By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
The Okarche Warriors boys’ basketball team lost in overtime in the regional tournament, ending the season in what Coach Aaron West says was an unusual year, but a good one to build on.
The team lost to Woodland in overtime, being outscored in the OT period 15-6. The boys lost the game 62-53 Monday, Feb. 22.
Coach Aaron West said the team battled the entire game.
“We had a chance to beat Woodland. They are 18-4 so it would’ve been a pretty good win. The boys played hard and battled throughout the game. It was back and forth.”
In the third quarter the team was down eight points then in the fourth quarter took a two-point lead with a minute remaining.
But mistakes lead to Woodland free throws.
“We had a chance with a pretty decent look at the buzzer. We started overtime on two missed defensive covers. Their two leading a scorers hit back to back treys to start overtime. That put us behind real quick.”
The boys’ season ended with a 10-11 record.
“I was proud of the way the team battled all year. It was the craziest year since I’ve been coaching with the missed games and quarantine. Starting and stopping practices for a few days at a time hurt conditioning. The boys handled adversity well. They never complained,” West said.
The seniors had good careers, West said.
Logan Kroener had a number of big games and played hard, West said.
“Tyler Schwarz provided great minutes and always came ready to work. It hurt losing Joseph Schaefer to a torn ACL a few weeks back. He worked really hard to get to where he was at. I feel for him.”
The players improved through the season.
“I thought we gave everyone a run for their money. Evan Endres had a great season. Plays with such heart and passion. Brayden Stover came on and provided great scoring.”
He said young players gained experience.
P.K. Harris started and Trey Gilles provided depth, he said.
“Overall, I was proud of the effort and intensity the team played with,” West said.
“We will have to get bigger and stronger in the future. With the classification change this year opponents are bigger and stronger.”
He said the offseason work will begin soon.
“We will start immediately lifting and working. Spend time working fundamentals. Passing dribbling and shooting. That’s the big key for the future. Build on what we learned this year. Look to improve this summer. Overall, I thought our boys represented Okarche well with class and effort. I was proud of that,” West said.
