The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Brush seeks success to match talent
“Trust the Process” was the adage, coined by fans of former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie, co-opted by Brush coach Chet Mason two years ago.
Then, guards DJ Dial and Andre Harris were sophomores flanking a freshman big man, John Hugley. Altogether, the group was raw even as it won the Western Reserve Conference championship over a veteran Madison team.
Brush’s process began to generate meaningful results a season ago. The Arcs defeated Garfield Heights in the Play-byPlay Classic at Baldwin Wallace and traveled to the Flyin’ to the Hoop showcase featuring national-caliber competition in Dayton.
Dial and Harris are now seniors, Hugley a top-ranked junior forward in Ohio’s Class of 2020. Postseason success remains one achievement that’s eluded the trio.
“My goal this year for my team is try to get down to state,” Dial said. “Me being a point guard, I’m a leader so I’m trying to lead my team down to state, a state championship.”
Brush did not advance past the sectional round two seasons ago. The Arcs were eliminated from the 2017 state tournament by Glenville in a blowout loss on their home floor.
Brush advanced an additional step this past spring before Mentor knocked the Arcs out in a close Euclid District semifinal. Brush’s core reflects on the game bitterly, recalling costly turnovers, a lack of focus or missed assignments.
Improved mental consistency was an emphasis during the summer and preseason. When a group turns a ball over during practice, Mason stops the drill and the players run lines.
“We don’t want to have turnovers,” Harris said. “That’s what caused us to lose games last year. We’re just working on mental toughness and being prepared for big moments.”
Harris’ teammates and coaches notice his heightened focus and attention to detail, in particular.
Harris committed to play Division I basketball at Wright State in July. Mason credits his attitude to the confidence boost associated with confirmation Harris is a Division I-caliber player.
“I think it woke him up like, ‘Wow, I can really hoop,’” Mason said. “So the confidence is there and he’s seeing the fruits of his labor, he’s seeing the reward of it right now. It’s like, ‘OK, let me take it to the next level now.’”
Hugley’s stock continued to rise during the summer. He holds offers from 22 D-I programs, notably with high interest from Nebraska.
Outside of his AAU experience, Hugley attended the Nike Elite 100 camp at Saint Louis University, where he received instruction from NBA champion Rasheed Wallace.
“Teach me how to be a man on the block,” Hugley said of his training with Wallace. “Call for the ball, finish stronger around the rim. Just execute.”
Dial has D-I interest but his focus lies on the season. He will decide his future once he concludes his Brush career.
As a senior, Dial continues to fill the leadership role he’s carried since his sophomore season. He led the team in scoring last season. How far Brush advances in March will correlate with Dial’s performance.
“DJ is DJ,” Mason said. “DJ been one of the best players in the state since he was a freshman and he’s gotten better every single year.”
A pair of talented freshman, Elmore James IV and Antwone Woolfolk, will join Brush’s core in Mason’s rotation. Senior Andree Franks, one of the area’s best defenders and most athletic players, is the sixth man. Josh Gibson figures to join the starting lineup to fill Tyler Williams’ spot next to Hugley in the post.
On paper, the Arcs are primed to put together one of the program’s best seasons alltime. Brush is mindful it can only achieve what it wants with an equivalent work ethic.
“We’ve got the talent but that’s only going to take us so far,” Dial said. “We’re going to meet that road block.” High school scoreboard