JOHN CURTIS - Daily Union Sports Editor
The Windsor Blue Devils had a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter and couldn't hold on, losing their Homecoming Hatchet Game to Stew-Stras, 66-59.
After losing by 20 points to the Comets on their floor, the Windsor Blue Devils joined only one other Devil team in recent memory to come close to getting the Hatchet back. Several years ago, Mitch Hillligos hit a three to beat the Comets on their floor. Since then, only one other Devil team had come close.
Ace Camfield and Andy Bullock almost knocked off the Comets in Windsor a few years ago in similar fashion. They also had a double-digit lead only to see it evaporate late in the game. The Floyd boys and crew joined them in history on Friday, close, but no cigar.
The Stew-Stras seniors avoided losing the Hatchet in their final rivalry game, only through grit and determination, and defense down the stretch.
Windsor jumped out to a 6-point lead after one, 19-13 and still led at the half, 32-27. The Comets kept creeping closer and got it to within three points with 3:00 to play in the third, when Jaden Widdersheim drove the baseline for two, 40-37 Devils.
However, Ryne Floyd answered with a three out top to make it a 6-point lead again. Chris Koontz responded by driving the base line for two. Kyle Floyd countered that with another Devil 3-pointer, 46-39. Koontz went base line again and cut it to five points, 46-41.
Widdersheim drove for two and cut it to three points, 46-43 with a minute left in the third. With time winding down, Torey Leasher put up a desperation three from the corner and it swished through at the buzzer, preserving a Windsor 6-point lead heading into the fourth, 49-43.
Ryne Floyd opened the fourth by dialing in again from long distance. Ryne stole ball right back and got to his brother Kyle, who was fouled in the act of shooting. He canned both free throws and Windsor was back up ten 53-43. A minute later, Kyle Floyd was fouled in the back court and took a 1-and 1 trip to the line. He made both ends and Windsor was up 12, 55-43, with 6:42 to play.
The Comets chipped away from there, outscoring Windsor 20-4 in the final 6:17. It started with a Widdersheim trey, then a Koontz reverse lay-up on the base line. Koontz had another two and the Devils started to commit some turnovers.
Kyle Floyd got to the line and made 2-of-2. Zach Weber blocked a Comet shot, then defended another shot out of bounds. The Devils got the ball out, but were called for an offensive foul. Koontz scored on another reverse lay-up. Comet "D"stripped the ball at the Windsor end and Will Rincker drove it to the hole, scored and was fouled. He converted the 3-point play and Stew-Stras was within two, 57-55, with 3:00 to play.
Jon Hoene and Zach Weber, pretty much canceled each other out offensivley. But, Hoene got to the line with 1:25 to play and sank two free throws to tie the game, 57-57. Widdersheim then stole the ball and called time. He drove the ball and drew the foul. He made1-of-2 for the Comet lead, 58-57, with 1:00 to play.
Ryne Floyd got the ball at the arc and Kyle Floyd cut back door to the basket. Ryne hit him perfectly for two points and Windsor was up 59-58 with 45 seconds to play. Rincker set up at the arc and got the ball, but was chased off the 3-point line. He was able to drive in the lane and get the ball to lay in for a 60-59 lead with 31.9 seconds left.
Windsor had the length of the floor to go. They brought it down and Kyle Floyd got into the lane for a short jumper to take the lead. However, the ball hit off center to the right side of the rim and bounced off. Widdersheim came down with the rebound and was fouled with 17.6 seconds left.
Widdersheim made both shots, 62-59. Windsor still could tie with a three. They brought the ball down and Kyle Floyd used a pick to get to the arc. But the referee called it an illegal pick and gave the ball to the Comets with 12 seconds remaining.
All Windsor could do was foul. Widdersheim made two more free throws, 64-59. Windsor turned the ball over and another foul sent Rincker to the line for the final two points, 66-59.
Stew-Stras retires their starting five seniors who have never lost a Hatchet game. Windsor's five juniors have one more year left to exorcise the Comet curse.
Stew-Stras (6-0, 2-0 NTC) play NTC foe Altamont in the first round of the Vandalia Holiday Tournament December 26 at 12:30 p.m., while Windsor (4-6, 1-2 NTC) will play Arthur in the first round of the Tri-County Tournament.
Stew-Stras 66, Windsor 59
Varsity
Stew-Stras 13-14-16-23--66
Windsor 19-13-17-10--59
Devil stats: K. Floyd 27 (6-2s, 2-3 pt FGs, 9/11 FTs), R. Floyd 20 (6-3 pt FGs, 2/4 FTs), Cody Warner 4 (2 FGs), Sid Edwards 3 (FG, 1/2 FTs), Leasher 3 (FG), Weber 2 (FG). Team FGs 19 (9-3 pt: R. Floyd 6, K. Floyd 2, Leasher). Team FTs 12-of-17.
Comet stats: Widdersheim 21 (5-2s, 2-3 pt FGs, 5/6 FTs), W. Rincker 21 (4-2s, 2-3 pt FGs, 7/7 FTs), Koontz 16 (8 FGs, 0/2 FTs), Hoene 4 (FG, 2/2 FTs), Tabbert 4 (2 FGs). Team FGs 24 (4-3 pt: Widdersheim 2, Rincker 2). Team FTs 14-of-17.
JV
Stew-Stras 60, Windsor 37
