BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Michael Bothwell

Michael Bothwell departs Cornerstone Christian not only as one of the best to compete in The News-Herald coverage area, but the state of Ohio. Bothwell reached the 2,000-point threshold in February. He concluded his career as the all-time leading scorer at Cornerstone Christian. Bothwell easily surpassed the legend he built in three undefeated middle school seasons for the Patriots. In four years playing at the varsity level, Bothwell led Cornerstone to two state title berths. The Patriots won the 2016 Division IV state title and fell in the 2018 title game March 24. Bothwell’s loss in his final high school game doesn’t sour his outlook. He and his teammates avenged their 2017 district final loss to Warren JFK, defeated Bristol for the Orwell District title, knocked off a 22-win Rittman team and advanced to the final four with a win against previously unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Mansfield St. Peter’s. Bothwell dropped 22 points in the Patriots’ state semifinal win against Berlin Hiland before Cornerstone fell to Maria Stein Marion Local, 52-51, in a double-overtime, instant-classic title bout. Bothwell was the game’s leading scorer in each of Cornerstone’s tournament games. Bothwell led the Patriots in scoring at 24.6 points per game during the regular season, the area’s second-best average. He ranked among the area’s leaders with averages of 7.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Bothwell was also one of the area’s premier marksman, making 57 3-pointers on 47 percent shooting from the perimeter. Bothwell led Cornerstone to a 15-win regular season playing a schedule that featured St. Edward, Mentor, St. Ignatius, Lutheran East, VASJ, Garfield Heights and Solon. Bothwell was named Ohio’s Division IV Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. He was the state’s runnerup in Mr. Basketball voting. Bothwell also was named News-Herald Player of the Year in 2016. Bothwell is headed to Furman University where he will carry supreme basketball instincts, an automatic left-handed jumpshot and excellent ballhandling skills to the Paladins’ roster. Bothwell possesses physical skill, and his 6-foot-3 frame paired with quickness and long arms will make him an early option for playing time in coach Bob Richey’s rotation at point guard. Off the court, Bothwell will study communications and pursue a career in broadcasting.