First Posted: 4/1/2015
Man, what a fun boys’ state basketball tournament that I got to enjoy in person, this past weekend.
But it is amazing to me how much negativity there was in Columbus, with a lot of people talking about the smaller crowds at the tourney, and how much negativity there has been since last Saturday, with the “controversial” end to the Division II State Championship game.
Why do we always dwell on negatives in our world?
The Defiance story and its improbable journey at the state tournament can be told over and over again — such a great story. Yet many, including the national media, have instead grabbed hold of a negative there, concentrating on how a highly favored Cleveland Central Catholic team lost the state championship when a player was called for a technical foul on a dunk.
Ugh!
First off, let me be clear that I thought the Cleveland C.C. player should have been assessed the technical foul, for doing a “chin-up” after slamming the ball through the net.
My broadcast partner Matt Metzger immediately called for the “T,” and said it was the right call, as soon as it happened.
But that is not why the Ironmen lost the game.
Defiance still had to convert two technical free throws with a young man going to the line without anyone around him, and make both shots, just to get his team within two.
He did.
Then the Bulldogs had to score a basket in the final seconds of regulation just to tie the game, and they were able to somehow convert a layup. Where was the Ironmen’s defense there?
And Cleveland Central Catholic still had a chance to win the game in overtime, starting the extra period tied.
They couldn’t.
Let us focus on what Defiance did.
Yes, they had an incredible season just to get to Columbus.
It was their first appearance at the state tournament since 1940.
But no one outside of head coach Kirk Lehman and his players, gave them a chance to win, even in their state semifinal match-up versus powerful Dayton Dunbar, let alone in the title game against a team that had eliminated nationally ranked and previously unbeaten Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary the previous Saturday.
That is why we “play the games” folks.
Defiance played as a “team,” and the Bulldogs were the best Division II “team” this past weekend in Columbus.
Focus on the positive, please.
And it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy in Kirk Lehman.
I first got to know Kirk when we were “teammates” at Ohio University in the late ’70’s.
He played college basketball at O.U., and I announced it.
He is still the same Kirk Lehman, who was a bulldog on the basketball court, and a gentleman off it.
As great of a coach that Kirk Lehman is, he is an even better person.
Destiny?
Cinderella story?
That’s how I want to remember my experience at the boys’ state tournament.
Positive!
OTHER KOZA THOUGHTS:
• Lehman told me this week on Sportstalk with Koza that he was told that Defiance becomes the 19th school to have won a state football championship; a state baseball title; and now a boys’ basketball state crown. Impressive!
• Katwan Singleton will play next year at the University of Findlay. And he is a “plaaaayyyyyeeeeerrrrr.”
• Congrats to Lima Central Catholic and Wayne Trace for just making it to the state tournament, and both return a good nucleus of players to make a run at Columbus next season.
• OK, hoops now in the rear view mirror — I am ready for baseball. Opening Day for the Indians and Reds next Monday. I loooovvvvveeeee it!
