Englewood, Ohio– Springfield traveled to Englewood Friday night for a GWOC showdown against Northmont. The Wildcats’ looked to keep their foot on the gas pedal after a big road win Tuesday night against Miamisburg. The Wildcats’ did just that. Springfield imposed their will on the defensive end from tip-off. Their on-ball pressure turned the Thunderbolt’s over which led to easy buckets. The Wildcats’ got off to a quick 12-2 lead. Vincent Fisher was a force on the boards for the Wildcats’. Fisher had multiple put-backs in the first quarter. Fisher played his tail off and was always in the right place at the right time. Northmont started to get into a flow on the offensive end, but still trailed the Wildcats’ 18-10 after the first quarter. The second quarter was back-and-forth as Northmont’s Patrick Ivory started to get more involved. Springfield’s pressure on the defensive end continued to play a big factor as the Wildcats’ got out in transition and continued to attack the rim. Springfield’s guards do a great job getting the ball up the floor quickly by the pass. At halftime, Springfield hung onto their lead, 33-25. The third quarter started with Springfield extending their lead to 15. Micha Johnson and Josh Tolliver started to get things going in the scoring column. Vincent Fisher continued his excellent play. Northmont didn’t go away as they cut the lead back down to 8. Patrick Ivory got to the rim at will and was getting to the FT line. Even with Ivory playing at a high level, Northmont just couldn’t close the gap as they couldn’t get Springfield’s lead under 8. At the end of the third, Springfield’s lead was up to 13, 55-42. Springfield’s Micha Johnson, Tyron Barnes, and Kamari Williams led the way offensively in the 4th. A bright spot for Northmont was junior guard Brandon Pooler. Pooler got hot from deep as Northmont continued to fight back, but it wasn’t enough. Pooler is a young guard who has a nice stroke as he made three 3 PT FG attempts. Pooler finished the game with 14 points. Springfield was in control from start to finish, as they left Northmont with a 74-58 win. Springfield’s intensity and effort was an X-factor. They have great communication on the defensive end and pressure the ball really well. Tyron Barnes played a great game as the lead guard for the Wildcats’ and was relentless on the defensive end. Springfield will continue to get better and with a tough non-conference schedule they’ll be prepared for March. Shawn Thigpen will be a key piece for the Wildcats’ when he returns as he did not play Friday night. The Wildcats’ definitely are a team you don’t want to see in March. As for Northmont, they’ll look to continue to improve and fight their way back up in the GWOC standings.
Top Prospects (In no particular order)
Patrick Ivory/ 2021/ 6’5″ G/ Northmont- Ivory showed on Friday nighty why he is one of the top 2021 prospects in the Dayton area. Ivory can score it from all three levels. On Friday night, Ivory showed his athleticism and ability to get to the rim. Ivory has also improved his outside shooting. Ivory’s length allows him to deflect passes on the defensive end. Ivory is a nightmare match-up for defenders.
Brandon Pooler/ 2022/ 5’10” G/ Northmont- Pooler was a bright spot for Northmont Friday night as Pooler came off the bench and provided much needed scoring and perimeter shooting. Pooler has a smooth stroke and is a threat from deep. Pooler had a breakout game Friday and I expect for Pooler to bring more scoring off the Northmont bench.
Tyron Barnes/ 2023/ 5’9″ G/ Springfield- First thing that stuck out to me about Barnes was his on-ball defensive pressure. Barnes has quick feet and is a terrific on-ball defender. Barnes has a solid handle, and attacks the rim strong. Barnes is still young and will continue to develop over the next few years.
Vincent Fisher/ 2021/ 6’0″ G/ Springfield- Fisher was the most important player on the floor Friday night. Fisher was relentless on the glass and finished around the rim very well. Fisher tallied in 11 boards to go along with 16 points. Although Fisher is known for his talent on the football field, Fisher is a very important piece to the Wildcats’ squad.
Micha Johnson/ 2022/ 5’10” G/ Springfield- Johnson gives a scoring boost off the bench for the Wildcats’ offense. Johnson is an athletic guard that can knock shots down from the perimeter and attack the rim. Johnson has scored in double-digits in the Wildcats’ past five games.
Josh Tolliver/ 2021/ 6’1″ G/ Springfield- Tolliver is one of the elite scorers in the GWOC averaging 16 points a game for the Wildcats’. Tolliver is a knockdown shooter. Tolliver’s strong frame allows him to finish through contact well. Tolliver is shooting an impressive 59% and 42% from 3.