Sunday, March 18, 2001
The Cardinals began the year 9-6 and lost four games in the Metro Athletic Conference.
By GEORGE WELKER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- The medal around her neck was silver, but there still was a smile on Jenny Miller's face.
There were more smiles than tears on the faces of her teammates, as well, as officials from the Ohio High School Athletic Association passed out state runner-up awards Saturday to the Canfield Cardinals.
That's exactly how it should have been, said Miller, a senior guard who played her last game for the Cardinals, in Value City Arena.
"Basketball is a game, and it's meant to be fun," she said happily not long after the Cardinals were defeated by Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas in the Division II state championship game.
"I hope that all of the younger kids understand that. That's the most important thing."
Looking ahead: Canfield players hardly had their hands on the state runner-up trophy before fans began raising expectations for next season.
That's because no one expected the team to advance this far into the postseason. And with all but two players returning next year, the Cardinals are expected to excel.
Expectations this season were low because the Cardinals got out to a rough start, opening the season at 9-6 and losing four games in the Metro Athletic Conference.
"We lost four league games this year and made the state final. That's a pretty good accomplishment," said coach Pat Pavlansky.
The relaxed atmosphere made it easier to accept defeat, Miller said, but fellow senior Julie Playforth didn't necessarily agree.
"Nobody expected us to be here," Playforth said. "We showed them that we do have a good team, and our chemistry together is wonderful. I wouldn't want to be here with any other team."
"I'm proud to be here and proud to be wearing this medal, even if it is the wrong color," Miller added.
"My dad told me I had to smile," Playforth joked.
Senior leaders: "What an ending for my two seniors," Pavlansky said. "I've got two kids here who a lot of people would say 'They can't play for me,' but I wouldn't pick any other seniors to lead a squad to Columbus other than these two.
"They love each other," Pavlansky said of the Cardinals. "And without that kind of chemistry, there's no way we make the turnaround and win how many games in a row to get here."