Watkins Memorial keeps Newark Catholic spinning in boys basketball win

On Dec 15, 2022

PATASKALA — The Watkins Memorial boys basketball team’s first two baskets Wednesday came on 3-pointers from from juniors Cole Massie and Jude Wise, but it was inside where the Warriors did their best work.

Watkins kept visiting Newark Catholic on skates, attacking the paint with both the dribble and the pass. The Warriors led 17-2 early in the second quarter and cruised to a 54-39 victory in Licking County League play.

“Heart over height,” said Wise, referencing the Warriors’ tallest starters being Massie and his twin Chase, who both stand 6-foot-3, but primarily have been perimeter players.

“We’ve been playing with each other since we were third grade, fourth grade, so there’s always been a connection,” added Wise, who led a balanced attack with 15 points.

Seven Warriors (2-2, 1-2) scored in the first half as junior Lamar Glenn came off the bench to make a driving layup during the final seconds of the first quarter, and classmate Maddox Tanzillo added a 3-pointer in the second. Wise both worked his way into the paint for baskets and also set up the Massies.

With seniors Sam Johnson, Watkins’ leading scorer last season, and Charley Hagy out injured, classmate Ethan Ryan is the only healthy player with significant varsity experience. Pressure, however, is nothing new for the juniors as the Massies were key players on the soccer team during the fall and Wise was a dependable kicker for the football team.

“It goes a long way,” Watkins coach Jamie Caudill said. “All of these guys are just competitors. They all want to win. That’s what we are trying to preach. You have to do all of the little things, all of the dirty work. We are undermanned, undergunned against some of these teams, but if you want to win, you have to have a little chip on your shoulder.”

NC (0-3, 0-2), playing its third game in five days due to the late start caused by the football team’s run to the Division VII state semifinals, had opportunities to hang in the game early. The Green Wave, however, managed just a Nathan Riggleman basket in the first quarter.

The Green Wave did not capitalize on open shots until senior Braylon Bates banked in a 3-pointer early in the second quarter. The Warriors battled NC seniors Eli Morris and Bobby Franks in the paint as Morris was unable to convert until a couple baskets late in the first half.

“We couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean tonight. I hope the film says the same thing my mind’s eye says that they were good shots,” NC coach Travis Schwab said. “Sometimes on night like this, it’s easy to get frustrated and throw your hands up and say, ‘Well, this isn’t our night,’ but I am proud of the effort. These guys dug their heels in and fought back.”

NC’s offense began to perk up in the third quarter, but the Warriors continued to excel with ball and player movement. They took a 44-23 lead to the fourth quarter.

Cole Massie’s 12 points supported Wise’s 15. Chase Massie and Ryan added seven apiece for the Warriors, who despite a one-point loss at Zanesville on Saturday could prove to be a dangerous team in what appears to be a wide-open LCL-Buckeye Division.

“We just had to keep our energy up, keep playing as a team, keep getting to the paint and kicking it out for 3s,” Wise said.

Senior Caden Cecil hit a pair of 3s and scored all of his team-high 12 points after halftime for the Green Wave. Morris added 10 points and senior Anthony Dry eight, also hitting a pair of 3s.

NC also is playing short-handed without senior Kyle Langenbrunner, the only returning starter from last season’s second consecutive Division IV district champion, and junior Owen Helms. Another chance to get the first win under Schwab comes Saturday when Lakewood visits.