DIV. IV BOYS Rockets Subdued by 'Cats

Maplewood's season was ended by Mogadore.
By SAL MARINO
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MIDDLEFIELD -- Maplewood High's effort to become the third Trumbull County team in the boys Division IV district basketball tournament at Cardinal High School fell short.
The Rockets lost to the Mogadore Wildcats 47-40 to close out the season at 11-11. Mogadore (14-8) will meet Kirtland Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Cardinal district.
Opened lead: The Wildcats opened an 11-9 lead after one session as Jeff Twiddy had six of his 12 points.
Maplewood was paced by Bruce Wayne, who recorded five of his seven in the session.
"My kids played hard," Maplewood coach Rich Chapman said. "They made a strong effort.
"We had open shots but we didn't make them. We had some good looks in the first half but didn't score."
Pushed ahead: Mogadore went up 20-16 at the break and pushed it to 33-22 entering the final eight minutes. John Raddish had six of his 13 points in the third session for Mogadore.
"They gave me everything they had," Chapman said of the Rockets. "They did everything we asked them to do."
The Rockets closed to 44-40 with about 90 seconds to play, but could get no closer. The Wildcats ended the contest at the foul line.
Jeremy Mohorick had eight of his 13 points in the final quarter for the Rockets.
"I expected a tough battle," Mogadore coach Shaun Morgan said. "They play hard and are well-coached.
"They hung tough but we played hard as well. We didn't get down on ourselves. Good things happen."