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Senior night proved to be a success for Tri-Village Wednesday. Colton
Linkous topped all in
scoring for the Patriots with 22 points as T-V
cruised to a 77-44 victory over Brookville.
CNO Photos by Danny
Stockton, stocktonstudios.com
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Tri-Village
closes out season in perfect fashion
By George Starks
NEW MADISON- In most sports, success is often spelled DEFENSE.
Wednesday, Tri-Village slapped a little defense on Brookville and
walked away with a 77-44 victory over the Blue Devils.
It all started and ended with defense as Brookville committed 19
turnovers and the Pats netted 22 points from those miscues.
“I thought we did a good job defending for the most part,” said
Patriots coach Josh Sagester. “They have some kids that can make shots
and a few times they broke us down but for the most part I thought our
energy and effort was there. We got points in transition and I told the
kids the team that gets the easiest baskets win and I thought we got a
few of those tonight.”
Leading 16-14 after one, Tri-Village went into the break holding a
33-19 advantage.
Even though the Blue Devils got to within nine at one point early in
the third quarter, it was all Patriots at the end of the third quarter,
56-34.
It was also the final home game for four seniors.
Tri-Village said farewell to Colton Linkous (22 points), Damien Cook
(17), Mason McCabe (4) and Brandon Dowler.
“It was emotional in the locker room and tears on all parties,” said
Sagester. “It’s an awful good group of kids to lose and it’s kind of
bitter sweet. I told the guys that I’d been dreading this all day. Not
the game but the speech in the locker room. It was difficult to get out
but the kids handled it well, the emotion. It’s just a great group of
kids on and off the floor. We closed a chapter tonight but we’re
getting ready to open another one. We did a great job of managing
expectations for 22 games and we like to think we have a few more left
in us. We know that it’s a one game shot, not a series so we have to be
ready both physically and mentally from here on out.”
The win capped off a perfect 22-0 season for the Patriots as the second
season starts Saturday in Troy against 4-16 Emmanuel Christian.
A huge shot in the arm as the Patriots will start their tournament run
to Columbus.
“It’s a huge shot in the arm for us,” said Sagester. “As it got closer
and closer, it was kind of like the elephant in the room so to be able
to close out on senior night was a good thing.”
From top to bottom, the Patriots had some tough non-conference games.
With teams like Troy Christian (55-53), Miamisburg, Russia, Coldwater,
Winchester (Ind.) and Brookville, the Patriots were tested and survived
them all.
“We feel like we played a really good schedule. Our league and
non-league, we think this is the best schedule we’ve played since I’ve
been here,” admitted Sagester. “I wasn’t so sure we could go through
the season unscaved but these kids find a way to win each and every
evening and tonight was no different. It’s a culture that these kids
have built. They expect to win every time they step on the floor.
Winning is contagious but these kids find ways to win. I know you hear
about kids finding ways to lose but these kids just find ways to win.”
With the Patriots going to the final four a year ago the run for the
gold starts Saturday and the Pats are hungry for that trip back to
Columbus.
“I think these kids are very hungry to go back,” said Sagester. “I
don’t think they’re over confident in any way and they’re going to
respect everybody.”
Tri-Village will play Saturday at 2 pm in Troy.
Earlier Saturday, the Lady Patriots will play Miami Valley at
Brookville for the sectional title. That game has been changed to an 11
am start to give the fans time to get to Troy for the boys contest.
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Senior Damien Cook netted 17 for the Patriots as Tri-Village closed out
the 2014-15
basketball season with a perfect 22-0 mark.
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Tri-Village football coach Jason Schondelmyer and his family was
introduced to the Tri-Village
fans before the start of the varsity game
with Brookville.
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