Cedarville's Defense Clamps Down On Wilberforce

Tonight (Thursday, December 19, 2019) is going to be a very good night. Let me explain. The Cedarville University (CU) Lady Yellow Jackets’ Basketball Team recently had an 8-Game Winning Streak ended (a 74-51 Loss to Kentucky Wesleyan College on 12/14/2019). However, Cedarville quickly rebounded with a victory (64-43 over Trevecca Nazarene University on 12/16/2019). With those games now out of the way, a unique challenge is about to commence. After two Road Games, the Lady Yellow Jackets has now returned HOME (Callan Athletic Center). The ensuing game is not just your normal college basketball game. It means much more than that. Tonight’s game is what I affectionately like to call: “THE BATTLE FOR GREENE COUNTY.” Only 6-Minutes (by vehicle) and 5-Miles separate Cedarville University and Wilberforce University (WU) from each other. Although I would not classify the rivalry as being one of a heated nature, it is still a rivalry. It is just a “Friendly Rivalry.” Regardless of how people feel about athletic contests between CU and WU, everyone should agree on one thing. Both CU and WU each want the bragging rights. Each team wants to be known as the better Greene County, Ohio team. Wilberforce comes into tonight’s game with an Overall Season Record of 7-4. Currently, the team is on a 5-Game Winning Streak. With both teams having played in a positive way (up until this moment in time), tonight’s game will be interesting. Which team will be able to gain control and arise victorious? While I cannot answer that question at this very moment, I do know one thing. For the entirety of this game, that question will never leave my mindset.

            As the Official Tip-Off was getting underway, Wilberforce’s Lady Bulldogs committed a foul. Cedarville was given the ball’s possession. At 9:48, the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Abby Wolford missed a 2-Point Basket. Wilberforce went on to miss a 2-Point Basket too. Cedarville ended up with the ball again. Unfortunately, the team turned the ball over. With 9:01 on the clock, Cedarville’s Defense picked up a steal. The steal did not turn into points. At 7:57, Wilberforce’s Malika Wildon nailed a 3-Point Basket. The Lady Bulldogs would soon have the ball again. Due to an Offensive Foul, the ball would be turned over. With 7:04 on the scoreboard, the Lady Yellow Jackets finally scored some points. Alli Roh made a 2-Point Basket. A short time later, Cedarville picked up another steal. Once again, the team was unable to convert the steal into points. From 5:29 to 4:58, Wilberforce outscored Cedarville 5-0. Sydney Moore scored 3-Points.

            At the 4:58 mark, a Timeout was called. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 8-2. Thus far, this has been a very defensive game. However, Wilberforce is taking control. Cedarville is having trouble with Wilberforce’s size. Cedarville is going to have to find a way to properly deal with that obstacle. At 4:29, Wilberforce’s Latyrah Beasley made a 2-Point Basket. Twenty-nine seconds later (4:00), Cedarville’s Allison Mader made a 2-Point Basket too. From 3:21 to 2:48, Cedarville committed 2-Turnovers. Wilberforce had 1-Offensive Foul (Turnover). Before the Lady Yellow Jackets turned the ball over again (1:27), Roh went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. During the final 1:02 of the 1^st Quarter, the Lady Bulldogs’ Nia McCormick made a 2-Point Basket. Wildon hit a 3-Point Basket. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, Wolford and teammate Ashlyn Huffman each obtained 2-Points. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Wilberforce leads Cedarville 15-12. After the game started, it was very defensive. Both teams had trouble scoring. Then, Wilberforce started taking over. Cedarville has fought its way back into the game.

            When the 2^nd Quarter started, Wilberforce had the ball. Immediately, Lea Coulter proceeded to go on a 4-0 Scoring Run. At 8:37, Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender ended the run. Bolender made a 2-Point Basket. From 8:19 to 7:16, Wilberforce outscored Cedarville 6-0. During the run, Wildon hit a 3-Point Basket. During the time frame, Cedarville had one positive play. Bolender made a hard block which ended up out-of-bounds. At the 6:57 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 25-14. Wilberforce is really taking it to Cedarville. In terms of speed, Cedarville has found a team that is just like itself. Just like Cedarville, Wilberforce is a fast team. However, Wilberforce is the faster team. In order to remain in front of Cedarville, Wilberforce is using a combination of size and speed.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s Lexi Moore made a 2-Point Basket. For Wilberforce, Coulter responded with a 3-Point Basket. After turning the ball over, Cedarville had the ball again. Once again, Moore put 2-Points onto the scoreboard (4:45). Over one minute later (3:41), Wilberforce’s Alexandra Shealey picked up 2-Points. From 3:18 to 25.4-Seconds, each team had issues with turning the ball over. Cedarville committed 4-Turnovers. Wilberforce committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 8-2. Wolford and Bolender each scored 3-Points. Beasley scored Wilberforce’s 2-Points. During the 2^nd Quarter’s last 20.8-Seconds, Bolender (Cedarville) and Wildon (Wilberforce) each scored 2-Points for their respective team. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Wilberforce leads Cedarville 34-28. Cedarville has cut Wilberforce’s lead down to single-digits. The Lady Yellow Jackets has gotten closer to the Lady Bulldogs. However, the Lady Yellow Jackets has not gotten over the hump yet.

            Allow me to begin with the obvious. Wilberforce has the overall size advantage. Wilberforce has four players who are each at least 6-2 or taller. As a result, playing at the basket has been a positive aspect for Wilberforce. On both the Offensive and Defensive ends, Wilberforce is controlling the basket area. Although Cedarville has had limited success near the basket area, that limited success has not come easy. I must be completely honest. Since I last saw a team control Cedarville like this in the Callan Athletic Center, it has been a long time. Wilberforce is in control of this game. However, Cedarville has reduced Wilberforce’s Double-Digit Lead down to single-digits. Jack is going nowhere. As the 2^nd Quarter came to a close, it is quite obvious that Cedarville is very close to placing momentum on its side. Wilberforce cannot completely separate itself from Cedarville. In the Second Half, failure to do that could become a huge problem. After Halftime, Wilberforce started with the ball. The team did not fail to disappoint. At 9:33, McCormick made a 2-Point Basket.

            Fifteen seconds later (9:18), Wolford responded with 2-Points. From 9:06 to 8:14, Wilberforce committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 4-0. At 7:53, Beasley got Wilberforce back onto the scoreboard. She made a 2-Point Basket. Cedarville proceeded to respond with a 4-0 Scoring Run. At 6:49, Bolender’s 2-Point Basket briefly tied the game 38-38. With 6:30 on the clock, Wilberforce’s Wildon nailed a 3-Point Basket. Before each team went on to commit a turnover, each team scored 2-Points. Then, a Battle of 3-Point Baskets took place. Huffman (Cedarville) and McCormick (Wilberforce) each hit a 3-Point Basket. Before a Media Timeout at 2:56, each team obtained a steal. Each team scored 2-Points. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 48-45. After the Halftime Break, both teams have come out strong. Points are being scored at a rapid pace. Not too many shot attempts are being missed.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, the action ended up at the basket. Cedarville’s Defense made a block and a steal. With the aid of a Wilberforce Turnover, Cedarville went on an 8-0 Scoring Run. During the process, Wolford scored 5-Points (including a 3-Point Basket). Emily Chapman nailed a 3-Point Basket. The Lady Yellow Jackets both tied the game (48-48) and gained the lead (50-48). At the 1:15 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Wilberforce 53-48. Finally, Cedarville has its first lead of the game. The team is gaining control of this game. After the latest Media Timeout, Cedarville went on to score 4-Points. The Lady Bulldogs’ Daija Stafford scored 5-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville leads Wilberforce 57-53. Coming out of Halftime, Cedarville is like a brand-new team. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, the Lady Bulldogs’ size and speed are no longer much of a problem. Cedarville is now utilizing its smaller size and speed to overpower Wilberforce.

            The 4^th Quarter started with each team turning the ball over. Then, Cedarville went on a dominating 12-0 Scoring Run. Wolford scored 4-Points. Huffman scored 6-Points. Abby Freeman and Lexi Moore each scored 1-Point. Wilberforce had 2-Turnovers. At the 5:00 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Thus far in the 4^th Quarter, Wilberforce has not scored! In all facets, Cedarville’s Defense has completely clamped down on Wilberforce’s Offense. Cedarville has completely taken over any area near the basket. Before another Timeout (3:46), Cedarville’s Allison Mader made a 2-Point Basket (4:05). With 3:29 on the clock, Wilberforce scored its first points of the 4^th Quarter. Beasley made a 2-Point Basket. From 3:09 to 1:25, Wilberforce committed 4-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 5-0. With 56.5-Seconds remaining in the game, Wilberforce scored its final points. Christiana Robertson made a 2-Point Basket. Once another Wilberforce Turnover went down, Cedarville’s Paige Garr scored the game’s final points. She successfully made 2-Foul Shots. By the Final Score of 78-57, Cedarville University completed a great come back.

