Clark State Recap: Lattimore Hits Game Winner To Stop Eagles 90-87; Hocking Stays in 1st Place in OCCAC

 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. 

 

Its Official: Frost Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer in West Carrollton History

 Its Official: Frost Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer in West Carrollton History 

Lady Pirates Face Stebbins in 1st Round of  OHSAA Girls Tournament Today

Selena Frost, one of the best guards in West Carrollton history, had a lot to digest coming into this season.

Could Frost lead the team without a host of talented players like they had last season? Could she become more reliable to her teammates and coaches?

Could she become more mature for the sake of her future? Would she work on her game to get to the next level? 

Well, Frost has checked the "YES" box for all four of those key questions, and with it came another good year in the MVL for Frost and the Lady Pirates.

West Carrollton ended up finishing 13-5 in the conference and 15-7 overall.

Her leadership helped guide them to a good record and her decisions on the court led her to a Player of the Year type season.

Frost leads the MVL with a 17ppg to go with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, almost 2 steals and a block per game. Shes also the top FG shooter in the league at 57%. 

But she finally eclipsed the All-Time Scorer mark for West Carrollton in the last game, a home win. 

"She deserves everything she gets this year. She has been a revelation to coach. She understood the assignment this season. And she was up to the task. We're all so proud of her and happy for her." 

Lonzy Addison, coach for West Carrollton, stated. 

"But our job is not done. And we hope she can lead us to a deep tournament run."

With that being said, West Carrollton will face the team in the MVL with the exact same record as them.

Stebbins. 

The Indians are also 13-5 & 15-7 overall.

 While West Carrollton handle business in their most recent meeting, look for a battle this time around as they meet in Troy tonight in the OHSAA Girls Tournament (1st round).

If Selena Frost has anything to do with it, look for a Lady Pirates win.

Congratulations to one of the best guards in Ohio this year and a favorite for the MVL Player of the Year.

Selena Frost, West Carrollton girls all-time leading scorer. 

Clark State Doubleheader Recap: Boys Stop #1 Lakeland; Girls Fall in Tight Game

 The Clark State Eagles had a doubleheader on Saturday as they would face Lakeland CC. 

Here are the results.

Late FT Gives Eagles Mens Squad Huge Victory Over #1 Seed  

The Clark State Eagles lost to Lakeland on the road in a tight battle on Friday afternoon, but was able to suck it up and grind out a gritty 88-87 win at home on Saturday against the 13th ranked team in the nation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

In the first half Clark State would have control as they used their defense to set the tone. The offense was on fire, as the Top 5 offense in the country (95ppg) rolled up 53 to take a lead at half.

However in the 2nd half  Lakeland would chip away at the lead,cutting it to under 5 late. 

Down 86-82 Lakeland hit a layup to cut it to 86-84. Clark State would be fouled and would make a free throw and miss one to give the Eagles a 87-84 lead.  Lakeland would hit a 3-point bomb to tie the game  up which set up the final play.

Clark State was fouled and missed the first free throw, but hit the second to give them the lead at 88-87. 

Lakeland shot was off target and the Eagles stormed the court in jubilation.

Rynell Echlos was the star of the game as he dropped 20 points to go with 7 boards and 2 steals while Isaiah Masteller continued his torrid play with 22 points to lead the Eagles in scoring. 

Jareon Mayo led all scorers with 32 points while Alex Benson dropped 22 in the loss for Lakeland. 

With the win it keeps Clark State in the hunt, only a half game out of 3rd place. Lakeland falls to 10-2 and it now pushes Hocking into first place solely by themselves with just a few weeks remaining. 

The Eagles will face Edison State and Cuyahoga at the end of the season, and that could have a huge decision on who makes it to the Regional Tournament. 

This week they will face #1 ranked Hocking today. 

The Eagles are now 8-4 in the conference and 12-10 overall. 

"That was a tremendous win for us." Coach Alstork stated.  We're still in the thick of it. We love it! We gotta keep working hard, staying locked in." 

LADY EAGLES  FALL TO TOP SSEED LAKELAND

The Clark State womens team fell to the top seed in the League, as the Lakeland CC Ladies team came and handled business, staying undefeated in the process. 

The Lady Eagles have hit hard times and are looking to get out of a losing streak and back in the winners column. The effort was there, but injuries and hard times have hurt Coach Steinke and the Lady Eagles.