Cornerstone’s experience pays off in victory

City Arena.

“Since we came here two years ago, our expectations are a little different now,” Cornerstone coach Dan Selle said. “I can’t say anything but great things about Berlin Hiland because they’re a great Division IV team, but facing some of the bigger programs certainly allowed us to see a lot of different styles. We’re prepared for anything teams throw at us.”

Despite having just 86 boys in the school, Cornerstone played a schedule dotted with opponents such as Cleveland Heights, Lakewood St. Edward, Cleveland St. Ignatius, state finalist Solon, Mentor and Garfield Heights.

Division IV player of the year Michael Bothwell, who scored 22 points, agreed that the tough competition played a factor.

“From our experiences during this season and being here two years ago, I think we came in a little more confident, but not a cocky confident,” Bothwell said. “I don’t know what other teams think about us, but we play with the mindset that everybody will give us their best shot. Berlin Hiland made us uncomfortable but we responded when the game was on the line.”

Playing a patient motion offense geared around the three-point shot, Hiland (23-6) gradually lopped a 12-point deficit to 40-37 with 4:29 remaining. But the Hawks went five trips down the floor, spanning 3:22, without a point, and Cornerstone (21-7) made enough free throws to pull away.

“We got it to a one- or two-possession game several times and we were that close to putting all the pressure on them, but they always managed to keep us at bay,” Berlin Hiland coach Mark Schlabach said. “Were we tired? I don’t know. It’s tough to play in a game like that with all the pressure they apply. Cornerstone is phenomenal defensively.”

Added Hiland guard Kobe Troyer, “It was tougher to get our shots off. They were more athletic than teams we usually see and they got out on us and contested our shots.”