The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Brush is 0-4, but coach says rugged schedule will pay off
In the year of the novel coronavirus, Brush boys basketball coach Chet Mason had no choice but to try something different.
It’s meant a murderer’s row of nonconference opponents. That continued on Dec. 19, when the Arcs dropped their fourth straight game to start 2020-21.
A kron Buchtel and Chris Livingston — one of the nation’s top recruits who scored 25 points on this night — visited Lyndhurst and left with a 63-52 victory. Brush is 0-4, and that’s the first time that’s happened in Mason’s sixth year at the helm.
“I’m trying to get us to play with the best this year,” said Mason after the game. “With (COVID),
we had to revamp our schedule, and I decided let’s do something different. The kids want to win, but I’d rather go through the tough times and have our guys ready later in the year. I’d rather have adversity in December than in March.”
Against Buchtel, the Arcs trailed, 19-9, after one and 33-24 at halftime. It was 43-38 after three and with three minutes to play it was a 54-46 game, but the home team couldn’t get closer.
It was another standout game for Brush junior Elmore James, who could soon be gaining on Livingston as one of the state’s and nation’s top recruits. James scored 33 points against Buchtel, and has 133 in the team’s first four games for an average of 33.2.
“He’s special,” Mason said of James. “He had a great offseason, and was working out twice a day. He’s worked to improve his game. He can be the best player in the state.”
James’ hot start to the season is attracting plenty of attention. Mason said in the past week he’s had discussions about James with coaches from the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Xavier, Cincinnati, Wisconsin and others.
As for the tough stretch to open the season, the Arcs began with a close loss to St. Ignatius (4-0) then lost in double overtime to traditional Stark County power Massillon Jackson (5-0), and lost another close game at home on Dec. 15 to St. Edward (4-0). Buchtel’s win Dec. 19 has it at 2-0.
Add it up, and Brush’s opponents are a combined 15-0.
“We wanted it be tough,” said Mason of his team’s early schedule. “Didn’t want it any other way.”
It only gets tougher as 2-0 Warrensville Heights visits on Dec. 22. Beyond that, Mason is hoping to squeeze in a back-to-back the week between Christmas and New Year’s. In early January, the Western Reserve Conference is expected to begin in-conference play.
“Of course, you want the kids to get some wins, but we know the storm won’t last,” said Mason. “We’ve been in every game. Tonight (against Buchtel) we played a very athletic team against of the country’s best players. We look at these early games kind of like a tournament for us. I think we’ll be fine. This is good for us.”