Blue & Gold Finals (Blue Division): Hartville vs Rogersville
It is rare that in a championship game you can look at both teams and consider them both a Cinderella story and a favorite at the same time. However, that was very much the case for the Blue Division title…
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Continue ReadingIt is rare that in a championship game you can look at both teams and consider them both a Cinderella story and a favorite at the same time. However, that was very much the case for the Blue Division title game between Hartville and Rogersville.
Hartville could make a claim for the glass slipper considering they were a Class 2 school competing against much higher levels of competition. With that being said, the Eagles came into the Blue & Gold undefeated and regarded as one of the favorites to challenge for a state championship. Rogersville, on the other hand, came into the tournament as a 6 seed that had to take down multiple higher seeds (Bolivar & Nixa) during their run to the title game. However, they were multiple classes higher than Hartville and came in as a defending champion after a storybook run last season.
The game itself was a doozy. Rogersville jumped out to an early 7-2 lead, but Hartville cranked up the tempo defensively and in transition to respond with a 19-4 run that eventually helped them to a 27-20 halftime lead. The Eagles got lay-up after lay-up in transition thanks to several steals and deep outlets. Rogersville stayed within striking distance thanks to some tough shot-making by standout wing Cade Blevins.
In the second half, Rogersville made some adjustments. They started to sprint back and take away the transition baskets, and they started using their length advantage to frustrate Hartville. They eventually tied the game early in the fourth quarter, but Hartville would not be denied.
The Eagles put on a clinic of beautiful basketball that featured a textbook display of transition conversions and smooth dimes. They pulled away in the final minutes and secured a 52-46 championship game victory, their first since 1996.
Hartville won behind a balanced offensive attack. They play fluid team basketball and thrive on getting out in transition and hitting cutters moving without the ball. Junior guard Ryce Piper makes things go for the Eagles in the half-court. He is a slick ballhandler that can burn defenses in multiple ways. Cody Mahan was a huge catalyst and likely the game’s MVP. He finished with a team high 15 points, nearly all of which came from picking the pocket of Rogersville guards and taking it coast to coast for lay-ups in transition. Brady Ward got in on the fun as well, converting a number of leak out baskets where he was the recipient of deep outlets that hit him in stride for easy finishes. Eli Cook was a force inside and was very impressive. At only 6’2, he plays like he is 6’8. Strong in the paint, sneaky athletic on the glass, and has very good touch with his right hand.
Rogersville’s attack was led by a two-headed monster. Senior wing Cade Blevins is a big time shot maker and made some tough ones to keep the Wildcats close in the first half. In the second half it was senior forward Josh Linehan who tormented Hartville inside and helped Rogersville close the gap and eventually tie things up in the fourth quarter.
Congratulations to 12-0 Hartville on an impressive week culminating in the Blue Divison championship!