Recap: East Canton 63, Tuslaw 59 (Or, Introducing... The Escape Artists)

Harry Houdini had a few acts that would draw fans in droves to witness. He escaped from the Chinese Water Torture Cell (See Tusky Valley for our version of this trick), he escaped handcuffs out of a milk crate (See Sandy Valley for our version of this one) and he would also allow random people to punch him in the abdomen to show he could absorb body blows (See last night's game for the Hornet example). Houdini eventually died from complications from a punch to his gut during one of his acts. And if you don't pay careful attention, history will repeat itself.

The first quarter was a full round of trading blows. After 8 minutes, Tuslaw held a one point lead, 16-15. In the second, East Canton outscored Tuslaw by nine points to take an 8 points lead into half, 25-33. After the third quarter, East Canton had pushed their lead out 3 more points to 39-50. A big play happened with around 5 minutes remaining in the 4th. Bradley got up a full head of steam on a drive, made a lay-up and a Tuslaw defender attempted to take a charge. He got solid contact with Bradley but he appeared to be sliding under him late and be positioned right under the goal. The call, in my opinion, was correctly made to give Bradley the bucket but this is typically a 50-50 call. If it goes the other way, Bradley has four fouls and 3 points come off the board.

The lead stayed in double digits through the first half of the fourth quarter until the Hornets were blindsided by an 8-0 run by the Mustangs in under a minute. Instead of being up 13, the Hornets were now up 5 and Tuslaw was shooting the free throw of the and-1. Tuslaw missed the free throw but recovered their own miss and got fouled again. I'm not a firm believer in karma but the free throw gods evened things out after a few horrific performances from the charity stripe earlier in the year for the Hornets. The Tuslaw player missed both FTs and the Hornets held a 5 point lead, 56-51.

The Hornets got a turnaround fade away jumper by Cartwright to increase the lead to 7. Tuslaw scored quickly and fouled Smith in the back court. He made the front end of the one-and-one and missed the back end. Tuslaw's Getz came down and stroked a long pull-up to cut the lead to 4. Bradley got fouled and stepped to the line for a 1-and-1. He stroked both with precision, 61-55. After a Hammond 3-pointer, the Hornet lead went to 3. With :17 remaining, Tuslaw was able to cause a jump ball on the ensuing possession. The arrow pointed in the Hornets favor. Cartwright then snuck out for a wide open lay-up to seal the game.

Burfield led the Hornets with 17 points, including 5 3-pointers. Bradley had 12 points with 6 coming from his 7 FT attempts. Smith also had 12 (while leading the Hornets with 2 blocks and 3 steals) and Cartwright added 9 points and 6 assists. Tuslaw put three in double-figures: Getz with 16 (10 in the 4th), Hammond with 11, including 3 3-pointers, and Combs with 10.

With all this being said, I pose the question: Was the Tuslaw another game to tighten our abs, help build the Hornets experience and toughness, or did we get our appendix ruptured like another famous escape artist?

The JV was defeated 55-42. Taylor led the way for the EC JV with 14

Things I Think I Think
I think our student section provided an uplifting experience to the Hornets, a coordinated and consistent group. I feel a lot more confident playing Mogadore, Minerva and Streetsboro at home when the Hornets have a true 6th man

I think Tuslaw was very well coached. They had unique schemes that left the Hornets confused and second guessing. I have played hundreds of basketball games in my career and never saw a 1-1-1-1-1 press before. Tuslaw pulled it out last night and pulled it off to get a few turnovers. They also frustrated our motion offense and dribble drive sets with pre-game adjustments that didn't let East Canton run their stuff in the smooth manner (this is debatable) they are normally accustomed to

I think if East Canton wants to keep getting better, they need to play games like last night. I can picture us playing in a similar game, maybe even in the tournament, and the kids and coaches both have a eureka moment: "Hey, I've been here before and I know how this game ends." I saw some "deer in headlights" looks last night, but even Houdini had to have his assistant give him a key to escape a few of his acts
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The Rep Results
http://www.cantonrep.com/highschool/x1090835089/High-school-boys-basketball-report-for-Feb-2

The Rep Box
http://www.cantonrep.com/highschool/x979444433/High-school-boys-basketball-box-scores-for-Feb-2