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Colts KO'd by Carrollton in D-II District final Successful three-year run by Meadowbrook senior group ends in 73-57 loss; Shriver tallies 25

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March 18, 2010

Jeff Harrison

For The Village Reporter

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- A memorable three-year run for a solid core of seniors came to an end for the Meadowbrook High boys' basketball team, which dropped a 73-57 decision to a talented Carrollton squad in the Division II District championship game at Ohio University-Eastern.

The teams played on near-even terms for the first quarter, but Carrollton (17-6) seized control in the second period and never let Meadowbrook (14-8) get any closer than 11 points in the second half to claim the title and earn a spot in next week's regional tournament.

Despite the loss, Meadowbrook's group of seven seniors -- many of whom were three-year regulars -- will have plenty of success to look back on including the regional finals as sophomores; sectional finals as juniors and finally the district finals as seniors.

"You look at what they've accomplished over the last three years," said proud Meadowbrook coach Keith Arnold. "We talk about writing a new chapter every year and this group has a ton to be proud of. They're a testament to what we want Meadowbrook basketball to be all about.

"I appreciate the work and dedication of this group of seniors," Arnold added. "Our underclassmen have a challenge to keep it going now."

The departing seniors include the five starters -- Jeramie Neff, Ethan Shriver, Logan Pepper, Alex Robertson and Steven Minyo -- along with Andrew Nichols and Aaron Wickam.

Carrollton managed a 15-14 lead after one quarter, with junior Tyler Sheets scoring five off the bench for the Warriors while Minyo had a like number for the Colts.

Aggressive play at the offensive end featuring good penetration by junior point guard Johnny Lowdermilk and the scoring of junior Kristian Cross helped Carrollton to a 23-10 edge in the second period which widened the gap to 38-24 by halftime. Cross had 11 points in the round for the Warriors.

Meadowbrook's Shriver worked his way to eight third quarter points, but the Colts were only able to slice one point off of the Warriors' lead, with Carrollton taking a 52-39 advantage to the final eight minutes.

A Shriver bucket to open the fourth frame had the lead down to 11 (52-41), but a series of free throws quickly pushed it back to a 16-point spread and it grew to as much as 21 with four minutes remaining.

"They forced us out of our game and took control by playing their style and tempo," said Arnold. "We gave up too much penetration, especially in the first half."

The Warriors were simply the better team on this night.

"They're a good team -- no question," Arnold acknowledged. "They are physical, athletic and they can shoot...that's a nice combination to have."

Lowdermilk led the way for Carrollton with 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Cross collected 17 markers and eight boards while senior Luke Starre chipped in 10 tallies and eight caroms.

The Warriors were 14-of-49 from the field and 19-of-29 at the foul line with 35 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Shriver took game scoring honors with a 25-point effort and he also topped the Colts with five rebounds.

"He did everything he could to keep us in it," Arnold said of Shriver's performance.

Neff closed with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists while Minyo and Roberts each had seven points.

The Colts hit 19-of-45 floor shots and 17-of-23 at the charity stripe while collecting 21 rebounds and committing eight turnovers.




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