Cambridge holds off feisty Meadowbrook in Guernsey County tussle

BYESVILLE — Round 2 of the Guernsey County hardwood tussle between rivals Meadowbrook and Cambridge on Tuesday played out much the same as Round 1.

A hard-fought battle went back and forth for a full 32 minutes. In the end, it was the visiting Bobcats who made the plays down the stretch to claim a well-earned 59-54 victory to sweep the season series.

"Anytime you play a rival in their gym, you expect them to be amped up and ready to play," CHS coach Kyle Pertuset said. "So hats off to their kids and coaching staff for being ready to play tonight.

"This was a battle that the team who made the most plays down the stretch was going to come out on top in this one. And fortunately tonight, we were able to make those key plays in late-game situations to come out on top."

Bobcats' Barnett comes up with key steal to seal win

Cambridge junior Jesiah Barnett came up with a huge 33 point effort, including an explosive 21-point fourth quarter to spark the Bobcats' 59-48 overtime victory over the Colts when the teams first met.

On Tuesday, it was Barnett flashing his defensive skillset which led to the key play that allowed the Bobcats to complete the sweep.

With Meadowbrook trailing 57-52 and time running out in the fourth, Colts sophomore Jacob Burris stepped to the charity stripe. He converted both attempts to pull his team within 57-54 with 1:01 left in the game.

Needing to foul to extend the game, Meadowbrook tied up Cambridge junior Dionte Jones to send him to the foul line with 24.6 seconds left to play. Jones had given the Bobcats a huge effort off the bench in the fourth with a strong effort off the glass.

But the Colts' strategy worked to perfection. Jones misfired on both foul shots to keep Meadowbrook alive with coach Teryn Jarrett calling a quick time out.

Needing a 3-pointer out of the break, the Colts worked the ball up court, looking to pull even and force overtime.

Meadowbrook attempted an extra pass to the corner for that potential game-tying triple. However, Barnett came up with the key defensive play, jumping in front of the pass for the crucial steal then heading up court with time clicking off the clock.

Barnett found sophomore Mason Gregg open under the basket for a layup, which sealed the victory.

"Everyone thinks about scoring with Barnett. With good reason, he's a talented scorer who is a load to try to slow down," Jarrett said. "But he does so much more for Cambridge. He's a very good ballhandler then there's his defense. That steal at the end was just a great play on his part. We were trying to make the extra pass for a good look and he read it all the way.

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"My kids are disappointed right now, but they gave another great effort tonight. Our record may not show it, but these kids are playing some good basketball."

Junior Colton Delancey paced Meadowbrook (1-20) with 14 points, with freshman Michael Ray adding 12. Sophomore Masyn Campbell and freshman Bentley Sedor each finished with 10 points, and Burris added six points. Sedor also pulled down a game high 10 rebounds.

Rogers comes up with big scoring effort in rivalry finale

Cambridge senior Regan Rogers scored a team-high 18 points in his final game against rival Meadowbrook.

"Just a big-time game from Regan in his final game against a big rival," Pertuset said. "That was big for him, and I'm happy for Regan. He really did a nice job getting to the rim and finishing tonight. Proud of our guys tonight. It was a good overall team effort."

Adding double-figure support for Cambridge (5-16) was Barnett with 14 points, seven assists, six steals and sophomore Mason Gregg with 11. Jones had six points and five rebounds.

Up next

Both teams return to action Friday, with Cambridge hosting Bellaire and Meadowbrook visiting Zanesville. Both sites feature 6 p.m. JV start times.

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Cambridge makes plays down the stretch to hold off Meadowbrook in battle of Guernsey County rivals