Balanced Rockets beat SJCC

Oak Harbor utilized a balanced attack Saturday in a 60-47 victory over visiting St. Joseph Central Catholic in a Sandusky Bay Conference nondivision matchup.

"I'm proud of our effort," Rockets coach Eric Sweet said. "We stayed focused. We got things done that we needed to get done. We were a step slow and a bit sloppy. St. Joe came out and battled their tails off.

"We had the looks we needed to get, but we could have made a few more open 3s."

SJCC (7-6) beat St. Mary Central Catholic in overtime Friday.

"Most times when you lose by 13, most coaches are not pleased with the effort, but our gas tanks are empty," SJCC coach Jon Will said. "There is no doubt about that. We played more zone than in the 10 years I have been here combined. I am so proud of our kids' effort."

The Rockets (11-2) reeled off the last nine points of the first quarter to lead 17-10. Jac Alexander scored the last seven points en route to a game-high 17.

Conner Hoy drilled a 3-pointer as the halftime buzzer expired, giving Oak Harbor a 35-26 advantage.

"The game plan was not to come in and stand in a zone all night," Will said. "Unfortunately, we did not feel comfortable matching up once Chase Harrison got into foul trouble. We were chasing all night."

Chris Morrisette drilled a three to trim Oak Harbor's lead to 37-33, but SJCC didn't climb any closer. The Rockets led 46-35 after three quarters.

"We did not come out on their shooters very well," Will said. "We knew we would give up some when you are playing in a zone. As the game wore on and our bench got shorter and shorter, our legs were going."

Jac Alexander scored 17 points, Alex Gezo 13, Tate Smith 11 and Clay Schulte nine for Oak Harbor. Smith added nine rebounds.

Spencer Harrison had 13 points and Morrisette 10 for SJCC. Tad Foster had 12 points and six rebounds.

Oak Harbor plays host to Bay Division-leader Vermilion on Friday. The Sailors won 65-60 last month.

"It's big," Sweet said. "These kids have put themselves in a great position. We have taken care of the league since then. You talk about competing for the league title every year and here we are. We have not been in this position in a long time."