In the nine seasons that Head Coach
Chet Mason has been at the helm of the Brush Boys Basketball Program, there has been no shortage of thrilling games, standout players, and remarkable achievements. However, what took place last evening at Welser Gymnasium undoubtedly stands as one of the defining moments of Coach Mason's almost decade-long tenure, adding another chapter to the program's storied legacy. In a hard-fought District Semi-Final game against the formidable Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) Royals, the Arcs displayed tremendous resilience, fighting back from an early deficit to capture a 54-51 victory in front of a raucous home crowd in Lyndhurst. The win not only marked a memorable postseason triumph but also solidified Brush's place among the region's better teams.
The game started with a fast-paced first quarter where the Royals grabbed the early advantage, leading 18-13 after one. It was a back-and-forth battle, with Brush struggling to keep pace early on. However, the Arcs showed their trademark grit and determination as they outscored CVCA in each of the final three quarters, inching their way back into the contest with each passing minute. By the time the final buzzer sounded, it was Brush who stood victorious, much to the delight of their loyal supporters.
Arc G/F
Jay Gilchrist delivers a successful free throw early on.....
A major story line in this game was the return of senior leader
Damari Dammons, who had been sidelined for the last six regular-season games due to a foot injury. While Dammons made his return in Brush's playoff win over Garrett Morgan last Saturday, he was understandably cautious in his performance. But last night, Dammons was a force to be reckoned with, putting on a performance that will go down as one of the program's finest. He torched the Royals for a game-high 25 points, adding 8 rebounds while showcasing his ability to score from all areas of the floor. His 25-point outburst was a perfect balance of consistency, as Dammons paced his team in scoring throughout all four quarters, delivering in clutch moments when his team needed him most.
The Arcs also received a solid contribution from big man
Isaiah Parker, who was a force in the paint. Parker finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds, using his size and physicality to control the glass. CVCA's athleticism posed challenges, but Parker, Dammons, and fellow senior
Jay Gilchrist played strong defense, altering several attempts in the paint and helping to stifle the Royals' offense.
Despite the Arcs' strong defense, CVCA guard Tony Collins was a constant threat. He kept the Royals within striking distance with his outside shooting, hitting four three-pointers and finishing with 16 points. But other than Collins, no other Royal player reached double figures, making it difficult for CVCA to mount a consistent offensive attack.
Brayden Harris (11) of CVCA takes the offensive as
Damari Dammons and teammates await.......
The game saw the Arcs gradually chip away at CVCA's lead. By halftime, Brush trailed by only two points, 29-27, despite a rocky start. However, as the third quarter came to a close, Brush was finally able to take a lead, heading into the final period with a 41-40 advantage. Still, there was no sense of comfort for the Arcs, as CVCA's relentless defense and physicality kept things tight throughout the contest.
The pivotal moments came in the final minutes of the game, where Brush's point guard,
Dekhi Owens, played a critical role. Owens' poise and ball-handling skills kept the Royals at bay, running down the clock and making key plays when his team needed them most. Owens also hit 3 of 4 crucial free throws in the final moments to seal the victory. Fellow backcourt mate
Khalil Dudley also played a key role in the game's outcome, contributing 5 points, including a couple of timely buckets near the end, and providing lock-down defense on the perimeter.
Despite a strong second-half performance from CVCA's Chayce Brantley, who scored 7 of his 9 points after halftime, the Arcs never wavered. It was clear that
Damari Dammons was determined to ensure that this game would not be his last as a Brush basketball player, and his willpower was evident in every possession. With his outstanding leadership, the Arcs surged past the Royals and held on for the win.
The defeat marked the end of CVCA's six-game winning streak, dropping their season-ending record to 15-8. On the other hand, Brush's victory continued their momentum, as they have now won six of their last eight games, improving their record to 15-9 on the season.
As Brush advances to the District Final, the Arcs will face a tough test against Archbishop Hoban, who defeated Akron East in their own semi-final. The District Final will be held on Saturday, March 1, at Warren Harding High School, with tip-off set for 4:00 PM. With their confidence soaring and their seniors leading the charge, the Arcs are ready to keep their historic postseason run alive. Fans can expect another hard-fought battle as Brush aims to continue their march toward a district title.
