Friday, March 23, 2001
Elder ready to take on No. 1
Brookhaven is top challenge in state tournament
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When Elder last appeared in the Division I state semifinals in 1993, the Panthers played undefeated Stow, the No.1 team in Ohio and No.4 in the USA Today's Super 25 ratings.
Tonight at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Elder faces a similar challenge in undefeated Columbus Brookhaven, No. 1 in Ohio and No. 19 in the Super 25.
“They're as athletic as Western Hills or Springfield South but even a little deeper than those teams,” Elder coach Joe Schoenfeld said. “But the one thing they don't have are big, physical guys.”
A high-scoring team (83.9 points) loaded with depth and quickness, Brookhaven coach Bruce Howard relies on a nine-player rotation.
Although Brookhaven doesn't have physical or strong players, they hit the boards hard, especially at the offensive end of the court.
“I don't think that we want to get in a complete up-and-down running game with them,” Schoenfeld said.
Howard, in his ninth year at Brookhaven, expects Elder to play physical underneath while trying to control the tempo and force the Bearcats into a half-court game.
“We prefer running, but this team has learned to play both ways, especially since the tournament started,” Howard said. “Elder's not going to run with us.”
Because of Brookhaven's superior quickness and depth, Howard prefers a closely officiated game.
“Elder's very physical and they like getting the ball to their 3-point shooters,” Howard said.
Both teams have multiple players averaging in double figures.
Elder starts five seniors with guard Jake Bazeley the scoring leader at 13 points a game, followed by Tim Schenke (11.0), Scott Benken (10) and Mike Mahon.
Brookhaven's go-to guy is 6-foot-4 guard Ronald Lewis (17.2 ppg). Other Bearcats in double figures are Brandon Foust (10.3), Raheem Moss (14.2) and super subs Dante Patterson (10.8) and Andrew Lavender (11.3).
“If you're a good Cincinnati team, you can play with anyone,” Schoenfeld said. “The GCL teams have proven that.”
Howard is aware of Elder's tradition and the success of the GCL in the boys state tournament.
“I have a lot of respect for Elder's program and their league,” Howard said. “And they'll probably bring about 5,000 to 7,000 fans, which will be an advantage because we don't draw well.”
The winner advances to Saturday's championship against the winner of the Cleveland St. Ignatius/Massillon Washington game.
Carey Hoffman contributed to this story.
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Elder ready to take on No. 1
