Malvern advances to regional final game

By Carol McIntire

Editor

What does a coach do when his top scorer is forced to sit on the bench for nearly a quarter in foul trouble?

If you are the Malvern Hornets and Coach Dennis Tucci, you rely on another of your experienced plays to step up and take his place. 

That was the scenario that played out March 13 when the Hornets faced McDermott Northwest Mohawks in a Division III regional semifinal contest at Ohio University. 

Junior Rodney Smith stepped up, dumped in 20 points and led the Hornets to a 58-52 victory and a slot in the regional final Saturday at 1 p.m. at OU against Harvest Prep, which defeated North Adams 78-48.

Senior Dylan Phillips kept the Mohawks at bay from the outside, sinking three of four 3-point shots and finishing the game with 13 points. Barrino, despite his time on the bench, scored 10 points and Mitch Minor contributed nine.

Connor Lintz led Northwest with 30 points. Teammate Tanner Bolin added 15.

The teams were knotted at 21-21 after the first quarter and at 31-31 at halftime.