Clark State Boys Basketball Recap
Lattimore Hits Game Winner To Stop Eagles in Game of the Season; Hocking Stays in 1st Place in OCCAC
Allen Lattimore, one of the top guards to come out of Dayton in recent years, is now a Star guard at Hocking College, which is the top team in the OCCAC. They have been on a roll and looking to get into the national rankings as well.
However they were put to the test earlier this week as Clark State took them to the tilt. In a game that was tied at half (52-all), combined with the energy of a playoff atmosphere, it came down to a fantastic finish.
After the Eagles Isaiah Masteller knocked down 2 clutch free throws to tie the game, it set the stage for the epic finale.
With the score tied at 87, it was Lattimore who hit the game winning one legged 3-point runner shot to take the big win and keep Hocking alone in first place.
Although Lattimore wasn't having his best offensive game, he came up clutch when Hocking needed it, hitting his only 3-pointer of the game to seal the deal, giving Hocking the 90-87 win.
He spun from a double team, raced up the middle of the court, shifted to the left side of the top.of the key and hoisted a running 3-point shot similar to what you have seen Victor Wembyana do for the San Antonio Spurs.
The ball hit the backboard and bounced in as Lattimore called "Game". The Hocking squad wildy celebrated, while Clark State looked in disbelief.
Dennis Asoro led Hocking with 23 points and 12 boards, as Hocking dominated Clark State on the boards by a wide margin.
Isaiah Masteller, arguably the best player in the OCCAC in the last month, kept the Eagles in the game with another signature performance.
He dropped 33 in the loss, and had the Eagles one play away from another huge upset. Fofana added 12 while Herbort added 10.
With the win Hocking now sits at 12-1, all but locking up a spot in the Regional Tournament.
Lakeland also needs just two more wins to clinch a berth as well.
With the loss now Coach Alstork will gather his troops, as they sit a half a game out of 3rd place.
"That was a tough loss. But i have to salute our kids, who battled and gave us a chance despite our deficiencies inside.
Lattimore is a baller and he hit a clutch shot." Alstork stated after the heartbreaking loss.
They still will play Cuyahoga and Edison State in the final games, so they still have that opportunity to squeeze in the 3rd spot.
Cuyahoga has four games left, and will face Edison State among others before the season finale game against Clark State on March 2nd.
Clark State Thumps Rio Grande JV to Move to 13-11
The very next night (Thursday) the Eagles bounced back and defeated Rio Grande JV 104-81.
With that win it puts the Eagles at 13-11 as they ready for the stretch run.
Clark State provided the Rio Grande sweep at home as they shut down Rio Grande varsity team last week, then ran past the JV team this week.
"We're playing at a high level on offense, and I'm glad to see the team bounce back after a emotional loss." Alstork stated.
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