           

Cedarville's Isabelle Bolender Has Spectacular Ending

From the 2015-16 Season through the 2017-18 Season, Ursuline College’s (UC) Basketball Team had the following Overall Season Records: 25-4 (2015-16); 23-8 (2016-17); & 19-10 (2017-18). At the end of the 2018-19 Season, the Lady Arrows finished with an Overall Season Record of 8-20. In 2019-20, the team’s current record stands at 2-6. There is a stark difference between what type of team Ursuline used to be and what type of team Ursuline is now. Better yet, I need to choose more appropriate wordage. For three seasons, Ursuline has experienced great success. The past two seasons have not been so kind to the Lady Arrows. Today (Saturday, December 7, 2019) is a new day. Therefore, UC has the opportunity to start improving its 2019-20 Season. The forthcoming game is the first step. UC has traveled to Cedarville University’s (CU) Callan Athletic Center. For the Lady Arrows, standing in its path to victory is the Home Team: CU Lady Yellow Jackets. After opening the season with a loss, Cedarville has proceeded to win seven, consecutive games. While playing against Cedarville is never an easy task, ignore Ursuline’s record! In the past, Cedarville and Ursuline have played some great games against each other. At one point, I was present for one of those games. Believe me when I say the following. In the rivalry between Cedarville and Ursuline, “Win/Loss Records do not matter.” Regardless of which team ends up being victorious, the game is sure to be exciting.

            Cedarville won the Official Tip-Off. At 9:48, the Yellow Jackets missed a 3-Point Basket. However, the team managed to rebound the ball. CU’s Alli Roh went on to make a 2-Point Basket (9:36). CU soon had the ball again. Unfortunately, the team turned the ball over. At 8:46, Ursuline’s Aubrie Marsh was fouled. She made 1-Foul Shot. From 8:10 to 7:21, CU committed 1-Turnover. UC committed 2-Turnovers. With 7:58 on the clock, the Lady Arrows had the ball. A Jump Ball was called. One of the Lady Yellow Jackets’ players almost obtained a steal. In the end, Ursuline was given possession. At 7:09, Cedarville’s Abby Wolford made a 2-Point Basket. By the score of 4-1, Cedarville leads Ursuline.

            Sandwiched between 2-Turnovers from each team, Ursuline’s Jennah Taylor and Cedarville’s Ashlyn Huffman each scored 2-Points. From 5:21 to 4:51, the Lady Yellow Jackets (Cameron Peek: 2-Points & Stevie Johnting: 3-Points) went on a 5-0 Scoring Run. At 4:32, UC’s Ky Crevison ended CU’s run. Crevison hit a 3-Point Basket. A Media Timeout was soon called (4:21). Cedarville leads Ursuline 11-6. Thus far, both teams have been playing really tough defense. Points are hard to come by. As far as offense goes, Cedarville has been the faster team. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, getting quickly to the basket has been easy. Shortly after the Media Timeout, CU’s Defense obtained a steal. With 3:21 on the scoreboard, Johnting nailed a 3-Point Basket. UC responded with a 5-0 Scoring Run. Cedarville came right back with an 8-0 Scoring Run. During the run, Cedarville’s Defense made 3-Steals. Also, the unit had 1-Block.  With no time remaining on the clock, Ursuline’s Tamara Mathis made a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Cedarville leads Ursuline 22-13.

            Cedarville has opened up a small amount of breathing room between itself and Ursuline College. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Offense is beginning to come alive. When the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Cedarville had possession of the ball. The team missed a Shot Attempt. At 9:15, Ursuline’s Defense made a steal. Four seconds later (9:11), Mathis made 1-Foul Shot. Mathis went on to make a 2-Point Basket. With 8:29 on the clock, Roh found herself standing at the Free Throw Line. She ended up making 1-Foul Shot. At 8:07, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 23-16. The defense being played is still tough. As a result, multiple shots are being missed. I believe that the teams are taking shots which they do not always want to take. Coming out of the Media Timeout, points were hard to come by. Points were not being scored. With 6:04 on the clock, points were scored again. Ursuline’s Sam Jenkins made a 2-Point Basket.

            Before a Timeout (5:01), Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender and Ursuline’s Aubrie Marsh each made a 2-Point Basket. Going into the Timeout, Cedarville leads Ursuline 25-20. I have noticed that Cedarville has been having a really easy time going to the basket, whenever it wants to. After getting to the basket, its Shot Attempts are not always successful. However, the team is still getting there (in the first place). On the defensive end, Cedarville’s Defense at the basket has been extremely tough on Ursuline. From 5:01 to 3:30, Cedarville outscored Ursuline 6-0. Bolender scored 4-Points. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Defense made 1-Steal. With 3:13 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, Ursuline’s Julia Cardwell made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, she was fouled. She successfully completed the 3-Point Play. Eleven seconds later (3:02), Cedarville’s Allison Mader nailed a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville leads Ursuline 34-23. At the 2:35 mark, Ursuline’s Bekah Green made a 2-Point Basket. In a big way, Cedarville responded. The Lady Yellow Jackets went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. It had 1-Steal too.

            At the end of the 2^nd Quarter (and First Half), Cedarville University leads Ursuline College 40-25. Toward the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Cedarville started taking control of the game. Its Offense is really asserting itself. When the 3^rd Quarter started, Ursuline had possession of the ball. Wolford quickly stole the ball. Then, she ended up with 2-Points (9:51). The Lady Arrows went on to outscore the Lady Yellow Jackets 4-0. After Cedarville failed to score, Ursuline had the ball again. That possession ended in a Turnover (Traveling – 8:38). Sandwiched between Bolender and teammate Roh each making a 2-Point Basket, Ursuline’s Alyssa Evans hit a 3-Point Basket. Once each team committed 1-Turnover, a Battle of 3-Point Baskets took place. The Lady Arrows’ Evans made one. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Bolender made the other one. From 5:25 to 4:25, Cedarville scored 1-Point. To Cedarville’s dismay, Ursuline scored 3-Points. With 4:25 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 50-38.

            At 3:46, Ursuline’s Offense turned the ball over. Cedarville’s Offense turned that mistake into 2-Points. Near the 3:00 mark, Cedarville picked up 1-Point. During the 3^rd Quarter’s final 2:49, Ursuline College took over control of the game. Cedarville had 2-Turnovers. Ursuline outscored Cedarville 12-2. Ky Crevison and Alyssa Evans each scored 4-Points. Cedarville’s Paige Garr scored the Lady Yellow Jackets’ 2-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Ursuline trails Cedarville 55-52. With possession of the ball, Cedarville started the 4^th Quarter. The Lady Yellow Jackets ended up turning the ball over. At 8:51, Evans made 2-Foul Shots. Then, Wolford picked up 2-Points. By making 2-Foul Shots, Evans responded.  Before a Timeout (7:27) was called, each team scored 2-Points. Cedarville’s lead is now 1-Point (59-58).  

            With 6:21 remaining in the game, Cedarville’s Allison Mader nailed a 3-Point Basket. At the 6:00 mark, Evans made 2-Foul Shots. Wolford responded with a 2-Point Basket. At 4:58, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 64-60. After the Media Timeout, Ursuline outscored Cedarville 4-2. Then, another Media Timeout was called (3:45). Ursuline trails Cedarville 66-64. Ursuline is sticking right with Cedarville. However, Ursuline just has been unable to take the lead. After the latest Media Timeout, Ursuline’s Defense had a hard block and a steal. Cedarville’s Offense turned the ball over. At 2:43, Ursuline’s Jennah Taylor tied the game up (66-66). She made a 2-Point Basket. During the conversion, she was fouled. Taylor did not make her Foul Shot Attempt. If she had done so, Ursuline College would have taken a 1-Point lead.

            Before another Timeout (1:19), Cedarville’s Cameron Peek broke the tie. She made a 2-Point Basket (1:58). At the 1:12 mark, Ursuline turned the ball over. Then, a Timeout was called. With 45.7-Seconds on the clock, Ursuline’s Sam Jenkins made a 2-Point Basket. She tied the game (68-68). With 36.7-Seconds remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. Then, another Timeout was soon called (25.8-Seconds). With 2.5-Seconds on the clock, Ursuline turned the ball over. Immediately, Cedarville called a Timeout. With three tenths of a second left on the clock, Isabelle Bolender nailed the night’s biggest shot. As the game was about to end with a tie and head to Overtime Play, Bolender turned around. She threw up a 2-Point Basket. The ball successfully went through the hoop. As a direct result, Cedarville earned a victory. The Final Score was Cedarville 70 and Ursuline 68. Cedarville and its Home Crowd all erupted into complete happiness and joy.

