Clippers finish 14-0 in league

Columbiana had to battle back to beat Mineral Ridge 79-67.

By RYAN JONES

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBIANA — Vying for their first undefeated league title since 1954, the Columbiana High boys basketball team found itself trailing Mineral Ridge by double figures at halftime.

Columbiana coach Eric Witmer said his halftime speech was too long and drawn out to quote, but that his team became focused in the second half.

Whatever Witmer said ignited Columbiana’s high powered offense as the Clippers exploded for 32 points in the third quarter, and 53 points in the second half, en route to a 79-67 triumph over Mineral Ridge.

“We obviously missed too many lay-ups and free throws in the first half,” said Witmer, whose team was 10-of-26 from the field and 6-13 from the line in the first two quarters. “Even though we were down 11, that doesn’t faze us. In the second half things started to fall in place after we became focused. The lay-ups started to go down, our full court press picked up and our confidence grew.”

The victory gave the Clippers a 14-0 mark in ITCL Tier One play and their first league title since the 2000-2001 season when they shared a Tri-County League championship.

Witmer said it has been tough for his team to stay disciplined the past couple of games because his team had clinched the ITCL Tier One title with about five games left to play.

“We’ve been battling to stay focused in recent games,” Witmer said.

“We’ve had to come up with goals to motivate our kids. Going undefeated in league play will be a great memory and achievement for these kids when they look back at their careers. I’m proud of my guys and what they’ve accomplished. They drive me crazy sometimes and I ride them hard at times, but it’s a relationship that has found a way to work.”

Columbiana’s 32-point third quarter ended with a three-point play by Kevin Blinsky.

Blinsky, who scored 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting in the third quarter, made a transition lay-up and ensuing free throw to give the Clippers a 58-56 lead, their first since leading 6-4 with five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Andrew Tripak scored the first five points of the fourth quarter on an offensive rebound putback and a 3-pointer for the left corner to push the lead to 63-56. Mineral Ridge never got closer than four points the rest of the way.

Tripak, who totaled 20 points and 13 rebounds, had 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Mineral Ridge coach Sam Racketa said his team’s execution fell apart in the second half as the Rams committed 13 of their 23 turnover after the break.

“Our goal was to not turn it over and to get a shot every time down the floor,” he said.

Joe Blinsky totaled 24 points to lead Columbiana, while Kevin Blinsky added 21 and four steals.

Nick Miele led Mineral Ridge with 20 points and 14 boards. T.J. Bevilaqua chipped 19 points and seven rebounds and five assists in defeat.