Those expecting an offensive explosion on Wednesday night’s OHSAA DIII Kettering Regional Semifinal game between Preble Shawnee and Miami East were disappointed as both team came into the game averaging over 60 points per game. A rough and tumble defensive battle where made shots were at a premium and excellent Arrow foul shooting to finish off the game. The game started with the Vikings getting on the board first with a 3 from Enis and a basket from Mitchel Kemp. The Arrows would rip off the next 9 points and take the lead for good. Arrows 9-5. Enis would make a pair of free throws and a 3 for the Vikings while the Arrows foreshadowed the game ending by going 4-4 from the line. Arrows 13-10 after 1.
The second quarter would have Jacob Roeth hit a free throw for the Vikings to make it a 2 point game, 13-11. The Vikings offense would go cold and the Arrows went inside and scored the next 9 points, Arrows 22-11. Enis would outscored the Arrows 4-2 to make it Arrows 24-15. At half the Vikings had made 4 baskets and were 5-9 from the line while the Arrows had 8 baskets and were 8-10 from the line.
The Vikings needed a great start to the third quarter to get back into the game and after some defensive adjustment the Vikings started their comeback. The Vikings would put in 7 of the first 8 points of the second half to cut the Arrow lead to 3, 25-22. Devon Abshire would have 4 of the 7 and Bryce Haught 3. The quarter would end with the Arrows outscoring the Vikings 6-4 with the Vikings getting 3 from Connor Apple and a free throw from Enis. Arrows 31-26 after 3.
The Vikings would put in the first 4 points of the fourth to make it a 1 point game 31-30, Roeth made a pair of free throws and Haught a basket. After being held to just 6 points through 3 quarters the Arrows leading scorer and SW District POY nailed a 3 to put some distance on the scoreboard 43-30 Arrows. A basket by Enis was followed by the Arrows scoring 8 points, 1 basket and 6-8 from the line to put the Arrows up 42-32. Both teams would put in 8 points to finish off the games scoring with the Arrows going 8-8 from the line. Arrows 50-40 final.
Miami East was led in scoring by Wes Enis with 15 points and Jacob Roeth 8. Connor Apple scored 6, Bryce Haught 5, Devon Abshire 4, and Mitchel Kemp 2. The Vikings made five 3 pointers with Enis and Apple both making 2 and Roeth 1. The Arrows made one 3 pointer. The Vikings were 11-17 from the line while the Arrows were 25-32 including 12-12 to finish off the game.
Miami East falls to 24-3 while Preble Shawnee improves to 23-3 and will take on Harvest Perp on Saturday night for a Regional Championship.
Other Thought on game: Wes Enis had a monster game… double double and held down the Arrows leading scorer to 6 points through 3 quarters. The Vikings bench came through outscoring the Arrows 9-2 (Haught, Abshire, and Matthew VanPelt). Both teams had 2 seniors so they may meet again next year. Arrows height advantage starting 6’8″ and 6’5″ proved to a big advantage over the Vikings. Trent Arena was packed and it is a great place to see a game.
Continentalenews is based out of North Creek Ohio and covers items of interest pertaining to the greater Continental Ohio area (NorthWest Putnam County). Jacob Roeth is the grandson of Continental High School grads David and Roxy Chivington. It is the pleasure to cover Miami East Basketball as schedule permits.
–Mike Jones, Sportswriter
