Spartans turn to defense, win

By Ryan Jones

Chase Hammond came up with a steal to help seal Boardman’s 52-46 victory against visiting Mooney.

BOARDMAN — Boardman High boys basketball coach Jim Goske said his players went with a halfcourt trap in the second half to attempt to slow down Mooney’s dribble drive offense.

“We were hoping to force some turnovers, but that wasn’t the first reason we decided to trap,” Goske said. “We were looking for a way to help out our defense. We were trying to get them away from driving the ball into the paint.”

Ahead 47-46 with 1:26 remaining, the Spartans’ halfcourt trap did more than contain the Cardinal offense; it harassed Mooney into two consecutive turnovers en route to a 52-46 triumph.

After Mooney’s Chuck Gruber drained two free throws to cut the lead to 47-46, the Spartans’ defense turned up the heat.

Chase Hammond came up with a steal and was fouled trying to dunk the ball in transition.

The 6-foot-4 junior missed both free throws, but atoned for his shortcomings at the line as teammate Eric Soller stole the ball on Mooney’s next possession and passed ahead to Hammond who finished the layup while being fouled.

Hammond, who netted a game-high 16 points, hit the ensuing free throw to give Boardman (5-9) a 50-46 lead with 45 seconds left.

Goske said his team did a better job attacking the basket than it had for most of the season.

“At times we’ve been aggressive going to the rim,” Goske said. “Tonight, we did a good job of finishing at the rim while being fouled. We’ve struggled this season finishing plays close to the hoop.”

Mooney (5-6) had two more chances to cut into the 50-46 lead, but Ronnie Martino missed a contested layup and Eddie Reese misfired from downtown.

Mooney Coach Chris Kohl said his has to learn how to finish games.

“You have to bear down and play your best basketball when the game is on the line,” Kohl said. “And were not doing that right now.

“I told the kids we have to do the little things — like throwing a bounce pass against their trap, or boxing out on a free throw attempt — to win these tight games.

“We knew coming in that this game wasn’t going to be a cake walk,” Kohl said. “Boardman’s record is deceiving.”

Boardman made 15-of-22 foul shots compared to Mooney, who shot 3-of-8.

“Even though we missed six free throws in the fourth quarter, it’s a step in the right direction,” Goske said of his team’s charity stripe performance.

Goske said its time for his team string together some victories. The Spartans host Lake on Friday.

“When you’re 4-9, you’re looking for any win you can get,” Goske said. “Tonight, we got one against a quality opponent.

“We’ve had some big wins this year, but we’ve been inconsistent after those wins. It’ll be interesting to see how we respond going forward.”

J.T. Moore had a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with his 11 points.

Chuck Gruber led Mooney with 12 points and four rebounds while John Stoops chipped in 11 points and Martino added 10 points and four assists.