Just three weeks ago Class 2 No. 1 Hartville blasted Mansfield 70-26 in what at the time seemed like just another conference rout for the Eagles.
As it turned out, that game was a preview of a Class 2 Sectional matchup between the two Summit Conference rivals with the winner being just one game away from a Final Four berth and through three quarters it seemed like Mansfield was poised to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season.
But, with their season on the line, the Eagles outscored Mansfield 13-2 in the fourth quarter to earn a 47-37 win and a trip to the Class 2 quarterfinals.
“The first time we played them we played really well and shot the ball well and on the other side they played about as poorly as they could possibly play,” said Hartville coach Brett Reed. “I knew coming in that it was going to be a grind and it was nothing short of a typical Mansfield/Hartville rivalry game.
All the credit to Mansfield, they played really well and made it tough on us. It’s good to know that we can respond when our backs are against the wall. Being down entering the fourth quarter, making some big plays and sealing it with free throws is huge. Close games this time of year can’t hurt, the only that can hurt at this time is going home.”
It seemed like home was exactly where Hartville was headed after Mansfield sophomore Spencer Greene canned back-to-back 3s, giving the Lions a 33-29 lead late in the third quarter. Mansfield trailed 23-17 at the half but went on an 8-0 to start the third quarter.
Mansfield outscored Hartville 18-11 in the third behind three 3s from Greene.
“Normally they come out and really get after people and really put them away in the third,” said Mansfield coach Terry Writer. “For us to hold our own there put us in a position to win in the fourth quarter.”
Mansfield took a 35-34 lead into the fourth quarter, but it was immediately taken away on the first possession of the quarter when junior Deric Jones finished a lob from classmate Dune Piper. On the ensuing play Jones took a steal coast-to-coast for another layup, setting the tone for a quarter that saw Hartville hold the Lions scoreless for nearly seven minutes.
“Without our defense and rebounding tonight we would be out of here; we would be going home,” said Reed. “Holding them to 37 was big on a night that we struggled offensively… It was simple, we were either going to rise to the occasion or we were going to go home. I looked at them and told them that I didn’t feel like they were ready to be done playing yet. They came out and responded well.”
While Hartville struggled to score from the field, the Eagles were able to get to the foul line with consistency, shooting 16-for-28 as a time. Mansfield did not attempt a single free throw on Wednesday.
Senior Ryan Ward scored a game-high 15 points for Hartville, leading three Eagles in double figures. Classmate Grant Dedmon added 13 while Jones finished with 12. Mansfield was led by 6-foot-8 freshman Dylan Caruso’s 12 points.
There is a silver lining for Mansfield.
The Lions will lose third-leading scorer Justin Campbell, but Writer will return everyone else on his roster. With four starters back, as well as a talented crop of underclassmen, this could be the beginning of something special for Mansfield Basketball.
“The future is bright,” said Writer. “There are a lot of possible players in that group and it’s going to be interesting to see who works this offseason to earn their time. I think getting to play in this game and this atmosphere will really make them want it a little bit more and helps them get after it in the offseason.”
For the second time in the last three seasons Hartville finds itself just one game away from an elusive trip to Columbia and the Final Four. The last time the Eagles were here they came up just one possession short, losing to Strafford 63-62.
Coming into this year the Hartville had averaged 25 wins a year with conference and district championships. This is the season Reed and the Eagles are hoping to get over the hump.
“We have some unfinished business are we are 32 minutes away from it,” said Reed. “We’ve been knocking on the door for the last few years and it’s time. We need to be ready to play our best basketball for 32 minutes.”
Hartville 47, Mansfield 37
Hartville 16-7-11-13 – 47
Mansfield 11-6-18-2 – 37
Hartville (26-4) – R. Ward 15, Dedmon 13, Jones 12, Piper 7.
Mansfield (21-8) – Caruso 12, Greene 9, Campbell 6, Roy 5, Williamson 3, Emrick 2.