Phoenix end season in difficult 72-36 loss

by BILL POLLOCK

for the News-Tribune

The Oberlin Phoenix concluded the 2009-10 basketball season with a 72-36 loss to Smithville at the Division III Sectional in Wooster on Wednesday night.

The Phoenix held a 2-0 lead at the 6:56 mark of the first quarter, their only lead of the game. Smithville pulled ahead with a three point goal a short time later on the way to a 21-11 lead after one quarter.

Oberlin could only manage two points in the second quarter as their offense sputtered with increased pressure from the Smithie defense. Six-foot-6 senior forward Derek Orr took over the game, scoring eight consecutive points to lead Smithville to a 37-13 halftime lead. Despite the scoring outburst, Oberlin coach Kurt Russell was optimist about next season.

"We had no answer tonight, but we will improve in the future," he said.

The Oberlin scoring drought continued until Gilbert Harris stole a pass and raced in for a layup with 5:04 left in the third quarter. This ended a seven-and-half-minute stretch when the Phoenix were outscored 22-0. The third quarter concluded with Smithville on top 56-23.

The fourth quarter was an opportunity for both teams to give their bench experience with Smithville outscoring Oberlin by three.

The Phoenix were led in scoring by freshmen Jason Moore with eight points and senior Gilbert Harris with seven points.