Argh, Pirates send Phoenix to seventh consecutive loss

by JOHN LASKO

News-Times reporter

After losing seven straight games this season, the Oberlin Phoenix (3-8, 1-4 PAC) looked to get their first win in the new year against the Black River Friday. However, the team's dreams were dashed when Pirates defeated the Phoenix, 59-53.

"I give Black River credit because they played hard, kept their composure, and coach Morgan does an excellent job with their program," Oberlin head coach Kurt Russell said.

In the first quarter, senior Aaron James put the Phoenix on the board with two points, followed by sophomore Dominic Taylor, who put up three successful two-point shots and made one of two foul shots.

Freshman Jason Moore and senior Anthony Barnhill each had one point after each split a pair foul shots with less than two minutes on the clock.

Black River's Carl Younglas answered and put up 10 points in the first quarter alone. Joe Tutie, John Grilford, Cody Klosski, and Mat Stuart had two points a piece.

In the second quarter, senior Tim Hill successfully made a three point bomb from center court, while Barnhill put up two lay-ups with 4:37 left to go in the quarter.

Black River's Younglas put up two two-pointers, while Grilford also put the ball in the basket for another two points.

James and Taylor responded with two points a piece, while Hill and freshman Noland Isom made both of their free throws.

In the third, Hill dominated the hardwood for the Phoenix after successfully putting up two three-pointers, and making both of his foul shots with 6:23 left to go in the quarter.

Pretlow also went up to the line after being fouled by Klosski and made one of two foul shots.

Black River then went on the offensive after Klosski successfully made a three point shot outside of the key and Younglas made two two-point shots, including one three-pointer with about 3:32 left before the final buzzer.

Grilford was also successful at putting up two two-point shots, including one at the buzzer.

In the final minutes of the game, the Phoenix made one more attempt to add some more points to their total. Isom put up three two-point shots, while Taylor successfully put two two-pointers in the basket.

Junior Alfonso Allen put up another two points for the team with 4:51 left in the quarter, while Hill and Pretlow made both of their foul shots from the line.

Black River's Younglas responded with one three point shot and two two-pointers. Grilford put up another two points, while Tutie and Stuart each made one of two foul shots.

"I thought we played decent, but we just have to play better," Russell said. "Defense is still a problem for us especially with our young kids. These are freshmen leaving eighth grade basketball playing against 17 and 18 year olds it's a big difference and the game is faster and our guards are having problems keeping up with some of the other athletes other teams possess, but they work hard."

The teams combined for a total of 48 turnovers Friday. Oberlin had 27.

The Phoenix host the Wellington Dukes at home this evening. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.