February 20, 2007 - Volume 16, No. 8

a Winkler Company publication

Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...

American Foursquare on East Schantz Avenue

Jacks 17 and 1 heading into SWBL title fight

By King Merritt

On a “white out” senior night the crowd said its farewell to six Lumberjack basketball seniors before a packed house in “The Pit”. Appearing for the final time at home were Michael Beal, Ben Boyer, Scott Casebere, Andy Ely, Will Merritt and Jon Richardson. The fans gave the players and their parents a great send off and the game was ready to begin.

Determined to avenge their only loss of the season the Jacks started the game with great intensity. The defense, which has been the Jacks strong point all season, began applying the pressure early and often. With only 2:26 gone in the first quarter, center Jake Mays tipped in a rebound then went down hard with a sprained ankle. The team then did what they had done all season - when one man was down - the others rallied. Tommy Lambert, Jon Richardson and Austin Kellogg filled in for the injured Mays and had one of their personal best games, combined they scored 19 points & collected 10 rebounds. The first quarter ended with the Lumberjacks leading 19-14.

Photos by Leon Chuck

OHS boys basketball team gathers for group photo after 69-60 victory over Franklin.

The second quarter was highlighted by fantastic free throw shooting by the Jacks going 10-11 in the first half for 91 percent. Tommy Lambert was automatic from the line and the play of wingmen Will Garner and Will Merritt behind the 3-point line was an astounding 75 percent. With their confidence growing and the pep band and crowd getting into the spirit rallied the team to a 27-24 halftime lead.

The Wildcats could never get into a flow as Oakwood’s pressure defense began to take its toll. Outstanding play by Chris Hardy in the second half and the continued great inside play by Lambert & Richardson were keys to the dominance by the Lumberjacks in the third quarter, which ended 47-36.

Coach Paul Stone had the Wildcats right where he wanted them and directed the Jacks to play smart and control the ball. The Jacks were resolute not to let this victory slip through their hands. Ball handling by Robby Sherk, Scott Casebere, Will Merritt and Chris Hardy assured the Jacks their 15th straight win 69-60 and a record of 17-1. The Jacks are currently ranked third in the State Division III.

Scoring for the Lumberjacks were Chris Hardy 13, Will Merritt 12, Will Garner 11, Jon Richardson 11, Tommy Lambert 8, Robby Sherk 6, Scott Casebere 4, Jake Mays 2, Michael Beall 2. The Jacks shot 43.8 percent from the field, 44.4 percent behind the arc and 65.7 percent from the line. Leading rebounders were Hardy 10, Lambert and Casebere 6 and Sherk with 5, team total of 40.

The win assured the Lumberjacks of a shared SWBL-Southwestern league title and with a win at Milton-Union Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., the Jacks will own the outright title. Tournament play begins Friday night at U.D. arena at 8 p.m. for the Jacks vs. the winner of the Northridge/Preble Shawnee game. Help cheer the Lumberjacks on to victory!!

Photos by Leon Chuck

Senior guard Michael Beall takes a trophy in the form of a piece of the net.

Jills head to sectional final Friday

The Oakwood Jills basketball team beat Bellbrook 46-41 in the second round of the state tournament. The girls played really hard on Saturday and mounted a nice second half to overcome the four point deficit at half time. Leading the team was Cathryn Hardy, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds. Tiffany Taylor followed with 16 points and eight rebounds. The Jills now play Little Miami in the sectional finals on Friday. The time is currently scheduled for 6 p.m, but it may be moved due to the fact that the boys play Friday night at 8 p.m. Any change in game time will be posted on the schools’ website.

Dispatch meeting rescheduled

Due to inclement weather, the Feb. 13 public safety dispatch information meeting was cancelled. That meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The meeting will be hosted by City Manager Norbert Klopsch and Public Safety Director Alex Bebris and will take place in the city council chambers at the Oakwood Municipal Building, 30 Park Ave.

The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the public safety dispatch issue, to solicit citizen input, and to answer questions. All citizens are invited to attend. Address questions to Chief Alex Bebris at 298-2122 or bebris@oakwood.oh.us.

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