Warsaw's varsity boys basketball team won the Northern Lakes Conference championship for the first time since 2004 Thursday night, but not without a fight from long-time rival Plymouth.
Literally.
The host Tigers won the game 74-65, finishing the NLC portion of their schedule with a 7-0 record, but the contest was marred by a fourth-quarter scuffle that saw players from both benches rush the court.With a minute to go in the game and the Tigers leading the Pilgrims by 10, Warsaw junior Lucas Grose went up to rebound a Plymouth miss and was pulled to the floor by Plymouth senior Bo Davidson.
Tempers flared and players began pushing and shoving.
The situation escalated, with players from both benches rushing onto the floor, and then coaches and administrators from both schools helped the officials subue things.
When all was said and done, Plymouth seniors Curtis Ivy and Gordy Holloway were ejected, and the Tigers shot six free throws - two for the foul on Grose, and four stemming from a pair of technical fouls.
"I know we got a defensive rebound, and I know Lucas Grose got pulled to the floor, and then it almost turned into a brouhaha," said Warsaw coach Doug Ogle. "I'm glad we had plenty of administration and police. I'm glad it didn't escalate any more than it did."
With the win, the seventh straight for the Tigers, Warsaw improved to 14-2 overall and finished the NLC season undefeated for the first time since 1999.
"The key to the game for us was rebounding," said Ogle, whose team outrebounded the Pilgrims 36-14, including 17-3 on the offensive glass. "Plymouth is typically good at blocking out and fighting for position. I'm happy for our core group - Nic Moore, Justin Clemens, Andy Conrad and Zack Linky. They've gone 13-1 in the NLC the past two seasons. With Lucas Grose and Jordyn Coon this year, those two sophomores have pulled their weight."
Grose, a 6-foot-5 frontliner, who appears to get stronger and more comfortable at the varsity level with each game, certainly pulled his weight against the Pilgrims.
He finished the game 9 of 10 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free throw line, leading the way with a game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds.
"Lucas Grose played well and got a double-double," said Ogle. "Nic (Moore) didn't shoot the ball well, but we had just enough balance to get the win. Nic doesn't have to score 25 for us to win. We had four guys score in double figures tonight. I'm pleased about that."
Justin Clemens finished with 15 points, while Moore added 12 and Zack Linky chipped in with 10.
With the loss, Plymouth fell to 11-6 overall and 5-2 in the final NLC standings.
Elkhart Memorial tied for second with a 5-2 conference record, while Concord and Wawasee are 4-3, Goshen is 2-5, NorthWood is 1-6 and Northridge is 0-7.
The Warsaw-Plymouth series started during the 1919-1920 season, and the Tigers now lead 74-47 after three-straight wins.
"Warsaw-Plymouth with nothing on the line is already a great atmosphere," said second-year Plymouth coach Kevin Stuckmeyer. "Add a conference championship into the mix, and this was a big game. Warsaw's had a ton of success this year, and we've had decent success. There was a lot of emotion."
Davidson led Plymouth with 16 points, while Todd Vervynckt and Brock Smith scored 10 points each and Leniel Himes finished with eight points.
"Credit Bo for competing until the end," said Stuckmeyer. "People who know Bo know he's a good kid. He wouldn't hurt a soul. He's a class act."
Warsaw led 18-11 after the first quarter, 29-19 at halftime and 48-33 heading into the fourth quarter.
Plymouth cut the deficit to eight points, 67-59, but the Tigers and answered with a 7-0 run.
Warsaw is in action again Tuesday at South Bend Clay, while Plymouth host Culver Academy Tuesday.
