Oak Harbor doesn't let layoff prevent scorching start in NBC victory
GENOA - Oak Harbor and Genoa each sit one game back of first place in the Northern Buckeye Conference.
The Rockets topped the Comets 52-48 on Friday and each trails Eastwood and Fostoria in the standings.
"We still want to win the league," Oak Harbor junior Ethan Stokes said. "We have three losses but by no means are we out of contention. We had to have this, they're one of the best teams in the league."
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Stokes scored 11 of his 30 points as the Rockets led 20-6 after one quarter. Mike LaLonde had two buckets in the first quarter and added a 3-pointer after a three-point play from Genoa's Walter Plantz cut the margin to three in the fourth quarter.
"Our poise, our leadership and our focus was all there," Oak Harbor coach Eric Sweet said. "There were moments in the past when we lost our poise. We kept our focus and poise and they communicated to help each other.
"They were connected to win the game."
Oak Harbor surged despite 14 days between games because of the schedule and weather postponements.
"Monday, we were talking Genoa," Stokes said. "We had all week to prepare. We were ready."
Oak Harbor (7-5, 5-3) led 39-31 after three quarters and 26-19 at the half. Jon Huston did what he could to help Genoa remain in striking distance throughout the game for the Comets (10-4, 5-3).
"It's Plantz and then Huston," Sweet said. "He was on our radar. He's a senior, he's played three or four years of varsity. We have nothing but respect. He hit some big shots."
Huston scored nine of his 19 points in the second quarter and canned three timely 3-pointers. Ryan Routson added a pair of his own in the second half for Genoa.
Eastwood (7-6, 6-2) and Fostoria (11-3, 6-2) have combined for four losses and are tied atop the NBC. Oak Harbor and Otsego beat the Eagles, and Genoa and Eastwood (overtime) defeated Fostoria.
The Comets lost twice to the Rockets and once to the Eagles. The Rockets lost to Fostoria, Lake (4-4 NBC) and Otsego.
"We were 4-3 in the first round," Sweet said. "We want to win the league; we let a couple slip. It's win out and give ourselves a chance. It started [Friday] and we played like we want to win a league championship."
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Oak Harbor, Genoa OHSAA boys basketball
