The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Arcs top Ironmen, but James injured
Leading scorer in area turns left ankle in victory at Mason Invitational
In the end, Coach Chet Mason got what he wanted from his team, and that was a hardfought win on Jan. 24.
Everything in between was a mixed bag that could have ramifications the rest of the season.
The result at the third Chet Mason Invitational for the host Arcs was a 49-47 victory over Cleveland Central Catholic in the first of five games on this day.
Reserve player Julius Jefferson’s short baseline floater with a few minutes to play was the eventual game-winning bucket. It was the type of play reserved for Brush junior Elmore James. However, the area’s leading scorer at 30 points per game was watching from the bench with his left leg resting on a chair to support his tender ankle.
James — who has had scored 23 points in about two-and-ahalf quarters — turned his left ankle and was out the rest of the way. How much time he might miss — if any — is yet to be determined, said Mason.
Tyler Willams — a 6-foot-8 sophomore who ranks among the area’s leading rebounders at 12 per game and had 21 his last time out — also watched from the sidelines with his right hand wrapped. He he left the game in the first half with the injury. In the second half, Williams left the gym and according to Mason went to the hospital for an exam on his injured hand.
Also missing down the stretch for Brush (6-5) was point guard Trace Bishko, whom Mason said felt a bit woozy after taking a charge.
“We only go nine (players) deep, so we were down to six guys,” said Mason.
“Of course I want to be out there with my guys. The ankle is pretty sore. I’m just going to ice it and do what I have to do to get it better. Just rest on it … Hope I can play in Tuesday’s game.” — Brush’s Elmore James
The Arcs led, 46-42, after three quarters and with three of his starters out, Mason decided to use the stall technique for portions of the fourth. It was a decision made out of a necessity.
“That’s what happens when you’re missing three pieces of your puzzle,” he said.
Turnovers and two misses on one-and-one opportunities at the freethrow line prevented Brush from closing out a young CCC squad that didn’t start its season until Jan. 11. The Ironmen had a chance to tied the game with 2.6 seconds remaining but a missed free throw on the front end of a one-andone, and another miss on a shot at the buzzer from the close range ended it.
“I told the guys, ‘Good tournament teams go through adversity in the regular season, and they find a way to get it done.’ And that’s what they just did,’ said Mason. “So that’s a sign of growth for the team.”
Said Brush starting center Antwone Woolfolk: “At some point, we knew someone was going to have to step up, and we did it together as a team … It was totally different without Elmore. But we had to play together without him.”
Brush had leads of nine points in the first quarter and seven in the second but couldn’t pull away from CCC (2-3). Lonnelle Everett-Wilson paced the Ironmen with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. His last 3-pointer came as time expired in the third quarter.
“That speaks to our culture,” said CCC coach Jordan Duke about his team’s resiliency. “The way we play at our school, and our system.”
James had 14 first-half points, and started hot in the third quarter with 11 more — including two 3-pointers — before exiting with the ankle injury.
“It was very hard watching (the fourth quarter),” said James. “Of course I want to be out there with my guys. The ankle is pretty sore. I’m just going to ice it and do what I have to do to get it better. Just rest on it … Hope I can play in Tuesday’s game.”
The Arcs play Eastlake North on Jan. 26. What Mason’s lineup looks like is anyone’s guess but the Arcs will make it work.
“I tell them we need five. It’s next man up,” said the Brush coach. “My guys have to adapt.”