed a game high 24-points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals, but his best work came in a rowdy third quarter that saw multiple technical fouls and a costly ejection for Clearview. Howes dropped 11 points in the quarter. Seeing both student sections going crazy, it was a game unlike any he has ever played before. It’s been 50 something years right? It was an unbelievable feeling,” Howes said. “Even when we were down, just being in this type of game, I don’t think there are many teams that get to play in a conference championship game. I was just so happy. Our team played hard, and we got the win.” The Warriors (19-2, 14-1 PAC) trailed through most of the first half and into the third quarter. But the game took a rowdy turn when Clearview’s Jaylen Paschel received a technical foul for shoving after a tie up on a loose ball rebound with Howes with six minutes left in the third. Paschel’s night turned from bad to worse as he again was caught in a tie up just two minutes later, this time with Fairview’s Noah Mesaros. Both players promptly received double technical fouls as Paschel was ejected from the game with the score even at 34-34. It was the turning point that sparked Fairview’s swagger, and amplified Clearview’s tall task. “It was a switch that flipped,” Howes said. “We came out with that energy, and we were able to go on a run. I don’t think they came back after that.” The Clippers (14-6, 13-2 PAC) did come back, taking small leads in a backand-forth fourth quarter. Clearview was playing without their most physical player, but still giving it all they had. Their third quarter was highlighted by a Chase Christensen 3, and a couple baskets from Jordan Reed. The game was tied at 4343 heading into the fourth. Clearview coach John Szalay lauded his team effort, but the absence of Paschel was obvious. “I’m not going to lie about it, losing Jaylen made a big difference,” Szalay said. “I’m not going to use excuses. They (Fairview) got to the rim in the second half. For whatever reason, either they were more determined or we were tired. But I’m proud of my kids.” Paschel finished with 10 points and five rebounds. With Paschel off the court, Fairview’s Howes and Mesaros took control as they dominated the paint off Clearview’s missed shots while also jumpstarting fast break opportunities down court. “We knew rebounding was going to be a struggle,” Mesaros said. “All their bigs crash the boards, and even their guards crash the boards. Coach emphasized that a lot. I think me coming up with 11 rebounds, and I know Luke boarded really well. Marty (Rehor), Martin (Lowry), Ethan (McQuate), they all crashed the boards in the second half, and I think that was the difference maker.” Fairview outrebounded Clearview, 36-26. Mesaros tallied a doubledouble with 11 points and 13 rebounds while Rehor and Martin added 13 and 14 points, respectively. The Warriors stretched the lead to 60-56 in the fourth with back-to-back buckets from Howes and Rehor. A pair of misses and buckets on the other end allowed Fairview to extend to an even larger lead at 66-58. Jamir Billings drained a three-pointer with 1:05 left to cut the lead down to 6661, but it was too little, too late for the three-time defending PAC stripes champions. Clearview led 8-7 in a frantic first quarter with emotional swings on each possession. They amplified their hustle in the second quarter, taking a 2921 lead into halftime. The strong start was marred by the events that ensued. “I was very proud of them,” Szalay said. “I thought we outworked them in the first half. I want to congratulate Fairview. Let’s give credit where credit is due. They playted a great second half. Their kids fought, and they are coached well. They deserve to be champions.” Billings led Clearview with a team-high 16 points, six rebounds and two steals. Fairview coach Ryan Barry was happy his team got to experience something that hasn’t been done since longer than he has been alive. “It’s not about me, it never has and it never will,” Barry said. “It’s about creating experiences for the kids. And this is a hell of an experience for these kids. They will remember this forever.” Fairview can clinch the PAC stripes outright with a victory at Lutheran West on Feb. 22. Clearview will travel to Vermilion on Feb. 19, followed by a road game against Brooklyn on Feb. 22.