Prep Boys Hoops Notes: Some schools delay start of basketball season

SPRINGFIELD — While most teams started the boys basketball season last weekend, a few stayed off the courts and delayed openers to this week.

Some schools had opponents that participated in the football playoffs and wanted to push back the basketball season opener. Southeastern was supposed to start the season against West Jefferson, a playoff team, but the game was moved.

Other schools, like Graham, don’t schedule games in the first weekend.

Graham head coach Brook Cupps said not playing gives him a chance to scout opponents, and it gives his team a few extra chances to practice.

“It’s an opportunity to see some different teams, and that preparation is important,” he said.

Delaying the start means playing an extra game later, but “once you get into the season, especially later in the season, your kids want to be playing,” Cupps said.

Graham hosts West Liberty-Salem today.

Other area teams that didn’t play in the first weekend include Greenon, Mechanicsburg and Yellow Springs.

Greenon travels to Northeastern and Southeastern hosts Northwestern today. Mechanicsburg and Yellow Springs start Friday.

First stats

The News-Sun will accept year-to-date boys basketball statistics on Monday.

Coaches can e-mail bplasters@coxohio.com or fax to (937) 328-0328.

If the conference site is updated by Monday (CBC, MBC and GWOC), coaches do not need to report.

Around the state

Low scores: Norwalk beat Clyde 39-35; Sandusky Perkins beat Bellevue 42-32; Arcadia beat Kansas Lakota 37-35.

Close scores: Plymouth beat Lucas 68-66; Willard beat Lexington 53-52.

High scores: Mentor beat Warren Harding 88-75; Ironton beat Ashland Blazer (Ky.) 93-73.

Overtime scores: Parma Normandy beat Parma Padua 69-68; Franklin-Monroe beat Tri-Village 82-81.

About the Author