The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Oberlin cruises to district semifinal
As Oberlin coach Kurt Russell led the Phoenix into halftime Feb. 26, he knew they had some work to do.
Despite holding a 32-25 halftime lead over Canton Central Catholic in the Sectional Final matchup, things never seemed quite right for the Phoenix. While they had gotten plenty of good shots through the first 16 minutes, they weren’t playing the type of basketball Russell wanted them to play.
That changed in the second half, as the Phoenix (12-6) broke loose in the second half, with an 11-2 fourth quarter run, serving as the Phoenix’s knockout blow, as they defeated the Crusaders 6254 to advance to the Division III, District 4 District Semifinal.
“I think Canton Central Catholic played well, we knew they were going to play well and come in with some energy,” Russell said.
“I thought we struggled a little bit early because of some nerves but we were able to put it together in the end.”
Despite those first half struggles, Oberlin was still able to take control almost right away. Senior Ty Locklear was a big part of that early start, as he scored Oberlin’s’ first six points while also spearheading the Phoenix’s defensive look.
“I was trying to be aggressive from the start and set the tempo for the team,” Locklear said.
Locklear wasn’t the only Phoenix to get going early either, as Oberlin finished the quarter on a 12-0 run, with Trajen Chambers (8 points) and sophomore Isaac Thompson (4) accounting for all 12 points. After failing to find a rhythm for most of the second quarter, Oberlin once again put it together in the final minutes and closed the second quarter on a 12-3 run.
The Phoenix’s runs were initiated on the defensive end, as Andre Yarber (four steals), Locklear and Chambers were able to generate turnovers in the backcourt.
“We’re not the type of team that’s able to stay in the half court set and get victories. We were able to get some steals and layups to go on runs.”
Chambers — who came in averaging 19.1 points, 6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.8 steals per game — put together another stellar performance, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Locklear (13 points, seven rebounds) and Yarber (five points, team-high four assists) each held their own on offense as well.
“Locklear, Yarber and Chambers have been playing varsity since they were freshman, so they’re used to big moments,” Russell said. “It’s always good to count on them to carry us.”
While the Phoenix’s upperclassman trio held things down in the backcourt, Thompson (15 points, seven rebounds) dominated the second half inside. At 6-foot-4, his presence inside shut down any chance the Crusaders had of attacking down low.
“He’s brought a lot of energy and dominance down low,” Chamber said of Thompson. “We’ve just got to keep him confident.”
Junior Jude Boron had a monster game for Canton Central Catholic, finishing with 29 points on five made 3-pointers. That said, the Crusaders didn’t have much else going on offense.
Outside of Boron and Jack Talkington (14 points) no Crusader scored more than four points. Boron single-handily kept Canton Central Catholic’s in it, as he scored the Crusaders 11 points and was the only Crusader to make a field goal in the fourth quarter.
“We knew Boron and Talkington were good players, so we tried to lock everything down around them,” Russell said. “They got theirs, but we were we able to shut everything else down.”
With the win, the Phoenix move on to face No. 1 seed Lutheran East. The Falcons — which are led by Georgetown commit Jay BIllingsley — defeated Elyria Catholic 92-29 in their Sectional Final.
With a matchup against the area’s top player looming, Locklear and his teammates are eager to prove themselves.
“I’m excited to play them,” Locklear said, a smile strewn from ear to ear. “I’m excited, that’s all I’m going to say.”