Whippet comeback leads them into districts finals
In another thriller, the third-seeded Shelby Whippets boys basketball rallied from 10 down with less than three minutes left in the game to pull off an improbable 60-58 victory over second-seeded Upper Sandusky, Tuesday evening in a district semifinal matchup.
Karsen Homan played arguably his best game of his career. The senior post player (now a prolific three point shooter) put on a show for crowd at Findlay High School.
In a dominant double-double performance, Homan knocked down 23 points, hauled down 16 rebounds, shot 80% (8-10) from the floor, hit four three pointers and made the play of the game on the defensive end of the court, taking a charge with six seconds left in the game to propel the Whippets to the district finals.
Homan wasn’t the only Whippet to come up clutch in the comeback. Brayden DeVito scored 13 points, including a go-ahead runner 20 seconds left, on a bum ankle.
Michael Shepherd, nursing a knee injury, scored three of his ten points to start the comeback.
Nic Eyster hit another clutch three during the fourth quarter rally.
Landon Foltz, who’s stepped up to take over the point guard position during DeVito’s injury, had a key and-one late in the fourth and handed out a game-high nine assists.
It looked bleak for the Whippets after Upper went on a 24-5 run in a span of seven minutes between the third and fourth quarters to take what looked to be a commanding 57-47 lead with 2:36 left in the game.
Shelby (16-8) then went on a 13-1 scoring spree to finish off the game and send the Whippets into a district final matchup with top-seeded Elida (17-7), who beat Bath 52-38 in the first district final game. The Division IV district final game is scheduled to tip off at 7pm, Friday night at Findlay High School.
“We have a special group. Love our relentless effort from start to finish. Throughout the whole game, we kept poise and found ways to make winning plays down the stretch. We knew we just had to turn our pressure up late and make plays off our defense.” Said a relieved Shelby coach, Greg Gallaway.
Michael Shepherd started the comeback with a three pointer. Upper (17-7) then scored their last point of the game when Justin Heilman split a pair of free throws with 2:07 left and Upper leading 58-50.
Nic Eyster drilled a three. Foltz then stole the inbounds pass and score on an and-one to cut the lead to 55-58 with 1:42 left.
After an Upper timeout, the Rams were fouled and missed both free throws with 1:24 remaining.
Homan was fouled on an offensive rebound and drilled both charity shots to cut the lead to a point (58-57).
The Rams again missed a pair of free throws with 43 seconds to go in the game.
After a Shelby timeout, DeVito split the Rams defense and scored on a driving runner with 20 seconds left to give Shelby their first lead (59-58) since early in the third quarter.
Upper called timeout to setup their last possession and chance to take the lead, but Homan slid in front of a Ram driving to the hoop to take a charge with six seconds left.
“It just happened honestly (taking the charge). I knew I had help and was prepared to step over and stop the drive. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity and my body just took over at that point.” said Homan
Foltz was fouled on the inbounds pass, hit a free throw and Upper’s last second desperation shot fell short and left of the hoop.
Homan was quick to deflect any individual accolades and praise a team effort, “ this team battles hard and that’s what makes it easy to play so hard for these guys. They truly care about one another and fight to keep playing another day. I know I had the key stat line, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without these guys work and love for one another.”
Gallaway had lofty praise for his senior big man, “Karsen Homan was incredible. He wanted to keep playing and held us together throughout the whole game. That is without a doubt, the best defensive play I’ve been around as a coach.“
Gallaway also spoke about other Whippets who were key in the victory, “Brayden once again wanting the ball in his hands late and making plays for us . He is such a competitor. Landon was great controlling the game. 9 assists is phenomenal, he continue to elevate his game for us lately. Mikey gave us huge minutes off the bench. It’s great to have him back out on the floor.”
Upper led 14-12 at the end of the first period and 31-30 at halftime. Shelby went on a 12–2 run to open the third quarter and take a 42-33 lead with four minutes left in the third.
Upper countered with a 14-4 run of their own to end the third and added to the lead to make it 57-47 with 2:36 left in the contest.
Following Homan in the scoring column was Devito (13) and Shepherd (10). Foltz and Eyster each scored five, Foltz dished out nine assists. Anderson Brubaker chipped in four points. DeVito also handed out four assists.
Upper’s Brock Montgomery led all scorers with 26 points. Kaimen Isles scored 17, Justin Heilman added seven, Josh Heilman chipped in six and Luke Schoenberger hit a bucket.
This is just the second time in Shelby boys basketball history that the Whippets have reached consecutive district finals.
Shelby lost to Bellevue (46-45) in the 97/98 season and beat Galion in the district finals (71-54) in the 98/99 season.
“Such a team effort like you said- We have guys that just battle and find ways to win. We are glad we are still playing basketball right now.” Summed up Gallaway.
@Ridenour Photography
