Braylon Morris sees green in Newark’s hail storm of 3-pointers

On Dec 17, 2022

GROVE CITY — The surprise of the Newark boys basketball’s team onslaught Friday was Braylon Morris taking a 2-point shot.

The sophomore picked up a loose ball near mid-court and made a short pull-up in transition at the other end. Of course, Newark’s newest sharpshooter made plenty from behind the arc, too, hitting six of the Wildcats’ 14 3-pointers in a 67-21 victory at Central Crossing in Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division play.

“I definitely felt confident in the fact when I am open I need to shoot,” said Morris, who totaled 23 points off the bench, outscoring the Comets (0-6, 0-3) himself. “I know that is my role. That is my goal every game — if I am open, shoot it.”

Morris’ first three 3s came in the first quarter, adding to a barrage that was started by a pair from junior Steele Meister sandwiching one from junior Ethan Stare. Morris’ six 3s bettered the five he made against Zanesville two weeks ago, and he has made 22 in just seven games.

Morris has the green light, a rare freedom for a player still in his first month of varsity play. He has the trust of his teammates as all six Friday were assisted — two each by seniors Grant Burkholder and Drew Oberholtzer and Stare.

“Even if I miss, (coach Jeff Quackenbush) is just going to say, ‘Get back on defense. Shoot the next one.’ Having that green light helps a lot with confidence,” said Morris, who has drawn praise from his teammates for his willingness to play defense and has an expanded offensive game he has not yet needed to show.

“It makes life a lot easier just sitting there and letting everyone else get the ball to me,” he added.

After playing six games during the season’s first 15 days, Newark (6-1, 2-1) had a full week of practice, and the Wildcats appeared rested. Their first two 3s came off patient possessions and spoiled the Comets’ Diamond-and-1 against Burkholder, the Wildcats’ standout point guard.

Newark’s defense also was on point. The Comets did not make a basket until the final minute of the first quarter, and they were scoreless the first four minutes of the third quarter.

“We did get their legs back a little. That was the goal from shortening up practice (Thursday),” Quackenbush said. “We just had a chance to work more on our offense, but those become long days for the kids. They like playing, but we had a good week of practice.”

Newark made 59% of its shots and 14 of 25 3-point attempts. The Comets, who were led by eight points from Licking Heights transfer Kent Hairston, made just nine field goals, including two 3s.

Burkholder added 12 points and Meister 10. Oberholtzer totaled eight points and five assists and Stare seven points and seven assists as the Wildcats recorded assists on 20 of 25 baskets.

“Steele got us started making that 3,” Quackenbush said. “The first time you see a defense as a coach, it makes you a little nervous the kids are going to react a certain way, but Steele made a couple big ones. That makes that rim look a little bigger for the rest of them.”