In the last game of the Tiger’s regular season, Loveland lost 58-53 against the Turpin Spartans. This was a tough game against the leading scorer in the ECC, Zach McCormick, who has
averaged 23 points a game. This was also against an entire team that ended the season with an 8-4 conference record. On the plus side for the Tigers though was Reid Waddell, who put up 19 points against the Spartans, keeping the game close.
Though Loveland has lost 5-6 games to close the season, they are still a contender to win some games early in the post-season. Here’s why:
When Loveland steps up their game, they can compete with anyone. They have beaten Milford (second in the ECC) twice, and played an incredibly competitive game against Walnut Hills for 3 quarters. Walnut is a team that is 19th in the entire nation. In these games, Loveland played with a noticeably higher intensity that only appeared in doses in many non-rivalry, or non-conference games.
When Loveland can sink the three ball they are an incredibly difficult offense to defend. During their hotter games, 4 of the 5 men on the court can be relied on to hit a three. Many high school teams are going to struggle with that dynamic of an offense. However, if the threes do not drop in the tournament game against Sycamore,
Loveland could be in some trouble.
The first game against Sycamore is very tough, yet very winnable at the same time. The Aves and the Tigers met once this season, with Sycamore coming away with a 61-50 victory. However Sycamore has struggled as of late, only winning 4 of their last 11. They have a team with no superstars, but a solid all-around starting five. If Loveland can play them with the intensity of a Milford game, then the Tigers should come home with a victory against the journeymen Aves.
The tourney game is Friday at 6 PM at Hamilton High School.
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