Harvest Prep vows, ‘We’re not done’
ATHENS – Entering a Division III boys basketball regional final against Malvern, Harvest Prep junior guard Brandon Roddy said the Warriors were motivated by what they were hearing from skeptics.
Those skeptics likely would have been left speechless by Saturday's fourth quarter as Harvest Prep pulled away to a 64-44 win at Ohio University's Convocation Center and its second consecutive regional title.
“We came in as the underdogs,” Roddy said. “A lot of people said we were going to lose because they were undefeated, but we know what we do.”
The Warriors (23-4) will play Ottawa-glandorf in a state semifinal at 5:15 p.m. Friday at University of Dayton Arena. They lost in that round last season, falling 65-44 to eventual champion Cleveland Heights Lutheran East.
“We're not done,” coach David Dennis Sr. said. “We were disappointed last year in that whole situation, and we feel like we let a lot of people down, including ourselves. One of our goals was to get back (to state).”
Harvest Prep did that by outscoring the Hornets 26-7 in the fourth quarter.
“It was a big task, but we couldn't believe we were the underdogs,” Dennis said. “We're defending regional champs, so we took it as motivation to really come out and prove something.”
Much of the Warriors' success offensively resulted from transition baskets, something they have emphasized all season.
“It starts in practice,” Roddy said. “We hold each other accountable in practice, we hold each other accountable in a game. It transfers from practice. We run a lot in practice. It's easy for us in a game. Our motor is there and our effort is there.”
Malvern (27-1) opened a 25-15 lead in the second quarter before the Warriors closed the half on a 13-1 run.
The Hornets held their final advantage at 35-34. Roddy's steal and basket then gave Harvest Prep the lead for good.
Fourth-quarter highlights included a dunk and 3-pointer by London Foggie.
“We finally got some stops and got a little bit of cushion, which gave us some more confidence, and when they have confidence, they love to have fun,” Dennis said.
Roddy led Harvest Prep with 15 points, followed by Adonus Abrams with 13 and Khalil Daniels with 12.
J'allen Barrino scored 18 points and Roddy Smith added 14 for Malvern. fdirenna@dispatch.com @Dispatchfrank