Richmond Heights completes comeback

After some back-andforth possessions to start the game, Perry went on an 8-0 run to end the first quarter against visiting Chagrin Valley Conference foe Richmond Heights on Dec. 18. Perry went to the half with a 43-27 lead.

But the Pirates weren’t able to completely close the door on the Spartans and Richmond Heights began to chip away at the lead in the second half. The Spartans cut the lead to single digits multiple times in the third quarter, but Perry was able to respond to head to the final frame with a 58-45 lead.

Richmond Heights started the fourth hot on a 12-3 run to make it a threepoint game. Both teams traded baskets and with just over a minute left, Perry had a six-point lead. But clutch plays by a smorgasbord of Spartans, which included London Maiden’s buzzer-beater layup sent the game into overtime.

The Spartans took advantage of the momentum shift, and got out to an early lead in the extra period. But Perry battled back. Dorian James made the back end of his free throws with just seconds left to make the lead insurmountable and Richmond Heights completed its comeback for an 89-87 victory.

The Spartans’ early game struggles didn’t come as a surprise to the players or coach Quentin Rogers, as it was their first game in 10 days. Turnovers plagued Richmond Heights and a pair of technical fouls added on top presented a massive challenge for the Spartans to overcome.

“I told them that we dug ourselves a hole but I told the guys that had been here before that we’ve done this before as well,” said Rogers. “We had young guys out there and we’re still trying to be a cohesive unit. There were going to be these up and down moments and with a good team like Perry, who ran a lot of good stuff on offense, took advantage of us coming out flat.”

There were times where the Spartans left lanes open for Perry to easily get to the hoop and got caught up in the ball movement to lose their assignment and allow the open 3s for the Pirates. After their halftime adjustments, the defense of Richmond Heights showed up, but the offense needed to also come along with it.

That offense came in the form of Josiah Harris, as he poured in 36 points, which included a corner three late in the fourth to make it a one-point game. Harris also finished with 12 rebounds for a doubledouble. He knew that when the fourth began the Spartans’ stamina would get them back in the game.

“It comes down to our will and our coaches,” said Harris. “They push us every day at practice, especially when it comes to conditioning. We run more than any other team in the state and I feel like that paid off in this game today as we were able to push through while Perry needed some time to catch their breath.”

Despite the performance of Harris, Richmond Heights still trailed by two as seconds remained on the clock after the Pirates split a pair of free throws. The Spartans brought the ball up the court and, instead of giving the ball straight to Harris, Detric Heaster found Maiden open down low and his hook shot was good before the buzzer sounded.