Soller inspires Boardman to 59-35 win over Fitch

By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- About 10 minutes after Thursday's game, long after most of the fans had left, a group of seven girls from Boardman High stood in the stands holding a banner that read, "We love you Soller."
A few minutes later, Boardman sophomore Eric Soller slowly made his way out of the locker room, heading straight into a hug.
Two nights earlier, Soller's father, Mark, passed away suddenly at age 50 -- early indications were that he died of a heart attack after shoveling snow -- and Eric insisted on playing Thursday, heavy heart and all.
"It took a lot of character for him to come out and play," said Boardman coach Jared Cardillo, whose team beat Fitch 59-35. "I told the guys in the locker room, 'His dad left a man here. He didn't leave a boy.' "
Cardillo had been with Eric on Wednesday morning -- about 12 hours after his dad died -- and there was little doubt about what Eric wanted to do. Mark, a former Boardman basketball player who graduated in 1975 and later played at Adrian College, loved Boardman athletics, basketball in particular. (Mark's dream was for the Spartans to have their own varsity locker room and the family has asked for memorial contributions to be sent to the school's booster club.)
Dad would have wanted it
"He said his dad would have wanted him to play," said Cardillo, "He was right."
Soller, a reserve, finished with three points and six rebounds in Thursday's game, earning a standing ovation from the crowd and a big hug from Cardillo as he left the game late in the fourth quarter.
Fitch's players, meanwhile, gave him a signed card before the game and the Falcons gave him the game ball afterward.
"This is just a game -- that's a life situation," said Fitch coach Roger Day. "For that young man to show up and play, that says a lot about him and the relationship he had with his dad.
"Obviously, we send our best to him and his family."
Dedicated game
The Spartans (7-11), many of whom had been coached by Mark or had played basketball at his house growing up, dedicated Thursday's game to his memory.
It showed.
The Spartans played with energy, particularly on defense, taking a 13-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, then stretching it double digits in the second. They were never really threatened.
Sophomore Devron Martin led the way with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Dan Kubala had 10 points and 13 rebounds and freshman J.T. Moore added six points and 10 rebounds.
After starting the season 0-5, Boardman's young players (the Spartans will have eight of their top 10 back next season) have gotten better each week.
"Our young players aren't playing like they're young anymore," said Cardillo.
Falcons building for future
Jon Stockman scored nine points to lead Fitch (2-15), which has lost four of its top players (including two starters) for various reasons since the season began and is building toward next season.
"We're working hard on the things we're able to do, like hustling and playing good defense," said Day, who plays four sophomores in an eight-player rotation. "What we need to get better at is the skill things, like shooting and dribbling.
"Obviously, we'll continue to work at it."
Boardman, meanwhile, will deal with the grieving process the next few days. (Calling hours are this afternoon, followed by an evening funeral service.)
Soller, 16, got his license Thursday, a sign that he's ready to assume more responsibility in the months ahead.
"He's going to have to grow up fast," said Cardillo. "He's the right kid to do that.
"He's gonna make it."
scalzo@vindy.com