Senior class: McDonald lets opponent score final points

By Jon Moffett

BERLIN CENTER — The capacity crowd that had packed into Western Reserve High’s gym erupted to its collective feet as the last basket went in.

While the basket made no difference to the final score — 65-51 in favor of the home team — it meant plenty to the shooter.

Senior Claire Ferrando had played only 10 games in the past two seasons because of injuries to both knees. As a junior last season, she tore the ACL in her left knee. After extensive rehabilitation in the offseason, Ferrando returned only to tear the ACL in her right knee.

Ferrando entered Thursday’s game with 10 seconds left. McDonald coach Rob Hilbun opted for sportsmanship by instructing his team to foul Ferrando, sending her to the foul line for her last shots on her home floor.

She missed both shots, but Western Reserve (16-3, 12-1 ITCL Tier 2) rebounded the ball and gave it back to Ferrando, who swished the shot.

The sign of respect was appreciated by Western Reserve coach Josh Scott and Ferrando.

“That was one of the classiest moves I have ever seen,” said Scott. “I really respect them for that, because not many people would take the time to go and foul like that in the face of defeat, which they did. That was pretty awesome.”

Hilbun said the act was to honor one of the conference’s top players.

“She’s a great player,” Hilbun said of Ferrando. “I’ve coached against her since she was a freshman and she’s great.”

After the game, Ferrando was all smiles when asked about the shot.

“It was awesome, it was definitely awesome,” she said. “The sportsmanship and just how nice they were was great.”

McDonald (12-5, 10-3) had a rough start to the game, scoring only 15 points in the first half.

But a strong effort by Joh’Vonnie Mosley brought McDonald within nine in the fourth quarter.

Mosley finished with 23 points.

With an ITCL championship T-shirt draped over his right shoulder, Scott acknowledged the effort by McDonald and credited his team for playing hard.

“We knew that it was going to be a tough one,” he said. “We knew it was going to be a tough road, but I told the kids that anything worth it won’t be easily earned.”

Hilbun said he was impressed with the second half effort and had no issues with the game.

“We never gave up,” he said. “We wanted to give good effort, and in the second half I couldn’t have asked for better effort. I was very proud of all my girls. We’re going to look at this as a positive.”

Four players scored in double figures for Western Reserve.

Senior Victoria Brown led the way with 14 points, followed by sophomore Tori Korda with 12, seniors Jessie Keeler with 11 and Matti Shahaden with 10.

jmoffett@vindy.com