Student's film of foe's game gave the edge to Kennedy

Elk County Christian didn't know it was being caught on camera.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Steven Hough didn't quite know the impact he was going to have on the Kennedy Christian High boys basketball team.
But the Golden Eagles have a state championship trophy, and that's as good as it gets.
Hough, a junior at Kennedy Christian, offered to film one of Elk County Christian's games leading up to the teams' PIAA Class A quarterfinal meeting at Clarion University.
"I had five films on them and they were always against zone defenses," Kennedy Christian coach Joe Votino said of Elk County Christian.
An extra film gave Kennedy Christian more of an idea how its opponent would react in a variety of situations.
Votino said that his team was able to benefit from Hough's film because Elk County Christian didn't know Kennedy Christian was scouting them.
The Mercer County team gave Elk County Christian its first loss in 30 games, 64-48, and helped pave the Golden Eagles' way to their fourth straight state championship, tying Carlisle's state record set between 1985-88.
"When we played them, we were calling out their plays before they were calling them out," Votino said.
Recognition: In addressing the student body and faculty Monday during a ceremony honoring Kennedy Christian's state champion boys and girls basketball teams, Votino thanked Hough for his effort.
"I'm glad it was a big help," said Hough, who admitted he didn't know quite what to think when Votino mentioned his name.
"It's not every day that you get pointed out in front of the whole school," he said.