Boys Basketball has had a rollercoaster of a season with huge wins like last night in Zanesville and tough losses such as in the OVAC Championship. Yet, both extremes are preparing our boys for the final showdown at States.
At the OVAC Championship, Park played the defending state champs, Morgantown High School. Our boys were awarded OVAC runner-ups with an end score of 44-84.
“We played well for the first quarter, we stuck to the game plan,” said Coach Jebbia, “Morgantown came out and scored the first six or seven possessions in the second quarter and even at that we were hanging around in the third, we were down 13 to 15. Then the fourth quarter they outscored us twenty-eight to seven which made the score look like it did, and Morgantown is really good. They’ve won the state [tournament] the last two years, you know just wish we would have played better for a longer period of time, but kids bounce back.”
Sophomore varsity player, Amare Johnson, reflects on the loss and what they can learn from it.
“We can use it as motivation to prepare, and just be better for the next time we play,” said Johnson.
As the season starts to head into the direction of the post-season, Coach Jebbia talks about the focus for the next few weeks.
“I think the number one thing is take care of the basketball, get good shots on the offensive end, and then defensive, we just have to continue to try to get stops, and you know rebound the ball. We’re not overly big, but to compete on the boards. Honestly, I think when it gets to this point this season taking care of the ball and trying to get a good shot each possession is the biggest key,” Said Coach Jeb.
Park traveled to Zanesville on February 20th, and added another win to the season, 60-48. Our boys also defeated the St. Clairsville Devils, 73-63, on the road on February 15th.
Upcoming, Park will play the number one ranked Spring Mills at home on Thursday, February 22nd.
“Thursday, we played the number one team in the state here spring Mills six o’clock varsity so big week to prep us for the postseason. Spring Mills actually had beaten Morgantown early in the year by four [points]. They have a lot of size, it’d be one of the bigger teams we play. I think our guards match up fine with Spring Mills guards, it’s just a matter of keeping them off the boards and containing their size. They have a six-foot-seven player who averages like eighteen points, twelve rebounds, and six blocks, so he’s a game changer and one of the top players in the state, “ said Coach Jebbia anticipating Thursday’s match-up.
“So, you know we have our losses, all of our losses have been close with the exception of the OVAC title game. You know, so we have faith in our kids and we’re looking forward to this part of the season,” said Coach Jebbia reflecting on the OVAC Title game, and looking toward the State tournament.
