High School Basketball: Centerville falls to Springfield, 46-40

More often deliberate than not, Centerville’s boys basketball success under head coach Brook Cupps can be defined by creating a good shot and lock-down defense, both of which were lacking against visiting rival Springfield on Tuesday night.

“We’re not trying to hold the ball, we’re just trying to get a good shot,” Cupps explained after a stinging 46-40 loss. “I felt like I was bored watching us play. We were so passive. I have to do a better job of communicating our expectations to the guys so they know what we’re trying to get done and trying to accomplish.”

That extended a midseason slide by the Elks (4-4), although it's been to high-end opponents. Springfield (8-1) has won seven straight games. Centerville also lost at unbeaten Moeller last Saturday, 41-35. Big Moe was ranked No. 1 in the state in this week's debut of the Associated Press boys polls.

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Centerville also went 1-2 against Florida teams in a holiday tournament.

Senior Keegan Saben led the Elks with 10 points. Alec Grandin added 9 points and Adam Velasco 8. Danny Davis paced Springfield with 16 points and Michael Wallace added 10.

Centerville has been a tough out for Springfield. The Elks swept both conference contests last season by a combined total of five points. The teams split in each of the previous two seasons from 2013-15.

“It’s a good win for our program,” Springfield coach Isaiah Carson said. “You just have to commit to defending these guys. They have no quit in them. You gotta be committed to defending them for 32 minutes and we did that.”

Trailing throughout, Centerville closed within 42-40 on Velasco’s 3. Springfield’s Michael Wallace beat the pressing Elks for a layup with 25.9 seconds left and Michael McKay answered again with two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining for the final margin.

The loss drops Centerville into a three-way tie in the Greater Western Ohio Conference National East along with Wayne and Springfield, each at 3-1. Centerville is at Miamisburg on Friday and is matched against Cleveland Heights in the Premier Health Flyin' to the Hoop at Fairmont's Trent Arena in Kettering on Sunday. There also will be a return game at Springfield on Feb. 3.

“Springfield makes it tough on you,” Cupps said. “They’re not easy to guard. They’re just as much responsible for this as we are. Springfield was more aggressive and we were too passive. Against a good team like that when you’re playing on your heels, it’s going to be a long night.”

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