Arlington Red Devils Stun Delphos St.John’s to Capture Division VII Regional Crown
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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — In a stunning upset, the Arlington Red Devils defeated Delphos St. John’s 51-46 on Saturday to claim the Division VII regional final title. The game, held at Bowling Green State University, saw Arlington’s effective zone defense and the dominant play of 6-foot-10 forward calvin Willow propel them to victory. This triumph marks Arlington’s first trip to the state tournament since 2012 and only their second appearance in school history, capping off an unexpected and memorable playoff run.
Calvin Willow of Arlington”>Underdog Arlington Overcomes Early Deficit
Entering Saturday’s contest, Arlington was widely considered the underdog against Delphos St. John’s. Starting guard Jase Vermillion,head coach jason Vermillion,and forward Calvin Willow all acknowledged this sentiment in the postgame press conference. However, the Red Devils embraced their underdog status, using it as motivation to fuel their performance and ultimately secure the victory.
Arlington’s game plan heavily relied on their zone defense, specifically designed to limit the effectiveness of their opponents’ three-point shooting. While Delphos St. John’s initially found success from beyond the arc, Arlington’s defense tightened as the game progressed, disrupting the Blue Jays’ offensive rhythm and forcing them into less favorable shots.
coach Jason vermillion emphasized the importance of his team’s defensive strategy,stating,There were so many questions out there about if our zone could handle their three-point shooting. Well,the ‘no three zone’ gave up 12 today,but we made things tough inside.
He further added,our guys just stayed the course and trusted our rules on the defense and forced them to make some secondary decisions.
Delphos St. John’s hot Start Cools Down
Delphos St. John’s began the game with a strong offensive showing, converting an notable 9 of their first 12 attempts from three-point range. Five of those triples came in the third quarter, helping the Blue Jays establish a 34-24 lead. Despite this early success, Arlington refused to back down, mounting a determined comeback to close out the quarter and shift the momentum.
Coach Vermillion highlighted the turning point of the game, saying, Getting down 10 definitely put our backs against the wall, but the response and the toughness our kids showed to end that quarter just entirely changed the momentum.
Arlington concluded the third quarter on a 10-0 run,highlighted by baskets from Brady Griggs and Ayden Cavinee in the final three seconds,ultimately tying the game at 34-34 and setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter.
Willow Dominates as Arlington Pulls Ahead
The Red Devils carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of the first 14 points. Jase Vermillion and Calvin Willow each contributed four points during the run, while Griggs added a two-point basket, showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
Willow proved to be a dominant force, making his last nine shots and finishing the game with an impressive 11 of 14 from the field. His size and skill created critically important mismatches,leading to a game-high 22 points and seven rebounds,solidifying his impact on the game.
Delphos St. John’s coach Aaron Elwer acknowledged Willow’s impact, stating, He had a great game, maybe the best of his career. He made us pay. our guys did a good job,but 6-10 is a tough deal,and he did a great job finishing at the basket.
Willow’s presence also deterred Delphos St.John’s guards from penetrating the paint, limiting Cameron Elwer to 11 shot attempts. Elwer, despite making seven of those attempts, finished with 21 points, demonstrating Arlington’s defensive strategy in action.
They pinched off my drives, took me away from three, and they just did a great job containing me and Andrew,
Cameron Elwer said, acknowledging Arlington’s defensive strategy and its effectiveness in limiting their key offensive players.
Andrew Elwer added 13 points on 13 shot attempts, along with five assists and four rebounds for the Blue Jays. Drew Boggs and Easton Elwer each contributed six points,rounding out their scoring efforts.
Jase Vermillion, who scored 10 points and was tasked with defending Delphos St. John’s guards, described the effectiveness of Arlington’s defense, saying, Once you start figuring out the rotations and you find them, it’s really rewarding. They just pivot around not knowing what to do with the ball, so it’s nice seeing them not be able to make a play.
statistical Breakdown
Arlington’s efficient offense was a key factor in their victory. The Red Devils shot 68% from the floor (22 of 32), while Delphos St. John’s shot 40% (16 of 40), highlighting the difference in shooting efficiency between the two teams.
Score by quarters:
DSJ: 5 | 12 | 17 | 17 — 46
ARL: 6 | 11 | 17 | 17 — 51
Individual Statistics:
- Delphos St. John’s: Cameron Elwer 21, Andrew Elwer 13, Easton Elwer 6, drew Boggs 6
- Arlington: Calvin Willow 22, jase Vermillion 10, Ayden cavinee 8, Brady Griggs 7, Trenton Heacock 4
Delphos St.John’s recorded 17 rebounds, while Arlington grabbed 19. Both teams committed nine turnovers, indicating a relatively clean game in terms of ball security.
Looking Ahead
Arlington advances to the state tournament for the first time since 2012, marking a significant achievement for the program and a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Delphos St. John’s concludes its season with a 23-3 record, a successful campaign despite the disappointing end in the regional final.
