No. Heights boys survive scare in 36-33 victory over Central Heights
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Northern Heights boys were able to grind out a 36-33 victory over Central Heights Thursday night in Wellsville in the semifinals of the Class 3A Sub-State.
Facing a Central Heights team that stalled to try and combat the top-seeded Wildcats’ athleticism, Northern Heights coach Lanny Massey said his team was good enough in the half-court offense to earn the victory and a berth in the Sub-State title game with a shot at State in the line.
“Everybody had to execute every time down the floor, because the trips were limited,” Massey said. “I was real pleased with our guys being able gut out a win playing somebody else’s game. We like to get out and run, but we still managed to win playing a game that was slowed way down.”
Neither team could gain any separation through three quarters, as the game was tied at 28 heading into the fourth period. But Northern Heights managed to outscore Central Heights, 8-5, in the final frame to take the victory.
Free throws proved to be crucial, as the Wildcats (20-2) finished the game 7-for-12 from the free-throw line, while Central Heights was just 1-of-3 from the foul stripe.
“They were not going to let us get out and run,” Massey said, “and they didn’t turn the ball over.”
Levi Hizar led Northern Heights in scoring with 11 points, while Haydon Parks added 10.
Northern Heights will look for its first ever State tournament berth when it plays Erie at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Wellsville. Erie defeated Osage City, 71-65, on Thursday.
Northern Heights 36, Central Heights 33
Thursday at Wellsville
No. Heights 10 10 8 8 — 36
Central Heights 8 12 8 5 — 33
Central Heights — Jordan Welch 12, Vincent Ouellette 2, Jaron Leach 9, Kyle Rossman 2, Trevor Kratzberg 4, Matthew Horstick 4.
Northern Heights (20-2) — Michael Glass 4, Kenneth Bronson 4, Roman Murray 3, Pete Symmonds 4, Levi Hizar 11, Haydon Parks 10.
Halftime — Tied at 20. Total fouls — CH 14, NH 12.