CANTON, Ohio -- Richmond Heights' season of success and stress came to an end Tuesday night. (Check out a photo gallery from the McDonald-Richmond Heights game here)
CANTON, Ohio -- Richmond Heights' season of success and stress came to an end Tuesday night.
(Check out a photo gallery from the McDonald-Richmond Heights game here)
The Spartans suffered their first loss in 25 games as McDonald kept its perfect season intact with a 54-52 victory in a boys Division IV regional semifinal at Memorial Fieldhouse.
The end came in heartbreaking fashion as the Blue Devils got the decisive points with 1.5 seconds remaining on a driving layup by senior guard Justin Rota. All Richmond Heights junior Kareem Rock could do in response was put up a half-court prayer, but the possible game-winning attempt was off the mark.
The despair at losing was sorely evident as the Spartans did their best to contain their emotions.
"That's the toughest [speech] I've had to give," said Richmond Heights coach Don Gross, emerging from his club's locker room 25 minutes after the loss. "We didn't get down here blowing people out. We knew it was going to be a close game."
It was definitely that as the contest was tied 11 times and had four lead changes.
McDonald appeared to have the upper hand down the stretch, opening up a 49-44 lead with three minutes to play. The Spartans were held scoreless the first five minutes of the period. But the Blue Devils (24-1) left openings as they committed three turnovers and missed six free throws.
A 3-pointer by Rock got the deficit down to a basket with 2:56 remaining. With 51 seconds to play, Richmond Heights trailed, 52-49.
Taking advantage of two missed McDonald free throws, the Spartans forged the tie as junior Ishaam Smith connected on a 3-pointer with 19 seconds remaining.
However, Rota dribbled down the seconds and finally went down the left side of the lane against Rock. Rota's left-handed layup was true and the Spartans were left with only a desperation heave.
"We had a back door play for my brother," said Justin Rota, referring to his senior twin, Nick. "I saw he was covered and put a spin move on. I never made a basket like that before."
It finished the season for the Spartans at 24-1. They were playing under Gross after coach Jason Popp was relieved of his duties on Feb. 10 for allegedly using racially insensitive and obscene language.
"I'm going to take some days off and think about it," said Gross, 56, when asked about returning as coach. "I know people are asking. I just became a grandfather [on Monday] for the first time."
The Spartans were paced by Smith with 13 points and Rock's 12. Junior center Tommy Scales had 10 points, nine rebounds and eight blocks.
Richmond Heights went 4-for-19 on 3-pointers.
McDonald (24-0), a team that had never won a regional game, got 19 points from senior Matthias Tayala and 13 from Nick Rota. Justin Rota had 10 points, seven assists and four steals.
The Blue Devils made half of their 48 shots from the field and went 2-for-7 on 3-pointers.
They will play Berlin Hiland on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Source: http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/-5615111150447335059
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