Lancers lead late, but not late enough vs. Tigers

STOW » As far as the lead goes, Gilmour dominated time of possession March 7 in a Division II Stow District semifinal against Warrensville Heights.

The Lancers had possession of the lead for 31 minutes, 18 seconds.

Much to their frustration, though, that really was as far as the lead went.

Dechlan Kirincic recorded a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but Gilmour had one bucket in the last four minutes and the Tigers pounced on that opening for 11 of the game’s final 13 points in a 54-51 victory.

Warrensville’s Javon Johnson recorded the goahead basket to give the Tigers (14-10) their first lead with 42 seconds left.

The Lancers bow out at 17-7, having to ponder — on the long, winding trip back up the staircase from the basement locker rooms at Stow-Munroe Falls — what could have been.

“There were a couple of things — some turnovers there, and we also missed free throws,” Gilmour coach David Pfundstein said. “We also missed two layups there, too, with breakaways there. We either lost the ball or mishandled it.

“So you’ve got to give credit to Warrensville. They were fighting, and they were able to get a couple of easy buckets there down the stretch to take the lead. But I’m proud of my kids. They busted their butts all year. They play hard all the time. It’s unfortunate, but I think we had our opportunities and we just didn’t cash in on them.”

Kirincic scored on a lob to the low block with 4:08 remaining to take a 49-43 lead. But Warrensville scored five straight to pull within a point at 49-48, capped by Johnson’s basket with 2:20 remaining.

The Lancers were patient moving the ball around on their next possession, eventually getting a Johnny Hollis bounce feed to Kirincic, who drew contact and went to the glass for a 51-48 cushion. But the subsequent free throw was missed.

Johnson scored again with 1:06 left to pull the Tigers within 51-50, and they got the ball back looking to take their maiden lead. Brandon Rush (13 points, four assists) missed a corner 3-pointer, but Johnson grabbed the rebound for a putback and Warrensville’s first advantage at 52-51.

An attempt to lob inside to Kirincic on the next trip down the floor went awry. Tigers standout freshman Ramelle Arnold (13 points) was fouled and connected on two free throws with 23 seconds left to go up, 54-51.

Gilmour had a pair of looks at potential tying 3s in the waning seconds, including a look from the left wing on the final possession, but it was off the mark.

“We just showed a lot of grit,” Warrensville coach Brian Swift said. “Obviously, Gilmour came out — they executed their plan well. They had a heck of a game. Their guys played well. They play well together. Dechlan down low — he’s a load. He played an excellent game. But my guys, they just drew the line in the sand with about a minute and a half to play, and we grinded it out and came out with a win.”

For the Lancers, it was the second straight season in which their campaign was halted by the Tigers. Pfundstein would have gladly taken the time of lead possession coming in — just at the end instead.

“Our kids are the greatest group of kids,” Pfundstein said. “They listen. They do what you ask them to do. It’s what I’m going to miss the most. It hurts. It stings.”