Tigers trounce in opener

NEW CASTLE — The Patriots felt good about the way they finished the regular season. A three-game winning streak coupled with a six-point victory over the Tigers 17 days prior had the Patriots feeling confidence about their postseason opener.

But a revitalized Tiger defense never let the Patriots get comfortable and a balanced offensive attack became too much.

The Jay County High School boys basketball team got outplayed on both sides of the ball by the Yorktown Tigers in Tuesday’s 69-45 loss in the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 24 opener.

Coming into the sectional tournament, Jay County (13-10) had won the final three games of the regular season, including a 26-point victory over Bellmont in the finale. It had also picked off Yorktown (7-16) on Feb. 15 by a score of 42-36, making Tuesday’s loss a 30-point swing in favor of the Tigers.

“This one stings from many different levels and aspects,” said JCHS interim coach Brogan Gary. “Coming into this game, we felt that we were prepared. We felt the way we finished the regular season that we were on a high note and really wanted to build off of that. Obviously, you can’t have off nights in the sectional and unfortunately we did.”

The win advances Yorktown to Friday’s semifinal game against the defending sectional champion Delta Eagles.

In the Feb. 15 matchup, the Patriots jumped on top of Yorktown 11-5. The Tigers completely flipped the script in the rematch, sprinting out to a 18-3 lead at the quarter break. A high-pressure defense held Jay County to 1-of-12 (8.3%) from the field in the period, with its only bucket coming on a Tucker Griffin triple, assisted by Eli Petro from an offensive rebound.

“It starts with defense,” said YHS coach Matt Moulton. “We’ve made a total recommitment to defense the past three weeks. … We ratched up the defensive drills in practice quite a bit and it’s showing right now. …

“We didn’t want them to feel comfortable for a second.  That’s why we were in a full-court press. To our guys’ credit, they were down in a stance, playing hard and that’s what it takes.”

Jay County’s offense never fully got going until the fourth quarter, when the Tigers already had a 21-point advantage at 43-22. Jay County scored 23 points in the final period, outpacing the other three quarters combined. (Gradin Swoveland and Griffin powered the late offense, scoring 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the highest offensive totals between both teams.)

Alex Griffin of Jay County High School takes contact from Yorktown’s Nate Tyler on a bunny during the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 24 at New Castle on Tuesday. The senior finished his high school career with a 16-point performance, which was the second highest mark after teammate Gradin Swoveland’s 17, while the Patriots fell 69-45. (The Commercial Review/Andrew Balko)

 

The Tigers didn’t suffer from the same offensive struggles. They scored 18 points in the first two quarters apiece before pouring in 26 in the fourth.

YHS found success in their flex offense through strong ball movement. Outside of regular open looks they would find in the offense, the Tigers scored 25 points by driving past their defenders and reacting to the defense by either kicking the ball out for a three or dropping it off to an open forward on the block.

Yorktown recorded 20 assists on 27 field goals accounting for 74.1% of its made shots. The Tigers’ ball movement resulted in five players reaching double figures — Connor Rowray led with 14, followed by Nate Tyler with 12, Ryan Burkholder with 11 and Mason Trammel and Austin Kates both with 10 — as well as eight points from Jabin Barnes.

“It’s all assistant coach Chris Van Pelt,” Moulton said. “He’s taken over our offense this year and he’s just done a fantastic job. … It’s been a process implementing the new offense. The boys practice it every day and are getting a little better and more comfortable every day.”

Down 36-14 at halftime, the Patriots made an adjustment to go small by inserting Benson Barnett and Eli Dirksen into the lineup to start the third quarter, giving YHS a taste of its own medicine with the pressure defense. 

The adjustment worked for Jay County as the first five defensive possessions resulted in two Yorktown turnovers and three blocked shots by Dirksen, Swoveland and Jayden Comer.

“It just really comes down to the simple stuff,” Gary said. “Just digging deep, having some grit, putting your chin in there and taking some pride to get a stop.”

While it slowed the Tigers’ offense down to only surrender seven points, JCHS couldn't take advantage, only managing eight of their own in the period.

The loss brings a close to Jay County’s rollercoaster season. The Patriots managed to finish with a winning record for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign when Jerry Bomholt returned to Portland. 

Bomholt secured his 600th win midseason but was forced to retire due to medical hardships with a quarter of the season left.

Along with the departure of Bomholt, Jay County will lose two seniors, Griffin and Dirksen.

“Just really proud of this group,” Gary said. “Really proud of these seniors, for them to give me the opportunity to coach them, be a part of their lives and to be receptive to my coaching means a lot. This group is very special, so very thankful.”