The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Reed scores game-winner for Clippers
Clearview never stopped believing. Once trailing 22-6, the Clippers stormed back against host Vermilion on Feb. 19 to win a thrilling 59-57 game. Jordan Reed scored the gamewinning layup with 5.6 seconds left off a dribble penetration pass from Jamir Billings and Clearview stopped Vermilion on the ensuing possession. Clearview (15-6) got a much needed road win before the postseason and spoiled the Sailors’ senior night. “We couldn’t lose for a thirdstraight time so we needed this,” Clippers guard Javon Todd said. “We have to keep our energy up.”
Todd led the Clippers with a game-high 23 points and Billings added 19. “We never think we’re going to lose no matter what the score is,” Billings said. “We’re always going to keep fighting.” Clearview dressed seven players after not having center Jaylen Paschel available due to a suspension. The resiliency still showed. They trailed at halftime, 36-24, but started the rally in the third quarter after a trio of early 3-pointers, cutting the Sailors’ lead, 43-36. They trailed, 46-42, entering the fourth quarter and went toe-to-toe with a Vermilion team hoping to make a deep tournament run. Todd scored a layup giving the Clippers a 57-56 lead with 29 seconds remaining. On the next possession, Vermilion’s Mason Montgomery got fouled on a shooting attempt with 12.9 seconds, splitting the free throws. That set up the Clippers’ Clearview’s Jamir Billings puts up a shot over Luke Pena (left) and Reese Miller of Vermilion during the first quarter on Tuesday, Feb. 19. game-winner. “One thing I learned is you can’t doubt yourself,” Todd added. “If you don’t have confidence, then you can’t do anything in life.” Montgomery led Vermilion with 20 points and Jonah Pfeil added 15. The Sailors drop to 18-5. Clearview coach John Szalay was proud of his team’s effort. “My kids just never gave up,” he said. “At halftime we said let’s go play the way we play. Let’s press them and see what happens. Everyone contributed and did something positive.”