           

Trotwood-Madison Shuts Down Bishop Hartley Comeback

Although words do not paint the complete picture of how I am currently feeling, I will try my very best to do so. After a period of more than five years, I am presently back in the city which I call my “SECOND HOMETOWN.” That city is London, Ohio. From November 2004 to March 2006, I lived in London. Before and after that time period, I visited London a countless amount of times. I have friends and family members who live in the city. At one point, London was the place where I attended church. Less than a week ago, I found out that I would be here tonight (Friday, November 29, 2019). In the past, I have said that being a Freelance Sports Writer takes me to so many places. Due to the fact of being able to choose where I go, I get to experience many different stadiums and gymnasiums. Therefore, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit London High School’s Bowlus Field. In just mere minutes, an Ohio High School Division 3 Semifinal Football Game will commence. The game will feature Trotwood-Madison High School (TMHS) vs. Columbus Bishop Hartley High School (BHHS). The Rams (Trotwood-Madison) vs. Hawks (Bishop Hartley) will be a battle between two of Ohio’s best teams. While I am very familiar with Trotwood-Madison’s Football Program, the same cannot be said about Bishop Hartley’s Football Program. That is about to change. I am going to find out what Bishop Hartley is all about.

            Bishop Hartley won the Official Coin Toss. The team has elected to defer. Trotwood-Madison will start on Offense first. After a good Kickoff Return, the Rams’ Offense started on its own 45-Yard Line. Once an Incomplete Pass was thrown and a run managed to obtain only 1-Yard, TMHS was faced with 3^rd Down and 9 from the 46-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Trotwood-Madison’s Quarterback Cooper Stewart moved the ball to Bishop Hartley’s 45-Yard Line (9-Yards – 11:11). On the ensuing 1^st Down and 10 Play, Stewart completed a 7-Yard Pass to Wide Receiver Carl Blanton, Jr. The next play was a rush which moved the ball to the 35-Yard Line. Due to the fact the Rams needed exactly 3-Yards to obtain a First Down, another First Down was obtained. At 10:29, the ball was still on the Hawks’ 35-Yard Line. Stewart went on to complete a 35-Yard Touchdown Pass. Sammy Anderson scored the touchdown. Carter Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 7-0. Bishop Hartley’s first Offensive Drive started on the team’s 32-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 5 from the 37-Yard Line, the ball was rushed 9-Yards (to the 46-Yard Line – 9:48).

            From the 46-Yard Line, the drive ended up being a disaster. First, Quarterback Miles Fleming was sacked. Two, ensuing runs did not gain much. With 7:01 on the scoreboard, it was now 4^th Down and 12 from the Hawks’ 43-Yard Line. The ball was punted away. The Rams’ Offense got going from its 35-Yard Line. Immediately, the ball was on the move. Hezekiah Hudson-Davis picked up 8-Yards. The next play ended with 2-Yards being acquired (6:21). At 4:58, the ball was positioned on the 44-Yard Line. After the snap on 2^nd Down and 11, Stewart rushed the ball. Flags were thrown. Bishop Hartley was penalized for a Holding Violation. That penalty gave Trotwood-Madison a First Down (on BHHS’s 42-Yard Line). On 1^st and 10, Ke’shawn Huguely ran the ball to the 31-Yard Line (11-Yards – 4:53). TMHS soon avoided a disaster of its own. On the ensuing 1^st Down and 10 Play, H. Hudson-Davis took the hand-off. During the process of rushing the ball, he fumbled. Luckily, the Rams’ Offense recovered the ball.

            With 3:21 remaining in the 1^st Quarter, the ball rested on Bishop Hartley’s 26-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 5, Stewart completed a 26-Yard Touchdown Pass to Anderson. Anderson’s catch was spectacular. In order to make the reception, he had to make a dive. Then, he pulled the ball in with one hand. Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. TMHS’s lead grew to 14-0. On the ensuing Offensive Drive, BHHS’s Offense went three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 5 from the team’s own 33-Yard Line, BHHS was forced to punt. With 6.3-Seconds remaining in the quarter, the ball was on Trotwood-Madison’s 30-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 9, Keon’tae Huguely rushed for 12-Yards. He was tackled on the 42-Yard Line. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 14-0. After the start of the 2^nd Quarter, the drive came to an abrupt end. On 1^st Down and 10, Keon’tae Huguely was intercepted by Bishop Hartley’s Trey Saunders. The Hawks’ Offensive Drive was filled with penalties. Before the drive got underway, Bishop Hartley was hit with an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty. That penalty placed the ball on Bishop Hartley’s 10-Yard Line.

            As the 1^st Down and 10 Play was beginning, Bishop Hartley’s Offense committed a False Start Violation. That mistake pushed the ball back to the 5-Yard Line. When the next play started, flags were thrown. Once again, the Hawks was penalized for a False Start Violation. This time, the ball was moved back to the 3-Yard Line. Was BHHS finished with its penalty issues? The answer is NO. At 11:46, the ball was on the 3-Yard Line. A rushing play took place. Afterward, BHHS was penalized for a Chop Block Violation. The ball remained on the 3-Yard Line. The next play started with a rush and ended with a fumble. Trotwood-Madison’s Tyreik Gooch recovered the fumble. TMHS’s Offense got started on BHHS’s 4-Yard Line. With both H. Hudson-Davis and Stewart leading the way, the ball was able to only be moved to the 1-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 1, Mims successfully converted an 18-Yard Kick. TMHS leads BHHS 17-0.

            Bishop Hartley’s next Offensive Drive started off being affected by 2-False Start Violations. The drive officially started from the Hawks’ 28-Yard Line. With 8:11 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, it was now 3^rd Down and 9. The ball was on Bishop Hartley’s 36-Yard Line. Once again, the Hawks’ Offense committed a False Start Violation. The penalty moved the ball back to the 31-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 14, Miles Fleming completed a 34-Yard Pass to Angelo Evans (7:51). Evans was brought down on Trotwood-Madison’s 35-Yard Line. From the 35-Yard Line, the drive went on to experience issues. The ball was only moved to the 28-Yard Line. At the 5:33 mark, BHHS was penalized for a False Start Violation. On 4^th Down and 8 from the 33-Yard Line, the Hawks decided to run a play. Punting was not an option. After the snap, Fleming was intercepted (5:05) by TMHS’s Carl Blanton, Jr. Blanton, Jr. was tackled on TMHS’s 10-Yard Line. Immediately, H. Hudson-Davis gave the Rams some breathing room. On 1^st Down and 10, H. Hudson-Davis moved the ball to the 23-Yard Line (13-Yards – 4:58).

            The very next play got off to a rough start. The snap-from-center was high. However, Stewart managed to gain control of the ball. He proceeded to rush the ball. Flags were thrown. The ball was placed on Trotwood-Madison’s 16-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 9 from the 24-Yard Line, Stewart ended up being sacked. For a loss of 3-Yards, Stewart was dropped back on the 21-Yard Line. With 2:50 on the clock, it was now 4^th Down and 12. Dominic Reece punted the ball. The ball was downed on Bishop Hartley’s 49-Yard Line. The Hawks’ Offense was unable to get any momentum going. Instead of punting the ball away on 4^th Down and 6, the Hawks decided to run an Offensive Play. The ball was on the Rams’ 47-Yard Line. After the snap, Mason Sawyer was pitched the ball. He was about to throw the ball. To his dismay, Sawyer was never able to release a throw. He was dropped on his team’s 45-Yard Line (1:05).

            On 1^st Down and 10, Stewart completed a 24-Yard Pass to H. Hudson-Davis. H. Hudson-Davis was able to get the ball to Bishop-Hartley’s 21-Yard Line (53.7-Seconds). With the ball still on the 21-Yard Line, it was now 2^nd Down and 10. Stewart kept the ball and he rushed it. As he was approaching the end zone, Stewart fumbled the ball. The ball bounced into the end zone. Flags were thrown too. BHHS was hit with a Personal Foul Penalty. Trotwood-Madison maintained possession. Better yet, the penalty placed the ball on the Hawks’ 1-Yard Line (32.3-Seconds). After three plays and a False Start Penalty (against TMHS), the ball was on the 6-Yard Line. For the Rams, this is where matters got very weird. 4^th Down and Goal was attempted two more times. As each play got underway, Trotwood-Madison was penalized for a False Start Violation. Finally, the play was able to be completed. On 4^th Down and Goal from the 16-Yard Line, Stewart threw a pass to the end zone. Unfortunately, the pass was incomplete (3.6-Seconds). The Rams’ Offensive Drive was a wasted opportunity. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 17-0.

            After the Halftime Break, Bishop Hartley’s Offense started from its 27-Yard Line. At 10:07, the ball was positioned on the 35-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 2, Jalan January proceeded to take off on a long run. A penalty would reduce January’s long gain. As a result, the ball was placed on Trotwood-Madison’s 44-Yard Line. The ball would go on to only move to the 40-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 6 from the Rams’ 40-Yard Line, January rushed the ball to the 35-Yard Line (8:00). By falling short 1-Yard, the play failed to obtain a First Down. With 6:31 on the clock, TMHS faced 3^rd Down and 2 from its 43-Yard Line. Stewart rushed the ball to the 48-Yard Line (5-Yards). At this point, TMHS relied on H. Hudson-Davis to move the ball forward. First, he gets the ball to Bishop Hartley’s 45-Yard Line. Next, H. Hudson-Davis obtains a First Down. However, a penalty (against Trotwood-Madison) took away the First Down. The next play started from BHHS’s 48-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 5, H. Hudson-Davis picked up the First Down. His 16-Yard Run moved the ball to the 32-Yard Line (5:04).

