division II regional final preview graham vs. alter
Graham adjusts to physical basketball
The undefeated Falcons prepare to play Kettering Alter today at Wright State's Nutter Center.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
ST. PARIS — The biggest adjustment in tournament basketball from the regular season is the physical play.
Reaches, pushes, shoves and general harassment that might be whistled in December are common, and often uncalled, in February and March.
Graham's Josh Schuler (22) chases a loose ball while defended by Canal Winchester's Remon Nelson in a Division II regional semifinal Thursday, March 6. Schuler scored 31 points in a 64-50 win. Staff photo by Barbara J. PerenicGraham plays Kettering Alter in a Division II, Region 8 boys basketball final today, March 9, at Wright State's Nutter Center at 2 p.m.
The Falcons (25-0, rated No. 5 in the state) adjusted to the physical pace of tournament basketball quickly in their previous two games, beating Cincinnati Taft and Canal Winchester. They will face one of their most physical tests yet against the talented Knights.
Taft was quicker. Canal Winchester was taller. Alter might be stronger, but Graham is preparing accordingly.
"We don't let our kids complain about getting fouled," Graham head coach Brook Cupps said. "If they complain about it, they run. If they make a face about it, they run. Our kids know they're going to have to play physical basketball, and that's created a strong mentality."
Alter (17-7) competes in the Greater Catholic League, which regularly sends teams to the state tournament. As part of the GCL schedule, the Knights played mighty D-I Cincinnati teams like Moeller, St. Xavier and Elder.
"Alter is one of the most disciplined teams we've played," Cupps said. "They are one of the best coached, and they'll be the most tested team, too. Taft played some good teams and so did Canal Winchester, but night-in and night-out, nobody's played the schedule that Alter's faced."
Alter allows 48.3 points per game with a solid 2-3 zone. Graham allows 46.9, and plays a man-to-man scheme.
Cupps said the Knights will run the floor when given the chance, but scores mostly out of a half-court offense. That means Graham will need to be frugal with its own possessions.
"Our kids are stingy about the shots they take," Cupps said. "We take the shot that we want with the kids who we want to shoot it."
Josh Schuler, a 6-2 junior guard, averages a team-high 19.7 points per game. Austin Jones, a 6-2 junior, averages 10.8 and 6-3 sophomore Ethan Ward scores 10.7.
Today's game will be Graham's first appearance in a regional final. Alter won state championships in 1978, 1999 and 2001.
