NORTH ROBINSON (Crawford County Now) — Payne DeGray and his teammates were 18 days removed from playing in a Division VI state semifinal football game. And 277 days since a state semifinal basketball loss to Marion Local.
But despite some heavy legs, the Eagles flew out of the gate in fine fashion, downing country rival Galion 68-42 in a non-conference battle at Mac Morrison Gymnasium Tuesday night.
DeGray dominated the paint and the game, going a perfect 12-for-12 from the field for 25 points, along with 10 rebounds and an assist.
“We had eight practices. This is a group — you saw in the fall — they just love to compete,” head coach David Sheldon said. “And when the lights turn on, they go at it. We’ve still got some bumps and bruises and we’re still trying to get into shape, but I thought guys really first time playing together played roles and did what we need to do.
“The Division VI Player of the Year in football was pretty doggone good tonight. He’s just a man inside and our guys did a good job of getting it to him. We really wanted to attack. With them playing zone all night we were still able to get it to him.”
Backing Payne DeGray were Tyler Lash, who came off the bench to score 11 points, Parker Weithman’s 9 points, 5 rebounds and a pair of steals and Brayden Holt with 10 markers, 3 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 assists.
“This is a junior/senior-led team. Four of those guys who started tonight went through the gauntlet last year and that makes a big difference with experience.”
And what a historic season it was as the Eagles won 25 games, a league crown, a district title and a regional championship.
Galion slips to 0-3 while Colonel Crawford is 1-0. The Tigers turned the ball over 14 times to Colonel Crawford’s 10.
The hosts raced out to a 38-17 halftime lead as Payne DeGray had 15.
“Our bench. Walker Cramer gave us good minutes and rebounding (3 boards). Tyler Lash played within himself doing what he needed to do. He didn’t need to be flashy. But he hit some 3s. He did a great job at the defensive end. He’s an athletic kid.
“It was great to see Peyton Baker hit a couple of 3s. It’s his first time playing meaningful varsity minutes. That’s what you need, a well-rounded effort,” Sheldon said.
Galion head coach Tyler Sanders has seen his team struggle against three solid opponents, also falling to Huron and Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference rival Ontario.
“In years past we shied away from trying to get inside on them. Obviously, Payne is a load. My kids did a good job of turning the corners,” he said.
“The goal on shots was to have two guys boxing (DeGray) out — it just doesn’t matter, and it’s not gonna matter for any team they play — he’s just really good. I thought Dom (Capretta) battled his butt off inside with him, he’s just too much for one person to take on. We tried to have good backside help, and I thought at times we did, but he’s just a big dude. I’m thrilled I never have to coach against him again.”
Galion was led by Parker Tinch’s 14 points. Jameson Glew added 8 points and Capretta 6.
“We wanted to bring the ball up and stall a little bit when it was a competitive game. They can get away from you so quickly. The plan was to try and get down on Payne and make him come out to the perimeter. We just didn’t make the lay-ups early that we needed to.
“With Crawford, when they get up on you, they put you out and don’t let you back in. My kids could have put their heads down and quit, but they stayed together and battled really hard,” Sanders said.
It gets no easier for the Tigers as they have four games in five days.
Next is a trip to Pleasant Friday night, followed by home games against Highland, Mansfield Christian (makeup) and River Valley.
“We have some games that we can win. The first part of the schedule is tough. Ontario is 5-0. That Crawford team probably won’t lose a game. I’ll go ahead and hedge my bet now,” Sanders said.
“I believe in our kids. They can get downhill against anybody, even one of the best defensive teams that they’ll play all year.”
The Eagles host Buckeye Central (1-4, 1-2) Friday night in their Northern 10 Athletic Conference opener.
“We ran the execution of our sets very well. Being here 20 years, they know our stuff.
“We’ve done a lot of 5-O, not beating up on each other,” Sheldon said.
“You gotta be smart as we go playing a season in two months realistically opening up December 16, but this is a group that gets it and they’ve pushed themselves to get off to a good start.”
Box score
Galion 6 11 9 16 — 42
Colonel Crawford 18 20 18 12 — 68
Galion (0-3): Shots 16-48; 3-pt. shots 5-21 (Parker Tinch 3, Ashton Hawk, Cam Smith); Free throws 5-9; Rebounds 15 (Ashton Hawk 5); Turnovers 14. Scoring: Jameson Glew 4 0 8, Dominic Capretta 2 2 6, Ashton Hawk 2 0 5, Parker Tinch 4 3 14, Vam Smith 2 0 5, Christian Bare 2 0 4.
Colonel Crawford (1-0): Shots 29-60; 3-pt. shots 8-20 (Tyler Lash 3, Peyton Baker 2, Brayden Holt 2, Parker Weithman); Free throws 2-5; Rebounds 33 (Payne DeGray 10, John DeGray 7); Turnovers 10. Scoring: Parker Weithman 4 0 9, Peyton Baker 2 0 6, Tyler Lash 4 0 11, John DeGray 3 0 6, Wyatt Spiegel 0 1 1, Brayden Holt 4 0 10, Payne DeGray 12 1 25.
JV: Colonel Crawford 36-17.