Poland Bulldogs’ attempt at state trophy fails 78-70

By Joe Scalzo

Poland Bulldogs’ attempt

at state trophy fails 78-70

No Valley boys basketball team has brought a state title home since 1994.

COLUMBUS —¬†Flanked by seniors Ben Umbel and David White on either side, Poland High boys basketball coach Ken Grisdale sat down at Thursday’s postgame press conference table, took a deep breath and paused.

“Um, I’m just getting my thoughts together,” said Grisdale after a 78-70 loss to Chillicothe in a Division II state semifinal at Value City Arena. “I apologize.”

He composed himself, then continued.

“It’s tough to do what we’ve done all year and to come down here and not accomplish the next step,” he said. “We’ve become a family. We’ve gone through a lot of ups.

“Sometimes life isn’t about ups. You have to deal with downs.”

The top-ranked Bulldogs (25-1) fell to 0-4 all-time in state tournament games. The eight-point margin was the closest in school history, besting the 1972 team that lost to Lexington by 12 (59-47) in a Class AA semifinal.

Grisdale is 0-3 in state tournament games, losing to LeBron James and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, 76-36, in 2002 and falling to Upper Sandusky 89-58 in last year’s tournament.

No Mahoning Valley boys basketball team has won a state title since Ursuline (Div. III) in 1994.

“The guys have tears in their eyes,” said Grisdale.

“Not so much because of the loss but knowing we’re not going to play together again.”

Senior guard Ben Umbel, a first team All-Ohioan, was terrific in his final game, recording team-highs in points (28), assists (5) and steals (6).

He was one of two returning starters and one of four seniors who unselfishly integrated a talented sophomore class that led to the first undefeated team in school history.

“It was a great ride and more than what I could have hoped for,” said Umbel.

scalzo@vindy.com