Chargers Lose Rival Game 89-87, Extend Skid to 8

Article by Rob K. Winkle, Jr., B.A. | Photos by Reflections by Rob, LLC

The second half of a rival doubleheader in Springfield would put the Edison State Men versus Clark State. Two teams already eliminated from post-season play played in a tough overtime thriller in Piqua on January 31.

The Chargers would battle in this game, holding the lead for most of the first half. Clark State tied it at 27 with 6:18 left in the first, but Edison State held firm going into the half, leading 45-41. Sophomore and two-time OCCAC POTW Caleb Iheukwu (Westerville North HS) performed typically during his season, netting above his average of 17.8 ppg by scoring 22. (Unofficial stats)

The Chargers' other POTW winner this year Sophomore Daviyon McDonald (Dublin Jerome HS) would be one of three chargers tied at 14 points (13.3 PPG) to share the second spot in scoring and also slammed home two dunks, played tough defense, and maintained poise on the boards. The Eagles would come out hard in the second jumping out to a 46-45 lead 51 seconds in, the Chargers would retake the lead and then become tied once more with 16:19 remaining. There were several lead changes, back-and-forths, and fouls abound in this game. Emotions were running high in this strong rivalry.

Sophomore Abdulai Jalloh (Westerville South HS), who averaged 6.8 this season, was another of the three Chargers with 14 points. The Chargers would trail 67-65 with 9:31 remaining when Sophomore Devonte Curry (Briggs HS) and a Clark State player would draw a double technical, Curry who had his first technical in the first half would be forced to leave the game with 11 points.

The third Charger to score 14 would be Freshman Sean Caldwell (James N. Gamble Montessori HS), who contributed a tough inside game and doubled his season average of 7.4 ppg.

This game, like their first meeting in January, would come down to the wire at 1:16 remaining in the game. It was tied at 81, fouls and emotions became an issue for both teams and ultimately, Clark State took advantage, pulling ahead 84-81 at the 1:00 mark. The game would end with a final score of 89-87 and an Edison State defeat, extending their losing streak to eight games and bringing their overall season record to 11-16 (7-7). Like all their losses, this team fought until the end but came up short; losing Curry did not help issues or still being without the firepower of Freshman Ronald Smith (Thurgood Marshall HS), who was still inactive as he was Saturday due to an illness.

Coach Vanover and company travel to Kirtland on Saturday to take on Lakeland, which will end their season. The Chargers' men are already eliminated from post-season play.

For photos of this and other games, visit Reflections by Rob, LLC.