Clippers’ defense stymies Crestview

Columbiana remains unbeaten with a 74-50
victory.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBIANA — For as well as the Columbiana High boys basketball team can shoot the ball, its defense might be even better.

And so far, that’s been bad news for the rest of the Inter-Tri County League.

The Clippers packed an offensive wallop with three players in double figures and tormented rival Crestview with an attacking defense to build a 16-3 lead after Friday’s opening quarter and pulled away for a 74-50 victory.

Columbiana (6-0, 4-0 ITCL Tier One), which entered the game averaging 77 points per contest, showed it can dig in defensively as well, using a combination of size and quickness to stymie the Rebels.

“We’ve been giving up too many easy baskets, so we came in really focused on defense tonight,” Columbiana coach Eric Whitmer said. “If we can get a hand in someone’s face on most shots, then we have a real good chance of winning any game we play.

“Andrew Tirpak really played well defensively up top on their guards with his long arms. Our big guards really bothered their smaller guards with pressure.”

With Joe and Kevin Blinksky supplying the offensive firepower early, Tirpak led the Clippers’ defensive charge. Columbiana limited Crestview to a dismal 1-of-16 shooting from the field in the opening period. The Rebels didn’t reach the double digit mark until under 3 minutes left in the second quarter.

Tirpak gave Columbiana a 30-9 advantage at the 3:48 mark with a steal and layup. The Clippers extended their lead to 38-18 at intermission.

In addition to the defensive effort, Whitmer was pleased with how things went offensively as well.

“We moved the ball pretty well tonight,” he said. “When we can get everyone involved like that we’re tough to beat. The kids want to run and I want us to run, so it works out real well. But it’s a long season and we need to get back to work.”

Kevin Blinsky led a balanced attack for Columbiana with 22 points. Tirpak added 18 and Joe Blinsky chipped in with 17, despite battling foul trouble.

Columbiana leads the ITCL Tier One standings in the early going with five of its six victories coming on the road.

Crestview (3-3, 2-3) received a solid performance from Jakob Leon, who scored a team-high 22 points. Jimmy Smith added nine.