By Brian K. Yount – Special Contributor Daily Advocate
New Madison, Ohio
The Tri-Village Patriots and the Bradford Railroaders traveled a rough road Friday night, in a Cross County Conference basketball game in which the Patriots prevailed 65-47.
In the first quarter, Nate Lindamood drove the lane where he lost his balance and landed on his back. Lindamood was transported to the hospital for x-rays: Coach Lee Falknor said later his senior guard was “okay,” and he doubts Nate will miss any games for the undefeated Patriots (18-0 regular season, 8-0 conference).
The Patriot fans wanted a Bradford foul on the play. This no-call early on could have set the tone for an altercation that followed midway through the second period.
The Patriots’ Dirk Lewis hit a 3-point bomb to put Tri-Village up 24-10 halfway through the period. On Bradford’s next possession, Brad Yount cut to the basket off the dribble and was fouled by Lewis.
Both players were struggling for possession of the ball when Lewis threw a punch, directed to the jaw of Yount, knocking him to the floor.
Subsequently, Yount jumped to his feet in retaliation to the outburst of Lewis.
Both players were ejected from the game, Lewis because of the punch; according to ‘Roader coach Randy Anderson, Yount was ejected for accidentally striking the official as he returned to his feet following the altercation.
This was followed by several fans, reacting to the call, coming onto the floor.
Falknor said about the altercation, “I am not sure of the consequences as of yet for Lewis, personal or from the (Ohio High School Athletic Association, but better decisions are made by cooler heads.”
Bradford coach Randy Anderson said, “any fight is unnecessary, but to throw a punch like that is ridiculous.”
When order was established, both teams rode an emotional high the rest of the half, which ended with the Patriots ahead 34-17.
Throughout the game, the Railroaders held onto the ball, working for a good shot. Bradford, led by Brennan Brewer with 22 points, shot 50 percent from the floor, but was hurt by the Patriots’ pressure, committing 25 turnovers.
Tri-Village got an outstanding game from sixth man Lee Brandon, who scored 24 points and pounded the offensive boards. The Patriots outrebounded Bradford 32-20.
“The press hurt us, we had 25 turnovers,” said Anderson, “You can’t blame our shooting because we shot 50 percent from the floor. Defensively we had a couple of lapses, but on the whole the kids played hard.”
Tri-Village clinched at least a tie for its second straight conference title; the Patriots are two games ahead with two to play. They end the regular season next weekend, playing at National Trail Friday and at home against Mississinawa Valley Saturday.
Bradford, 7-11, is at home against Ansonia Friday and closes the regular season Feb. 15 against Twin Valley South.
Scoring by Quarters
Tri-Village 13 21 20 9 – 65
Bradford 6 11 11 19 – 47
Tri-Village
Lindamood - 6
Brandon - 24
Ward - 6
Cook - 8
Bietry - 7
Lewis - 5
Fisherback - 5
Baker - 4
Totals - 65
Bradford
Zeh - 11
Webster - 5
Miller - 5
Brewer - 22
Yount - 2
Gibson - 2
Totals - 47
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| 1990-91 State Runner-up 27-1 |
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