            From Bishop Hartley’s 32-Yard Line, Trotwood-Madison’s Offensive Drive disintegrated. An Illegal Shift Penalty moved the ball back to the 37-Yard Line. With 3:41 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, TMHS made a huge mistake. On 2^nd Down and 6 from the 28-Yard Line, the snap-from-center was high. The ball started bouncing on the field. Eventually, Stewart fell on the ball. The ball was downed back on BHHS’s 41-Yard Line. After a high snap, the next play ended with an Incomplete Pass. On 4^th Down and 19 from the 41-Yard Line, Reece made a good punt. The ball was downed on the Hawks’ 10-Yard Line. An ensuing Holding Penalty and a False Start Penalty moved the ball back to the 2-Yard Line. Bishop Hartley went on to go three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 14, the ball was on the 6-Yard Line. At 51.1-Seconds, the ball was punted. The Rams’ Sammy Anderson fielded the punt. When he stopped running, it was 40-Yards later. Anderson was standing in the end zone. Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. Trotwood-Madison’s lead grew to 24-0.  

            Before the 3^rd Quarter ended, Bishop Hartley made a big play. With the ball on the Hawks’ 27-Yard Line, it was 2^nd Down and 6. At 3.1-Seconds, Fleming completed a 27-Yard Pass to Marcelis Parker. Parker was tackled on the Rams’ 46-Yard Line. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Trotwood-Madison still leads Bishop Hartley 24-0. To open the 4^th Quarter, BHHS alternated between Fleming and January. Fleming had 2-Rushes for 12-Yards. January had 3-Rushes for 24-Yards. The ball moved from the Rams’ 46-Yard Line to the Rams’ 10-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and Goal from the 10-Yard Line, January rushed the ball to the 2-Yard Line (8-Yards – 10:39). The next play had January picking up the 2-Yard Touchdown (10:35). A 2-Point Conversion Rush was good. Unfortunately, a Chop Block Penalty negated the conversion. An ensuing 2-Point Conversion Pass was no good. Bishop Hartley trails Trotwood-Madison 24-6.

            After an Onside Kick, Trotwood-Madison started from its 48-Yard Line. As the first play was beginning, Bishop Hartley was penalized for an Offside Violation. That 5-Yard Penalty moved the ball to BHHS’s 47-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 4 from the Hawks’ 46-Yard Line, TMHS ended up being penalized. The penalty placed the ball back on the Rams’ 43-Yard Line. At the 8:26 mark, Trotwood-Madison committed a Delay of Game Violation. The ball went from the 42-Yard Line back to the 37-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 22, Keon’tae Huguely rushed the ball to the 49-Yard Line (12-Yards – 8:19). The next play ended with Reece punting the ball. The ball was downed on BHHS’s 35-Yard Line. With 7:26 remaining in the game, Fleming completed a 44-Yard Pass to Angelo Evans. Evans was brought down on TMHS’s 21-Yard Line. Bishop Hartley proceeded to put forth a heavy dose of Jalan January. For six, consecutive plays, January was handed the ball. His 20-Rushing Yards got the ball to the 1-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and Goal, January took the ball into the end zone (5:06). The 2-Point Conversion Rush was no good. Trotwood-Madison’s lead has been cut to 24-12.

            Once again, Bishop Hartley made an Onside Kick. This time, the Hawks’ Special Teams Unit recovered the ball. The ball was downed on Trotwood-Madison’s 42-Yard Line. At 4:54 on 2^nd Down and 10, Richard Kenny rushed the ball for 12-Yards (to the 30-Yard Line). The Hawks stuck with the running game. The next, four plays were all runs. With the scoreboard reading 3:40, the ball was on the Rams’ 1-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and Goal, January got the ball into the end zone. Ryan Hawk’s Extra Point Kick was good. By only 5-Points, BHHS now trails TMHS 24-19. With 3:39 remaining in the game, Trotwood-Madison’s Offense was positioned on its 22-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, H. Hudson-Davis rushed the ball to the 42-Yard Line (20-Yards – 3:32). The Offensive Drive would not experience any further exciting moments. In fact, a penalty and rushes for lost yardage would prevent the ball from achieving multiple gains. At the 3:11 mark, the ball was on the Rams’ 38-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 14, Reece punted the ball. The ball was downed on the Rams’ 44-Yard Line.

            Bishop Hartley continued to shove January down the throats of Trotwood-Madison’s players. The Offensive Drive started with January having 5-Rushes. Due to a Holding Penalty, one of the runs was negated. On 2^nd Down and 12, the ball was on the Rams’ 32-Yard Line. After the snap, Fleming was sacked. Sammy Anderson brought him down back on the Rams’ 45-Yard Line. The 3^rd Down and 25 Play ended with a deep pass being incomplete. Now, the drive has come down to a critical 4^th Down and 25 Play. Once again, Fleming threw a deep pass. This time, the pass was intercepted by Carl Blanton, Jr. Blanton, Jr. was tackled on his team’s 2-Yard Line (32.7-Seconds). By the Final Score of 24-19, Trotwood-Madison will be moving on to the Division 3 Championship Game. For three quarters, the game was looking like it was going to be a blowout. In the 4^th Quarter, Bishop Hartley came alive. Although the team was still losing, the Hawks took control of the momentum. While I will never be able to know what could have happened, one thought keeps running throughout my mind. Had Bishop Hartley not experienced a Holding Penalty; Sack; and Intercepted Pass (all at the end of the game), would the team have pulled off the ultimate comeback and won the game? That question will always stick with me.   

           

           

           

Indianapolis Separates Itself From Cedarville

In just mere minutes, the final game of the 2019 Don Callan College Basketball Classic will commence. Of course, the event’s host Cedarville University (CU) will close out the action. CU’s Men’s Basketball Team will be facing University of Indianapolis (UI). In yesterday’s (Friday, November 22, 2019) game, the Yellow Jackets was defeated. By the Final Score of 86-75, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) earned a victory over Cedarville. Today is Saturday, November 23, 2019. Therefore, CU has to quickly put yesterday’s loss behind it. That issue is very appealing to my mind. I am eager to see how CU rebounds from a loss which took place less than 24-Hours ago. So many thoughts must be running through the mindsets of the Yellow Jackets’ players and coaches. The team has to find a way to fix the negative difficulties which plagued the team in yesterday’s loss. With the 2019-2020 season just beginning, this test of adversity is good for the Yellow Jackets. The tough experiences which the Yellow Jackets face now could be beneficial as the season progresses. A loss now could assist in a win later. That is how I view the situation. Of course, my feelings are mine alone. I cannot expect anyone else to share the same sentiment. For sure, I know one thing. The UI Greyhounds wants to win. Indianapolis wants to leave the Don Callan Classic with an undefeated record of 2-0. Cedarville’s issues are of no concern to Indianapolis’ overall mission.

            Cedarville won the Official Tip-Off. The team went on to miss a 2-Point Basket. Soon thereafter, Indianapolis’ Jordache Mavunga nailed a 3-Point Basket (19:37). The Yellow Jackets countered with a 2-Point Basket (Branden Maughmer – 19:16). The Greyhounds proceeded to go on a 5-0 Scoring Run. At 17:49, Indianapolis’ Jacob Polakovich made a 2-Point Basket. Polakovich’s conversion was sandwiched between Cedarville’s Conner TenHove and Quinton Green each picking up 2-Points. From 16:44 to 15:38, Indianapolis outscored Cedarville 7-3. During the time frame, Mavunga scored 5-Points (including a 3-Point Basket). For Cedarville, Maughmer hit a 3-Point Basket. At 15:37, a Media Timeout was called. Indianapolis leads Cedarville 17-9. If Indianapolis would stop making every basket, Cedarville would be in much better shape. I do not know if Indianapolis has missed any shots or not. Thus far, I have not seen the stats. The Media Timeout was good for the Yellow Jackets. Fifteen seconds after the Media Timeout, Green made a Slam Dunk (15:22). A short time later (14:52), TenHove made a 3-Point Basket.

            Once Indianapolis made a 2-Point Basket, Green ended up hitting a 3-Point Basket. Indianapolis leads Cedarville 19-17. From 13:30 to 11:53, each team scored 2-Points. The Greyhounds had 2-Turnovers too. With 11:53 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville is nipping right at the heels of Indianapolis. At one point, Indianapolis was not missing anything. However, the team could not create a large lead which would allow it to separate itself from Cedarville. After the Media Timeout, the Yellow Jackets committed 2-Turnovers. The Greyhounds had 1-Turnover. The Greyhounds scored quick 4-Points. From 9:53 to 7:13, Cedarville outscored Indianapolis 11-4. Kollin Van Horn, Dan McKeeman, and TenHove each scored 3-Points. Maughmer added 2-Points. Polakovich scored Indianapolis’ 4-Points. At the 7:12 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville has kept on fighting hard. As a result, the team has now taken the lead (30-29).

