Mahoning County team advances to state final
BOWLING GREEN — Patrick Weiery, a 6 foot, 3 inch center, poured in 30 points in leading the Mahoning County Public Special Olympics basketall team to a 48-40 victory over Marion MARCA Hawks Special Olympics in the Special Olympics state semifinal game Friday at Bowling Green University.
Mahoning County (7-2) will play for the championship today at 3 p.m.
Mahoning County was ahead by eight points early in the second quarter, then managed to hold on for a 26-24 lead at intermission.
John Michael Snitzer chipped in with 14 points for Mahoning County and Jared Ausnehmer added four.
Coach Carolyn Thomas of Mahoning County said, “My kids are on seventh heaven. They couldn’t believe it.”
“The kids played up to what we expected of them and then some,” said Thomas. “It was a hard game and the kids went after the ball for everything, blocked some shots and made the most of their opportunities. “
“I am trying to calm them down now and get them ready for tomorrow,” said Thomas “We are playing one game at a time.”