By JIM EXLINE
The Press-News
A history-making year. A perfect season. A 20-0 record. Pride. Momentum going into the post season. Bragging rights-- all were on the line when the Hornets hosted Streetsboro Saturday, Feb. 27.
It was all on the line, and the emotional stakes were high. Not that the Hornets needed the win to help with pos-season play-- they were already the number one seed in the tournament. It was just everyone from the coaches to players to parents to fans wanted it so bad, they could almost taste it.
As it turned out, no one needed to worry. The Hornets put the perfect season in the books by taking care of business as usual, defeating Streetsboro 69-57.
It indeed was business as usual-- players playing the game unselfishly, three-pointers sunk from all over the field by numerous players, a swarming defense that often leaves the competition dazed and confused. Zell Bradley, Joe Cartwright and Ryan Burfield combined for 16 assists. Brandon Slater grabbing 14 rebounds. The Hornets as a team grabbing 43. Business as usual that will no doubt be the business end to the Hornets' post season opponents.
Slater led East Canton in scoring with 26 points, while Burfield added 12.
About the game, coach Spurgeon said, "It was truly a team effort. The boys were a little excited to start, once we calmed down they did a fine job of executing. They did a nice job of getting out on our guards, and Joe, Ryan, Sam and Zell did a nice job of finding guys underneath. Slater, Smith and Stu really finished well."
Reflecting on the perfect season, Spurgeon commented, "I'm really happy for these kids. They have worked very hard and overcome a lot of adversity. These kids have earned everything they get. These kids are a perfect storm of talent, hard work and dedication. It's hard to believe that so many kids like this can appear at the same time in such a small school. They are a tribute to their parents and their community. We had tremendous leadership from our upperclassmen. Twenty and 0 is a special thing. It's something these kids and this community will never forget."
About the Hornets' upcoming tournament play, coach Spurgeon's thoughts-- "We open with Youngstown Ursuline. They are big and athletic. We'll be tested out of the gate. Traditional powers Aquinas and Campbell Memorial await if we can get Ursuline."
He concludes by saying, "I'm really excited and optimistic about the tournament."
And Hornet fans have every reason to be just that.
Post season for the Hornets will begin on Friday, March 5, at 8 p.m., at Salem High School.
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