            The Yellow Jackets’ lead did not last long. At 6:57, the Greyhounds’ Trevor Lakes nailed a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville went on to turn the ball over. Then, Lakes hit another 3-Point Basket. With 5:47 on the clock, McKeeman ended Indianapolis’s 6-0 run. At that point, he made a 3-Point Basket. Indianapolis followed up with a turnover. However, Cedarville was unable to turn Indianapolis’ mistake into points. In fact, the Greyhounds ended up with the ball again. At 5:01, Jimmy King scored 2-Points. Shortly before a Media Timeout at 3:58, the Yellow Jackets turned the ball over. Cedarville trails Indianapolis 37-33. The Yellow Jackets’ small lead did not last long. The Greyhounds regained the lead. However, the Yellow Jackets will not go away. Five seconds after play resumed (3:53), Indianapolis turned the ball over. Cedarville outscored Indianapolis 5-2.

            From 2:07 to 1:11, Indianapolis made 2-Steals. The Greyhounds went on a 7-0 Scoring Run. King made both steals, and he scored 2-Points. During the First Half’s final 52.6-Seconds, Cedarville had a 7-0 Scoring Run of its own. At the end of the First Half, Indianapolis leads Cedarville 46-45. The First Half was very exciting. Until the game’s first timeout (15:37), Indianapolis had missed only one shot attempt. The way Indianapolis was looking, I honestly believed that the Greyhounds was about to open up a huge lead and run away with the game. Cedarville did not allow that to happen. The Yellow Jackets just kept on fighting. As the game proceeded, matters came together for the Yellow Jackets. I have noticed one thing. Every time Cedarville did something positive, Indianapolis countered with a positive move of its own. For Indianapolis, Jacob Polakovich has been a great asset. At the basket, he has been unstoppable. Cedarville has no answer for him.

            In the First Half, Polakovich scored 16-Points. During the final 52.6-Seconds of the half, Cedarville went on a 7-0 Scoring Run. That run cut Indianapolis’ lead to 1-Point (46-45). Before Cedarville’s 7-0 run, Indianapolis had a 7-0 run of its own. During its 7-0 run, Indianapolis’ Defense picked up 2-Steals. When the Second Half started, the Greyhounds had possession of the ball. At 19:32, King made a 2-Point Basket. Then, the Yellow Jackets scored four unanswered points. From 17:28 to 16:13, Indianapolis put momentum back on its side. The Greyhounds outscored the Yellow Jackets 5-0. Indianapolis soon turned the ball over. At 15:31, Cedarville’s TenHove found himself standing at the Free Throw Line. After the conclusion of a Media Timeout (15:31), TenHove made 2-Foul Shots. Cedarville trails Indianapolis 53-49. Coming out of the latest Media Timeout, Indianapolis put together a 4-0 run. With 14:28 on the scoreboard, Green ended Indianapolis’ small run. He nailed a 3-Point Basket.

            At the 13:50 mark, Cedarville turned the ball over. That led to Jordan Mavunga scoring 2-Points. At 12:26, Green made a 2-Point Basket. During the play, he was fouled. He went on to make 1-Foul Shot. Cedarville now trails Indianapolis 61-57. Fifteen seconds later (12:11), Indianapolis hit a 3-Point Basket. Indianapolis’ Kendrick Tchoua followed with a 2-Point Basket. Shortly before another Media Timeout, TenHove hit a 3-Point Basket. After the Media Timeout, each team scored 2-Points. From 10:10 to 8:21, five, consecutive 3-Point Baskets were made. For Cedarville, TenHove, McKeeman, and Maughmer each made one 3-Point Basket. Indianapolis’ Lakes and Mavunga each made one 3-Point Basket too. With 7:44 remaining in the game, Mavunga nailed another 3-Point Basket. Indianapolis leads Cedarville 77-73. A Media Timeout was called.

            From 6:57 to 6:00, each team had 1-Steal. Indianapolis had 1-Block too. TenHove made a 2-Point Basket. The Greyhounds’ Marcus Latham hit a 3-Point Basket. A Media Timeout was called at 5:59. At both 5:45 and 5:12, Maughmer made a 2-Point Basket. Before a Full Timeout at 3:41, Indianapolis scored 8-Points. Indianapolis leads Cedarville 88-79.  Before a Timeout at 46.0-Seconds, each team scored 3-Points. Each team had 1-Turnover too. With 29.8-Seconds on the clock, TenHove hit a 3-Point Basket. The score now stood at Indianapolis 91 and Cedarville 85. King would go on to be fouled twice. He successfully converted a combined 3-Foul Shots. At the 3.2-Seconds mark, Green made a 3-Point Basket. Of course, Green’s conversion did not affect the game’s final outcome. By the Final Score of 94-88, Indianapolis defeated Cedarville. The Greyhounds exit the 2019 Don Callan Classic with a perfect 2-0 Record.

Cedarville's 3-Point Shooting Dismantles Salem University

Today (Saturday, November 23, 2019) is a special day. Today, I finally get to do something which I have wanted to do for two years. Inside of Cedarville University’s (CU) Callan Athletic Center (CAC), I am presently sitting. Since November 2017, I have not been to CAC. Being a Freelance Sports Writer takes me to so many different arenas and stadiums. Going to so many places provides me with a vast array of experiences. No matter where my writing (and love of sports) both take me, only one place takes the #1 Spot within my heart. That place is CU’s CAC. I have never been to any arena or stadium where I have been treated in such a great manner. As soon as I walk through CAC’s doors, I feel the love. The CU Athletic Department Staff makes sure that I am always comfortable. I truly appreciate the concern for both my comfort and needs. Added to today’s overall experience is one simple fact. It is one thing to be able to write about any basketball game. It is another thing when the basketball game (which I am about to cover and will eventually write about) involves my Favorite College Basketball Team. Almost more important than my love of writing is the fact that I am a SPORTS FAN. I am a HUGE Fan of CU’s Women’s Basketball Program. Any chance I get, I will forever be willing to cover one of the team’s games. Today’s forthcoming game is no different.

            Salem University’s (SU) Lady Tigers Basketball Team finds itself as today’s opponent. Playing against CU’s Women’s Basketball Team (inside of CAC) is never an easy task. I have witnessed many teams succumb to the pressures of playing in this gymnasium. For SU’s Lady Tigers, will today provide a positive outcome or a negative outcome? I am about to find out. Salem University won the Official Tip-Off. The Lady Tigers was unable to score. At 9:41, a Jump Ball was called at the basket. Cedarville was awarded possession. Just like Salem, Cedarville was unable to score too. After ending up with the ball again, Salem’s Offense committed a Traveling Violation (Turnover). With 9:09 on the clock, the game’s first points were scored. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Abby Wolford hit a 3-Point Basket. Fifteen seconds later (8:54), SU’s Nia Bishop countered with a 3-Point Basket. Soon thereafter, CU’s Emily Chapman nailed a 3-Point Basket. From 8:23 to 5:39, gameplay was messy. Salem committed 5-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Turnover. Cedarville managed to only outscore Salem 4-0. By the score of 10-3, CU leads SU.

            Before a Media Timeout at 4:51, each team nailed one 3-Point Basket. Salem’s Precious Price was first. Cedarville’s Stevie Johnting soon followed. This game has started with a rather quick pace. Cedarville is doing rather well with its shooting. Plus, the team is spreading the floor in a positive manner. After the Media Timeout, Johnting soon nailed another 3-Point Basket (4:36). Near the 4:00 mark, the Lady Yellow Jackets ended up with the ball again. This time, the team turned the ball over. A minute later, the Lady Tigers’ Aaliyah Holmes successfully converted 2-Foul Shots. CU leads SU 16-8. From 1:39 to 26.0-Seconds, the Lady Tigers’ Bishop and teammate Kayla Hall each made a 2-Point Basket. With 3.5 Seconds remaining in the 1^st Quarter, Chapman dropped another 3-Point Basket. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Cedarville leads Salem 20-12. The 3-Point Basket has been Cedarville’s best friend. It has allowed the team to keep distance between itself and Salem.

            When the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Salem started with possession of the ball. The Lady Tigers soon went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. During the process, Cedarville committed an Offensive Foul (Turnover). From 8:39 to 6:19, the Lady Yellow Jackets outscored the Lady Tigers 8-0. Isabelle Bolender made 1-Foul Shot. Chapman hit a 3-Point Basket. Ashlyn Huffman made two 2-Point Baskets. CU’s lead became 28-16. At 5:28, Salem’s Reeva Jackson made 2-Foul Shots. Right before a Media Timeout (4:40), Cedarville’s Paige Garr made a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville now leads Salem 31-18. With the 3-Point Basket, Cedarville is increasing its lead. The team is beginning to take full-control of this game. Coming out of the Media Timeout, Salem went on to commit 3-Turnovers. Cedarville committed 1-Turnover. The Lady Tigers’ Tamia Tart made 1-Foul Shot. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Lexi Moore made 2-Foul Shots. Cedarville’s lead is 14-Points (33-19).

