Rockets will open the state
After a bittersweet game on Saturday, it was the Rockets Maroon team that emerged victorious. They went on to play the Madison County Blue Tigers on Sunday, March 11 at Newark High School for the Ohio Special Olympics Eastern Section title.
It was another full weekend of basketball for the Tuscarawas County Rockets. After a bittersweet game on Saturday, it was the Rockets Maroon team that emerged victorious. They went on to play the Madison County Blue Tigers on Sunday, March 11 at Newark High School for the Ohio Special Olympics Eastern Section title.
For Saturday’s game the Rockets Maroon team defeated the Rockets White team by a score of 77-51; both teams were undefeated up to this matchup.
Matthew Medley (Rockets Maroon) led all scorers with 39 points. He also added 10 rebounds, 10 assists and eight steals. Carter McConnell (Rockets Maroon) contributed 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Deric Johnson (Rockets White) had 25 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals for his team.
For Sunday’s game the Rockets Maroon team clinched an appearance in the state tournament by defeating the Madison County Blue Tigers by a score of 50-34. This was after 32 minutes of intense basketball action that had the many fans that traveled to watch as well as the pep club members cheering loudly. The game also was deja vu as it was only two years ago that the Rockets defeated the same team to advance to the state tournament.
Matthew Medley led all scorers with 24 points, 15 rebounds, 10 steals and seven assists. Carter McConnell added 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Alex Adkins contributed eight points, 14 rebounds, nine steals and three assists.
Both Rockets teams had successful seasons, entering Saturday’s contest undefeated. Both Rockets teams have been riddled with various injuries throughout the season. And both Rockets teams have given their fans several opportunities to cheer and to be proud.
Coach Shar Miller (Rockets White) said, “Of course I wish our season could have ended differently, but I am still so proud of my team. The way they have pushed themselves all season means a lot to me. Special Olympics has become a family affair for me and my kids. These athletes are more than just basketball players to us; they are our family.”
Deric Johnson (Rockets White), who battled back from an injury earlier in the season and led his team throughout, said, “I’m disappointed. I want to be on the court playing, but if we were going to lose to any team, I am glad it was the other Rockets team.”
Coach Ashley Metzcar (Rockets Maroon) said, “It’s been an awesome season of basketball. I am so proud of my team and the way they have come together. We are like a family. Congratulations to the Rockets White on a great season too.”
Matthew Medley (Rockets Maroon), who has led his team throughout the season, simply said, “It is the best feeling,” when asked how he felt about his team making it to the state tournament.
A pep rally is being planned for Thursday, March 22. The time and place are still being determined. The Rockets Maroon team will open state tournament action on Friday, March 23 at 6 p.m. at Strasburg High School.
Vice Chairman of the Athlete Leadership Council, Rachel Russell (Rockets Maroon) and local coordinator Richelle Lefler are asking that fans from far and wide come to help fill the stands. “Come see what the Rockets are all about,” Russell said.