Leopards Leap to Tie Atop NBC
Originally Published In: THE SPOTLIGHT Volume 83, Issue 5 (February 2007)
By Jared Heller
With a quarter of the regular season left, the Leopards are 11-4. The Leps went on streaks, but because of a win against Alliance they are now tied for the NBC lead. The Leopards are 8-2 within the conference and look to become NBC Champions with a moderate remaining schedule.
The Leopards beat the Minerva Lions 58-42 to improve to 8-2 at the midpoint of the season. Dan Boudler led the team with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Ben Schmucker cashed in 4 three-pointers and 14 points. The Leps thought that they would ride their momentum into the game against Marlington, but the Dukes jumped out to a 25-16 lead at halftime. But, the Leps came out of the locker room on fire. Justin Linstead, making his season debut, scored seven points and Schmucker hit a three-pointer to make it 26-25 Leps just 1:15 into the third quarter. The Dukes called timeout to regroup, but Boudler blocked a shot and Linstead threw down a two-handed jam off an assist from Johnnie Minster. The Leps never looked back as they outscored the Dukes 44-11 in the second half. Boudler scored 13 points and 17 rebounds, Linstead dropped in 13 points, Matt Schooley scored 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Schmucker nailed 3 three-pointers as the Leps crushed the Dukes 60-36.
The Leopards then hit a cold streak with two straight losses. Louisville fell to Northwest 72-66, even though Linstead stepped it up with 29 points & 7 rebounds and Boudler poured in 19 points. The Leps also lost to New Philadelphia 63-59, even though Boudler grabbed 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Linstead also added 15 points and Pearson DeVaul scored 14 in the loss.
The Leps bounced back when they hosted Canton South. South played keep away in the first half because many of their starters were suspended. The Leps still led at the half 16-13. The Leopards came alive in the second half and their defense continued to dominate as they cruised to a 49-25 victory. Boudler scored 21 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, while Schooley also added 13 points in the win.
The Leopards next squeaked by the Alliance Aviators 62-59 to tie for the lead in the NBC. The Leopards dominated the boards with 44 rebounds. Boudler grabbed 19 rebounds and Linstead pulled down 13. Boudler also led the team with 21 points, while Linstead added 16 and Schooley poured in 10. The Leps were a clutch 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the final minute to seal the deal.