            During the 2^nd Quarter’s final 2:11, Cedarville outscored Salem 7-5. During the process, Wolford scored 5-Points. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter (and First Half), Cedarville leads Salem 40-24. Salem is lucky to be down by only 16-Points. With the way Cedarville is playing, the lead could be much higher. After the Halftime Break, each team started with 1-Turnover. At 8:45, Garr scored the first points. She nailed a 3-Point Basket. The Yellow Jackets’ Defense ended up with a steal. However, the team did not score points. With 6:44 on the clock, the Lady Tigers’ Endia Jones made 1-Foul Shot. Bolender countered with a 4-0 run. Salem turned the ball over. That led to CU’s Abby Freeman making a 3-Point Basket. With 4:42 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, a Media Timeout was called. CU leads SU 50-25.

            At 4:13, Bishop hit a 3-Point Basket. How does Cedarville respond? Cedarville outscores Salem 8-2. Alli Roh and Isabelle Bolender each scored 4-Points. At the 2:24 mark, a Timeout was called. Salem trails Cedarville 58-30. Eight seconds after the Timeout (2:16), Holmes made 2-Foul Shots. However, Cedarville did not take its foot off the pedal. The Lady Yellow Jackets came right back with a 4-0 run. Then, Holmes nailed a 3-Point Basket. The 3^rd Quarter’s final 35.2-Seconds had Johnting picking up 2-Points. Salem’s Nerea Arambarri Fernandez made 1-Foul Shot. The Lady Tigers’ Defense acquired a Steal too. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, CU leads SU 64-36. When the 4^th Quarter started, Cedarville had possession of the ball. The Lady Yellow Jackets did not score. At 9:24, Salem’s Tamia Tart hit a 3-Point Basket.

            With 8:54 on the scoreboard, Roh made a 2-Point Basket. During the play, she was fouled. Her 1-Foul Shot was good. Seven seconds later (8:47), Bishop was standing at the Free Throw Line.  She completed 1-Foul Shot Attempt. Eventually, Cedarville’s Offense committed a 3-Second Violation (Turnover). An ensuing Injury Timeout soon took place. From 6:51 to 5:05, each team scored 4-Points. At the 4:57 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville’s lead is now 71-44.  After the Media Timeout, Cedarville ended up committing 2-Turnovers. Salem outscored Cedarville 8-0. Price scored 4-Points. With 3:46 remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. Salem trails Cedarville 71-52. When the latest Timeout concluded, each team turned the ball over once. Then, each team nailed a 3-Point Basket. At 1:04, Cedarville’s Abby Freeman put a final capitalization on the game. She nailed a 3-Point Basket. By the Final Score of 81-59, the game would go on to end.

Cedarville Drops Don Callan Classic Game

At this very moment in time (Friday, November 22, 2019), I feel so good. In just mere minutes, I am about to watch Cedarville University’s (CU) Men’s Basketball Team Play Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Being inside CU’s Callan Athletic Center (CAC) provides me with shield from the outside weather. Please, do not misunderstand me. I love attending football games. More importantly, not many things (in life) bring me joy like writing about both high school football and college football. By writing about high school football and college football, I got my start as a Sports Writer. For that, I will be forever grateful to God. Covering football games comes with one issue. Although I wish that I was able to cover football games inside of a domed stadium, that is not the case. I am always outside. At times, weather can be very unpredictable. With basketball games, weather is of no concern. Basketball games take place inside of a building. Inclement Weather does not affect what takes place indoors. Therefore, CAC is safe from the conditions of the outside environment. My only focus needs to be on Yellow Jackets vs. Lakers. I want to know if Cedarville can adequately defend its Home Court or not. I am about to find out.

            Cedarville won the Official Tip-Off. At 19:47, the Yellow Jackets’ Branden Maughmer made a 2-Point Basket. CU’s Defense would go on to make a block. However, Grand Valley State would maintain possession. Two seconds later (19:20), the Lakers’ Ben Lubitz was fouled. After he successfully converted 2-Foul Shots, the game was tied 2-2. With 19:09 on the clock, Cedarville’s Quinton Green attempted a 3-Point Basket. The basket was no good. To GVSU’s dismay, its defense fouled Green. Therefore, Green took his place at the Free Throw Line. He went on to make 3-Foul Shots. Less than fifteen seconds after Green left the Free Throw Line, the Lakers’ Offense committed a turnover (18:58). At this point, gameplay became very interesting. From 18:25 to 18:12, Grand Valley’s Jeremiah Ferguson and Cedarville’s Maughmer’s each nailed a 3-Point Basket. Soon thereafter, the Lakers’ Isaac Gassman picked up 2-Points. That basket cut Cedarville’s lead from 8-5 to 8-7.

            From 17:42 to 16:03, a flurry of activity took place. First, Maughmer made a 2-Point Basket. Next, Grand Valley turned the ball over. Then, Cedarville’s Kollin Van Horn made a 2-Point Basket. Finally, each team went on to obtain a steal. Right before a Timeout at 15:53, GVSU’s John Slater made his presence known. Slater hit a 3-Point Basket. During the process, he was fouled. With the completion of a 4-Point Play, CU’s lead was cut down to 1-Point (12-11). Thus far, this game is just about even. Neither team has gotten the upper hand. Cedarville has the lead. However, Cedarville cannot separate itself from Grand Valley. Shortly after the Timeout, The Yellow Jackets’ Offense turned the ball over. One second later (15:44), CU took the ball back. Green made a steal. Cedarville would not score. At 15:21, Gassman nailed a 3-Point Basket. For the first time, the Lakers had a lead (14-12).

            At 14:58, Cedarville’s Conner TenHove tied the game 14-14. Slater went on to give his team a 2-Point Lead.  From 14:17 to 12:48, Cedarville outscored Grand Valley State 7-3. During the time frame, each team made a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville now leads Grand Valley 21-19. After the Lakers’ Defense stole the ball from the Yellow Jackets, Gassman made 2-Foul Shots (12:19). Before an ensuing Media Timeout at 11:46, Cedarville’s Defense made a steal. The score is tied 21-21. As you can tell by the score, this game is completely even. Neither team’s defense has been able to stop the opposing team’s offense. Only missed baskets are the only mistakes which the offenses have committed. Do not misunderstand me. Both offenses have had turnovers. It is just that those turnovers have not had a huge negative effect on either team. Coming out of the Media Timeout, CU went on to outscore GVSU 7-2. For the Yellow Jackets, Seth Dittmer scored 4-Points. Maughmer made a 3-Point Basket. CU leads GVSU 28-23.

            Assisted by a Foul Shot, Block, and Steal, Grand Valley got within 2-Points of Cedarville’s lead (28-26). Gassman’s 2-Point Basket made the score become 28-26. For CU, Isaiah Speelman and Jacob Drees each made a 2-Point Basket. That pushed the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 6-Points (32-26). The Lakers’ Christian Negron responded with a Slam Dunk. Before a Media Timeout (7:33), Drees was fouled. After the Media Timeout, he had 2-Free Throw Attempts. Both attempts were good. At the 7:07 mark, Negron made a 2-Point Basket. Fifteen seconds later (6:52), Maughmer made 2-Foul Shots. Cedarville leads Grand Valley 36-30. From 6:27 to 5:07, both teams combined made three 3-Point Baskets. GVSU’s Jayden Hodgson is responsible for his team’s 3-Points. For CU, Drees and TenHove each scored 3-Points. Cedarville’s leads stands at 7-Points (42-35).

            From 4:34 to 2:26, Grand Valley State’s Offense was on fire! The Lakers went on a 12-0 Scoring Run. The Scoring Run included three 2-Point Baskets and two 3-Point Baskets. The Lakers’ Defense had 1-Steal too. By the score of 47-42, GVSU leads CU. With 1:59 remaining in the First Half, Cedarville’s Seth Dittmer ended his team’s lack of points. He made a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the First Half, Grand Valley leads Cedarville 49-46. After the Halftime Break, Grand Valley proceeded to outscore Cedarville 7-2. Cedarville turning over the ball led to Gassman hitting a 3-Pont Basket (17:58). At 16:40, Green’s 2-Points got his team its first points of the Second Half. The Yellow Jackets soon had possession of the ball again. Unfortunately, the ball ended up being turned over. At 15:46, the Lakers’ Jeremiah Ferguson nailed a 3-Point Basket. Once Cedarville went on to commit a turnover, a Media Timeout was called (15:26). Grand Valley is slowly beginning to separate itself from Cedarville and take control of this game. Grand Valley’s lead stands at 59-50.

