Thursday, March 11, 1999
Boys district previews: tonight's games
Kings (12-11) vs. Urbana (15-8)
• Division: II
• Where: University of Dayton Arena
• When: Tonight, 5:30 p.m.
• Admission: $5
• Starting lineups: Kings: Ryan Husband, John Brose, Zack Woods, Brad McCarty, Ronnie Swearingin. Urbana: Mike White, Matt Fox, Trevor Woods, T.C. Underwood, Jason Peterson.
• Coaches: Kings: Brian O'Connell. Urbana: Tim Lacy.
• What to expect: There are no secrets as to what Kings plans to do and what Urbana must overcome in this matchup of opposites. As in past tournament games, Kings will attempt to slow the pace and play a half-court game. This strategy worked to perfection in sectional victories over two undefeated teams, Springboro and Eaton.
Urbana prefers the up-tempo game and will attempt to get a substantial early lead to force Kings out of its deliberate style of play.
A low scoring team that averages more than 50 points a game, Kings is led by Ronnie Swearingin (14 points and seven rebounds) and Brad McCoy (11 points and four assists.
Zack Woods has also bought into coach Brian O'Connell's control game and averages eight points and five assists with defensive specialist John Brose at five a game.
Mike White (five assists), T.C. Underwood (16 points) and Jason Peterson (14 points) are Urbana's top starters.
If the Urbana players are disciplined and don't get rattled, it could make for an interesting game.
McNicholas (18-5) vs. Graham (12-10)
• Division: II
• Where: University of Dayton Arena
• When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
• Admission: $5
• Starting lineups: McNicholas: Ryan Ogletree, Brad Cupito, Zach Schmidt, Jim Moore, Ryan Caldwell. Graham: Derek VanHoose, Ryan Shamblin, Brett Spriggs, Josh Jordan, Chad Roberts.
• Coaches: McNicholas: Jerry Doerger. Graham: Dave Zeller.
• What to expect: After suffering through a late season slump, McNicholas returned to midseason form in the sectional tournament, recording two lopsided victories, including a 85-59 triumph over Woodward.
“The Woodward game shocked me,” McNicholas coach Jerry Doerger said. “Luckily, we got up early and they panicked. We also made 28-of-35 free throws.”
The Rockets will be tough to handle with the top seven players all seniors. They're balanced with Ryan Ogletree (14 points), Ryan Caldwell (13.0) and Brad Cupito (12.5) in double figures.
Graham is a disciplined team with Derek VanHoose and Ryan Shamblin both averaging 18 points a game and Brett Spriggs at 12 points and five assists. Point guard Josh Jordan also averages five assists and eight points.
Like Kings, Graham also pulled off two upsets en route to the district game. If taken lightly by McNicholas, the Rockets could be watching from the stands the remainder of the tournament.
Roger Bacon (12-10) vs. Kettering Alter (16-6)
• Division: II
• Where: University of Dayton Arena
• When: Tonight, 8:30 p.m.
• Admission: $5
• Starting lineups: Roger Bacon: Brian Lakes, Sam Merkle, John Schott, Dan Huerkamp, Jared Niesen. Alter: Mark Boland, Adam Berardo, John Staub, Keith Waleskowski, Adam Waleskowski.
• Coaches: Roger Bacon: Bill Brewer. Alter: Joe Petrocelli.
• What to expect: This is the third meeting between these Greater Catholic League North Division rivals with Roger Bacon winning 74-61 at Bacon and Alter prevailing 54-38 at home.
Seniors Brian Lakes (17 points), the Spartans only returning starter, and Jared Niesen (18), have been the catalyst. Sam Merkle (7), John Schott (8) and sophomore San Huerkamp (4) have also played important roles.
Alter has the height advantage with the Waleskowski brothers (6-8), Keith and Adam, both averaging in double figures while combining for 18 rebounds. The Knights' other starters are all averaging about eight points a game.
“We're on a seven game winning streak,” Alter coach Joe Petrocelli said. “We're playing well and the kids have now bought into what we're trying to do.”
Roger Bacon's record (12-10) is deceptive, losing six or seven close games. However, they have played well in the tournament and can't be taken lightly.
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