By Bill Bray
FREMONT – The Little Giants gave themselves an early Christmas gift Wednesday evening at the Purple Pit with a 58-56 win over Greater Latrobe, PA.
It was the first time a Little Giant basketball team hosted a team from outside Ohio. The Pennsylvania team will be spending the night in Findlay and playing the Trojans Thursday afternoon at 4pm.
The Little Giants turned on the jets throughout the game as they were being pressured with some full court defense and broke through it on several occasions. Many times, the Giants seemed almost out of control as the pace of the game was fast and furious. “It’s the first time all year we faced that kind of pressure,” coach John Cahill said. “They did a really nice job at running bodies at us. Then we ran into a stretch where we ran into foul trouble, so we were putting guys in different positions. We only have three guys that played last year so the rest of our lineup is still trying to figure things out as they go. You can’t beat varsity experience. Dekentre (Hardin) was at the foul line late, and he has never been in that situation at the varsity level and Makai (Lee) along with a few other sophomores in new situations. I am just happy with everyone that played. I thought Jacob Krebs gave us some great minutes in the first half and I thought Justin Haralson, the freshman, came in and did a great job inside.
The team was led on the defensive end of the floor by several Giants. Anthony Vann, Ayden Carter, Carter Rodriguez, Justin Haralson and the “garbage man” Adam Hrynciw. Wherever the ball was that is where Hrynciw was. “” Ciwey” has no ego and just plays,” Cahil said. ”He plays as hard as he can.”
Offensively the team, as always was led by their leader, Ayden Carter. The senior is fighting through double and sometimes triple teams to still lead the Giants in point production. Against Latrobe, Carter scored just 16 points as he received his fourth foul early in the third quarter. Also scoring for Ross was Carter Rodriguez who contributed with 12 points to be the only other Giant in double figures. Hrynciw added nine points and Vann finished with seven points, Lee had five points, Tykell Patterson finished with four points. Hardin and Haralson had two points apiece and Mason Durnwald added a point from the foul line.
In the end, the foul line was critical for the Giants tonight and they answered the call finishing 14-22 from the line. “I’m happy with the win. We are 3-3 and have a little time off here for the holidays then we come back next week for a few games in the Jingle Bell Jam Tournament in Sandusky.” Cahill concluded.
Ayden Carter (22) continues to be the offensive leader for Ross as he connected for 16 points.
Anthony Vann (1) eyes the basket as he goes up for two point.
Tykell Patterson (24) looks for a team mate for an assist.
Makai Lee (21) is one of the sophomore who is getting experience at the varsity level this season,.
Freshman Justin Haralson (15) tries for two points during first half action.
Senior Jacob Krebs (25) earned praise from his coach during his time on the floor.
Dekendre Hardin (55) got some minutes during the game Wednesday night at the varsity level.
Spark-plug Carter Rodriguez (10) supplies the quickness and moves for the Little Giants.
Senior Adam Hrynciw is taking advantage of his role on the varsity this season as he was around the basket on numerous occasions versus Latrobe, PA.