            Twelve seconds after the Media Timeout (15:14), Negron’s 2-Points pushed GVSU’s lead to double-digits (61-50). From 14:55 to 13:44, Cedarville had 2-Turnovers. Grand Valley had 1-Turnover. TenHove scored 3-Points. Cedarville was not finished. Eventually, Drees and Speelman each hit a 3-Point Basket. At the 12:15 mark, a Timeout was called. GVSU leads CU 61-59. Just when it was looking like Grand Valley would run away with the game, Cedarville has closed the gap. After the latest Timeout, Cedarville finally regained the lead. With the scoreboard showing 11:34, Drees nailed another 3-Point Basket. The Yellow Jackets lead the Lakers 62-61. Cedarville’s Defense got in on the fun too. At 11:15, it made a block and steal. A Media Timeout was called at 10:47. Cedarville has overcome a double-digit lead and taken the lead.

            Once the latest Media Timeout concluded, each team scored 2-Points. Two lead changes occurred. Then, Grand Valley State’s Offense opened things up. From 9:02 to 8:04, Hodgson and Ferguson each made a 3-Point Basket. Van Horn responded with a 2-Point Basket. Before a Media Timeout (6:48), GVSU’s Jake Van Tubbergen picked up 2-Points. Grand Valley leads Cedarville 71-66. When play restarted, CU cut GVSU’s lead to 1-Point (71-70). Green and Van Horn each made a 2-Point Basket. The Lakers went on to respond in a huge way. First, Steven Lloyd nailed a 3-Point Basket. Then, Hodgson hit a 3-Point Basket too. With 4:54 remaining in the game, Van Horn got the Yellow Jackets back onto the scoreboard.  His 2-Point Basket cut the Lakers’ lead to 5-Points (77-72). From 4:24 to 3:22, Grand Valley State put the game away. Cedarville had 2-Turnovers. Grand Valley had 1-Turnover. The Lakers went on a 5-0 Scoring Run. The Lakers’ lead was back to double-digits (82-72). By the Final Score of 86-75, the game would go on to end. For CU, its opening game of the Don Callan Classic was not a good one.

Kentucky State University Avenges Loss To Central State

For over six years, I have waited for today (Saturday, November 9, 2019). In fact, I have waited since Saturday, September 14, 2013. On that very date, Central State University’s (CSU) Football Team hosted its archrival Kentucky State University (KSU). From 2014 through 2017, the annual contest was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each of those seasons, the game was the Circle City Classic College Football Game. While it was great to see both CSU and KSU playing inside of Lucas Oil Stadium, one sentiment is for certain. Without any shadow of a doubt, I am extremely happy that the series has returned to both campuses. Not everyone was able to attend the Circle City Classic. Many people (myself included) were never in attendance. Playing in a well-known stadium (such as Lucas Oil Stadium) is an esteemed accomplishment for any sports team. Therefore, I can only imagine how proud the student athletes of CSU and KSU must have felt. Now with the game having been moved back to the actual campuses, the liveliness of each campus increases significantly. For years, the heated rivalry which exists between CSU and KSU has been one of the best in all of college sports. It does not matter that the rivalry is between two NCAA Division 2 Schools. I would put the rivalry right up alongside that of any rivalry which exists between Power 5 Institutions. That is exactly how much admiration and respect I have for both schools. Of course, I am a very proud graduate of CSU. Therefore, that goes without saying.

            If you have never been to a Central State University vs. Kentucky State University Athletic Game (of any kind), I highly suggest you make it a top priority to do so. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Kentucky State University won the Official Coin Toss. However, the Thorobreds elected to defer. Central State University started on Offense first. After an Illegal Procedure Violation during the kickoff, KSU had to kick again. Once it was all settled, CSU’s Offense got started on its own 33-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 4, the ball was on the 39-Yard Line. Terraris Saffold took the hand-off. He was almost tackled for a loss. Instead, Saffold managed to slip away from the defense and avoided being tackled. Eventually, he was brought down on the 42-Yard Line (14:13). As the critical 3^rd Down and 1 Play was getting started, penalty flags were thrown. KSU’s Defense committed an Offside Violation. That penalty gave CSU a First Down on the 47-Yard Line. The Thorobreds’ Defense soon made another mistake. With 13:32 on the clock, penalty flags were thrown again. Kentucky State was penalized for Sideline Interference (15-Yard Penalty). As a direct result, the ball was moved from Central State’s 49-Yard Line to Kentucky State’s 36-Yard Line. Instead of facing 2^nd Down and 8, the Marauders’ Offense now had a 1^st Down and 10.

            On 2^nd Down and 2 from the 28-Yard Line, Saffold rushed the ball to the 24-Yard Line (12:53). CSU’s good fortunes soon came to an abrupt end. At this point, matters got very hectic. On 1^st Down and 10 from KSU’s 24-Yard Line, Central State’s Quarterback Derell Williams took the snap-from-center. As he was trying to avoid an oncoming blitz, Williams was backing up. For a loss of 28-Yards, he went on to be sacked. During the process, Williams had the ball come loose. Kentucky State’s Jimmy Edmonds recovered the loose ball. From CSU’s 40-Yard Line, Edmonds proceeded to run 27-Yards. He was tackled on the Marauders’ 13-Yard Line (12:06). At the 11:21 mark, the ball was on the 10-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 7, KSU’s Running Back Brendan Lawler took the ball into the end zone. Michael Bobak’s Extra Point Kick was good. By the score of 7-0, Kentucky State leads Central State. After the ensuing kickoff, the Marauders’ Offense started from its 18-Yard Line.

            Central State’s Offense instantly made things happen. On 1^st and 10, Williams completed a 13-Yard Pass to Kevin Greenhow (11:09). Williams went on to complete consecutive passes to Dalane Brown, II (6-Yards) and Greenhow (6-Yards). CSU soon avoided disaster. On 1^st Down and 10 from CSU’s 43-Yard Line, the snap-from-center was high. The Quarterback did not get to touch the ball. Instead, Saffold grabbed the ball out of the air. Then, he proceeded to rush the ball to Kentucky State’s 39-Yard Line (18-Yards – 9:14). Saffold soon came up big again. With the scoreboard reading 7:51, it was now 3^rd Down and 6 from the 35-Yard Line. At the snap, Saffold rushed the ball 9-Yards (to the 26-Yard Line). From that point, the Marauders went three plays and out. After a sack on 3^rd Down and 10, the Marauders lost 9-Yards. On 4^th Down and 19, CSU’s Isaiah Smith punted the ball (5:43). The punt was short. The Thorobreds took over on the team’s own 20-Yard Line.

            With 5:31 remaining in the 1^st Quarter, the ball rested on the 23-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 7, Kentucky State’s Quarterback Jaylen Myers moved the ball 40-Yards. He was brought down on Central State’s 37-Yard Line. The drive soon experienced some stalling. After two runs, the ball was positioned on the 31-Yard Line. After the snap on 3^rd Down and 4, Isaiah Jackson rushed the ball to CSU’s 3-Yard Line (28-Yards – 2:48). The next play ended with Christopher Coneway in the end zone. Bobak’s Extra Point Kick was good. KSU leads CSU 14-0. As the 1^st Quarter came to a close, CSU faced a critical 4^th Down and 1 Play. The ball was on the Marauders’ 40-Yard Line.  At 8.8-Seconds, Williams picked up 3-Yards. At 14:19 of the 2^nd Quarter, it was now 3^rd Down and 9 from the 44-Yard Line. Williams completed a 16-Yard Pass to Brown, II. From the Thorobreds’ 40-Yard Line, the Marauders’ Offensive Drive unraveled. First, Saffold rushed for a loss of 3-Yards. Next, Williams was sacked. That sack cost CSU 10-Yards. Then, a False Start Violation resulted in a 5-Yard Loss. On 4^th Down and 28 from CSU’s own 42-Yard Line, Smith was forced to punt (12:32).

            After a high snap, Smith’s punt was a good one. The ball ended up being downed on the Thorobreds’ 3-Yard Line. KSU soon ended up with some much-needed breathing room. On 1^st and 10, Brett Sylve moved the ball to the 15-Yard line (12-Yards – 12:13). At the conclusion of the 2^nd Down and 9 Play from the 16-Yard Line, Jackson made his way to the 30-Yard Line. Before the next play could begin, KSU was penalized for Delay of Game. That 5-Yard Penalty moved the ball back to the 25-Yard Line. The Thorobreds’ Offense went on to go three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 14 from the 26-Yard Line, Kentucky State had to punt. Central State took over on its 40-Yard Line. The ball would never move past the 44-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 6, Smith punted again (6:17). KSU started its next Offensive Drive from its 21-Yard Line. The first play had Isaac Fields rushing to the 35-Yard Line. From that point forward, the ball would go on to only be moved 5-Yards. With 3:37 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, the Thorobreds faced 4^th Down and 5. After the snap-from-center, Bobak punted the ball. Eventually, it was downed on the Marauders’ 35-Yard Line.