Coach Aaron elwer reflected on the season, stating, It was an unbelievable run that we took our community and our school through. We were kind of ‘must see TV,’ and I’m not sure I’ve ever been a part of something like that. What these guys have done for so many people is so cool. It’s not about the scoreboard, it’s about relationships and maturing young men.That’s what we’re doing, and on top of that, we’re really good at the game of basketball. This is a year that we’ll never forget.
Upset Victory: Diving Deep into Arlington Red Devils’ Stunning Regional Championship Win
did you know that a seemingly insurmountable 10-point deficit can be overcome by sheer grit, strategic adjustments, and the dominance of a 6’10” center? That’s exactly what happened in the Division VII regional final, where the arlington Red Devils shocked Delphos St.John’s, proving that underdogs can indeed roar to victory. Let’s delve into this captivating contest with basketball analyst and strategist, Coach Michael Davies.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor (WTN): Coach Davies, the Arlington Red Devils’ victory was a true David versus Goliath story. What were the key strategic elements that led to their unexpected triumph over Delphos St. John’s?
Coach Davies: The Arlington Red Devils’ win was less about luck and more about astute game planning and execution. Their success hinged on several crucial factors. First, their zone defense effectively neutralized Delphos st. John’s potent three-point shooting. While delphos started strong from beyond the arc, Arlington’s adjusted defensive strategy forced them into tougher shots inside, significantly reducing their scoring efficiency in the second half. This highlights the importance of adaptability in basketball—the ability to adjust your strategy based on your opponent’s performance is critical for achieving success in high-pressure situations. Second, the emergence of Calvin willow as a dominant interior force was pivotal. His size and skill inside created notable mismatches,leading to a high scoring game and allowing Arlington to control the boards. His consistent performance in the fourth quarter cemented their victory. This underscores the value of exploiting mismatches – identifying and capitalizing on your team’s strengths against your opponent’s weaknesses is crucial to victory.
WTN: The game saw a dramatic turnaround in the third quarter. Can you analyze this pivotal moment and its impact on the overall outcome?
Coach Davies: That third-quarter surge by Arlington was a testament to their mental fortitude. Trailing by 10 points, they demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience. The 10-0 run to end the quarter showed a committed and strategically sound team.This highlights the crucial role of mental toughness in high-stakes basketball games. The ability to maintain composure under pressure, adjust to setbacks, and stay focused on the task at hand is paramount in such intense scenarios; being able to execute and hold focus in the face of adversity can be the real difference-maker. essentially, maintaining composure and executing fundamental basketball strategy in the face of adversity turned out to be the turning point of the match.
WTN: Calvin Willow’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. What made him so effective, and what lessons can other young players learn from his success?
Coach Davies: Willow’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors: his notable size (6’10”), a highly skilled low-post game, and his ability to consistently finish at the rim. His dominant performance serves as a prime example of how effective a significant height advantage coupled with polished skills can be in high school basketball. His ability to control the boards added further value to his team’s offensive and defensive efforts which is a key metric of dominant post players across the country. Young players can learn from his dedication and hard work in developing foundational skills. Consistent practice and commitment to skill growth, no matter how talented, is paramount for maximizing your potential. The importance of consistent practice and a complete skill set is also a key lesson for other young players.
WTN: Delphos St. John’s had a strong start, but their offense cooled down in the second half. What contributed to this decline?
Coach Davies: Delphos St. john’s initial success was largely due to their effective outside shooting. Though, Arlington’s defensive adjustment, notably their zone defense, significantly disrupted their rhythm. By forcing them to take more contested shots and limiting their easy three-pointers, Arlington effectively stifled their offensive flow. This demonstrates the effectiveness of a well-executed defensive game plan and how teams can overcome initial disadvantages by adapting their strategy. This is critical in the concept of defensive game planning. While offenses require strategic thinking, being able to disrupt attacks is equally significant and potentially can be the determining factor of the game. Defensive strategies – including adjusting your game plan – play a vital role in altering the flow of the game and turning seemingly unwinnable games into victories.
WTN: What insights from this game can coaches at all levels take away to improve their teams’ performance?
Coach Davies: This game showcases several crucial lessons for coaches at all levels. First, adaptability is key. The ability to adjust your game plan based on your opponent’s performance is crucial, as Arlington demonstrated. Second, developing a strong zone defense can be incredibly effective in neutralizing opponents’ strengths.Third,identifying and exploiting mismatches is critical. fostering mental toughness within your team is essential for success under pressure. These are fundamental principles that apply across different skill levels. Coaches should focus on player’s ability to overcome adversity, adaptability, and skill proficiency.
WTN: Thank you, Coach Davies, for your captivating insights. It is clear that the Arlington Red Devils’ victory was the result of careful planning,strategic execution,and remarkable team spirit.
Final Thoughts: The Arlington Red Devils’ stunning upset victory serves as a powerful testament to superior practice, strategic adjustment, and unrelenting grit.What are your thoughts on this inspiring display of athletic talent and strategic prowess? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below, or join the conversation on social media using #RedDevilsVictory #BasketballStrategy #UnderdogStory.