Toledo City League Rivalry Decided In Epic 2 OT Thriller
On Wednesday night the Scott Bulldogs traveled the handful of miles across town to face the Rogers Rams in what has become the premier matchup of late in the City League of Toledo, Ohio. Along with a ton of basketball…
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Continue ReadingOn Wednesday night the Scott Bulldogs traveled the handful of miles across town to face the Rogers Rams in what has become the premier matchup of late in the City League of Toledo, Ohio. Along with a ton of basketball talent, there is always plenty of pride on display by players, coaches, and fans alike. By halftime of the JV contest the game had officially been called a sellout as people were turned away at the door. Scott game into the matchup after a somewhat shaky start to the season, still trying to find their identity. On the other hand, Rogers had traveled out of state and proved well in a weekend shootout while carrying that momentum into a solid season thus far.
From the jump the energy in the gym favored the visiting Bulldogs, as a small shift in the starting lineup for Scott provided just what they were looking for. On a very senior laden team, it was the starting backcourt of sophomore point guard Carl Banks, and junior shooting guard Alontay Gould that got things cooking early on. Both came out with plenty of energy and passion for Scott, while shooting the ball at an extremely high level, eventually giving the visitors a 19-11 lead after the first period. Rogers ‘do it all’ senior point guard Cameron Copeland was held relatively in check for most of the first quarter. That wouldn’t last much longer as he began to get things going and asserting himself into the game. From there and throughout the rest of the game, Copeland proved why many feel the unsigned senior is the best player in the city of Toledo. The second quarter was all Copeland; getting to the rim, finding teammates, getting in passing lanes defensively and leading the break, he couldn’t be stopped on his way to a game high 17 points at halftime. With his standout second quarter, he had his Rogers team only trailing by a bucket, 27-29 at halftime.
After the break Scott would again take back the momentum led by solid play in the paint by senior Jay Wells, and good perimeter play from senior guard Larry Green. Green would actually injure his head early in the third quarter after a fall under the basket but he returned from the locker room minutes later and put together an inspired performance while not being 100%. Rogers would keep it close with a few well timed baskets by Copeland and junior TQ Belcher to only trail 41-43 after the third. In the fourth quarter and throughout the rest of the game the offense would steal the show for both squads. Scott would continue to get contributions from Gould, Banks, Wells, and Green, while senior wing Chance Hawkins began to make his presence felt as well. Copeland continued to dominate for Rogers, with Belcher and sophomore forward Christian Smith getting involved. The final quarter of regulation was a back and fourth affair as both squads continued to deliver big play after big play, and Rogers would get a bucket from Smith on an assist from Copeland to tie it with 24.4 seconds remaining, ultimately ending in a 62-62 tie after regulation. In the first overtime period it would be Hawkins for Scott, and Copeland for Rogers who would steal the show. The 6’6″ senior Hawkins came alive for his Scott team and would have a hand in all 9 points in the period; assisting on one, and hitting two triples of his own. Copeland would continue his dominance, scoring from inside and out while making winning plays. After Rogers failed to convert with seconds remaining, the first overtime ended in a 71-71 tie. Rogers would have momentum on their home court in what would be the final period of play, as Belcher, Smith, and Copeland all made contributions. Scott would answer, each time the game looked to be about out of reach, only trailing 77-78 with 26.1 remaining. Scott would send Rogers to the line where they would miss the first pair, but back to back failed attempts to corral the rebound saw Rogers at the line for three total trips in a row. After coming away with nothing on the first two, senior Rae’Shean Henderson would convert on a pair to give them the 80-77 lead with 5.3 seconds on the clock. Scott would move the ball to halfcourt before calling a timeout to draw up one final play. Larry Green was able to get a good look at it, but his three point attempt wouldn’t go, as Rogers would come out victorious with a final 80-77 score.
The game lived up to expectation as by all accounts it was arguably the best contest of the season in Northwest Ohio to date. Cameron Copeland would finish with a game and career high 40 points for Rogers in the victory, solidifying him as one of the best around. Christian Smith and TQ Belcher would compliment his efforts with 15 points apiece. Larry Green finished with a team high 26 points for Scott in the loss, all the while delivering an inspired effort all night long. Chance Hawkins would finish with 14 points for Scott, Alontay Gould would foul out at the end of the fourth quarter while adding 13 points, Jay Wells with 12 points, and Carl Banks with 10 points. The two teams will go at it again on February 2nd as Rogers travels to Scott and again all eyes in the city will be on that game with plenty assumed to be on the line.