            Central State’s Offense was prevented from moving the ball far. The team went three plays and out. At the 2:36 mark on 4^th Down and 8, the ball was on the 37-Yard Line. Smith made an excellent 63-Yard Punt. The ball went into the end zone. On 1^st Down and 10 from Kentucky State’s 20-Yard Line, Lawler ran the ball 37-Yards to CSU’s 43-Yard Line (2:17). With the scoreboard displaying 49.4-Seconds, KSU faced 3^rd Down and 1 on CSU’s 34-Yard Line. Sylve picked up 9-Yards. Before the First Half ended, the Thorobreds almost hit pay dirt. On 4^th Down and 14 from the 29-Yard Line, Jaylen Myers threw the ball into the end zone. Jonathan Powell was the intended receiver. Unfortunately, the pass was incomplete (2.6-Seconds). CSU’s Willie Johnson knocked the ball down. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter and First Half, KSU leads CSU 14-0. After the Halftime Break, the Thorobreds’ Offense got started on its 35-Yard Line. At the snap, Lawler took the hand-off. He proceeded to rush to the Marauders’ 30-Yard Line (35-Yards). At that spot, the Marauders’ Malik Johnson stripped the ball loose. Johnson went on to recover the loose ball at CSU’s 20-Yard Line (14:45).

            Johnson’s big plays meant nothing. Central State’s Offense went three plays and out. With the ball on the 21-Yard Line, it was now 4^th Down and 9. At 12:41, Smith made another 63-Yard Punt. The ball was downed on Kentucky State’s 16-Yard Line. Led by Lawler (7-Yards); Sylve (5-Yards and 6-Yards); and Fields (10-Yards), KSU’s ground game got the ball to the 44-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 3 from CSU’s 49-Yard Line, Christopher Coneway obtained the First Down (4-Yards – 9:34). Next, Fields picked up another First Down. From CSU’s 45-Yard Line, Fields moved the ball 12-Yards to the 33-Yard Line. An Illegal Formation Violation and a Holding Penalty would go on to hinder the drive. At the 6:43 mark of the 3^rd Quarter, the ball was on CSU’s 39-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 16, Myers completed a pass to Powell. Powell was wide-open, and he was past the defense. When he stopped running, he was standing in the end zone. Bobak’s Extra Point Kick was good. KSU now leads CSU 21-0.

            After the kickoff, Central State’s Offense got going on its 35-Yard Line. Play soon got very weird. On 2^nd Down and 10, Williams was intercepted by Kentucky State’s Jacob Abrahms. Abrahms was on his team’s 45-Yard Line. He returned the ball to Midfield (50-Yard Line). At this point, CSU’s Darius Meadors forced a fumble. His teammate Darico Ellis recovered the ball at Midfield (6:27). The Marauders ended up coming out on the winning end of that entire sequence. With 5:50 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, the ball rested on the Marauders’ 45-Yard Line. At the snap on 1^st Down and 15, Williams kept the ball. He sprinted his way to the Thorobreds’ 17-Yard Line (38-Yards). An ensuing Personal Foul Penalty moved the ball back to KSU’s 33-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 26 from the 33-Yard Line, Williams picked up 21-Yards (4:41). On 4^th Down and 5 from the 12-Yard Line, Williams completed a Touchdown Pass to Kevin Greenhow (3:53). Once Joshua Nunes’ Extra Point Kick was successfully completed, KSU’s lead was cut to 21-7. Central State’s Offense would soon have possession of the ball again.

            At 3:48, Kentucky State’s Offense started on its 35-Yard Line. On 1^st and 10, Myers kept the ball. For a loss of 4-Yards, he rushed the ball. Central State’s Donta Marshall forced Myers to fumble the ball. CSU’s Shemar Moss recovered the ball on KSU’s 31-Yard Line. On 1^st and 10, Williams completed the 31-Yard Touchdown Pass to Brown, II (3:41). Nunes’ Extra Point Kick was good. CSU trails KSU 21-14. The Thorobreds’ next Offensive Drive started on the team’s 33-Yard Line. Three, consecutive runs by Sylve got the ball to CSU’s 47-Yard Line. The Offensive Drive came down to 3^rd Down and 1 from CSU’s 47-Yard Line. Coneway went on to obtain 2-Yards (1:21). By the score of 21-14, the 3^rd Quarter would go on to end. As the 4^th Quarter got underway, KSU faced another 3^rd Down and 1 Play. With the ball on the 36-Yard Line, Sylve rushed the ball to CSU’s 28-Yard Line (8-Yards – 14:56). At the 13:30 mark, CSU was penalized for a Personal Foul. On top of that, right before the penalty, Sylve picked up 15-Yards. Sylve moved the ball from the 25-Yard Line to the 10-Yard Line. The Personal Foul placed the ball on the 4-Yard Line.

            On 3^rd Down and Goal, Sylve rushed to the end zone for the 2-Yard Touchdown (12:04). Bobak’s Extra Point Kick was no good. Regardless, Kentucky State leads Central State 27-14. With 11:18 on the clock, CSU had to deal with 2^nd Down and 8 on its own 35-Yard Line. Williams completed a 20-Yard Pass to Greenhow. Eventually, Williams went on to be sacked by KSU’s Devante Wright. That 5-Yard Loss pushed the ball back to Midfield (50-Yard Line). On 4^th Down and 15 from Midfield, Smith punted (9:35). The Thorobreds’ Offense took over on its 19-Yard Line. On 1^st Down, Lawler rushed the ball to the 37-Yard Line (18-Yards – 9:18). The momentum continued on. At the end of the next play, Sylve obtained a First Down for his team. His 20-Yard Run moved the ball from KSU’s 37-Yard Line to CSU’s 43-Yard Line. With 6:36 remaining in the game, the ball was positioned on CSU’s 27-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 7, Myers completed a Touchdown Pass to Fields. Bobak’s Extra Point Kick was good. KSU now leads CSU 34-14.

            Once the ensuing kickoff was complete, Central State’s Offense started from its 38-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Williams took the snap. Kentucky State’s Defense was rushing directly at him. As a result, he was forced to run backward. Eventually, he had no choice. Williams had to run out-of-bounds (6:20). On the 24-Yard Line, Williams ran out-of-bounds. On 3^rd Down and 24, the ball was still on the 24-Yard Line. Williams ended up being sacked. However, flags were thrown (5:41). The Marauders received a huge break. The Thorobreds’ Defense was penalized for 2-Personal Fouls (Face Mask and Unsportsmanlike Conduct). For the Marauders, the combined penalties resulted in a gain of 31-Yards. The ball was placed on KSU’s 45-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Williams went on to complete a 31-Yard Pass to Greenhow (5:28). Greenhow was brought down on KSU’s 14-Yard Line. The next play ended with Williams completing a 6-Yard Pass to Brown, II.

            On 2^nd Down and 4 from the 8-Yard Line, Williams took the ball into the end zone (4:26). Nunes’ Extra Point Kick was good. CSU trails KSU 34-21. The Marauders’ Defense soon made a huge play. The Thorobreds’ Offense had a 1^st Down and 10 on its 25-Yard Line. At 4:12, Sylve rushed the football and he fumbled. CSU’s Kailen Abrams forced the fumble. His teammate Keandre Powell recovered the fumble. The play ended on KSU’s 35-Yard Line. The very next play had Williams being intercepted by KSU’s Nigel Cochran. Unfortunately, the Thorobreds’ Xavier Johnson was penalized for Pass Interference (4:05). The penalty moved the ball to the 20-Yard Line. When the next play got going, Williams almost threw another interception. However, the pass ended up being incomplete. On 2^nd Down and 10, Williams was sacked by KSU’s Antwoine Lloyd for a loss of 10-Yards. Immediately following the play, flags were thrown. Devante Wright committed a Personal Foul (Face Mask). The ball was moved to the 10-Yard Line.

            With 3:41 remaining in the game, Central State had a 1^st Down and Goal on Kentucky State’s 10-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Williams completed a 6-Yard Pass to Brown, II. The completion moved the ball to the 4-Yard Line. The next play concluded with an Incomplete Pass. On 3^rd Down and Goal, Williams kept the ball himself. That was a very wise move. Williams took the ball into the end zone (3:05). Nunes’ Extra Point Kick was good. By only 6-Points, CSU now trails KSU 34-28. After receiving the ball again, KSU was left with one of two choices. Either get into position to run out the clock, or leave open the possibility of CSU receiving the ball again. If CSU receives the ball again, the Marauders would only be left with a small amount of time to make something happen. At the 1:21 mark, KSU faced 3^rd Down and 1 from its 34-Yard Line. Coneway was handed the ball. He proceeded to pick up 5-Yards. With Coneway successfully obtaining a First Down, CSU’s hopes of making a comeback were officially ended. KSU went on to run the clock out. By the Final Score of 34-28, the Kentucky State University Thorobreds avenged last year’s (2018) Home Loss to Central State University.